If you don't know your way around setting up the vocal processor and harmonizer, this video shows the way. Even though it is Italian it's not hard to follow.
S970 VH Demo

Very good Don. Thanks.

Hi Don:

Thanks for posting. Sounded Portuguese to me... but it appears that Yamaha has made some serious changes to Vocal Harmony. As a 970 owner, do you use it? If so, I suspect your advice about using VH sparingly still stands?

Hope you are continuing your recovery without pressing the boundaries too hard and too fast.

Later, ----Dave Rice

Thanks Don I will give that a try. Cal

Not sure of the language... I am currently using the T.C. Helicon Harmony M, but I plan to use the one on the 970 some. I used it last time I had one and it was "o.k.", better than previously but not as easy to use as the Harmony M. Also using the Harmony M gives me an extra foot pedal to use as I don't have to dedicate one from the 970 for VH on/off.

Nice video thanx Don,......with my S970 when I had it I still used the external TC Helicon unit much better tracking & overall sound for many reasons for a power singer/player IMO.

It's not Italian. It's definitely Portuguese. Interesting video. Thanks for posting it.

Good find, Don. Lots of great information. And, the harmonizer, when adjusted properly, sounded very good.

Gary

Hi again, Don, Donnie, Gary & Mike:

I took a look at a video of the setup for Harmony M unit and immediately noticed it appears to be for MIDI use only. Is this a misconception on my part? I don't use MIDI ever with my Yamaha PSR-S910 Arranger. I record into a Boss Digital Recorder, then edit the WAV file by sending it to my PC and use WavePad to make minor tweaks, then convert the WAV file to MP3. (I keep both file types for my library and catalogue.)

If you are using it as you perform... does this mean your system is setup using MIDI only... or can Harmony M be used with a plain vanilla setup for recording as long as I use MIDI connectors on the MIC and the Helicon Unit? (For the record... I never perform... it ain't in my DNA!)

I know, it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. LOL!

Thanks, Mike... for confirming I was hearing Portuguese!

Later, ----Dave (the other one)

The Harmony M reads the chords you are playing, OR from a midi file if they are embedded, and uses them to produce the proper harmony notes when you sing. You can use styles or midi songs.
It does read the signal from a midi cable connected between the keyboard and the Harmony M.
More modern Harmony units, such as T.C. Helicon Perform V or VK, can also use audio signals to make the harmonies.

Don, thanks for finding the tutorial. It definitely shows the flexibility of the 970 VH2. My personal experience has been pretty positive with it. I’ve had occasional notes flipping to other chord notes...which is the problem I believe Donny talks about. Overall...the quality of the individual voices seems pretty realistic.

I’ve had many TC units over the years...some sounded better than others. Some of the TC units seem to have a artificial synthy quality to them. I noticed it on Steve Mcnally’s demo of the 4X. Anyway...just my 2 cents.

We can talk about VH till we are blue in the face, ...it has to be heard to evaluate it's quality and that is something you rarely if ever HEAR for ourselves on SZ or otherwise..

From my perspective, VH should always be used sparingly, and not as an upfront voice that is equal to or greater than the lead vocals.

I have recorded several songs using VH, mostly on the bridge or in short segments and for the most part, it just adds to the performance. I've heard it used by others, mostly on other forums, and a significant number of those performances over utilized this feature.

The VH on the S-950, S-970 and Genos, IMO, are very good when set up properly. The Harmony-M doesn't require much in the way of setup, so the NON-Techies tend to think this makes those vocal processors better, which, IMO, is really not the case.

Good luck,

Gary

I agree with Gary .... sorta. YAMAHA harmonizers should be behind the lead voice (because they can't compete with the original signal), and only one above with proper compression to smooth it out. It's not the worst sound, but I could never endorse it.
On the bright side - with TC harmonizers, you can actually feature the extra voices, in equal levels as the lead (when called for). An Everly Bros tune needs both voices to be the same volume. No one is singing "backup" in that duo. Many of you know that I use the harmonizer as a "signature" sound to my shows, and I like to think I don't over use it. I DO however, use it A LOT. I feature Carpenter-like treatments, and Mills Bros bounces all night long.
There is an art to singing like you're in a vocal group, and it's not a s simple as hitting the "on" button. Vocal groups, like the Lettermen had very plain, non distinguishable voices, and sang with no vibrato, or flash. The simpler, the better when blending 3 or 4 voices together.
The biggest mistake I hear in novice attempts is to just turn it on, and leave it on ... even in a chorus that features harmony, sometimes the backups drop out on certain words ... like "a' and "the" ... little words. I'd be happy to discuss the techniques that I've found to work best with anyone who'd like to call. I just hate typing these diatribes. 215-284-1328
Ciao!

Yes, what Dave said.

Thanks, Everyone and Sir Donald Mason:

Very enlightening and informative. Advice from experts is always a good thing.

All the best, ----Dave Rice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTI3WnD6qk0&feature=share

I was mistaken regarding Steve’s VH demo on the 4X. His voice may not be the strongest, but the Onboard TC vocal harmony is pretty impressive.

Ditto ditto ditto to UD's post,....Let's not forget you have to know how to sing first and foremost as you get out of it what you put into your vocals & vocal harmony, no workarounds or substitute for that. Using it correctly & when to use it & trigger it is essential as Uncle Dave mentioned above is imperative while playing & ultimately using it as if there were professional background singers behind you is an art form all in itself too. I learned from the Master (Uncle Dave) & will never forget the lessons I was taught watching him perform on stage many many times & will always be grateful for that and so much more. Vocal Harmony is to be taken as serious as is playing your keyboard, if you cant do that don't even use it & embarrass yourself in front of an audience they deserve only the best.. Good Luck.

By coincidence, last night I stopped to visit with a couple seated at a table near me. The man asked how I achieved the background singers. I explained to him that it was a device that followed my chords, sampled my voice and reproduced it in the harmonies I pre-selected.
He looked at his wife and said, "See I TOLD you I heard multiple voices, they are recorded ahead of time, like he said."
You can't win, but at least they liked it.

Don, was that the harmony m or 970 vh2? Just curious.

Harmony M. I think I will try using the S970 tonight though. If I get a chance. We are supposed to be slammed with people, at least early. No experimenting until it clears out.

I'm surprised he didn't ask how all those instruments came out of that box your operating up there....
Is it some kind of tape recorder machine?

No Body cares

Don ... you are such a gentleman ... I would have said "no, as I said it follows my voice as I am singing, there is nothing pre-recorded!" ...

Or...."A Magician never reveals his Secrets"..

They left a nice tip; no sense upsetting the apple cart over one worm!

They tell me that Keyboard Artists who live in Louisiana are smart as Foxes. LOL! Nice tips certainly make all that effort worthwhile!

OK - go get a cup of coffee, I'm feeling wordy. (you have been warned)

I gave up long ago trying to "educate" my audiences. Things that used to make me CRINGE, no longer make me blink. Age? Wisdom? Naw ... $$$$$$$$$$$
I played my first paying job almost 50 years ago. It was a house party for a college graduation. We had 2 guitars and bass ... no drummer. I was the only singer, and I sang through the guitar amp's second channel. (Hi Tech) We were in eighth grade, and only knew 7 songs, but each one was a popular hit of the day. (I think we played each song 3 times that day) A little nervous, but extremely confident in how I wanted to interpret the material we played. It lit the spark that grew into the fire that fuels my passion today.

As years went by, my skills increased, and my confidence, along with it. I was "the entertainer," and when I was on stage, I resented any distractions. I insisted that TVs be turned off, and lighting directed on the stage. If the crowd got too loud while I was "in my moment" I would let them know that "others were trying to enjoy the music, so please try to keep it down." I wanted to be "in control" of the room's pulse. That was my job. You could get away with that attitude in the 70s and 80s, but things were changing, and changing fast.

Today, there are about a dozen or more TVs in most rooms I play.
Most patrons are using their own screens, and sharing pictures, taking selfies, etc. ALL night long.
People often sing along louder than my acoustic volume, while very near me. It’s distractng.
My point?
I constantly remind myself that I am in the SERVICE business. I am there to entertain, and enhance their dining or dancing experience.
I'm not a head liner. It's not Carnegie Hall, and no one pays a ticket price to see one of my shows. I am bundled into the menu prices, and like an entree,
I'm just a part of the whole package. All the elements of the evening need to come together, and compliment each other ... a musical, culinary, social stew, if you will.
When I loosen the reigns, and let the crowd point me in the direction to go ... I MAKE MORE MONEY. When I make more money, I AM HAPPY.

Now, don't take this the wrong way - I'm NOT in it for the money. I'm really not, but in deciding to make my passion my career, I always make sure that the business end makes it all worth while. I still have children, and grand children to spoil, bills to pay, and gear to buy, like the rest of you all. (or "y'all" for Don Mason)
The music is fun. I LOVE the music, but the rest of the process is absolutely daunting. This business is harsh. It's cold, and fickle, and will NEVER love you back.
You may hone your craft to excellent levels of proficiency, but until you learn to balance the ego with the humility, the product will not sell.

I'm going to repeat that part: THE PRODUCT WILL NOT SELL.

As musicians, we are selling a product ... ourselves. We have to sell, and RE-sell it each night, if we want to stay employed. If only the music is important, and the crowd comes in second to your ego, then play jazz. (sorry Russ, but you KNOW it's true ... on some level)

As a teacher, I learned that until I taught the students that I cared about them, I couldn't teach them anything else. People need reinforcement. We love recognition. When you play a patron's favorite song as they enter a room, they will show their appreciation with repeat business, smiles , hugs and MONEY. (yup - I said it)
I am blessed to have found venues that respond to my treatment of this business with long term contracts, and many, many happy evenings with patrons that have become friends. Working a room multiple nights a week is challenging. You need to stay fresh, and always be observant of the crowd. They will tell you what they like with their body language, and their tips. I have always enjoyed setting up house ... getting to know the regulars, becoming a part of their lives ... helping them wash away the dust of everyday life with songs, and stories each night. It's not for everyone. Many of my colleagues hate playing the same place more then one night in a row. They rely on a "routine" or set list that would simply, not work on a daily basis. Nothing is worse than having the staff think: (geeze, Moondance - must be only 9 o'clock!) Well, maybe SOME things are worse.

If the crowd want to sing the EAGLES chant every night (cuz we DO, ‘round here!), then that’s what I’ll do.
If a server needs to interrupt a song to bring a birthday cake to a patron, then I STOP THE SONG, and going in the festivity.
If the bartenders are doing their thing to please the crowd, and they request a song to dance to …. I do that song.
If a patron approaches my keyboard while I'm singing, and starts talking to me on their way in/out - I’ll vamp until they’ve had a chance to say their piece, and drop their thank$ in my jar. Them I resume the song.

It’s not rocket science. It’s crowd control, and yes - it’s still my responsibility to manage the pulse of the room. I love my job, and hope to continue to do this for a long time, but sharing the “control” with the patrons can be a good thing …….. as long as YOU hold the master switch. Step back, and listen to their requests, both verbal, and physical - they will tell you just what they want, and when you give it to them - THEY WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT, and they will pay for it. That’s the business part of the music business, as I see it.

Thanks for listening …. I need a second cup of coffee. This’ one’s COLD!

Being a man of few words myself, can I just say that I'm glad you're feeling "wordy". Every word there is absolutely true. Well said, Dave.

Well said Dave. I had to take extra breaks last night to get people to leave, because there were others in the lobby waiting for tables. You do what is best for the business and it will work out best for you too.
You didn't say anything with which I don't agree. Well maybe except I seldom say "Ya'll" except when there are rednecks present!

Couldn't have said it better myself, Dave.

All the best,

Gary

Hate to break up the southward journey, but I did use the internal vocal processor/harmonizer on the PSR S970 for the last hour or so last night.
It worked fine. I actually the sound of the vocals. Using one voice a third above works good with the harmonizer.
My main two grips...there is no light to show when the harmonizer is on, without opening the mic screen. And there is still a slight glitch when you engage or disengage the harmonizer while singing. If you time it so you turn it on or off between notes it's fine. It is not as noticeable as on previous models but still there.
I've been spoiled by how seamless the T.C. Helicon harmonizer works.
Having said this, I will eliminate the outboard processor to cut down on clutter and connections. Audience don't know the difference for sure.
I'm glad the keyboard remember the settings I set up some time ago. Now I have to set it so that the registration memories don't change the pedal assignment.

Good report Don. I can see where cutting down the clutter will make gigging easier for you.
Keep the healing going!

jingleman

Pardon the intrusion but what does this have to do with Vocal harmony? (OP).........just sayin', LOL....and JUST KIDDING!!
Dave that was a great post which reinforced my last 50+ years performing so I must have been doing almost everything you mentioned and more. Thanx for speaking from the trenches with a heavy heart many hear will never experience it but I'm sure they understand what it is to put yourself on the line full time to make the audiences happy, support your family, and making a decent living for a very long time with enduring passion thruout......Love you man!!
Even though the Game is changing rapidly keep making them happy night after night!

Well written, Uncle Dave ...
I truly miss the days when I was playing restaurants and country clubs and had so many of the same patrons come in every weekend ... the bond you can make is quite amazing ...
After having played in a band with the same guys for 26 years, when I moved to RI I took a 7 - 8 year 'hiatus' from playing out ... I can remember the first restaurant I played in when I FINALLY got the 'castagnes' to hit "the trenches" again ... there was one couple in particular, every Friday night, and he would request "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" ... of course he only had to request it twice and from then on it was automatic for me any time they came into the place ... Fast forward a few years, different restaurant, the same couple walks in and I dedicated the song to them - they were amazed that I remembered ...
I am somewhat disheartened by the fact that at my age of 77 years, I still feel I have a lot of music to give - which is validated when I sub for a friend of mine at an upscale restaurant in MA - but no 40 - 50 year old owner/manager is going to hire a guy my age to entertain their clientele ...
Ours is an amazing gift, and I will keep at it in some form until the Good Lord says "That's enough" ...

^ Rock on!

Tony
I am the same age as you and just hitting my stride, even if the steps are a little shorter. I hope to die at my keyboard, but not too soon I hope.

Bernie, as the song says: :Everybody wants to go to heaven, But nobody wants to go now…"
Keep on keepin' on ...