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Description

Embark on a sonic adventure with the Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer, a timeless piece of gear that continues to inspire musicians and producers alike. This classic piece of studio equipment, first introduced in the 80s, offers unparalleled vocal effects, from subtle enhancements to radical transformations. Whether you're looking to add depth to your vocals with digital reverb or experiment with pitch shifting, the VT-1 has got you covered. Its intuitive design makes it accessible to artists at any skill level, encouraging endless creativity without the technical overwhelm. Perfect for studio recording or live performance, the VT-1 is your go-to for breathing new life into your vocals.

Key Features:

  • Pitch Shifting for versatile vocal transformations
  • Digital Reverb to add depth and space to your sound
  • Full Octave Pitch Control for both subtle and dramatic changes
  • Formant Shifting for character and texture adjustments
  • Intuitive design, suitable for all skill levels

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model VT-1 Voice Transformer
Finish Yellow
Year 1990s
Made In Japan
Categories Vocal

FAQs

What are the main features of the Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer?

The Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer offers pitch shifting, formant shifting, and a range of vocal effects like robot and distortion, allowing users to creatively manipulate their voices for unique soundscapes.

Is the Boss VT-1 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss VT-1 is designed for both studio and live use, providing real-time voice transformation with easy-to-use controls, making it ideal for performers looking to add vocal effects on stage.

Can the Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer be used with instruments?

While primarily designed for vocals, the Boss VT-1 can process other audio signals, such as instruments, to create interesting and unique effects.

Does the Boss VT-1 require any special power supply?

The Boss VT-1 typically operates with a standard Boss PSA power adapter, ensuring consistent performance during use.

How does the Boss VT-1 handle pitch and formant shifting?

The VT-1 allows independent control of pitch and formant, enabling users to alter the pitch of their voice without affecting the character, or vice versa, for creative vocal manipulation.

BluePlanetMedia

BluePlanetMedia

Roland Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer Demonstration

Video thumbnail for Roland Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer Demonstration by BluePlanetMedia

Roland Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer Demonstration

BluePlanetMedia

BluePlanetMedia

Video thumbnail for Machine of the Week: Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer | #SynthClub #9 by Rex The Dog

Machine of the Week: Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer | #SynthClub #9

Rex The Dog

Rex The Dog

Video thumbnail for Boss VT1 Voice Transformer by GearMusicOakville

Boss VT1 Voice Transformer

GearMusicOakville

GearMusicOakville

Video thumbnail for Boss - VT-1 - Demo - Midiverse - TV by Midiverse - TV

Boss - VT-1 - Demo - Midiverse - TV

Midiverse - TV

Midiverse - TV

Video thumbnail for Boss VT-1 - Demonstration by AlobarMusic

Boss VT-1 - Demonstration

AlobarMusic

AlobarMusic

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer.

Features and functionality

  • The Boss VT-1 produces unique bell tones with smaller chords when used with a guitar, but struggles to track full chords accurately.

    Source
  • The reverb lacks adjustable parameters, yet it can alter pitch when adjusted during sound processing, offering unexpected creative opportunities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Soundtoys Little AlterBoy plugin is inspired by the VT-1 and is used in modern vocal production, notably on Kendrick Lamar and SZA records.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Sliding the reverb on the VT-1 while processing creates unusual effects, particularly with guitars, making it suitable for experimental sound design.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Archive

Used for Albarn's vocals on Gorillaz's "Clint Eastwood", as mentioned by producer Tom Girling in the September 2001 Sound on Sound article "Recording 'Clint Eastwood'".

We used the Neumann TLM170 for Damon's vocal, and we hired some gear when we went to Jamaica, so I think he probably went through an 1176 as well, or perhaps a Distressor," explains Tom. "We used a Neve 1073, which is an EQ with a mic amp on as well, so the mic was plugged straight into that, and then after that I think it was the 1176 and straight into Logic."

On 'Clint Eastwood', a harmony part was also created from the lead vocal using a Boss Voice Transformer. "It's just a harmonised copy of Damon's main vocal," explains Tom. "For each chorus bit, there is a bit of that underneath the main chorus vocal."

Other vocal effects were also added at the mix: "We've got the rap, we've got reverse reverb on the rap as well, and some delay stuff that we did manually when we were comping the vocal and the melodica stuff," says Tom. "I think it's only the album version that you can hear all this stuff on, though. It's just a delay that's fed back on itself and EQ'd while it's coming back."

"We were just trying to get that tape effect from the digital delay," explains [producer] Jason [Cox].

See how Boys Noize uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Photo

Picture from Futuremusic studio tour article. The VT-1 is seen in the lower left corner, the small orange box.

See how Connan Mockasin uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Connan Mockasin

Singer, Guitarist

Connan and the Mockasins

...
Verified via Photo

In this live set [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu85WlMsZjA] you can see this pedal on his amp.

See how Röyksopp uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via YouTube

the Boss VT-1 can be seen on top of the Korg VC-10 as 0:20 in this video

See how David Lynch uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

David Lynch

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this article from BOSS Users Group magazine (Vol. 5, No. 1 Summer 2001), David details his studio rig at the time, which included an VT-1. “The BOSS VT-1 Voice Transformer has been a lifesaver for the cartoon,” said his engineer John Neff of the most often-used piece of gear in the studio.

See how Kid Koala uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Kid Koala

DJ

Deltron 3030

...
Verified via Facebook

Kid Koala seen using a Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer in his studio in a picture posted on his official Facebook.

See how Rostam Batmanglij uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Rostam Batmanglij

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Dirty Projectors

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for Diane Young you can see Rostam using a Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer at 0:53 to alter the formant of Ezra's voice. Ezra also mentioned using the pedal in a separate interview entitled 'wALT Interviews Vampire Weekend Backstage At Lolla 2013' at 6:49.

See how Sébastien Léger uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Sébastien Léger

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Sébastien Léger - In The Studio With Future Music

See how Karin Dreijer uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Karin Dreijer

Singer, Music Producer

The Knife

...
Verified via Archive

their core gear is still limited to only a few key elements: Steinberg Cubase, the Swedish-made Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1, Native Instruments FM7 soft synth, Casio RP-1 Rapman synth, Roland SH-101 synth and the Boss Voice Transformer. That voice transformer adds the gender-bending effects to Karin's voice that has become a trademark for the act

See how Rex the Dog uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Rex the Dog

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Rex The Dog Remix - The Sound Of Arrows," Rex the Dog can be seen using the Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer during an analogue sequencer jam in the studio.

See how Eric Besse (TheStudioHades) uses Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer

Eric Besse (TheStudioHades)

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Myspace

In a studio photo on Myspace, Eric Besse (TheStudioHades) is shown using the Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer, highlighting its role in his recording setup.

Album Usage

The Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss VT-1 Voice Transformer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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