BOSS VE-500 Vocal Performer Harmony and Vocal Effects Processor

BOSS VE-500 Vocal Performer Vocal Effects Processor

The BOSS VE-500 Vocal Performer is a professional vocal harmony and multi-effects processor for singing guitarists, live performers, and studio setups. It combines automatic two- and three-part harmony, pitch correction, vocoder processing, a looper, and up to nine simultaneous effects with 32-bit floating-point processing and 48 kHz operation.

The harmony and pitch engines can follow chords played through the instrument input or receive guidance from MIDI and USB-connected equipment. Four independent FX processors provide 20 effect types, while two dedicated reverb/delay sections expand ambient processing options. Guitarists can send their instrument signal unchanged through the dedicated Thru output while routing processed vocals to a PA, monitor system, or recorder.

The VE-500 stores 99 user patches alongside 50 factory presets and provides three assignable footswitches plus three assignable panel knobs for performance control. A balanced XLR microphone input supplies 48V phantom power for compatible condenser microphones. Stereo XLR outputs, USB audio and MIDI, conventional MIDI input, external footswitch support, and expression-pedal compatibility make the processor adaptable to sophisticated stage and recording workflows.

Key Features

• Automatic Vocal Harmony: Generates natural two- and three-part harmonies from guitar chords, MIDI information, and selected song-key settings.
• Up to Nine Simultaneous Effects: Combines vocal enhancement, harmony, pitch correction, four general-purpose FX engines, and dedicated reverb/delay processing.
• Integrated Vocoder: Uses the connected instrument signal to create electronic vocal and talk-box-style effects.
• Advanced Pitch Correction: Provides transparent pitch stabilization as well as intentionally processed electronic and robotic vocal effects.
• 149 Patch Locations: Includes 99 writable user patches and 50 factory presets for fast sound recall.
• 48V Phantom Power: Powers compatible condenser microphones directly from the balanced XLR microphone input.
• USB Audio and MIDI: Exchanges audio and MIDI with a connected computer for recording, synchronization, editing, and external control.
• Performance Control: Three onboard footswitches, assignable knobs, optional external switches, and expression-pedal support enable hands-free operation.

Technical Specifications

Processing and Effects

• Product Type: Vocal harmony and multi-effects processor
• Model: VE-500
• Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz
• AD Conversion: 32-bit plus Adaptive Focus method
• DA Conversion: 32-bit
• Internal Processing: 32-bit floating point
• User Patches: 99
• Preset Patches: 50
• Total Patch Locations: 149
• Maximum Simultaneous Effects: Up to 9
• General-Purpose FX Units: 4 independent processors
• General-Purpose FX Types: 20
• Reverb/Delay Units: 2 independent processors
• Harmony: Automatic two- and three-part vocal harmony
• Harmony Control Sources: Guitar, MIDI, USB MIDI
• Pitch Correction: Supported
• Vocoder: Supported
• Enhance Processing: Supported
• Looper: Supported
• Effect Routing: Configurable for live and harmonized vocals

Audio Specifications

• Nominal Microphone Input Level: -40 dBu, adjustable
• Microphone Input Impedance: 4 kilohms
• Nominal Instrument Input Level: -10 dBu
• Instrument Input Impedance: 2 megohms
• Selectable XLR Output Level: -40 dBu or -10 dBu
• XLR Output Impedance: 600 ohms
• Instrument Thru Level: -10 dBu
• Instrument Thru: Unbuffered
• Phantom Power: 48V DC, 10 mA maximum

Connections

• Microphone Input: 1 x balanced XLR with phantom power
• Instrument Input: 1 x 1/4" phone jack
• Instrument Thru: 1 x 1/4" phone jack
• Vocal Outputs: 2 x balanced XLR, left and right
• External Control: 1 x 1/4" TRS CTL 1,2/EXP jack
• MIDI Input: 1
• USB Computer Port: USB Micro-B
• USB Functions: Audio and MIDI communication, editor/librarian connection
• Power Connection: DC input
• Ground Lift: Selectable normal or lift operation for XLR outputs

Controls and Display

• Footswitches: Down, Up, Harmony
• Assignable Knobs: 3
• Panel Buttons: Effect Edit, Key, Menu, Exit, Enter
• Ground Lift Control: Ground Lift switch
• Display: 132 x 32-dot backlit graphic LCD

Power, Dimensions, and Compatibility

• Power Supply: Included PSA-series AC adapter
• Battery Operation: Not supported
• Current Draw with Phantom Power: 310 mA
• Current Draw without Phantom Power: 210 mA
• Power Consumption in Auto-Off State: 0.1 W
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 6.7 x 5.4 x 2.4 in
• Weight: 1.9 lb
• Compatible Footswitches: BOSS FS-5U, FS-5L
• Compatible Dual Footswitches: BOSS FS-6, FS-7
• Compatible Expression Pedals: BOSS FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30; Roland EV-5
• Package Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.7 x 7.5 x 4.1 in
• Package Weight: 3.3 lb

What's In the Box

• BOSS VE-500 Vocal Performer
• PSA-series AC adapter
• 4 rubber feet
• Owner's Manual
• Using the Unit Safely leaflet