Boss VE-20 question

[Chuck]

While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.

Here's my question/thought:
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.

I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.
Chuck

[Mr. Strat]

In article

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.

Don't know, but I think the Harmony G-XT is a better unit.

[Mr. Strat]

In article

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.

Don't know, but I think the Harmony G-XT is a better unit.

[Flying V]

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.
Chuck

Sounds like you need one of my little creations! I too looked
everywhere for such a switching stomp box--one that could switch low
impedance (such as microphones) signals, rather than the typical high
impedance switchers.

I never found one in stomp box form.

So, I built my own--and it works GREAT!

I use mine in this way--

My gig rigs are all low wattage tube amps--single channel. I use a good
amount of preamp gain, too. So, boosting my volume for solos (without a
sound tech) is a problem. I can't simply use a gain booster (of some
type) on my guitar, as all that will do is increase the distortion,
rather than provide the necessary volume boost.

So, I built a box that has a single XLR mic input and 2 XLR outputs.
You can toggle between the 2 outputs, via a footswitch. I run the first
output to one channel of the mixer and the second output to a second
channel of the mixer.

The first mixer channel is set up for rhythm and the second channel is
set up for lead/solo. I can even EQ the lead channel differently or add FX.

Now, all I have to do is switch mixer channels for the necessary volume
boosts--easy! I can even run a bit of the lead channel through the
monitors, if I need to hear myself better during solos.

I call my creation "Soundman in a Box." Other players who've seen it
have told me I should build & sell them--they loved it!

I'm working with a patent lawyer right now and hope to have this little
thing available for sale within the next couple years. (I had no idea
getting a patent is so expensive!!)

It's a simple design, so I hope to be able to keep the cost below $75.

If you thought about it...and can use a soldering iron, I'm sure you
could figure out what I've come up with. I know you said you didn't
want to mess with rigging your own...but you might not have much choice.
It's not that difficult and I built my first one in a single afternoon.

I'm not that brilliant.....but I am a good problem solver.

Mike

[Chuck]

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.
Chuck

Sounds like you need one of my little creations!  I too looked
everywhere for such a switching stomp box--one that could switch low
impedance (such as microphones) signals, rather than the typical high
impedance switchers.
I never found one in stomp box form.
So, I built my own--and it works GREAT!
I use mine in this way--
My gig rigs are all low wattage tube amps--single channel.  I use a good
amount of preamp gain, too.  So, boosting my volume for solos (without a
sound tech) is a problem.  I can't simply use a gain booster (of some
type) on my guitar, as all that will do is increase the distortion,
rather than provide the necessary volume boost.
So, I built a box that has a single XLR mic input and 2 XLR outputs.
You can toggle between the 2 outputs, via a footswitch.  I run the first
output to one channel of the mixer and the second output to a second
channel of the mixer.
The first mixer channel is set up for rhythm and the second channel is
set up for lead/solo.  I can even EQ the lead channel differently or add FX.
Now, all I have to do is switch mixer channels for the necessary volume
boosts--easy!  I can even run a bit of the lead channel through the
monitors, if I need to hear myself better during solos.
I call my creation "Soundman in a Box."  Other players who've seen it
have told me I should build & sell them--they loved it!
I'm working with a patent lawyer right now and hope to have this little
thing available for sale within the next couple years.  (I had no idea
getting a patent is so expensive!!)
It's a simple design, so I hope to be able to keep the cost below $75.
If you thought about it...and can use a soldering iron, I'm sure you
could figure out what I've come up with.  I know you said you didn't
want to mess with rigging your own...but you might not have much choice.
  It's not that difficult and I built my first one in a single afternoon.
I'm not that brilliant.....but I am a good problem solver.
Mike

That's an elegant solution - and if I don't find what I want I may
have to go there.
I could probably dispense with the XLRs and use 1/4" mic cables to the
a/b box. That's easy enough.

As for the Harmony Gx, Mr. Stratt - it may be better for your
purposes. I did my research and went with the Boss. So be it. The
question is: why bother responding to my post? Start your own thread
if you want to argue the relative merits of different boxes. I wanted
to solve a technical problem. You weren't much help.

[Lord Valve]

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.
Chuck

Not enough info.

Are you talking about having your regular vocal mike
routed through the VE-20 while the other mike goes
straight to the mixer, and then having the two mikes
swap signal paths? So that his mike is now processed
and yours goes straight to the mixer? If so, piece of
cake - I can do it with a 4PDT stomp switch, although
it'll use all the contacts, with none left over for an
LED indicator. Box will have FIVE XLRs on it,
one for Ch.A in, one for Ch. A out, one for Ch B
in, one for Ch B out, and one for the output to the
VE-20. When the switch is in one position, Ch A
will go to the VE-20 output while Ch B will go to
the Ch B output. When you stomp the switch,
Ch B will go to the VE-20 output and Ch A will
go to the Ch A output. This requires three mixer
channels on the PA - one for the A mike, one
for the B mike, and one for the processed output
of the VE-20. There is a small possibility that
you'll have some popping when the switch is
operated; I may have to experiment with some
high-value resistors to tie the unused lines down
while they're open. If you're only going to operate
the switch between songs, I'd say fuck it, let it
bang. If you have to do it while you're playing,
that's different.

If you're talking about something different than
I described above, be more specific.

I've already drawn it out on a sticky-note - you
can have it and I'll sell you the parts, or I can
build it for you for more money than you want
to pay. ;-) Of course, I'm not an Engine Ear
or anything, and no math was involved. So
it's probably going to sound like ass, y'know?
Just like (insert celebrity name here)'s amp.
But you know how that goes...right? ;-)

I probably don't have any 4PDT stomps on
hand at the moment, but I'm getting ready
to order about 13K worth of tubes and other
shit - I can just add a few to the order.

That is, if the little pimp from The House That
Ass Built doesn't go all Bruno Tattaglia on me;
seems he's jonesin' for MY ass these days.
Bring a coupla mattresses and some sausages
wit ya...k? I'll make the sauce. ;-)


Sincerely Yours,
The Lorfd

[Chuck]

Post by Lord Valve

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.
Chuck

Not enough info.
Are you talking about having your regular vocal mike
routed through the VE-20 while the other mike goes
straight to the mixer, and then having the two mikes
swap signal paths?  So that his mike is now processed
and yours goes straight to the mixer?  If so, piece of
cake - I can do it with a 4PDT stomp switch, although
it'll use all the contacts, with none left over for an
LED indicator.  Box will have FIVE XLRs on it,
one for Ch.A in, one for Ch. A out, one for Ch B
in, one for Ch B out, and one for the output to the
VE-20.  When the switch is in one position, Ch A
will go to the VE-20 output while Ch B will go to
the Ch B output.  When you stomp the switch,
Ch B will go to the VE-20 output and Ch A will
go to the Ch A output.  This requires three mixer
channels on the PA - one for the A mike, one
for the B mike, and one for the processed output
of the VE-20.  There is a small possibility that
you'll have some popping when the switch is
operated; I may have to experiment with some
high-value resistors to tie the unused lines down
while they're open.  If you're only going to operate
the switch between songs, I'd say fuck it, let it
bang.  If you have to do it while you're playing,
that's different.
If you're talking about something different than
I described above, be more specific.
I've already drawn it out on a sticky-note - you
can have it and I'll sell you the parts, or I can
build it for you for more money than you want
to pay.  ;-)  Of course, I'm not an Engine Ear
or anything, and no math was involved.  So
it's probably going to sound like ass, y'know?
Just like (insert celebrity name here)'s amp.
But you know how that goes...right?  ;-)
I probably don't have any 4PDT stomps on
hand at the moment, but I'm getting ready
to order about 13K worth of tubes and other
shit - I can just add a few to the order.
That is, if the little pimp from The House That
Ass Built doesn't go all Bruno Tattaglia on me;
seems he's jonesin' for MY ass these days.
Bring a coupla mattresses and some sausages
wit ya...k?  I'll make the sauce.  ;-)
Sincerely Yours,
The Lorfd

I'd like to see what you've come up with. It sounds like you
understand what I'm after. I want two singers to be able to use the
unit at different times, without messing with cables. As for your
questionable relationship with Mr. Elko, I say we put the two of you
in a room with Christine O'Donnell, and, you know, see what happens...
I'll try to stop by tomorrow.

[Lord Valve]

Post by Chuck

Post by Lord Valve

Post by Chuck
While the VE-20 is a vocal stompbox, I'm betting someone here will
have information and an opinion.
I just bought the VE-20 and am impressed so far. I've only powered it
up through a mixer with headphones. but will use it in rehearsal
Friday and plan to use it on stage.
Can one successfully run two mics through it via a switching device of
some sort? Not both on at once, but connected to the VE-20's single
XLR input through an A/B/Y stompbox? The stompbox part is critical. I
can think of several ways to do this without the stomp - but I want
something easy to do live, so that the effect can be used by two
vocalists and conveniently switched. Call me cheap, but I ain't buying
two VE-20s.
I've been hunting around the net and haven't found quite what I'm
after yet. I guess you could rig one, but I'd rather not. The closet
I've come is a box from Sescom - but it won't work on the floor.
Chuck

Not enough info.
Are you talking about having your regular vocal mike
routed through the VE-20 while the other mike goes
straight to the mixer, and then having the two mikes
swap signal paths? So that his mike is now processed
and yours goes straight to the mixer? If so, piece of
cake - I can do it with a 4PDT stomp switch, although
it'll use all the contacts, with none left over for an
LED indicator. Box will have FIVE XLRs on it,
one for Ch.A in, one for Ch. A out, one for Ch B
in, one for Ch B out, and one for the output to the
VE-20. When the switch is in one position, Ch A
will go to the VE-20 output while Ch B will go to
the Ch B output. When you stomp the switch,
Ch B will go to the VE-20 output and Ch A will
go to the Ch A output. This requires three mixer
channels on the PA - one for the A mike, one
for the B mike, and one for the processed output
of the VE-20. There is a small possibility that
you'll have some popping when the switch is
operated; I may have to experiment with some
high-value resistors to tie the unused lines down
while they're open. If you're only going to operate
the switch between songs, I'd say fuck it, let it
bang. If you have to do it while you're playing,
that's different.
If you're talking about something different than
I described above, be more specific.
I've already drawn it out on a sticky-note - you
can have it and I'll sell you the parts, or I can
build it for you for more money than you want
to pay. ;-) Of course, I'm not an Engine Ear
or anything, and no math was involved. So
it's probably going to sound like ass, y'know?
Just like (insert celebrity name here)'s amp.
But you know how that goes...right? ;-)
I probably don't have any 4PDT stomps on
hand at the moment, but I'm getting ready
to order about 13K worth of tubes and other
shit - I can just add a few to the order.
That is, if the little pimp from The House That
Ass Built doesn't go all Bruno Tattaglia on me;
seems he's jonesin' for MY ass these days.
Bring a coupla mattresses and some sausages
wit ya...k? I'll make the sauce. ;-)
Sincerely Yours,
The Lorfd

I'd like to see what you've come up with. It sounds like you
understand what I'm after. I want two singers to be able to use the
unit at different times, without messing with cables. As for your
questionable relationship with Mr. Elko, I say we put the two of you
in a room with Christine O'Donnell, and, you know, see what happens...
I'll try to stop by tomorrow.

Here's the schemo...

Loading Image.../

It'll work like gangbusters.

The Lorfd
Expert (please obsess)