Roland VT-4

Roland - VT-4 Facts

• Vocal effect processor for manipulating the human voice
• Compact and easy to use
• Performance-oriented control
• Modern and retro vocal effects
• Separate control of pitch and formant
• Use and chain multiple effects simultaneously
• Save individual effect setups and recall them quickly and easily using preset buttons
• Connect a MIDI keyboard for keyboard leads or polyphonic backing vocals by controlling the autopitch, vocoder, and harmonizer engines
• Battery operation or USB bus power supply
• Ideal mobile companion for singers, DJs, EDM artists and streamers

Technical data

• Nominal input level: MIC IN: -40 to -12 dBu (variable)
• Input impedance: MIC IN (rear): 4.4 kOhm, MIC IN (front): 2.2 kOhm
• Nominal output level: LINE OUT: -10 dBu
• Output impedance: LINE OUT: 1 kOhm, PHONO: 24 Ohm
• Memory: Scene memory: 8
• Effect type: Robot, Megaphone, Vocoder, Harmony, Reverb
• USB: Audio
• Signal processing: PC interface: 24 bits, AD/DA conversion: 24 bits
• Sampling frequency: AD/DA conversion: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz, 192 kHz, 192 kHz
• MIDI

Connections:

• MIC IN jack (rear panel): combo type (XLR, 1/4-inch TRS jack), balanced (phantom power: +48 V, 10 mA max.)
• MIC IN jack (front): Stereo mini jack (AC adapter)
• PHONES socket: stereo mini jack
• LINE OUT jacks (L/MONO, R/BYPASS): 1/4" jack
• USB port: USB type B
• MIDI IN jack

Power supply:

• Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4 pieces
• Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 pieces
• USB bus power supply via the USB port
• Current consumption: 500 mA

Expected battery life for continuous operation:

• Alkaline battery (phantom power: Off): Approx. 6 hours*
• Alkaline battery (Phantom power: On): Approx. 4 hours*
• Rechargeable Ni-MH Battery (Phantom Power: Off): Approx. 7 hours*
• Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (phantom power: On): Approx. 5.5 hours*

*This may vary depending on battery specifications, battery capacity, and operating conditions.

• Dimensions (WxDxHxD): 174 x 133 x 58 mm
• Weight (including batteries): 554 g
• Includes operating instructions, Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 pieces

Summary from Sound on Sound magazine April 2019

PROS

• More vocal tricks than you can shake a stick at.
• Excellent pitch tracking and correction.
• MIDI pitch control with harmonies up to four voices.
• A fully fledged vocoder.

CONS

• None at this price.

SUMMARY 

Over the years, Roland’s Vocal Transformer line has ripened into a solid box of tricks. Whether you just need gentle pitch correction or want to turn yourself into a robot barbershop quartet, the VT-4 has you covered. 

CONCLUSION

The VT-4 is way more fun than it has right to be. The pitch correction was, in my experience, fast and accurate. The Robot and Vocoder modes are hellishly good fun and the other effect combine to make a well thought-out vocal processor. The ability to use MIDI for pitch or supply your own vocoder carrier via the USB 2 interface actually qualifies the VT-4 as a vocoder, and eight variations of every effect mean you’ll be finding new combinations for a long time. 

The Vocal Transformer line of products started out as a simple effect, but has matured into a flexible and impressive vocal toolbox, It could be used for everything from subtle pitch correction, harmonising and vocoding to Hollywood sound design of demons, fairy-folk or spy-thriller vocal disguise. Quite simply, I imagine anyone who records vocals will find a use for it. 

- Rory Dow, SOS April 2019