Microphone effects loop & switcher for guitar effects pedals

The Voco-Loco Effects Switcher for Voice or Instrument from Radial Engineering is a foot-controlled effects loop that enables the lead vocalist, sax or trumpet player to incorporate guitar effects pedals into the signal path, just like an electric guitarist adds effects for soloing.

It features a mic preamp that is designed to accept a standard dynamic microphone or a condenser by activating the built-in phantom power supply. A quality sounding 2-band EQ with low and high frequency shelving makes it easy to add warmth and shimmer. The signal is then sent to the guitar pedals via a transformer isolated hi-Z effects loop circuit that is equipped with individual send and receive controls to optimize signal-to-noise ratio and reduce distortion. A tone control on the return path lets you smooth the sound of pedals that may be overly bright while the blend control lets you mix the original dry signal with the wet effect to set the perfect mix.

Simply plug your mic into the Voco-Loco unit via the XLR input, connect your effects pedals using standard 1/4" guitar cables, and then send the output from the Voco-Loco to the input on your mixer. Before the song begins, choose which effects you want and when you are ready activate the loop using the right hand footswitch. A second footswitch on the left of the Switcher serves double-duty as either a mute switch to turn off the mic between sets or as a 100% wet effects loop for special situations where you may not want any of the clean signal to pass through. With the Voco-Loco in your signal chain, you can add delay or reverb, a touch of distortion or perhaps a special effect like a wah-wah to enhance your solo performance.