AutoTune. The very mention of it conjures up images, love it or hate it. In the right hands, it can be imperceptible and help produce stunning vocals. Major singers whom you would think have no need of it, insist on it. Or it can make genres and styles through its use as an extremely stylized effect. Post Malone thanked AutoTune in his 2021 GRAMMY acceptance speech. AutoTune is not without controversy.
Historically, AutoTune has been the exclusive domain of producers, engineers and artists who took the time to learn the software. Until now. The Headrush VX5 brings instant live AutoTune technology to the hands of any artist in the form of an accessibly priced stomp box, with highly comprehensive features.
The HeadRush VX5 is a dedicated vocal effects pedal featuring the industry-standard Antares AutoTune pitch correction technology. Designed for both live and studio use, it provides a portable solution for vocalists to enhance their sound. The core of the pedal is its Antares AutoTune algorithm, which can be used for subtle, transparent pitch correction or for the classic hard-tuned, robotic vocal effect. Dedicated "Retune Speed" and "Humanize" knobs allow for precise, real-time control over the effect's intensity. For live performance, Talk Mode is enabled by a footswitch that bypasses all effects, allowing you to clearly address the audience between songs.
The VX5 also includes studio-quality effects from AIR Music Technology. These effects are arranged in a fixed signal chain: Compressor, Flavor (including distortion and saturation), Chorus, Reverb, Delay, and Intelligent Harmonizer. This last feature can automatically generate vocal harmonies that are in key with your performance. It can either track your voice or listen to a connected instrument, such as a guitar or keyboard, to create dynamic harmonies. A/B Mode allows you to toggle individual effects on or off within a single preset using the footswitches for seamless transitions during a song. The pedal comes with 99 factory presets and can store up to 250 user-customizable presets.
The VX5 can function as a 2-in/2-out, 24-bit/48kHz USB audio interface, allowing you to record vocals and effects directly to a computer or mobile device. It features a premium XLR mic preamp with switchable +48V phantom power to support both dynamic and condenser microphones. There is also a 1/4" input for a guitar or keyboard to control the Intelligent Harmonizer. It has both an XLR line-level output with a ground lift and a 1/4" thru output. A 1/8" headphone jack is also included for monitoring.
When learning the pedal, MC found it useful to have the VX5 controls accessible by having it on a table instead of the floor. The VX5 is an innovative unique pedal that brings modern AutoTune effects and more, front and center. $299
