[Harp-L] The Vocal 300 by Digitech...options!

["Rob Paparozzi" <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

    I recently purchased a Digitech Vocal 300 Processor to use on my live gigs. My goal here, is to setup "presets" for both Vocals and Harmonica. Thus, allowing me to use only "1" Mic (for Singing and Harmonica) and No Amp on gigs where "carrying" or "using" an Amp is not convenient.
    
    I guess I should explain my gigging scenarios which would better explain "convienience". 

1. Small Jazz Clubs (not enough space for even a small amp)
2. NYC Society/Corporate Gigs (hard to transport an amp, getting "In & Out" of Hotels, Subways, Steps, Stairs etc)

3. Blues/Rock Clubs
4. Concerts
5. Recording Sessions

    I must admit, I really haven't been a big advocate of using Efx and Pedals...I've always been a 'plug in' Mic/Amp kinda' player. I still love the sound of my SM 57 thru my Fender amps, but it is not a 'practical rig' for scenarios 1 & 2 that I've listed above.

     Enter The Vocal 300 unit by Digitech, It's a processor pedal with a Volume pedal, after reading an article written by pro player Randy Singer from Miami, it really sparked my interest. I like the idea of going thru the PA and then having complete control from my unit on stage. I can adjust and switch sounds manually or with presets right "on the gig" and not have to switch Mics to sing or play harmonica. Randy is also a good friend and intially walked me thru the 'setup' of presets process via a phonecall and now I'm able to do my own 'tweaking' and presetting and saving sounds.

    Simple to use on a gig, just plug in using either 1/4" or XLR mic cables, harder work is done at 'home', where you can really "zero" in on all the parameters to "sculpt" the exact sound using your Mic of Choice.

    When your using your "own" PA, you will have all your settings locked into Presets that "You" name. If you are out and usings "others" PA's you may wanna do a last minute tweak or two right on the gig, adjusting sonically to the new PA sytem and your presets that you developed on "your" gear. Not a biggie once you've become accustomed to the process.

    I've been "test" running the unit on my gigs for a few weeks now and although I'm still getting use to this approach, I'm VERY satisfied with the results and 'convienience' of this Unit!!


    Last night I did a gig in NYC down at a fancy Hotel in Battery Park, I took the Subway and couldn't really schelp any amp and a lot of times on these type of gigs, there is just NO room on the small stages for a Harmonica amp.

     I set up my Audix Mic with my Vocal 300, plugged in to the leader's PA, set all the EQ's on my channel to Flat and no efx or reverb. Using the Vocal 300, I was able to 'toggle' between Vocal and Harmonica 'presets' and also control the volume,
During the cocktail hour they wanted the volume semi acoustic so while playing "Sophisticated Lady", I was able to lower the Volume via foot control and then switch to a Vocal setting and sing a verse as well.

         Later in the night while singin' "Knock on Wood" I was using a Rockpop Vcl preset I'd made at home, the PA wasn't the hippest and this setting really spiced up the overall sound, I noticed the girl singer looking at my pedal and she had a look that seemd to say " hey, how come HIS Mic sounds waaay better than mine!!,)))

    On above scenarios, 3 & 4 ....I'll continue using my Amplifier and 5 (studio) will use what they have on hand.....

Randy Singer, really has spent alot of time developing this Vocal product to be "useful" for the Harmonica and I just want to thank him for his help, commitment and time...I've turned Randy on to the new Audix "Fireball" Harp Mic, which happens to work pretty nice with this unit as well.

    I lent my "Fireball" to Wade Schuman to use last night with his amp and his band "Hazmat Modine".....he used it with his Samson Airline wireless,,,,,,LOVED it.......now I have to figure out how to get the Mic back from Wade!!!,-)).....ah the problems of going "Hi-Tech"........life was so much simpler, when I was strong enuff to lug my amp all over,-)


     In closing I should note, that although I'm a singing Harp Player, this unit is perfect for "harp" players only too, as you can really setup up a vast array of presets. BUT, if your looking for the Cotton/Butterfield Tone than the AMP is still your best bet.

     I should also mention that the Vocal 300 is NOT a "Plug in and Play" type pedal, it is a processor and requires intial setup and some homework in 'sculpting' your desired sound efx. But the beauty is after you've done this, your sounds can be called up on the gig with a tap of your 'foot'....ofcourse having a cat like Randy in our corner sure helps to take the mystery and intial scare away!!! thanx Randy

Disclaimer: No affilation with Digitech-just a happy customer, however, I do endorse Audix Mics
Ciao,
Rob Paparozzi