TC-Helicon VoicePro Instruction Manual
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TC-Helicon VoicePro Instruction Manual

Professional voice processor
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Summary of Contents for TC-Helicon VoicePro

  • Page 1 User’s Manual...
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the intended to alert the user to the presence of important presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”...
  • Page 4 Certificate Of Conformity TC Electronic A/S, Sindalsvej 34, 8240 Risskov, Denmark, hereby declares on own responsibility that following products: TC-Helicon VoicePro - that are covered by this certificate and marked with CE-label conforms with following standards: EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Storing presets ......15 Non-Hybrid pitch shifting techniques ..65 Using VoicePro's Help System ... . .15 Understanding Hybrid Parameters ..66 Working with small shift intervals .

  • Page 7: Section 1: Introduction

    Section 1: Introduction Welcome to VoicePro About TC-Helicon Thank you for selecting VoicePro as a key part of your toolkit for producing the human voice. The years of research, development and sonic verification that went into VoicePro is intended to benefit professionals responsible for bringing out the best in the human voice.

  • Page 8: Registering Voicepro

    1. Help Button: VoicePro has an integrated context sensitive help system. You can access the help system from any tab in VoicePro by clicking the Help Button. More information about VoicePro Help is covered in Section 2: Getting Started.

  • Page 9: Section 2: Getting Started

    OK Button 7. Display On the Home or Browser page, OK recalls a previewed VoicePro utilizes a 320x240 pixel colour display to represent all preset. On Effect and VirtuaLead pages, OK enables or feedback and control information. disables the block. In other pages OK is given various functions described onscreen.

  • Page 10: Back Panel Descriptions

    Back Panel Description 1. Voice Input This is the main analog input for voice or monophonic instruments. All processing blocks in VoicePro can be used on audio signals received at this input. 2. Auxilliary Input This input allows analog audio sources of any kind to be routed to the µMod, Delay, Reverb and Transducer effects.

  • Page 11: Audio Connections

    Section 2: Getting Started Audio Connections Analog Setup VoicePro allows you to work with analog or digital ins and outs. This section describes how to setup the inputs and outputs. When you’ve decided between Analog or Digital Setup, read; “Aux Send or Insert” in this section. The section will help you decide how to configure VoicePro within your mixing environment.

  • Page 12: Digital Setup

    Parameter to "Double Rate". well. VoicePro has it’s own dry path that will have to be 3. Set the Clock Master Parameter to "External". This will muted in order to work in this scheme.

  • Page 13: Understanding Dry Lead And Virtualead

    Section 2: Getting Started Selecting Presets When to use VoicePro as a channel insert If you are mainly using VoicePro for the purpose of pitch correction, dynamics and EQ, Character voice transformation, or for processing speaking voices, then an insert configuration will work well. This is also the most flexible routing scheme if you plan to use the other features available in VoicePro.

  • Page 14: Editing Presets Overview

    Section 2: Getting Started Adjusting the Mix Soft Knobs you can specify any or all of the three search filters as follows: • Source Filter - Here you select whether you want to see presets for music only or dialog only. When this value is set to “All”, the Source Filter is disengaged.

  • Page 15: Storing Presets

    Help on Help 1. Press the Help Button any time VoicePro is turned on. Information on the current parameter tab will be presented in the Help Screen.

  • Page 17: Section 3: Music Applications

    Section 3: Music Applications Introduction VoicePro’s applications in music vocal production require settings and features that differ from dialogue (speaking) post production. The differences are mainly in the use of musical pitch shifts for harmony; making voices sound thicker through various techniques; and targeting formerly time consuming techniques used by music audio engineers and producers.

  • Page 18: Creating Harmony

    Each harmony preset in VoicePro is based on one of five different harmony modes you can use to add authentic sounding virtual harmony voices to your mix. Offering more...
  • Page 19 How to create harmony using a Chord Mode preset How to create harmony using a Shift Mode preset 1. Connect the output of a MIDI keyboard to VoicePro (see Utility section for MIDI details) 1.Navigate to the browser and set the Source Filter to “Singing”...

  • Page 20: Adding Doubling Effects

    VoicePro offers the control and transparent shifting VoicePro has presets that accurately recreate the many quality to allow you to produce the best vocal possible.
  • Page 21 How to apply manual pitch correction Often the key and scale can be set to the first or 1. Connect a MIDI keyboard to VoicePro (see Utility section last chord in a song e.g. G Major. If no key and...

  • Page 22: Modifying Vocal Melody

    How to modify vocal melody speed. 1. Connect a MIDI keyboard to VoicePro (see Utility section 5. Turn the Soft Knob for the Reset Parameter any for MIDI details) direction to resume realtime playback.

  • Page 23: Modifying Vocal Character

    Section 3: Music Applications Modifying Vocal Character How to use resonance to modify vocal character In VoicePro, character is the term used for the over-all effects of a group of blocks found under the Character Button: • Resonance • Spectral •...
  • Page 24 Inflection is the automatic pitch and timing modification of a breathy singer or a breathy performance. At extreme block in VoicePro. It can superimpose the pitch warbles, settings, the Breath block can turn a track sung in full scoops, and natural timing fluctuations of human singing voice, into a whisper.

  • Page 25: Working With Classic Fx

    6. Use the Arrow Buttons to reveal the effects return levels at the bottom of the screen. These are usually set at In VoicePro, the effects that are termed "classic" are nominal send settings in the Factory presets but you can created using the µMod, Delay and Reverb blocks.

  • Page 26: Shaping A Voice With Eq And Dynamics

    There are two independent but identical sets of high find the complete set of controls. precision EQ and dynamics processors in VoicePro. One 3. Use the Up/Down Arrow Buttons and Soft knobs to set is inserted in the harmony voice path affecting only the locate the desired parameters and to adjust them.

  • Page 27: Creating Special Fx

    Section 3: Music Applications Creating Special Effects By combining multiple blocks in VoicePro with different Mix routings, it’s possible to create limitless Special FX. These Special FX can be useful in finding a hook for a bridge or chorus of a song. Some Special FX can be low in the mix.

  • Page 29: Section 4: Dialog Speech Applications

    Introduction Changing the Character of a Performance VoicePro has a number of applications for working with the spoken word. With the Time, Pitch and Character Every human voice has its own signature character. A algorithms, any dialog performance can be enhanced or talented voice-over artist controls their performance to transformed after the artist has left the studio.
  • Page 30 Radio or other Transducer 2. Enter Matrix | Blocks Tab by pressing the Matrix Button and using the Arrow Buttons. VoicePro's Transducer emulates the tonal, distortion, and 3. Disabled all blocks except "Resonance" noise components of various transducer devices. These 4.

  • Page 31: Creating A Low Pitched Voice

    Performance Interesting animated characters, monster or alien voices are often created with large down-shifts. Follow the steps VoicePro's Time Block uses TC-Helicon's FlexTime below to down-shift and adjust the quality. algorithm to stretch and speed up a voice performance. 1. Enter the Browser Tab by pressing the Browser Button.

  • Page 32: Shaping A Voice With Eq And Dynamics

    There are two independent but identical sets of high 3. Using the Select/Scrol Wheel or the Arrows to select the precision EQ and dynamics processors in VoicePro. One preset "Pitch & Time Freestyle" set is inserted in the harmony voice path affecting only the 4.

  • Page 33: Special Fx With Speech

    Note that there is plenty of gain available for each of the four EQ bands and compressor makeup to seriously exceed the headroom in VoicePro. If you hear unmusical cracking sounds while adjusting these, reduce the amount of send to the unit or 1.

  • Page 35: Section 5: Live Performance Applications

    Every musical group that features the console. In a live show it's best to run VoicePro as a mono- human voice can benefit from using VoicePro including send stereo-return channel insert with routing of the dry single acts or duos, touring pop acts and, live theatre signal handled by VoicePro's internal mixer.

  • Page 36: Optimizing Latency

    MIDI volume pedals would be required as well. If you will be using VoicePro for live harmonies, then you will need to send MIDI control signals for Notes and Chord mode presets from a MIDI keyboard. This requires VoicePro’s MIDI channel and continuous controller (CC)

  • Page 37: Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions

    Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions HOME the intended application. The home page visualization is assigned on the MATRIX | Visualization Tab. Preset Status Area The Preset Status Area contains indicators for the top-level blocks that have been enabled for the current or previewed preset.

  • Page 38: Utility

    Voice / Aux Sens. and Analog Out In combination, these parameters are used for attaining the best possible dynamic range when using VoicePro with analog devices. Voice / Aux Sens sets the maximum input operating level. Analog Out sets the maximum output operating level.
  • Page 39 A440 Hz is the default reference. Use this parameter for tuning VoicePro in a situation where the reference tuning of instruments is sharp or flat. This tab configures the functions related to bypass, latency, and preset change.
  • Page 40 UTILITY | CC Assign VoicePro contains a configurable CC assignment engine. The UTILITY / MIDI Tab configures MIDI functionality. Up to 70 of VoicePro's preset parameters can be assigned Below are descriptions of the various parameters: to any CC. CC Channel...
  • Page 41 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions UTILITY | Visualization UTILITY | File The Visualization Tab allows customization of graphics. The UTLITY / File Tab allows for the backing up and This includes some colors, types of pitch plots, and meter restoring of presets and utility parameters via MIDI. Use peak hold times.

  • Page 42: Help

    UTILITY | Network HELP This tab configures the networking parameters associated The Help System in VoicePro is context sensitive. Pressing with connecting VoicePro via TCP/IP for software updates. the Help Button will bring you to the Topic Tab related to Help for setting these parameters is included with software the function being viewed on the display.

  • Page 43: Tap

    Chords can be detected in real time via MIDI or using the Root/Chord Parameter. Mode: Notes & Notes (4ch) In this Mode, you provide VoicePro with specific MIDI note information to determine the pitch of the harmony voices. When "Notes (4ch)" is selected, each harmony voice is assigned a MIDI channel.
  • Page 44 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions Harmony | Shift, Scale, Chord or Tuning VoicePro includes three tuning options. These options have Notes no effect in Notes mode. "Equal" Tuning uses approximations for the tuning of each note, allowing us to easily alter the key of our music without re-tuning our instruments.
  • Page 45 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions HARMONY | Humanize Custom Scales in Scale Mode Note Source/Input Note The Note Source and Input Note Parameters are used to create custom scales. When Note Source is set to "Manual", the Input Note value can be set to any note in the scale.
  • Page 46 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions HARMONY | EQ HARMONY | Compressor The EQ in the Harmony Block is designed using double The Harmony Compressor contains two modes depending precision filter algorithms. The resulting shape of all the on what dynamic effect is desired. The compressor filters is displayed in the visualization area.
  • Page 47 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions HARMONY | De-ees Insert Path The compressor can be inserted "Pre EQ" or "Post EQ". The "Pre EQ" value is useful for targeting compression on specific frequency bands. Use the Harmony De-esser to help reduce the sibilant levels associated with homophonic harmony parts.

  • Page 48: Multi-Fx

    MULTI- FX | µMod MUTLI-FX | Delay µMod is short for MicroMod. By combining micro-pitch The Delay Block in VoicePro has been optimized for the shifters, modulated delay, and feedback, the µMod block voice. These optimizations include tempo control and a can create micro-shifts, choruses, flanges, and anything in ducking feature for keeping mixes clean.
  • Page 49 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions MULTI-FX | Reverb TRANSDUCER VoicePro's Reverb has been tuned for voice applications. The Transducer Block emulates the noise, bandwidth and The parameters allow control over the tail and room, distortion characteristics of phones, radios and allowing ambiences or spaces to be created.

  • Page 50: Transducer

    The MATRIX / Block Tab allows quick access for the A real-world transducer can have a complex noise pattern enabling and disabling of blocks in VoicePro. generated by the means of communication or by the device itself. The TRANSDUCER / Noise Block allows various Use the Up and Down Arrow Buttons to highlight one of the noise patterns to be created.
  • Page 51 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions MATRIX | Edit Assign MATRIX | Visualization Use this tab to select the four assigned edit parameters on Use this tab to select the assigned visualization on the the Home Page for this preset. Each horizontal edit column Home Page for your preset.

  • Page 52: Dynamics

    Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions DYNAMICS | Compress Insert Path The compressor can be inserted "Pre EQ" or "Post EQ". The "Pre EQ" value is useful for targeting compression on specific frequency bands. The compressor contains two modes depending on what dynamic effect is desired.
  • Page 53 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions DYNAMICS | De-ess Use the VirtuaLead de-esser to help reduce sibilant levels. The EQ in the VirtuaLead block is designed using double precision filter algorithms. The resulting shape of all the Amount filters is displayed in the visualization area. Sets the amount that the De-ess will reduce sibilant levels.
  • Page 54 There are two modes for controlling Time: Position that buffer. Freestyle Mode allows the position of the voice to be freely set within VoicePro's time buffer, and Rate Freestyle Mode Position Delta / Sensitivity allows the speed of the audio to be controlled.

  • Page 55: Time

    Hold freezes the input voice when the parameter is engaged. At this point, the position can be moved within the buffer. VoicePro contains a 5 seconds Time buffer. With Rate Freestyle mode, you control the playback speed of the input voice.

  • Page 56: Pitch

    Formant Correct Amount Formants affect the naturalness of a pitch shift. In VoicePro formants and pitch can be shifted separately. The Formant Correction Amt control sets the amount the formants are corrected/shifted.
  • Page 57 "off" or "on" in the scale using the Enable Parameter. With good use of VoicePro's automatic pitch correction, you can achieve musical and natural result that is very time consuming to achieve with graphical based pitch editing.
  • Page 58 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions PITCH | Pitch Shift PITCH | Pitch Freestyle Pitch Freestyle is ideal for creatively shifting pitch in non- The pitch shift mode offers fixed pitch shifting by semitone musical applications like dialog. and cents. MIDI control is also supported for re-pitching melody lines or creating a harmony part.
  • Page 59 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions CHARACTER | Resonance voiced and unvoiced evenly, whereas positive values apply more Resonance to unvoiced and less Resonance to voiced. Similarly, negative values apply more Resonance to voiced and less Resonance to unvoiced. Resonance allows you change the positioning of the harmonic content that forms the identity of a voice.

  • Page 60: Character

    Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions CHARACTER | Spectral CHARACTER | Inflection The Spectral block is a voice-modeled EQ that reflect the The Inflection effect humanizes pitch, time, and level to natural equalization equivalent to the control a singer has create realistic doubled parts or re-takes. over his or her own voice.
  • Page 61 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions CHARACTER | Vibrato The Scoop Duration parameters set how long these inflections last after a note starts. The Rand. Parameter determines how often they occur. The Vibrato effect models the sound of human vibratos onto the input voice. The waveforms that control the vibrato are modeled from real singers.
  • Page 62 Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions CHARACTER | Breath CHARACTER | Growl The Breath effect can bring out raspy or breathy sound The Growl effect can bring out vocal sounds where the already preset in a voice. Breath also creates interesting throat is constricted.

  • Page 63: Mix

    Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions BROWSER To facilitate the creation of complete presets, VoicePro The Browser is your starting point for finding a vocal contains a full featured mixer. Mix is based around a sound. There are three filters on the Browser page to help traditional mixer.

  • Page 64: Store

    Section 6: Detailed Parameter Descriptions STORE When you want to quickly save a preset just press "Store" to enter the Store Screen. Use the Scroll Wheel to select the target user location to store to. Then press "Store" again to execute. Naming Presets Each of the four edit knobs has its own purpose for editing a preset name.

  • Page 65: Section 7: Optimizing Hybrid

    Background on non-Hybrid Pitch Shifting Techniques Whenever you enable the Pitch Block or load a preset with it enabled, you are using VoicePro's Hybrid Shifting If you're interested in understanding why the Hybrid algorithm. The Hybrid Shifting algorithm is a proprietary...

  • Page 66: Understanding Hybrid Tm Parameters

    UV Shift Attenuation Formant Correct Amount UV Shift Amount Auto Formants affect the naturalness of a pitch shift. In VoicePro Downshift Quality formants and pitch can be shifted separately. The Formant Correction Amt control sets the amount the formants are 5.

  • Page 67: Emulating Other Shifting Algorithms

    Section 7: Optimizing Hybrid Pitch Shifting 2. Navigate to the Pitch Mode Tab. Use the Edit Knobs to select "Pitch Shift" for the mode parameter. 3. Set the Pitch quality parameters within the guidelines below: Shift Interval Parameter +2 to +12 +12 to +36 Modeling Optimization Off or On...

  • Page 69: Section 7: Harmony And Tuning

    VoicePro has two “/Notes” harmony modes, single more than one input note, or that each input note doesn’t and 4 channel. The VoicePro may be set to Notes 4 necessarily have a unique harmony note. For instance, C Channel mode through the Harmony Mode Tab. Notes 4...
  • Page 70 “D”, as that’s the first chord, but the harmonies actually work best in the key of “G” -- try running the song through VoicePro to hear for yourself. Setting the scale can also take a bit of practice. For songs centered around the third or root of the scale it might not sound like there’s any noticeable differences between the...

  • Page 71: Diatonic And Chromatic Harmony

    The other singers must then tune their harmonies voice to the closest note contained within the chord: to the melody using Just relative intonation. VoicePro is able to do this in both the Just and Barbershop tuning modes.

  • Page 73: Section 8: Appendix

    Detailed Application Descriptions Application: Shaping Shaping presets offer starting points for simple Dynamics VoicePro's Browser is an efficient tool for getting to the and EQ processing. right preset. Understanding the criteria behind the Sources and Applications of the Factory presets will help you get Application: Live good results.

  • Page 74: Configurable Midi Implementation

    There are several CC A third party, PSI Craft has designed a PC/MAC Based Assign Styles to choose from that emulate other TC- Editor for controlling VoicePro from a computer. The editor Helicon products. The default implementation is listed can be downloaded at below.

  • Page 75: Terms & Descriptions

    Section 9 : Appendix Terms & Descriptions Doubling Term Description There are some general terms when using VoicePro that Unison The same pitch are helpful to understand. Additionally, some VoicePro Micro shift Refers to an effect where detuned copies applications require specific understanding of terms. These of a vocal are played back at the same terms are summarized below.

  • Page 76: Signal Diagram

    Section 9 : Appendix...

  • Page 77: Technical Specifications

    Section 9 : Appendix...

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