If you are reading this article right now, you are most probably confused in choosing between Boss VE-20 and TC Helicon VoiceLive. Well, you have come to the right place. In the following article, we are going to observe the comparisons between these two great vocal effects pedals. As a matter of fact, TC Helicon VoiceLive is actually available in several different models with different price tags. So, in this article we are going to focus our comparisons between Boss VE-20 and TC Helicon VoiceLive Play, as the two are available in a similar price range.
A vocal effects pedal is really beneficial for live performances. It allows you to apply various sound effects and shape the vocal on the fly. However, it won’t be as beneficial for recording, because adding effects through the software will be much easier and more convenient. Since a vocal effects pedal is primarily used for live performances, having a good and intuitive design is imperative. Without saying, sound quality and connectivity options are also important. We will compare Boss VE-20 and TC Helicon VoiceLive Play based on these aspects.
Boss VE-20 vs. TC Helicon VoiceLive Play: Design and Dimensions
Is portability important for you? Both Boss VE-20 and TC Helicon VoiceLive Play are generally portable, but Boss VE-20 is somewhat thicker and heavier than TC Helicon VoiceLive Play. Boss VE-20 measures 173 mm wide, 158 mm deep, and 57 mm tall. The weight is about 1.1 kg (2 lbs 7 oz). Meanwhile, the dimensions of TC Helicon VoiceLive Play are 200 mm wide, 156 mm deep, and 45 mm tall. The weight is approximately 0.95 kg (2.1 lbs). Most people will not have so much of a problem bringing either of the two models along in their travels.
The design of Boss VE-20 is very simple and intuitive. Clearly, it has been optimized for usage in live performances. When on the stage, a vocalist will not have much time to overthink what buttons to press, so limiting the number of onboard controls is a good idea. Boss VE-20 has just two footswitches, with a few indicator lights in-between, so it is very easy to use. There are just several buttons and a small control knob under the highly readable alphanumeric display screen. However, if you are looking for more extensive and flexible control, Boss VE-20 will not give you that. The red metal housing is solid and durable.
TC Helicon VoiceLive Play, on the other hand, is somewhat more extensive. It has three footswitches, also several buttons and a control knob surrounding the display screen. Combined with the comprehensive features, TC Helicon VoiceLive Play can be quite a powerful device. But it is not exactly intuitive. It can be overwhelming and confusing for live performances, especially if the vocalist is a non-technical user. The backlit graphic LCD screen is easy to read, and the dual die-cast clamshell design is utterly rugged and durable.
Boss VE-20 vs. TC Helicon VoiceLive Play: Built-in Effects
Boss VE-20 is coming with just a handful of sound effects and features, but they are definitely enough to adjust and shape your voice properly on the fly. There are various specialized effects for vocals, such as Harmony, Dynamics, Double Track, Reverb, and Delay. There are also pitch correction tools as well as several special effects, including Radio, Distortion, and Strobe. In general, Boss’ reverb and delay effects are great and very well defined. The harmonies are also nice; you can create three-part harmonies and layers with this device. The “Dynamics” is very nice; it will sweeten the vocal.
Boss VE-20 features 30 built-in factory presets that mostly sound good and are very usable. You can create up to 50 user presets. It has also been equipped with a built-in phrase looper that is able to record in mono for up to 38 seconds.
TC Helicon VoiceLive Play, on the other hand, is quite more complex. It comes with various effects, too, such as Harmony, Double, Reverb, Delay, Mod, Tone, Transducer, HardTune, and Correction. However, due to the complex features, you may take quite some time until you really understand how everything works in the device. There are over 200 song and artist inspired presets.
Boss VE-20 vs. TC Helicon VoiceLive Play: Features and Connections
Boss VE-20 only comes with a handful of connectors, really. Again, it has been designed primarily for live performances, so it has been equipped with just what you need to connect the device with your mic. It comes with a combo input jack that can act as an XLR balanced input jack (also equipped with +48V phantom power to ensure that it can work with most mics), or as a ¼” TRS phone type balanced input jack. There are two XLR output jacks for L/Mono and R channels, and also a stereo ¼” phone type output jack. It can be powered by six AA batteries or by the optional AC adaptor.
TC Helicon VoiceLive Play offers more connection options. It features an XLR input with phantom power, an AUX input, a pair of XLR outputs, a headphone output, also a ¼” TRS external pedal input and a USB port that you can use for firmware updates, preset management, and audio I/O. However, TC Helicon VoiceLive Play can only be powered by the external power supply, and thus requires a power outlet to work.
| Boss VE-20 | TC Helicon VoiceLive | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BOSS Audio | TC-Helicon |
| Key features | - Boss makes it! That's right — the insanely cool VE-20 puts vocal harmonies, double-tracking, and even pitch correction right at your feet | - 200+ song & artist inspired presets - Plug in your MP3 player to the AUX input and sing along using Vocal Cancel feature |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.0 out of 5 stars | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Decision
If you are looking for a simple and intuitive pedal for live performances, Boss VE-20 makes an excellent choice. It is very easy to use. It comes with all you need for live performances. The effects quality is great, especially the reverbs, delays, harmonies, and dynamics. It even has a built-in looper, and it can be powered by batteries. However, if you need a USB connection or perhaps more flexible effects, TC Helicon VoiceLive Play is the way to go. The effects quality is also good. Keep in mind, though, that this model cannot be powered by batteries. For recording purposes, using the effects in the recording software would be more flexible and convenient.