1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-G XT Vocal Effects Processor. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure optimal performance and safety.
The VoiceTone Harmony-G XT is designed to enhance vocal performances with natural-sounding harmonies and various vocal effects, controlled by guitar input for accurate key detection.
2. Safety Information
- Power Supply: Use only the specified power adapter. Incorrect voltage can damage the unit and void the warranty.
- Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or any liquids.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
- Heat Sources: Keep the unit away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Cleaning: Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-G XT Vocal Effects Processor
- Power Adapter
- USB Cable
- User Manual (this document)
4. Product Overview
4.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Image 1: Front view of the TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-G XT, showing the input, tone, guitar, FX, and harmony controls, along with the A/B footswitches and Voice 1/Voice 2 buttons. The display indicates various settings and modes.
- Input Knob: Adjusts the microphone input gain.
- Tone Button: Activates adaptive EQ, compression, de-essing, and gate.
- Guitar Knob: Adjusts the guitar input level.
- FX Knob: Controls the level of vocal effects (reverb/delay).
- Harmony Knob: Adjusts the level of the generated harmony voices.
- Preset Button: Cycles through presets. Hold to store changes.
- Manual Button: Engages manual harmony mode.
- Double Button: Activates vocal doubling effect.
- FX Button: Toggles vocal effects on/off.
- Voice 1 / Voice 2 Buttons: Selects harmony intervals.
- A / B Footswitches: Selects between two variations of a preset or bypasses effects. Hold for tuner/bypass.
4.2 Rear Panel Connections
Image 2: Rear view of the TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-G XT, displaying the various input and output ports including Mic Input, Inst Input/Thru, Left/Right Outputs, USB port, and Power input.
- Mic Input (XLR): Connect your microphone here.
- Inst (In/Thru) (1/4" Jack): Connect your guitar here. The Thru output can send the dry guitar signal to an amplifier.
- Left (Mono) / Right (Dry) Outputs (XLR): Connect to your mixer or PA system. The Right output can carry a dry signal if configured.
- USB Port: For firmware updates and preset management via computer.
- Power Input (12V DC): Connect the provided power adapter.
5. Setup
- Connect Microphone: Plug your microphone into the Mic Input XLR connector.
- Connect Guitar: Plug your guitar into the Inst In 1/4" jack. If you wish to send your guitar signal to an amplifier, connect the Inst Thru to your amplifier's input.
- Connect Outputs: Connect the Left (Mono) and/or Right (Dry) XLR outputs to your mixer or PA system. For stereo effects, use both outputs.
- Connect Power: Connect the provided 12V DC power adapter to the Power input on the rear panel, then plug the adapter into a suitable power outlet. The unit will power on automatically.
- Adjust Input Gain: Sing into your microphone and play your guitar. Adjust the Input and Guitar knobs until the input level indicators show a strong signal without clipping.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Basic Operation
- Selecting Presets: Press the Preset button to cycle through the 10 available presets. Each preset has A and B variations.
- Activating Effects: Use the A and B footswitches to toggle between the A and B variations of a preset.
- Bypass/Tuner: Hold down the B footswitch to engage the tuner or bypass all effects.
- Tone Feature: Press the Tone button to activate the adaptive tone processing, which includes EQ, compression, de-essing, and gating for vocal clarity.
6.2 Harmony Generation
The Harmony-G XT uses your guitar input to detect the key and generate harmonies that are musically correct. Ensure your guitar is connected and playing for accurate harmony tracking.
- Harmony Knob: Adjusts the volume of the generated harmony voices relative to your lead vocal.
- Voice 1 / Voice 2 Buttons: These buttons select the intervals for the two harmony voices. Common intervals include Higher, High, Low, Lower, Bass, and Octave. Experiment to find the desired sound.
- Manual Harmony: Press the Manual button to engage manual harmony mode, allowing you to select specific harmony intervals independent of guitar input.
6.3 Vocal Effects (FX)
The unit includes various vocal effects such as reverb and delay.
- FX Knob: Controls the wet/dry mix of the selected vocal effect.
- FX Button: Toggles the vocal effects on or off for the current preset.
- Effect Types: The unit offers 6 combinations of reverb/delay. These are typically selected within the preset editing mode (refer to advanced operation for details).
6.4 Saving Presets
After adjusting parameters, you can save your changes to a preset:
- Make your desired adjustments to the knobs and buttons.
- Hold down the Preset button until the display indicates the preset is saved.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use, store the unit in a dry, dust-free environment.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the TC-Helicon website for firmware updates. Updates can be installed via the USB connection and the VoiceSupport application.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power adapter not connected or faulty. | Ensure power adapter is securely connected to the unit and a working power outlet. Use only the supplied adapter. |
| No vocal sound | Microphone not connected, input gain too low, or output cables disconnected. | Check microphone connection. Increase Input knob. Verify XLR output connections to mixer/PA. |
| Harmonies are incorrect or out of key | Guitar not connected, guitar signal too low, or incorrect key detection. | Ensure guitar is connected to Inst In. Increase Guitar knob. Ensure guitar is playing clearly for key detection. Consider using manual harmony mode if guitar input is inconsistent. |
| Distorted sound | Input gain too high. | Reduce Input knob for microphone or Guitar knob for guitar until distortion is eliminated. |
9. Specifications
Image 3: Side view of the TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-G XT, illustrating its compact size with dimensions of approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length.
- Model Number: 996000905
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 3.81 cm (5 x 5 x 1.5 inches)
- Weight: 907.18 g (2 lbs)
- Body Material: Metal
- Connector Type: Balanced XLR in and outputs, Unbalanced 1/4" instrument in/out, USB
- Power Source: Electric with cable (12V DC)
- Audio Output Effects: Reverb, Harmony, Doubling
- Features: Guitar-controlled harmony, automatic chromatic pitch correction, 6 reverb/delay combinations, 10 presets (A/B options), USB for updates.
10. Warranty and Support
TC-Helicon products are covered by a limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official TC-Helicon website. For technical support, firmware updates, and additional resources, please visit the TC-Helicon support page or use the VoiceSupport application.
Note: Warranty terms and conditions may vary by region.
