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Description

Unleash your vocal potential with the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer, a versatile multi-effects pedal specially designed for vocalists. This stompbox-style unit brings a world of possibilities to your vocal performances, from pitch correction to looping and layering.

With an array of specialized effects, including Harmony, Double-Track, Dynamics, Reverb, and Delay, the VE-20 elevates your vocals to new heights. Its intuitive controls allow you to easily select and edit effects, providing a unique and personalized approach to your vocal sound.

One of the standout features of the VE-20 is its smart harmony capabilities. Create lush harmonies with your lead vocals in real-time by selecting your preferred harmony interval or by stacking multi-part harmonies for instant recall. The Double Track feature offers another way to enhance and thicken your vocals.

For those who like to experiment, the VE-20 also comes with a variety of special effects, including Distortion, Chorus, and the well-known "Cher effect". Plus, the pedal's built-in phrase looper gives you up to 38 seconds of mono record time for real-time looping and layering of phrases.

Built with Boss's renowned rugged construction, the VE-20 is designed to withstand live performances and fits seamlessly into existing multi-pedal Boss pedalboards and travel cases.

Key Features:

  • Specialized effects for singers in an easy-to-use stompbox format
  • Harmony, Double-Track, Dynamics, Reverb, Delay, and more
  • Creates instant 3-part harmonies and layers
  • Real-time pitch-correction tools
  • Special FX section including Distortion, Radio, and Strobe
  • Phrase Looper with 38 seconds (mono) of recording time
  • Phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Runs on 6 AA-batteries or AC adaptor (PSA)
  • Rugged construction ideal for live performances

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model VE-20 Vocal Performer
Finish Red
Year 2011 - 2025
Made In Taiwan
Categories Multi-Effects Pedals and Processors, Vocal

FAQs

What types of vocal effects can I create with the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer?

The Boss VE-20 offers a range of vocal effects including harmony, reverb, delay, dynamics, and pitch correction. It also features special effects like distortion, radio, and strobe for creative vocal processing.

Is the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss VE-20 is designed for live use, providing easy access to a variety of vocal effects and harmonies with its footswitches, making it ideal for singers performing on stage.

Does the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer require a specific power supply?

The Boss VE-20 can be powered by six AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, providing flexibility for both stage and studio use.

Can the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer be used with any microphone?

The Boss VE-20 is compatible with most dynamic microphones and features an XLR input with phantom power for condenser microphones, offering versatility for different vocal setups.

How easy is it to use the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer for beginners?

The Boss VE-20 is user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and footswitches for hands-free operation, making it accessible for singers of all experience levels.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

BOSS VE-20 Vocal Processor with Theremin — Daniel Fisher

Video thumbnail for BOSS VE-20 Vocal Processor with Theremin — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

BOSS VE-20 Vocal Processor with Theremin — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for The Essential Effects for Vocalists (1/2) VE-20 "Vocal Performer" by BOSSchannel

The Essential Effects for Vocalists (1/2) VE-20 "Vocal Performer"

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor Review and Demonstration by Dancing with Ghosts

Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor Review and Demonstration

Dancing with Ghosts

Dancing with Ghosts

Video thumbnail for Testing Boss VE-20 effect pedal for vocals by Evilena Protektore

Testing Boss VE-20 effect pedal for vocals

Evilena Protektore

Evilena Protektore

Video thumbnail for BOSS VE-20 Vocal Performer: The Essential Tool for Vocalists by BOSSchannel

BOSS VE-20 Vocal Performer: The Essential Tool for Vocalists

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for Boss VE 20 Review & Vocal Test by Newcastle Music Studios

Boss VE 20 Review & Vocal Test

Newcastle Music Studios

Newcastle Music Studios

Video thumbnail for Boss VE-20 Vocal effects pedal demo by Gearfacts

Boss VE-20 Vocal effects pedal demo

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor Demo Reverb & 5th and 3rd Harmonies by MrInternet69

Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor Demo Reverb & 5th and 3rd Harmonies

MrInternet69

MrInternet69

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior voice reproduction enhances recordings and live performance

  • Features like reverb, delay, and pre-amp provide excellent sound control

  • Simple, user-friendly interface for easy operation

  • Versatile effects including harmonizers, robot voice, and looping capabilities

  • Durable build, designed to withstand performance rigors

  • Excellent value with unique features not found in other vocal pedals

  • Customizable presets allow for tailored vocal effects

  • Compatible with live and studio applications, increasing its utility

  • Battery and adapter included for immediate use

  • Effects such as harmonizing and pitch shifting offer creative possibilities

CONS

  • Phasing can be noticeable with certain effects in live settings

  • Harmonies require precise pitch to sound great, limiting use for some

  • Lacks ability to pause or resume loops, affecting live performance flexibility

  • Switching between settings on stage can be challenging

  • Some effects, like harmonies, might sound unnatural if not carefully managed

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer.

Features and functionality

  • The looper can't sync automatically due to lack of MIDI ports; manual timing is required for looping.

    Source
  • The display is backlit, aiding visibility during live performances, although menu navigation requires some adaptation.

    Source
  • Users confirm you can't use multiple Tone/Sfx plugins in one preset, but combining a single Tone/Sfx with effects like reverb or delay is possible.

    Source
  • Manual key input is required for each preset, even if pitch correction isn't used, to ensure accurate harmonization.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used units can be found for €160-180; new units are approximately €270 at Thomann.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the portability and durability, noting it can run on batteries and withstand heavy use.

    Source
  • Switching presets by foot during live shows is not ideal but becomes manageable with practice during vocal breaks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite being older, it remains a favorite among users for both home and live performance due to its versatility.

    Source
  • Considerations are necessary for using the pedal with a house PA system at small venues, requiring coordination with the sound technician.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss VE-20 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is a versatile onstage companion for vocalists, offering a range of voice-changing effects and harmonies with a dedicated footswitch. Its intuitive design, with 30 presets and user-friendly editing tools, makes it easy to enhance live performances. The onboard looper and various vocal effects expand creative possibilities, particularly for solo acts seeking a fuller sound. However, it lacks a guitar input, and users should use pitch-shifting effects cautiously to avoid unnatural artifacts. Overall, the VE-20 is a fun, practical tool for vocalists looking to elevate their stage presence.

positive

BOSS VE-20 Vocal Processor Review | Delicious Audio

delicious-audio.com

The Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is a sturdy, reliable tool for vocalists seeking a variety of effects in a single unit. Its robust construction and clean sound make it a strong contender for live performances. The unit offers a suite of effects, including pitch correction, harmonization, and looping, with factory presets that are surprisingly effective. However, it falls short in parameter control depth and lacks essential live features like feedback suppression and tap tempo. Looping is limited and not stored in memory, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Overall, it's a solid choice for its price, especially if you prioritize sound quality over extensive feature sets.

positive

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer stands out as a compact, feature-rich tool for vocalists seeking versatility without breaking the bank. Its rugged build and easy portability make it ideal for live performances, offering a range of effects like harmonies, pitch correction, and reverb. The pedal's intuitive interface allows for seamless preset changes and effect adjustments. However, it lacks real-time key detection for harmonies, requiring manual input per preset. Overall, it's a solid choice for solo performers wanting to enhance their sound, though dedicated loopers might want more sophisticated options.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 75 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
el_monje

AMAZING

Built like a tank, with the charasteristic boss quality, give you a lot of variety of effects and configuration for your voices needs, have phanton power, you can use it as pre-amp, is stereo, very intuitive (at least for me) easy to learn and once you have it, you understand why everyone musicians have one a must have.

mkltesthead

Great little unit for live vocal processing.

Not sure if you can trust the sound person where you are playing, or you just want to have a little bit of control over your vocal performance? Then you need the VE-20. It's simple to use, has a lot of user storable presets, lots of customization and leveling. The harmonizing is a nice addition as well but the effects and natural processing for the voice are the main attraction.

probably_babyshakes

Forget looping, this is a great vocal fx for live show

Wish it was easier to switch between settings live on stage, but overall it's a beast.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Double vocal fx.

ryanrbrown

Awesome effects and reverb! The looper is just missing one thing....

I bought this pedal looking for a multi-effect pedal that I could easily implement on stage into my vocals. This pedal has almost everything you could ask for, the effects sound nice and the interface can be easily used to tweak your effects to perfection with a little practice. The harmonies are a little tricky and if you don't sing exactly on pitch it doesn't sound great. But if you set it up properly with the key it can add some nice stuff. The only thing that I really wish this pedal had was a way to paused and resume the loops you create... The looper works well, it's easy to figure out and use but there is no way to pause your loop or play it only once which really leaves something to be desired especially if you were in a live acoustic setting and were relying on your looper as part of your backing track. None the less it's a solid pedal and it has served me well in the time I've had it.

tom_christopher

The ultimate playground for every singer!

After I saw someone use a harmonizer by TC Electronix live, I just had to go home and see whether BOSS had one as well, since I'm a big fan of their effect pedals. Lucky enough they did and I got it straight away. A vocalizer like that with so many different effects and possibilites is really the ultimate playground for every singer, who likes to take his vocal performance to the next level. It really changed my live performance completely and I've been using pretty much every effect for different songs, especially the Harmonizer with an additional vocal a third above my main vocal for the chorus and the Autotune, whenever I feel particularly freaky. One of the best investments I've made so far!

From Gear Setup
W

Good starter sounds

I bought this pedal to use for lead vocals in a rock/hard rock band, it provides some really good pre-sets for out of the box action and I think I will find it hard to move on from.

maxwellroyce

Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor

This thing is great, and I don't use it enough. Tons of effects, the ability to create, name, and save presets...I need to get on figuring this thing out and start using it live.

anamangot

Quite helpful at Home Studio

I find it quite helpful at the Home Studio. Sometimes I just have a bunch of ideas I wanna try while still working alone. Double track, loop, overdub. Uncomplicated to use, simply helpful

Roles:
Genres:
reaper25

Stay BOSS for vocal FX

Amazing effects in here. Harmonisers, pitch shifting, reverb, my personal favourite the strobe effect, distortion. Amazing.

rizckydekeizer

Chipmunk!

My harmony and Chipmunk machine! Must have.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Kevin can be seen with a Boss VE-20 on his pedalboard.

See how Les Claypool uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Les Claypool

Singer, Bassist

Primus

...
Verified via Photo

Uses this for vocal effects

See how Grimes uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Grimes

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:00 in this live performance by Grimes, you can see the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer Twin Pedal from the back as the image flashes to the beat.

See how Zachary Cole Smith uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Zachary Cole Smith

Singer, Guitarist

DIIV

...
Verified via Photo

You can see Cole using this pedal in this picture, in the right corner, beside the Boss Delay DD-3.

See how Alex G uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Alex G

Singer, Guitarist

The Skin Cells

...
Verified via Photo

I’m this Instagram clip you can see Alex using the boss ve 20 below his feet. You can tell by the red color, footswitch and the knobs all look the same

See how James Edward Bagshaw uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

James Edward Bagshaw

Singer, Guitarist

Temples

...
Verified via YouTube

At 00:02 you can see this pedal on the top left corner of James' pedalboard

See how Japanese Breakfast uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Japanese Breakfast

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a September 2018 Instagram post, Japanese Breakfast's Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is visible, highlighting its use during a concert.

See how Wayne Kramer uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Wayne Kramer

Guitarist

MC5

...
Verified via Photo

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is on his pedalboard in this post. He seems to have used the VE-20 in his later live performances.

See how Alison Mosshart uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Alison Mosshart

Keyboardist, Guitarist

The Kills

...
Verified via YouTube

Mosshart uses this pedal on tour in 2016 as can be seen in the video at 21:42min.

See how Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

The boss vocal performer can be seen at 9:08 in his boiler room set.

See how George Clanton uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

George Clanton

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, George Clanton is pictured with the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Thomas Jäger uses Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Thomas Jäger

Singer, Guitarist

Monolord

...
Verified via Equipboard

Thomas Jäger uses the Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer, as seen on the right side in his Equipboard profile.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
nuhina

nuhina

Gear IQ 67

ricardoklaus

ricardoklaus

Gear IQ 400

lean_logic

lean_logic

Gear IQ 65

daniel_mueller

daniel_mueller

Gear IQ 566

ricardoklaus

ricardoklaus

Gear IQ 400

tom_christopher

tom_christopher

Gear IQ 357

voluminum

voluminum

Gear IQ 224

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