• Registered: 2009-10-19
  • Posts: 6

Topic: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Looking at these two units and I'm wondering what the processing capabilities are between them?  I understand that the Rack is less easy to work with if you're trying to change/modify the patches and effects while performing live, but I'm assuming that it can be controlled via MIDI so this shouldn't be an issue.

So does the VLR have better processing/capabilities than the VL2?  Does it "sound" better?  My main interest for this is live.  More than likely I'll be operating the unit while the wife sings, or using the MIDI capabilities to automate the patch changes/effects as needed.  One requires more prep, obviously, but I'm interested in which unit will sound the best.

I understand that the first suggestion will be to "go check them out", and I will, but with that in mind what can the experts here tell me via the forum?

Thanks!

  • From: Victoria, BC
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 739

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Hi abednego,

Internally, the processing between the units is extremely similar on a hardware level. The operational differences are things like VL2 having VLOOP while the Rack does not. The Rack comes with an MP-75, which really helps with rejection and "phantom" harmonies coming from mic bleed, so that's a great added value.

I'd mostly look at which unit is controlled in a way that works for you. If a rack location works best, get the Rack. If you need foot control over more than the Rack+Switch3, go for a VL2.

If you have any other questions, just ask.

Cheers,
Craig

Craig @ TC-Helicon's Website

  • Registered: 2009-10-19
  • Posts: 6

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Pointing out the difference with VLOOP is appreciated; I wasn't aware of that.  Thank you for that information!

  • Registered: 2009-10-19
  • Posts: 6

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Following up, I guess what's most important to me is the quality of the harmony.  At this time, the other effects aren't as important to me as a good 2nd and possibly 3rd harmonic voice added to the lead.  So my interest in either unit is primarily power to reproduce a harmony.

Thoughts?


(edit: By the way, this thread shows me how awesome you guys are.  I'd never mod my own unit, but the fact that you support the end-users like this speaks volumes.  Fantastic!

Last edited by abednego (2011-12-22 11:12:12)

  • From: Victoria, BC
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 739

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Hiya,

The harmony quality between the units is identical. The same algorithm is used for both and you've got the same editable parameters on both devices too.

You can have up to four voices of harmony, all doubled and then our "choir" effect on top of that too.

A couple more small differences between the units to consider would be: Rack has a couple more of the effects "broken out" onto separate buttons on the front. HardTune, Rhythmic and Transducer are independent buttons, which allows quick access to their respective settings. VL2 carries those all under the "FX" button. There's also global reverb and recall-able user profiles on the Rack.

Thanks for the props on the forums smile I always try to just be me, for better or worse, when interacting with everyone here. Sometimes that bites me in the a$$ a bit, but I know if it were me on the customer end I'd rather talk to someone real, warts and all, than get things that look like they've been copy/pasted from the legal department's list of appropriate responses lol.

Cheers,
Craig

Craig @ TC-Helicon's Website

  • Registered: 2009-10-19
  • Posts: 6

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Picked up the VL2 today (thanks to the $150 off coupon from Guitar Center, yay!) so we'll give it a go and see!

Thanks again for the posts/support/advice/thoughts.

  • From: Victoria, BC
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 739

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

You're welcome! Have fun with your new gear smile

Let me know if you have any questions.

-Craig

Craig @ TC-Helicon's Website

  • Registered: 2012-03-05
  • Posts: 1

Re: VoiceLive Rack vs VoiceLive 2 (Extreme)

Ack!  I wish I'd seen this post earlier.  I would like to pick up the VoiceLive Rack, but $799 is a little steep right now.  But if I had a $150 off coupon I'd have no choice but to buy... smile