Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Electronics:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.8 out of 5 stars
Value:4.9 out of 5 stars
Average:4.8 out of 5 stars

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Pros:

  • Extremely easy to use
  • Wide range of delays
  • Well-built
  • Delay time can be controlled using the footswitch

Cons:

  • Does not save presets
  • Cannot be powered with batteries

If you check out the article dedicated to vocal processors on our website, you’ll find that the name of TC Helicon keeps reoccurring. The reason behind the abundance of their products is that the brand has been a member of the TC family and has gained a lot of expertise in the field of vocals and the modifications that can be applied to them. They have been creating products for a while now and during all this time they have mastered the arts of developing wonderful devices.

Their VoiceTone series has been a real success, since it has hosted many renowned pieces. They vary from more sophisticated to simpler pedals, which means they are capable of satisfying the needs of any singer out there. Today we’re going to discuss the pedal that belongs to the more user-friendly category. Even though many artists require complicated tweaks to achieve that perfect sound, some of us take things easier and are in need of something like VoiceTone E1.

While being a smaller pedal and a true stompbox, this fella is still capable of delivering precision and allowing us to modify anything our heart desires. It is packed with versatile features that will diversify any voice and performance. If you’re looking for a voice processor that won’t consume too much of your time, then E1 definitely deserves your attention. Let’s begin and you’ll see yourself what I mean!

Features

If we compare TC Helicon VoiceTone E1 to the units that are basically studio-quality tools, then it will seem a bit shy in terms of versatile features. But it’s important to understand that this puppy is designed for a different purpose and it fulfills that particular goal with excellence. It’s more of an effects pedal, rather than an all-encompassing vocal processor. This fella delivers 13 different types of delays and echoes, including slapback, tap and some special ones, as well.

They can have cluttered or well-balanced intervals, it all depends on your preferences. These effects can be nailed to perfection with Feedback control, which will be the only thing you’ll need to alter desired properties with each type. More importantly, E1 has an Analog switch that triggers the vintage feel and takes us back in time. It can yield wonderful results when combined with the natural harmonies of your voice.

This unit knows how to set the rhythm of your effects and that’s why it comes with tap tempo. This way you can easily tap in the desired pattern and perform with it interminably. Enough about the surface – once you take a look inside, you’ll see the true quality of this fella. The processor inside makes sure the mic preamp does its job perfectly and eliminates all the impurities that might be caused by your mic.

It also reduces the noise and contributes to creating professional sound a great deal. We mustn’t forget that E1 can be chained with other VoiceTone Singles pedals. This way you can employ other effects and avoid being limited to echoes and delays. The downside of this one is that it doesn’t offer any presets, however, the simplicity of the unit itself makes you forget about that (you can control it on the fly). As you can see, this pedal isn’t trying to justify its lack of features with simplicity. Even though it doesn’t have an over-complicated layout and set of properties, it’s still really diverse and interesting to work with.

Controls

As I have already underlined, VoiceTone E1 has controls that don’t need too much fuss to be figured out. You definitely won’t need a manual to understand what’s what here. I’ll define the functions of each knob below, just to give you an idea of the extent to which this puppy can be modified. Plus, some of you might be beginners in this sphere and require just a bit more insight. Let’s see what we have here.

The first thing on the panel is a Style Selector. It enables you to scroll through different types of echoes and delays with ease and select the desired one quickly. Next comes Feedback, which modifies the duration of the echo. Dry & Wet change the ratio of your original and affected sound. This way you can change the intensity of the effect and accentuate/tone down the qualities of your own voice.

Below these knobs, you’ll find an Analog button, which basically cuts highs in the echoes and creates a vintage feel. The footswitch has two functions: with its help, you can either tap in the desired tempo or trigger effect or bypass modes. There are a number of LEDs that will definitely make your life easier.

TC Helicon E1 Sound

TC Helicon VoiceTone E1 does really shine in terms of sound as well. The abundance of options it offers are a bit surprising for such a small pedal. Each type of echo and delay is usable (maybe some more than others) and adds a sense of spaciousness to your voice. And generally, if I were to describe this pedal with one single word, I would definitely go for dimensional.

E1 has great tracking capabilities, which means it recognizes your voice nicely and adds effect on top without creating an artificial overtone. It has an LED that will dictate the right level of the input (a.k.a. mic) signal – it will light up with red color if you reach the clipping volume. The intuitiveness of this pedal will be a great asset to those who value quality more than anything else.

Conclusion

The products from TC Helicon have rarely disappointed us. VoiceTone Singles E1 isn’t an exception to that rule. Its sound will accompany your singing and add even more character to it. If you decide to take it to the extreme, it will even create the illusion that your voice derives from outer space. Exaggerations aside, we all can agree that E1 deserves a chance. Its simplicity is what triggered me in the first place, but later on I fell in love with all of its qualities. You won’t be disappointed with this one, I promise. Good luck!

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Great review, I just purchased this and, looking forward to using it in a live setting. For years I’ve concentrated on guitar FX and, amps. Finally ended that search. It’s way past overdue to sweeten my vocals and, this pedal will definitely achieve this. Looking to broaden my horizons!

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