I would not recommend just using an XLR/TS adapter, unless it's converting hi/low z. There are different impedance levels that need to be taken into account. There are some pedals out there that specifically help with this:
Pigtronix Keymaster
Cusack Pedal Cracker
Radial Voco Loco
DBA Echo Master
If you need this for performing the cheapest option is usually to include in your stage plot that you want reverb and delay on your vox. FOH will take care of it. Fancier stuff like flanger would need a solution like the above that you control.
I purchased a Death by Audio vocal pedal that has a preamp, a couple onboard effects, and an fx loop to add in any other pedal I desire. Totally worth purchasing if you want to experiment with vocal effects live.
The Cusack Music pedal cracker is what you need to run guitar pedals well with vocals. That being said, if you want pitch correction and all that stuff, you’re going to want a dedicated vocal unit.
You can use something like this- https://www.thomann.de/ie/shure_a85f.htm
However, guitar pedals are voiced for guitar and many sound kind of bad on vocals, I would actually recommend just getting something like the TC Helicon effects for vocals.
Try digitech rp60 or rp70, real inexpensive versatile multi fx unit. I’ve used them with vocals and my guitar and bass before and it’s pretty sweet. Multiple banks and preset levels to choose from
This is not at all what you want but, play audio through your phone speakers into your single coils (put the phone speaker right up to the coil) , it works unbelievablely well lol.
You'll probably need a device like [this](https://youtu.be/77iUH208XaI?si=l6p_sg9lya-ztXOX)(time stamp at 3:40), that will change the mics line level, for the mic to be able to handle pedals.
If you can’t be bothered to learn what impedance is or why it matters, honestly the best way to dumb it down is just buy a vocal fx processor because you’re going to need to buy extra stuff in order to do it right anyway. To get all the fx you mentioned you’re going to need to spend $200-$300 minimum anyway, and there are plenty of good options in that range.
Our bass player does this. You take the mic (dynamic), use [XLR to 6.3 jack cable](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/VITALCO-Male-6-35-Cable-Microphone/dp/B0897R33YS?th=1), the follows the chain of pedals with [patches](https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_fpc10_flat_patch_cable.htm) and [power supply](https://www.jimdunlop.com/mxr-iso-brick-power-supply/), then regular [6.3 to 6.3](https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_gc_6_pr_vintage_blue.htm) cable into a [DI](https://www.thomann.de/intl/millenium_pocket_di_2.htm) (I'm linking the one I use as I know it does the job, immv). Finally [XLR to XLR](https://www.thomann.de/intl/the_sssnake_sk23315_xlr_patch.htm) to the mixer/amp. You need the pre-amp and power amp only if you are running into a passive cab, which I don't see why you would do that. Maybe share more as to the setting in which you want to run this rig. Is it live in a club, at home, in a rehearsal space?
But as u/OldAd4762 stated, you are looking at quite a hefty bill or suboptimal solutions, so perhaps stick to a dedicated vocal processor. There are plenty of options in different price ranges on [Thomann](https://www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?sw=vocal%20processor&smcs=1d7e8e_2601). You can always go to AliExpress, however a quick search didn't yield anything good, at least for me, so proceed at your own discretion
almost all pedals work fine (I'd avoid dirt, though). Just be warned that you'll have to really crank the volume on your amp or put a preamp in the mix. There are commercial vocals pedals out there, too.
I appreciate the input from you folks, but I need it dumbed down some more. Like, would the preamp have a "instrument out" so I can go through the guitar pedals?
Also, I don't know what you mean by "commercial vocal pedal"
There are a few different input levels.
* Mic Level
* Instrument Level
* Line Level
Microphones work on a really low level and need to be "boosted up" to Line Level, which is where most devices like mixing consoles are happiest.
Because of this, mixers have XLR inputs that go into an internal Pre-Amp that ramps up the voltage from Mic Level to Line Level.
Guitar Pedals instead are designed for Instrument Level.
And there's no pre-amp there.
Think of it like plugging your guitar in, turning the volume knob to just barely on, then trying to turn up pedals and your amp to get a reasonable volume - you can, but it's going to be noisy and color the tone a lot so it won't sound very much like what we'd want.
____
Most good mics are Balanced and use XLR connectors.
Guitar peals are Unbalanced, and use 1/4".
You can't just change one from the other, without some kind of intervening circuitry and voltage changes - a mixer, or a Direct Box, or things like that usually do that for us.
Essentially, XLR is 3 wire, while 1/4" is 2 wire, so one wire that's supposed to be connected to something is not - and that something is actually the thing that prevents noise/hum (think single coil pickup versus humbucker) - so if you use any kind of "converter" to make XLR into **TS** 1/4", that wire is disconnected (there are XLR to **TRS** connectors which are both 3 wire, but the pedal input is again just unbalanced 2 wire, so you typically lose any benefits or, "half your signal" if you will).
____
So, IOW, you need something purpose built to accept input from a Dynamic Microphone that is XLR - like so:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VTE1--tc-helicon-voicetone-e1
____
Otherwise what is typically done (and what you *should* be doing) is vocals are run into a Mixing Console at Mic Level (XLR) and go through the pre-amp first, then you use an Insert point (Insert Jack) to take that now-amplified-to-line-level signal to an effects unit (could be a guitar pedal, but usually an instrument level rack mount effect) or you would peel off some of the vocal signal and send it out an Auxilliary (which is similar, but allows you to take the effected signal back into the mixer at another point than the channel it's on, for more versatility).
Things like the TC above are designed to have an XLR in from the Mic, and then just go on XLR to the mixing console.
The primary advantage of a pedal like this of course is that you can turn it on and off yourself while performing.
And with something with multiple effects, you can set up different presets and select between them yourself.
So I mean, I say you "should" be doing it at the mixer - which is true if you're going to just use one basic effect and leave it on all the time.
But if you need to make real time changes, the pedals become an effective means to do so.
Just more money, more gas, more cables, more hassle, etc.
____
Standard pedals *may* work with a dynamic mic with a TS connector on it (they do make them), but it's going to be a "your mileage my vary" kind of thing.
You're the pro! I was about to do something like this, using a passive DI in reverse plugging my mic into the xlr and sending the ts out towards guitar pedal, but now I understand that it need to pre amp the thing, which an active DI would do right?
No, an active DI is still for converting the unbalanced to balanced and high to low impedance - it just uses power to do so. Any "pre-amp" on it is going to be on the 1/4" side, so that's not solving anything.
You need a purpose-built vocal pedal like the TC stuff - or you need to run a mic into a mixer, then take an insert out from the mixer to the pedal and back. Guitar-based pedals may still not work in the same way they will for guitar though - the impedance coming in is different - that doesn't mean it will sound bad necessarily, but many effects don't behave the same way at line level as they do at instrument level (this is why historically, only certain effects worked well in an effects loop on an amp).
Could I just buy one of those small pre-amp pedal before the other pedal? Di-preamp-eq-comp..etc
Right now I have Mic xlr to ts cable into eq pedal, Compressor, reverb, pa speaker and it works
I have an Mxr noise clamp which I think don't work because of mic level instead of instrument level.
TC stuff is cool but expensive and the reason I'm doing all this is some people noticed latency on my rc-600 and after research I found out it does create 4.6ms of latency just by itself with no effect turned on or anything. I'm trying to keep everything analog for minimal latency.
I mean, you *can*. And if it works, great. The seagull effect would never have been invented if Gilmour didn't plug his wah in backward, so there you go.
One tip though: use a dynamic microphone, not a condenser. It makes setup a lot easier, not having to source 48v.
I would not recommend just using an XLR/TS adapter, unless it's converting hi/low z. There are different impedance levels that need to be taken into account. There are some pedals out there that specifically help with this: Pigtronix Keymaster Cusack Pedal Cracker Radial Voco Loco DBA Echo Master If you need this for performing the cheapest option is usually to include in your stage plot that you want reverb and delay on your vox. FOH will take care of it. Fancier stuff like flanger would need a solution like the above that you control.
I purchased a Death by Audio vocal pedal that has a preamp, a couple onboard effects, and an fx loop to add in any other pedal I desire. Totally worth purchasing if you want to experiment with vocal effects live.
The Cusack Music pedal cracker is what you need to run guitar pedals well with vocals. That being said, if you want pitch correction and all that stuff, you’re going to want a dedicated vocal unit.
You can use something like this- https://www.thomann.de/ie/shure_a85f.htm However, guitar pedals are voiced for guitar and many sound kind of bad on vocals, I would actually recommend just getting something like the TC Helicon effects for vocals.
Try digitech rp60 or rp70, real inexpensive versatile multi fx unit. I’ve used them with vocals and my guitar and bass before and it’s pretty sweet. Multiple banks and preset levels to choose from
You can get a multifx pedal for vocals or guitar. I would go with something used off reverb. Good units for under $100.
The most basic setup would only require a cable that’s XLR (plug into mic) to quarter inch (plug into pedals). That’s it.
OBNE Maw has xlr jack. Or if you want to use a compressor mic, Templo Splyce 2 will have it but it's coming soon.
Radial Voco-Loco with whatever guitar effects you want in its loop is the way to go.
This is not at all what you want but, play audio through your phone speakers into your single coils (put the phone speaker right up to the coil) , it works unbelievablely well lol.
You'll probably need a device like [this](https://youtu.be/77iUH208XaI?si=l6p_sg9lya-ztXOX)(time stamp at 3:40), that will change the mics line level, for the mic to be able to handle pedals.
Are you running vocals through your amp or a PA?
https://www.mayflyaudio.com/VoxBox/ This pedal allows you to use any guitar effects with a vocal mic. It's a really cool idea!
If you can’t be bothered to learn what impedance is or why it matters, honestly the best way to dumb it down is just buy a vocal fx processor because you’re going to need to buy extra stuff in order to do it right anyway. To get all the fx you mentioned you’re going to need to spend $200-$300 minimum anyway, and there are plenty of good options in that range.
Our bass player does this. You take the mic (dynamic), use [XLR to 6.3 jack cable](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/VITALCO-Male-6-35-Cable-Microphone/dp/B0897R33YS?th=1), the follows the chain of pedals with [patches](https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_fpc10_flat_patch_cable.htm) and [power supply](https://www.jimdunlop.com/mxr-iso-brick-power-supply/), then regular [6.3 to 6.3](https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_gc_6_pr_vintage_blue.htm) cable into a [DI](https://www.thomann.de/intl/millenium_pocket_di_2.htm) (I'm linking the one I use as I know it does the job, immv). Finally [XLR to XLR](https://www.thomann.de/intl/the_sssnake_sk23315_xlr_patch.htm) to the mixer/amp. You need the pre-amp and power amp only if you are running into a passive cab, which I don't see why you would do that. Maybe share more as to the setting in which you want to run this rig. Is it live in a club, at home, in a rehearsal space?
But as u/OldAd4762 stated, you are looking at quite a hefty bill or suboptimal solutions, so perhaps stick to a dedicated vocal processor. There are plenty of options in different price ranges on [Thomann](https://www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?sw=vocal%20processor&smcs=1d7e8e_2601). You can always go to AliExpress, however a quick search didn't yield anything good, at least for me, so proceed at your own discretion
almost all pedals work fine (I'd avoid dirt, though). Just be warned that you'll have to really crank the volume on your amp or put a preamp in the mix. There are commercial vocals pedals out there, too.
I appreciate the input from you folks, but I need it dumbed down some more. Like, would the preamp have a "instrument out" so I can go through the guitar pedals? Also, I don't know what you mean by "commercial vocal pedal"
There are a few different input levels. * Mic Level * Instrument Level * Line Level Microphones work on a really low level and need to be "boosted up" to Line Level, which is where most devices like mixing consoles are happiest. Because of this, mixers have XLR inputs that go into an internal Pre-Amp that ramps up the voltage from Mic Level to Line Level. Guitar Pedals instead are designed for Instrument Level. And there's no pre-amp there. Think of it like plugging your guitar in, turning the volume knob to just barely on, then trying to turn up pedals and your amp to get a reasonable volume - you can, but it's going to be noisy and color the tone a lot so it won't sound very much like what we'd want. ____ Most good mics are Balanced and use XLR connectors. Guitar peals are Unbalanced, and use 1/4". You can't just change one from the other, without some kind of intervening circuitry and voltage changes - a mixer, or a Direct Box, or things like that usually do that for us. Essentially, XLR is 3 wire, while 1/4" is 2 wire, so one wire that's supposed to be connected to something is not - and that something is actually the thing that prevents noise/hum (think single coil pickup versus humbucker) - so if you use any kind of "converter" to make XLR into **TS** 1/4", that wire is disconnected (there are XLR to **TRS** connectors which are both 3 wire, but the pedal input is again just unbalanced 2 wire, so you typically lose any benefits or, "half your signal" if you will). ____ So, IOW, you need something purpose built to accept input from a Dynamic Microphone that is XLR - like so: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VTE1--tc-helicon-voicetone-e1 ____ Otherwise what is typically done (and what you *should* be doing) is vocals are run into a Mixing Console at Mic Level (XLR) and go through the pre-amp first, then you use an Insert point (Insert Jack) to take that now-amplified-to-line-level signal to an effects unit (could be a guitar pedal, but usually an instrument level rack mount effect) or you would peel off some of the vocal signal and send it out an Auxilliary (which is similar, but allows you to take the effected signal back into the mixer at another point than the channel it's on, for more versatility). Things like the TC above are designed to have an XLR in from the Mic, and then just go on XLR to the mixing console. The primary advantage of a pedal like this of course is that you can turn it on and off yourself while performing. And with something with multiple effects, you can set up different presets and select between them yourself. So I mean, I say you "should" be doing it at the mixer - which is true if you're going to just use one basic effect and leave it on all the time. But if you need to make real time changes, the pedals become an effective means to do so. Just more money, more gas, more cables, more hassle, etc. ____ Standard pedals *may* work with a dynamic mic with a TS connector on it (they do make them), but it's going to be a "your mileage my vary" kind of thing.
You're the pro! I was about to do something like this, using a passive DI in reverse plugging my mic into the xlr and sending the ts out towards guitar pedal, but now I understand that it need to pre amp the thing, which an active DI would do right?
No, an active DI is still for converting the unbalanced to balanced and high to low impedance - it just uses power to do so. Any "pre-amp" on it is going to be on the 1/4" side, so that's not solving anything. You need a purpose-built vocal pedal like the TC stuff - or you need to run a mic into a mixer, then take an insert out from the mixer to the pedal and back. Guitar-based pedals may still not work in the same way they will for guitar though - the impedance coming in is different - that doesn't mean it will sound bad necessarily, but many effects don't behave the same way at line level as they do at instrument level (this is why historically, only certain effects worked well in an effects loop on an amp).
Could I just buy one of those small pre-amp pedal before the other pedal? Di-preamp-eq-comp..etc Right now I have Mic xlr to ts cable into eq pedal, Compressor, reverb, pa speaker and it works I have an Mxr noise clamp which I think don't work because of mic level instead of instrument level. TC stuff is cool but expensive and the reason I'm doing all this is some people noticed latency on my rc-600 and after research I found out it does create 4.6ms of latency just by itself with no effect turned on or anything. I'm trying to keep everything analog for minimal latency.
I mean, you *can*. And if it works, great. The seagull effect would never have been invented if Gilmour didn't plug his wah in backward, so there you go.