Based on the same 24 bit/ 44.1kHz technology the 2 units have similar sound quality but the Live 4 has a larger footprint, more facilities and a heftier price tag.

These units are designed for singing guitar players who wish to add harmonies and effects to their performances without recruiting anyone else. Used subtly they really can be effective in filling out the sound provided the player can use a clean enough technique with the right chord shapes to generate the required harmonies. The guitar is plugged directly into the DigiTech unit where there is a direct output (link) so that the signal can then be sent to the guitar amp or PA system. The vocalist sings whilst playing a chord on the guitar, and Vocalist Live adds the specified harmonies on top.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

The Live 2 can generate 2 vocal harmonies in addition to the original and it also adds compression, reverb and enhancement if required. The Live 4 can generate 4 harmonies and has both vocal and guitar effects if required. Live 2 is mono, live 4 is stereo.

IN USE

It really is best not to over use these units. Live 2 can give you a third or fifth above and below, and there is also a unison option - chosen carefully depending on the register of the lead vocal and using the footswitch to punch in the harmonies at given points Live 2 fills out the sound nicely without getting in the way of the original vocal performance.

Live 4 has presets which show up in a display - names like CSN (Crosby Stills and Nash) give you an idea of the type of harmony to expect, though you can create and save your own 'presets' if you like. Again, depending on the register the vocalist sings in it soon becomes obvious which presets will and will not work - an octave above that of someone with a high voice already sounds very strange indeed! Similarly someone singing in a low register can create a very unreal bottom end if an octave below is chosen.

From an educational point of view, the student will learn to choose with care the chord inversions used, will need to develop a clean technique on guitar, and pitch vocals accurately - though there is pitch correction provided here, but which can sound a little contrived. Certainly the user will need to have a clear understanding of the vocal arrangement to be used.

TO SUMMARISE

A DigiTech vocalist Live 2 or 4 can help a learner to generate evidence for BTEC units which require the use of music technology in performance effectively and can enhance any solo performance whilst demonstrating creativity and flair. Both units are quite robust though they would need to be treated with some respect in use, and stored properly when not in use. Live 4 is more flexible for the extra cost, but is a little more complicated to use - where budgets allow, the Live 2 would be ideally suited to level 2 (First Certificate and Diploma) learners whilst live 4 would give level 3 (BTEC National Award/ Certificate/ Diploma) learners that extra flexibility to demonstrate creativity.

The bottom line: Go on - give one of these units a try they're sure to encourage learners to use flair and creativity in their work...

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