Radial Voco-Loco User Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Voco-Loco! This is one of the most unique devices ever made and will surely bring a lot of fun, excitement and creativity to your performance and likely change the way you approach your voice or instrument from here on.

If you are a vocalist you may have never used guitar effect pedals, so this will be new to you. If, on the other hand you are a guitarist who also sings, this may be old hat. Either way, please take a few minutes to read through this short manual as it will surely bring some insight on how to best approach using the Voco-Loco so that you get the most out of it.

If after you have read it you still have some questions, please take a minute to visit the Voco-Loco FAQ page on the Radial web site. This is where we post the latest updates and questions from users. If you still have a question that is unanswered, feel free to send us an email at info@radialeng.com and we will do our best to answer you in short order.

Now get ready to add a whole new dimension of character, excitement and folly to your performance.

Overview

The Voco-Loco is a mic-to-effects interface that enables the vocalist, sax, trumpet or harmonica player to use pedals just like an electric guitarist. In other words, you connect your microphone to the Voco-Loco and it converts the signal so that it may be used with guitar pedals. The signal is then sent to the PA system where it is processed as usual.

Signal Flow Description

The signal flow begins with YOUR MIC connecting to the Voco-Loco. Inside, it passes through a Mic Preamp and a 2-Band EQ for tone shaping. The signal is then sent to YOUR EFFECTS via the SEND jack and returned via the RECEIVE jack. The Voco-Loco then blends the original dry signal with the processed wet signal using the MIX control. The final output is sent to the PA SYSTEM via the XLR LINE OUT.

Block Diagram: Signal Flow

The signal path is as follows: MIC INPUT feeds into the MIC PREAMP, which is followed by a 2-BAND EQ. The SEND LEVEL control adjusts the signal sent to the EFFECTS LOOP via the SEND jack. The signal returns from the EFFECTS LOOP via the RECEIVE jack, with its level adjusted by the RECV LEVEL control. The DRY/WET MIX control blends the original dry signal with the effects. The TONE control further shapes the wet signal. The final mixed signal is output via the XLR LINE OUT.

Feature Set

Product Image Description

The Voco-Loco is a compact, rectangular audio effects pedal with a black chassis and a dark grey top panel. It features numerous knobs, switches, and two footswitches on the front. The top panel displays the 'VOCO-LOCO' model name, 'VOCAL PREAMP & EFFECTS LOOP' designation, and controls for MIC IN, LOW, HIGH, SEND, RECV, TONE, and MIX. It also includes indicators for 48V phantom power, and LEDs for the footswitch functions (MUTE, ALL WET, LOOP ON/OFF). The 'Radial Engineering' logo is prominently displayed.

Control Descriptions

• 1. MIC INPUT: Balanced XLR input for your microphone.
• 2. 48V: Recessed switch to enable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The 48V LED indicator illuminates when active.
• 3. SEND/RECV: Unbalanced 1/4-inch jacks for sending the signal to effect pedals and returning it to the Voco-Loco.
• 4. 180°: Recessed switch to reverse the polarity of the effects loop, ensuring guitar pedals remain in phase with the microphone signal.
• 5. LIFT: Disconnects the pin-1 ground connection at the XLR output to help eliminate noise caused by ground loops.
• 6. LINE OUTPUT: Male XLR output for connecting to a PA system.
• 7. POWER: Connection for the 15VDC, 400mA power supply.
• 8. MIC IN: Adjusts the input level for the Voco-Loco's mic preamp section.
• 9. LOW / HIGH: Dual-band EQ for adjusting the tone of your microphone signal.
• 10. SEND/RECV: Individual controls to adjust the signal level sent to and received from effect pedals, optimizing signal-to-noise and reducing distortion.
• 11. TONE: Adjusts the overall tone of the wet effect signal, smoothing out harshness.
• 12. MIX: Blends the dry mic signal with the wet effect signal.
• 13. LOOP WET/DRY: Primary footswitch to toggle the effects loop on or off.
• 14. MUTE/ALL WET: Left footswitch can either mute the output or activate 'all wet' mode.
• 15. MUTE-LOOP: Recessed switch on the side panel that selects the function of the left footswitch: inward for mute, outward for 'all wet' mode.

Making Connections

Ensure volume levels are turned off before making connections to avoid loud pops in the PA system. The Voco-Loco powers on when the 15V power adapter is connected; footswitch LEDs illuminate when the unit is powered and ready.

Connect your microphone to the Voco-Loco's XLR-female MIC INPUT. For condenser microphones, activate the 48V phantom power using the recessed rear panel switch. The +48V LED indicator will illuminate.

Connect the Voco-Loco's XLR LINE OUTPUT to a mic or line level input on your PA system. If distortion occurs, lower the Voco-Loco's level or reduce the mixer's input sensitivity.

Connect your effect pedals using standard 1/4-inch guitar cables: from the Voco-Loco's SEND jack to the effect pedal's input, and from the effect pedal's output back to the Voco-Loco's RECEIVE jack. Effect pedals like distortion or phase shifters are often placed before time-based effects like reverb or delay, but experimentation is encouraged.

Setup and Operation

Setting Up the Dry Sound

Start with both footswitches turned off and their LEDs off. Set all Voco-Loco controls to the 12 o'clock position. Turn on the PA system and slowly increase the mic level. Test at low levels for safety. If you encounter buzz or hum, engage the recessed ground LIFT switch on the rear panel to disconnect pin-1 on the XLR, which can eliminate noise from ground loops. Adjust the MIC IN level and use the LOW and HIGH equalizer controls to shape your mic's tone. Be mindful that excessive lows or highs can cause feedback or resonance.

Setting Up the Wet Sound

Activate the effects loop by pressing the right-hand footswitch (LOOP WET/DRY). The LED will illuminate. Turn on one effect pedal at a time to simplify troubleshooting. Effects like delay or chorus are good starting points. If the Voco-Loco over-drives an effect, turn down the SEND level and increase the RECV level to compensate. Use the wet/dry MIX control to blend the original dry signal with the effect signal until the desired mix is achieved. You can then add more pedals.

Adjusting the Tone Control

The TONE control is a post-effects-loop EQ designed to smooth out excessively bright or harsh sounding pedals. Guitar pedals are often designed for guitar amps without tweeters. A PA system has a full range, including high frequencies, so you may need to adjust the TONE control to compensate for a more pleasing sound.

Using the Polarity Reverse

If blending wet and dry signals results in a weak sound, a pedal may be inverting phase, causing cancellation when mixed with the original dry signal. This is common with guitar effect pedals. The recessed 180° REVERSE switch corrects this by inverting the wet signal to bring it back into phase with the dry signal, creating a full sound.

Using the Left-Hand Footswitch

The left footswitch can be assigned as either a 'mute' switch or an 'all-wet' effect loop function. This is selected using the recessed MUTE/LOOP switch on the left side panel, which can be set inward or outward using a small screwdriver.

Mute Mode

When the MUTE/LOOP switch is set outward, the left footswitch functions as a 'mute'. In this mode, it turns off the Voco-Loco's XLR output when not in use. The LED indicator illuminates when mute is active. Muting is useful between sets to eliminate feedback and bleed, making mixing easier. The left footswitch in mute mode overrides the right footswitch, allowing you to prepare effect loops while the output is silenced.

'All-Wet' Mode

When the MUTE/LOOP switch is pushed inward, the left footswitch engages the 'all-wet' mode. In this mode, the effect loop is activated, and the dry signal is turned off, so the Voco-Loco's output is 'wet signal only'. The LED indicator illuminates when 'all wet' mode is on. This mode is equivalent to turning the MIX control fully clockwise to 'wet', providing a full effect sound for solos or special effects, such as a distorted sax solo or a simulated telephone voice effect.

Using the Footswitches Together

The left footswitch overrides the right footswitch, allowing you to preset the state of the right footswitch while the 'all-wet' mode is engaged. For instance, you can transition from a 'dry' sound to 'all-wet', and then to a 'mix of wet and dry' signals using both footswitches.

Using the Voco-Loco with Various Effects

Adding Distortion

Adding distortion can enhance vocals or instruments with character and grit. Distortion pedals fall into three main categories:

• Fuzz: Early distortion pedals from the 1960s, known for a distinct buzzy effect with odd harmonics.
• Distortion: Developed in the 1970s, these simulate a hard-driven guitar amp, often using multiple gain stages.
• Overdrive: Popular in the 1980s, these use a single gain stage for a more natural distortion when combined with a driven amp.

Modulating Effects

Modulating effects introduce warble or vibrato to the signal. Key controls are intensity (amount of effect) and speed (frequency). Types include:

• Vibrato: Causes pitch shifts or warble by modulating frequency up and down.
• Tremolo: Varies the amplitude or loudness of the signal.
• Phase Shifter: Creates a 'wash' or 'wind' effect by manipulating phase.
• Flanger: Similar to a phase shifter but with increased intensity, creating a 'jet' effect.
• Chorus: Simulates a rotating Leslie speaker effect by modulating a delayed signal.

Other Effects

• Delay & Reverb: Adds echo and space to vocals or instruments, enhancing depth and perceived loudness. Be cautious as high intensity can reduce note clarity.
• Octavers and Sub Harmonic Generators: Introduce octave effects above or below the fundamental frequency for 'monster' sounds.
• Envelopes & Filters: Wah-wah pedals use narrow band EQ with adjustable mid frequencies to create a sweeping effect.
• Equalizers: Can thin out bass frequencies or accentuate mids for effects like a megaphone.
• Digital Modeling: Multi-effects processors that combine various effects for unlimited creative options.

Combining Effects

Combining multiple effects can create entirely new sounds, such as using distortion with an EQ to simulate a telephone voice. This is where creativity can shine.

Specifications

Block Diagrams

MIC INPUT STAGE Block Diagram Description

The diagram shows the XLR INPUT receiving the microphone signal. The +48V PHANTOM POWER GENERATOR can be activated via the 48V ON switch. The signal passes through a Preamp (PreQ) and a 2 BAND EQUALIZER. A SEND DRIVER with adjustable GAIN controls the signal sent to the EFFECTS LOOP. A LEVEL control adjusts the overall input level. A POLARITY INVERTER is included in the effects loop path.

EFFECTS LOOP AND MIX Block Diagram Description

This diagram illustrates the EFFECTS LOOP SEND and RECEIVE jacks. The RECEIVE path includes an AMPLIFIER & FX TONE stage. The FX LOOP FOOT SWITCH controls the loop. The REAR PANEL SEND/RECEIVE switch is also shown. The WET/DRY & MUTE CONTROL, along with a BLEND control, mixes the dry and wet signals. A BALANCED LINE DRIVER outputs the final signal via the XLR OUTPUT. The LIFT switch for ground loop elimination is also depicted.

Warranty Information

Three Year Transferable Limited Warranty

RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding finish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the event that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right to replace the product with a similar product of equal or greater value.

In the unlikely event that a defect is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001 or email service@radialeng.com to obtain an RA number (Return Authorization number) before the 3 year warranty period expires. The product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or equivalent) to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair center and you must assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer name must accompany any request for work to be performed under this limited and transferable warranty.

This warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modification by any other than an authorized Radial repair center.

THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.

Contact: 604-942-1001 or service@radialeng.com

Website: www.radialeng.com ??