Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best guitar harmonizer pedals in 2023. As a guitarist, a harmonizer pedal is a crucial tool to extend your musical possibilities, adding depth and texture to your melodies, and enabling you to experiment with new and unique sounds.
In this guide, we will delve into the world of harmonizer pedals, highlighting the finest models that will surely make a valuable addition to your pedalboard. You’ll learn about:
- The diverse types of harmonizer pedals available, including octave pedals, expression pedals, and pitch shifters.
- The functionality and unique features of each pedal, which will help you discern which is the most suitable for your playing style and genre.
- Top-rated models in the market, such as the Digitech Whammy Pedal, Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine, and Beetronics Swarm Fuzz Harmonizer.
So, what are the best guitar harmonizer pedals in 2023? Here’s our selection:
- Eventide H9 Harmonizer
- Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork
- Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer
- TC-Helicon VoiceLive PLAY 3
- TC-Helicon Harmony Singer 2
- Mooer Pitch Box Harmonizer/Pitch Shifter
- Boss PS-6 Harmonist Pedal
- Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer
Each of these pedals has its own unique attributes and capabilities, and their individual functionality serves different musical purposes. As you read through this guide, consider your musical style, playing technique, and specific needs to help you decide which harmonizer pedal is the perfect match for you. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of harmonizer pedals!
1.Eventide H9 Harmonizer
The Eventide H9 Harmonizer is an all-in-one, multi-effects pedal that offers a plethora of sound options to the discerning guitarist. The H9 comes with 52 algorithms and 99 selectable presets that include reverb, delay, modulation, pitch shift, distortion and many more, all accessible through a single knob user interface.
- Multitude of high-quality effects
- Simplistic one-knob interface
- Packed with 99 presets for immediate use
Why someone should buy:
If you’re looking for a pedal that can give you a myriad of sound options with high-quality effects and ease of use, the Eventide H9 Harmonizer is a solid choice.
Technical Features:
- 52 algorithms
- 99 selectable presets
- One-knob user interface
- Stereo I/O and MIDI I/O
- Expression pedal input
- Built-in tuner
- True bypass
- Power: 9V DC 500mA, Center positive (+), 5.5mm/2.5mm jack
Review:
The Eventide H9 Harmonizer Multi-Effects Pedal is a fantastic tool for musicians looking for high-quality effects and sound versatility. The pedal’s sound quality is top-notch and the one-knob user interface makes it easy to operate, even for beginners.
Verdict:
The Eventide H9 Harmonizer is an excellent harmonizer pedal that offers a broad range of high-quality effects in a simple and user-friendly design.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For:
Musicians looking for a versatile pedal to expand their sonic landscape. Ideal for both studio and live settings.
2.Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork
The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a pitch-shifting pedal that provides a significant range of transpositions, up to +/- 3 octaves. The three different pitch-shifting modes: up, down, or dual make it a versatile tool for musicians looking for a pedal to experiment with.
- Wide pitch shifting range up to +/- 3 octaves
- Three different pitch-shifting modes for various applications
- Buffer bypass for maximum signal path integrity
Why someone should buy:
If you are a musician seeking to explore new tonal realms with smooth transitions, the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is an excellent tool to consider.
Technical Features:
- Transposes the pitch of your instrument over a range of up to +/- 3 octaves
- Three different pitch-shifting modes: up, down, or dual
- EXP input lets you control pitch shift or glissando via optional expression pedal
- Buffered bypass for maximum signal path integrity
- Runs on a 9V battery or the included 9.6DC-200mA power supply
Review:
The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork pedal offers high-quality pitch shifting with a wide range of options. The pedal provides precise control over the transposed pitch and ensures excellent signal integrity with its buffered bypass.
Verdict:
The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a great choice for musicians who want to experiment with pitch shifting. Its versatile range and pitch-shifting modes make it an exciting tool to explore.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For:
Musicians who like to experiment with different tonal ranges and appreciate the possibility of unique, transformative sounds.
3. Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer
The Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer pedal offers an incredible range of vocal effects in a user-friendly, compact design. It allows for real-time pitch-correction, harmonies, and vocal looping, making it a highly versatile choice for both studio and live performances.
- Allows you to blend your original tone with the effect.
- Superb quality vocal harmonies and effects.
- Sturdy and durable for long-term use.
Why someone should buy:
This pedal is not only for guitarists but also for vocalists, offering harmonizing effects directly controlled by your guitar’s input or manually adjusted.
Technical Features:
- High-quality vocal effects including harmony, pitch correction, and delay
- Integrated Phrase Loop function allows you to create multi-layered vocal loops
- Rugged, road-worthy design
Review: With a wealth of features, the Boss VE-20 is a standout performer in the harmonizer market. It offers users the chance to experiment with a wide range of vocal effects, and the Phrase Loop function is a major plus for those wanting to create layered sounds.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a harmonizer pedal that offers more than just pitch correction, the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is an excellent option. It’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to take their vocal performance to the next level.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Vocalists and guitarists looking to add layers to their performances with harmonies and looping.
4. TC-Helicon VoiceLive PLAY 3
TC-Helicon's VoiceLive Play 3 gives singers unprecedented creative control of their live sound with state-of-the-art vocal effects and performance looping in an intuitive touch layout. This pedal is designed to evolve with your creativity and match your passion for singing.
- Offers an intuitive touch layout for easy navigation.
- Exceptional vocal effects and looping capabilities.
- Adaptive EQ, compression, de-essing, and gating provide polished, professional vocals.
Why someone should buy:
This pedal is not only for guitarists but also for vocalists. It allows you to easily navigate your sound and switch between different vocal effects on-the-fly.
Technical Features:
- 9-button Touch interface for easy, quick navigation
- Looper with 6 tracks and loop-specific effects
- Vocoder with voice-controlled synth and robot modes
Review: The VoiceLive Touch 2 is a perfect companion for vocalists, providing a plethora of effects to fine-tune your sound. The six-track looper is an added bonus, allowing you to layer and create intricate vocal performances.
Verdict: The TC-Helicon VoiceLive Touch 2 is a highly intuitive and creative tool. It’s perfect for vocalists seeking to break boundaries and achieve a unique sound.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Vocalists who want to experiment and create unique and intricate vocal performances.
5. TC-Helicon Harmony Singer 2
The Harmony Singer 2 from TC-Helicon is a compact and convenient pedal that creates high-quality vocal harmonies. It features built-in reverb and tone controls, and uses guitar input to automatically produce the correct harmony parts.
- Automatically produces correct harmony parts based on guitar input.
- Compact design is perfect for smaller pedalboards.
- Built-in reverb adds depth to vocal performance.
Why someone should buy:
If you’re looking for a simple and effective solution for adding professional-sounding harmonies to your live performances, the Harmony Singer 2 is an excellent choice.
Technical Features:
- 8 harmony styles to choose from, each with 3 vocal harmonies
- Tone control for adaptive EQ, compression, de-essing, and gating
- Battery-powered operation allows for maximum portability
Review: The Harmony Singer 2 is simple to use and delivers impressive results. The harmonies sound natural and the built-in reverb is a nice touch. Its automatic harmony generation based on guitar input is a standout feature.
Verdict: For solo performers or duos seeking a straightforward, portable, and effective vocal harmonizer, the Harmony Singer 2 is an excellent choice.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Solo performers and duos seeking to enrich their live performances with automatic harmony generation.
6. Mooer Pitch Box Harmonizer/Pitch Shifter
The Mooer Pitch Box is a small and simple device that can shift pitch and create harmonies. Despite its compact size, it can produce three different modes: Harmony, Pitch Shift, and Detune.
- Compact size fits on any pedalboard.
- Three different modes offer versatility.
- Affordable price point is great for budget-conscious musicians.
Why someone should buy:
The Pitch Box is perfect for musicians looking for a small, budget-friendly harmonizer that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Technical Features:
- Harmony, Pitch Shift, and Detune modes
- Pitch shifting range of +/- 2 octaves
- True bypass design for pure signal path
Review: The Mooer Pitch Box offers a lot of value for its size and price. The pitch shifting is smooth and accurate, and the harmony mode creates pleasing harmonies.
Verdict: If you’re on a budget or have limited space on your pedalboard, the Mooer Pitch Box is a worthy addition.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Musicians with limited pedalboard space or who are looking for an affordable harmonizer solution.
7. Boss PS-6 Harmonist Pedal
The Boss PS-6 Harmonist Pedal is a versatile pedal that offers harmony, pitch shifting, and detune effects. It's capable of producing three-part harmonies and has a pitch bend feature for added flexibility.
- Versatility with harmony, pitch shift, and detune modes.
- Produces three-part harmonies.
- High-quality Boss construction.
Why someone should buy: The PS-6 is a great choice for guitarists who want a versatile harmonizer with pitch shifting capabilities.
Technical Features:
- Harmony, Pitch Shifter, and Detune effects in one pedal
- Supports 3-voice harmony and detune
- Mono or stereo output
Review: The Boss PS-6 Harmonist Pedal offers a lot of versatility and quality in its harmonies and pitch shifting. It’s sturdy, reliable, and the harmonies sound great.
Verdict: With its diverse range of features and dependable Boss build, the PS-6 is a great choice for any guitarist needing a harmonizer and pitch shifter in one.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Guitarists looking for a versatile harmonizer with additional pitch shifting capabilities.
(Note: Due to space limitations, the remaining products will need to be described in separate responses.)
8. Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer
The Eventide H9 Max is a high-end, multi-effect processor that offers a wide range of effects, including pitch shifting, harmonizing, and time delay. It is compatible with a mobile app for easy editing.
- Premium quality sound and build.
- Huge range of effects and features.
- Mobile app compatibility for easy editing.
Why someone should buy: If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-in-one effects solution, the Eventide H9 Max is a top-tier choice.
Technical Features:
- Over 50 effect algorithms and 500 presets.
- Bluetooth connectivity for editing via the H9 Control app.
- Includes all future algorithm updates for free.
Review: The Eventide H9 Max offers unrivaled quality and a wide range of effects. It’s pricey, but the vast array of high-quality effects, presets, and easy app control justify the cost.
Verdict: The H9 Max is a serious investment, but if you’re after a high-end, all-in-one solution, it’s worth every penny.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Musicians looking for a high-end, comprehensive multi-effect solution.
10. Boss VE-2 Vocal Harmonist Pedal
The Boss VE-2 is a vocal harmonizer pedal that can automatically generate harmonies based on the chords you're playing on your guitar. It's ideal for singer-songwriters and solo performers.
- Automatic harmony generation based on guitar input.
- Enhance feature for real-time pitch correction.
- Built-in reverb, delay, and dynamics effects.
Why someone should buy: If you’re a singing guitarist looking for an easy way to add vocal harmonies to your performances, the VE-2 is a fantastic tool.
Technical Features:
- Auto Harmony function creates harmonies based on guitar input.
- Hybrid mode for combining manual setting and guitar input.
- Variety of effects including reverb, delay, and dynamics.
Review: The Boss VE-2 Vocal Harmonist is a highly intuitive tool that automatically creates harmonies based on guitar chords. It has additional vocal-enhancing effects, making it a comprehensive vocal processing solution.
Verdict: For singing guitarists, the VE-2 offers a practical and versatile way to enhance performances with vocal harmonies.
This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Singing guitarists and solo performers looking for automatic vocal harmony generation.
11. Mooer Pitch Box Harmonizer Pedal
The Mooer Pitch Box is a harmonizer and pitch shifter pedal in a highly compact form. Despite its size, it's capable of creating rich harmonies and varied pitch effects.
- Compact and budget-friendly.
- Provides pitch shifting, harmony, and detune effects.
- Surprisingly robust for its size.
Why someone should buy: If you’re looking for a small, budget-friendly harmonizer pedal that still delivers on quality, the Mooer Pitch Box is an excellent choice.
Technical Features:
- Three modes: Harmony, Pitch Shift, and Detune.
- Compact size perfect for pedalboards with limited space.
- True bypass to maintain signal integrity when not in use.
Review: The Mooer Pitch Box offers good value for money, providing harmonizing, detune, and pitch-shifting effects in a highly compact unit. Its sound quality and performance outperform its price point.
Verdict: If you’re in the market for a harmonizer but are tight on space or budget, the Mooer Pitch Box is a worthy consideration. It offers a variety of pitch-related effects and doesn’t skimp on sound quality despite its compact size.
H4: This guitar harmonizer pedal is Perfect For: Guitarists on a budget or those with limited pedalboard space who still want a versatile harmonizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a harmonizer pedal do?
A: A harmonizer pedal is an intelligent harmony machine that allows you to create harmonies by adding pitches to the original signal from your guitar. Using the concepts of music theory, it alters the pitch of your notes to construct chords or melodies around your original signal.
Some harmonizer pedals even let you shift to multiple octaves, giving you a wide range of sonic possibilities. Advanced models also feature voice mixers, allowing you to blend wet and dry signals for a more balanced output.
Q: Which harmonizer is best?
A: The best harmonizer for you depends on your personal preferences and musical needs. However, the TC Electronic Brainwaves, Digitech Whammy, and the Eventide Pitchfactor Harmonizer have been praised for their excellent pitch shifter effects and versatile pedal features.
They offer a variety of momentary modes, a key selector for precise harmonies, and robust rotary knobs for adjusting parameters. Plus, if you keep an eye out, you might catch a price drop on these high-end pedals!
Q: What is the difference between an octave and harmonizer pedal?
A: An octave pedal and a harmonizer pedal both alter the pitch of your guitar’s signal, but they do it in different ways. An octave pedal typically adds a signal one or more octaves above or below the original signal, providing synth tones or bass-like effects.
On the other hand, a harmonizer pedal is more complex. It can create harmonies in multiple intervals, not just octaves, based on a specified key. It’s like having a whole band backing you up right on your pedalboard.
Q: What is the difference between a pitch shifter and a harmonizer?
A: While they seem similar, pitch shifters and harmonizers operate differently. A pitch shifter simply raises or lowers your signal’s pitch by a certain interval – like the classic Digitech Whammy that offers sweeping pitch shift effects.
However, a harmonizer takes into account the context of a musical key, creating harmonies based on that key. Essentially, pitch shifters are more straightforward, while harmonizers require more knowledge of music theory but offer more advanced harmonic capabilities.
Q: How does the physical layout of a harmonizer pedal affect its functionality?
A: The physical layout of a harmonizer pedal, such as the placement of rotary knobs, the toggle switch, the momentary switch, and the volume knob, plays a significant role in its functionality. For example, the momentary switch allows you to activate the effect only when you press down on it – great for temporary pitch shifts or delay effects.
A key selector knob is crucial for setting the key your harmonies will be based on. Ideally, all these components should be within easy reach for smooth operation, whether you’re practicing at home or performing live.
Q: How can I integrate a harmonizer pedal into my setup?
A: Integrating a harmonizer pedal into your setup is as straightforward as adding it to your signal chain on your pedalboard. However, placement can be key. Typically, you’ll want to place it after your drive and distortion pedals but before modulation and delay effects.
Additionally, many modern harmonizer pedals feature a USB audio interface, enabling you to connect it directly to your computer for recording or firmware updates. However, as always, the best setup is one that works for you and helps you achieve your desired sound.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Harmonizer Pedal for Your Needs
If you’re looking to elevate your guitar playing with a harmonizer pedal, this buyer’s guide will delve into the intricacies of these unique guitar pedals and provide expert-level advice to help you make an informed decision. Below, we’ll explore the critical factors to consider when investing in a harmonizer pedal, from types and features to placement on your pedalboard.
1. Understand the Different Types
Different types of harmonizer pedals offer unique features and functionalities that can contribute to your overall sound. Primarily, there are two types to be aware of:
- Octave Pedals: These pedals add notes an octave above or below your original signal, producing a richer sound. They are great for simulating bass lines or adding a shimmering top layer to your tone.Suggested Image: A few octave pedals lined up for comparison.
- Harmonizer Pedals: These are more complex, offering the ability to add harmonies in various intervals, not just octaves. These pedals follow the musical key you set, making them great for creating backing vocals or simulated instruments.Suggested Image: Close-up shot of a harmonizer pedal with key settings visible.
2. Feature Set: What to Look For
When it comes to the feature set, here are some essential elements to consider:
- Pitch Shifting: This is the core functionality of a harmonizer pedal. Look for pedals that offer a wide range, allowing you to shift from a few semitones to multiple octaves.Suggested Image: A harmonizer pedal with pitch shift dial.
- Key/Scale Settings: For harmonizer pedals, the ability to set the musical key or scale is essential. This feature will determine the intervals of the harmonies that your pedal generates.Suggested Image: A pedal with the scale settings dial highlighted.
- Single/Multiple Voice: Some pedals allow you to add one harmony (single voice), while others can add multiple harmonies (multiple voice) simultaneously. This choice depends on how complex you want your harmonies to be.Suggested Image: A diagram comparing single and multiple voice harmonies.
- Additional Effects: Some harmonizer pedals come with extra effects like reverb, delay, or distortion. These can add more versatility to your sound but also make the pedal more complicated to use.Suggested Image: A pedal with multiple effect dials.
3. Sound Quality and Tracking Speed
Two crucial elements often overlooked are the sound quality and tracking speed of the harmonizer pedal:
- Sound Quality: High-quality harmonizer pedals should produce harmonies that sound natural and blend well with your original signal. Cheaper pedals can sometimes result in artificial sounding harmonies.Suggested Image: Sound wave graphics representing good and poor sound quality.
- Tracking Speed: This refers to how quickly the pedal can detect the note you’re playing and generate the corresponding harmony. Faster tracking speed results in smoother, more natural sounding harmonies.Suggested Image: A graph illustrating tracking speed.
4. Placement on Your Pedal Board
Where you place your harmonizer pedal in your signal chain can have a significant impact on your overall sound:
- Harmonizer pedals typically work best when placed after overdrive/distortion pedals but before delay and reverb pedals. This placement ensures that the harmonies are not muddied by other effects.Suggested Image: A labeled diagram of a typical pedalboard setup.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the top guitar harmonizer pedals , showcasing how they transform guitar sounds in unique ways. The TC Electronic Brainwaves stands out with its seven modes and dual voices, while the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine brings its own flair. The S-Bend mode in these pedals adds a creative twist, creating harmonies that enrich solo performances. The pitch shift features and pedal plays ensure intricate sound manipulation, highlighting the technological advancements in pedal design.
True bypass, a key feature in pedals like the Electro Harmonix Pitch Fork, maintains signal integrity, preserving the guitar’s original tone. These pedals also offer modern conveniences like USB connectivity and AC adapter compatibility, enhancing usability.
Overall, these harmonizer pedals are essential tools for guitarists looking to expand their sound palette, whether in the studio or live performances. They represent a journey towards personalizing one’s musical expression, with each pedal offering unique ways to explore and create.