Over the years I've never really liked onboard vocal processors. Consequently, I have purchased several outboard processors that have done a reasonably good job in the past. Most recently, I purchased the TC Helicon Harmony-M, which is not discontinued. I have a pair of them. I also have a couple Digitach Vocalist VRs which did an excellent job.

Last week I had some time to experiment the onboard vocal processor of the Yamaha PSR-S950, and I was very impressed. Overall, I believe it sounds equally as good as the TC Helicon Harmony-M, which I believe is just a notch above the Digitach VR. I recorded a couple songs using the S-950s onboard recorder with the volume level of the recorder set at 75. I selected the Stage Quartet harmony type, and no changes were made there. I only used a slight amount of reverb for my vocals, and used the Sennheiser E855 mic.

Here are the results:

Have You Heard - The Duprees

Cool Water - Sons Of The Pioneers

I hope this information is beneficial to current and potential S-950 owners.

Gary

Hi Gary,

The S950 and you sound great. I'm impressed with the Harmonizer on the 950. I've been experimenting with the Harmonizer on my Tyros 3, and the S950 sounds better. Has the VH been upgraded from the T3? I'm also considering buying a TC Harmony M, and wondering if it would be worth the move or trying something different with the T3? Thanks for posting.
Regards
Donnie

The harmonizer was improved dramatically starting with Tyros 4 and carried over into PSR S950. It no longer has that terrible interruption of the signal when you engage it. It only took about 10 years to make these improvements!
DonM

I don't believe the T3 harmonizer has had a software upgrade, so it still has some of the older vocal processor problems. Therefore, I would go with a TC Helicon Harmony-M which provides excellent results.

Gary

Gary ... good job as always ... my only suggestion would be to try a key a step higher, especially in "Have You Heard?"
how do you trigger the chords =- right or left hand?

Now back to my LEAVES !!!

Nice job Gary...I never heard this song done with those chord changes either but as usual well done....thanx for the demos.

which song, Donny?

Have you heard...... Tony

Donny, I never looked up the tabs for this one, I just played what it sounded like in my head. The result is what came out of my tiny little brain.

Tony, I don't think I could go up a full step and still do the bridge - lungs are shot to Hell!

Gary

Both tunes nicely done, Gary, in your usual smooth style. Your judicious use of the harmonizer makes these tunes nice to listen to.

The song, "Have You Heard" reminds a bit of "Can't Help Falling In Love" (done by Elvis), especially the first few bars...would the songs have been penned by the same composer?

The S950's harmonizer sounds fine to me. I believe it's the overuse of this effect that tends to make it sound phony.

Your's was just right...like Baby Bear's Porridge.

If I'm recording a vocalist with my Tyros4, I use the VH-2 very, very sparingly, and it's usually just set on Standard Duet.

Ian

Ian, I have to agree. Most of the problems with any vocal harmonizer is over use by the performer, and not learning the idiosyncrasies of the vocal processor itself. Donny Pesce once said "There's a real art to using a vocal harmonizer." He was right on the money.

Cheers,

Gary

I'm no one to give chord advice, but just an observation ... I can't stop thinking "If I Fell" in the way you do it, Gar.
If I may offer some advice ... I'd wait one more beat to change to the second chord. That'd just make me happy .... doesn't matter how you do it ... I'm just a Duprees/Joni James kinda freak. Sounds great in it's own way, but that "Beatles" tag keeps ringin in my ear! LOL

Dave, I always listen to your advice, especially on vocals. I'll give it a try the next time I have to perform.

Gary

I've been using the VH on the S 950 since I got it. I've had really good results. Like it has been stated, there is an art to using one. You have to find that sweet spot and stay with it. And again, less is more.

Joe