• Registered: 2012-05-15
  • Posts: 3

Topic: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

Firstly hi everyone I am new to the forum and to TC Helicon products.

I am having a few problems which hopefully maybe resolved without having to send the unit off for repair.

I bought VL2 new in October 2011 and have constantly had the following problems from day one.

The harmony function activates at random when scrolling through different effects but the harmony switch light is not on (this does'nt happen all the time just randomly and usually whilst selecting HOT SLAP effect).
This then stays on on all effects no matter what you do to try and turn it off (ie stomp the footswitch) and you have to reboot to correct.

The VL2 output is very quiet compared to plugging a mic directly into XLR on the desk (this does'nt matter if you use Line In or Mic In on the VL2)
the gain is set to 24db (as determined by how loud I sing) anything above starts to feedback.

All mics directly plugged into desk are on the minimum gain possible and are very loud compared to VL2 this is with the powered desk on upto 3/4's its output volume (the VL2 gain level on the desk is above half).

I have tried both Line In and Mic In as an input and neither make any difference in volume (I have made sure the correct Mic/ Line In is selected in setup appropriately).

I am currently using a AKG D5 Mic, I have also purchased recently a MP-75 thinking this may solve some of the issues with no luck.

I have made sure the firmware is upto date to the latest version accordingly using the USB and the VoiceSupport Software.

I have put up with this because I really like the VL2 whilst rehearsing but we are now gigging and the problems persist which is embarrasing having to switch the unit off mid song sometimes!

  • BDG36
  • VC Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2012-04-06
  • Posts: 22

Re: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

ok but what did you choose for output level ? There are 6 different settings ...
Something tells me that you didn't check this out ;-)

  • Registered: 2012-05-15
  • Posts: 3

Re: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

Output level I have only set as Mic or Line, not +6 or +12 as this causes feedback.

I am a total newbie to this so any help or suggestions would be great.

  • Jeepers
  • VC Top Contributor
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2012-02-03
  • Posts: 82

Re: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

The trick is to make sure all the various things match up - so if you are using your AKG D5 or MP-75 as just a dynamic, it will plug into the XLR input - your 24dB is almost bang on my level, and the trick to setting the output level is to ensure that it matches what you are plugging it into - if it is mic, make sure you are plugging into an xlr mic input.  if it is line, it should go into a line input, which is almost always a 1/4" input on most mackie or behringer or similar mixers. 

feedback just means your microphone is picking up the monitor or speakers - make sure your mic is pointed away from them - and move them further away if need be.   Small rooms make all these issues harder to deal with.

  • Registered: 2012-05-15
  • Posts: 3

Re: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

Hi

Did a gig at the weekend and the harmony came on by itself 3 times during the show.

I had to reboot mid song each time as stomping harmony does'nt take it off!

It happens when selecting down from Alternative to Slap duck effect and it does'nt matter if its done scrolling down slowly or if you keep your foot down.

But it does'nt happen all the time!!

I can live with the low level sound output but not the harmony it make me sound like a chipmunk!

Would just like a solution and am waiting for new firmware that might hopefully
flash the memory and correct it before I send back to TC.

  • Registered: 2011-03-25
  • Posts: 226

Re: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

Maybe get a footswitch/pedal. I use a variable pedal to set the harmony amount.

Sounds like something's wrong if you can't turn it off though...

  • From: Victoria, BC
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 2,086

Re: A Few VL2 Problems Need Help Please

Hi WhiskeyMama,

Yeah that does sound like you may have a bad switch or something. I haven't heard of any instances of the harmony not turning off when the switch is pressed.

I'd get in touch with support and see what they can do to help you determine if it's a hardware or software issue.

The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is that you might have mic control turned on, but aren't using an MP-75. That can cause whatever is assigned to the shortcut to fire off at seemingly random times.

www.tc-helicon.com/support

Cheers,
Craig

Craig @ TC-Helicon's Website