V256

The V256 combines a vocoder with a set of pitch-based vocal effects. The number of vocoder bands can be set anywhere from 8 to 256, a gender-bender control shifts the formant toward a lower or higher voice, and a blend control mixes the dry vocal with the effect. A knob scrolls through nine modes, which include three robotic voices, single, major and minor drones with pitch control, transposition, instrument-controlled monophonic pitch replacement and Reflex Tune pitch correction.

A microphone connects directly to the XLR input, which has a switchable +40V phantom power supply for condenser mics and a mic gain switch to adjust preamp sensitivity. A separate 1/4" instrument input can act as the carrier signal in the vocoder modes, set the note in instrument control mode, or define the key for Reflex Tune. Nine programmable memory locations are recalled with the preset footswitch.

The effect leaves the unit through an XLR output that carries the effect, dry and bypassed vocals, while a 1/4" instrument output carries the effected instrument signal blended with the dry signal or the internal synthesizer. The circuit is digital with buffered bypass, and a 9.6VDC power adapter is included.