Akai's DuoBuddy Vocal Processor Released

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Akai Professional introduced the HV1 DuoBuddy. The HV1 allows singers to set-up and control their own vocal harmonies. Similar to a stomp box for guitarists, this second vocal generator adds one voice harmony to a melody to give depth to vocals in live performances.

Unlike other vocal effect systems that require pre-programming, MIDI synchronization, connecting of footswitches, and are usually part of large, complicated set-ups, the HV1 DuoBuddy is a simple stand-alone solution for today's vocalists. The HV1 is simply connected between the mic and mixer; no effect sends or additional inputs of the mixer are required, and true bypass insures that when the effect is turned off, there is no coloring of the sound.

Loaded with features, the DuoBuddy continues its ease of use attitude by sensing incoming signal pitch and determining which of the 9 preset harmony styles should be used. With the 9 "user" presets, you can edit and create customized harmony styles as well. The tuning adjust function enables the DuoBuddy to be tuned to other instruments, while the Formant control feature actually allows you to change the harmony character from a male voice to a female voice, female to male, or to change the characteristics of either to create the impression of two singers and not just a harmony of the primary voice.

The "Random Delay" feature allows the vocalist to determine the rate of delay between the primary vocal and the harmony vocal. This delay recreates a natural feel you would expect to hear from two singers during a duet or song chorus. A "Sub-Style" feature is a quick fix for situations where the harmony doesn't match the song style at certain points of the song. By simply pressing the Program Footswitch, the alternative style is selected for a perfect Primary/Harmony match.

The XLR Input/Output connectors offer speedy set-ups for live use, and since the XLR ouput provides the signal at microphone level, no changes in mixer settings are required.

The input signal is not colored; as it is being bypassed directly to the output by the true-bypass circuit design (XLR connections only) when the effect is turned off.