Japanese Version is here（日本語版はこちらへ）.
Hi, What's up?
I will write some tutorials of Talkbox.
This is because I received many comments on my youtube channel like 'Where did you buy the Talkbox device?', 'How do I configure synth voice setting?'.
At first, in this article, I will explain what should you prepare for in order to play talkbox.
- For hasty person
- Overview
- How to choose an instrument
- How to choose a talkbox
- To consider when purchasing equipment
For hasty person
Do you wanna start playing talkbox right now? immediately?
You should purchase 2 devices below.
It is enough to start playing talkbox.
microKorg Synthesizer www.korg.com
MXR M222 Talkbox www.jimdunlop.com
Please read on this article if you want to know more details.
Overview
I explained how the talkbox works in the article below.
You should prepare 2 instruments below.
- instrument: Electric guitar or Keyboard Synthesizer
- talkbox device
In case you want to record or live, you should prepare for these devices below.
- Microphone: Capacitor or Dynamic
- Recording Equipment: Audio Interface, DTM Software
- Live Equipment: Mixer, Monitor
I won't explain Microphone, Recording and Live Equipment in this tutorial.
Sorry but I just focus on instrument and Talkbox equipment only.
How to choose an instrument
We need a instrument for playing talkbox.
It does NOT mean every devices suit talkbox.
Generally, the following requirements must be met.
- Use electric / electronic instrument
- Don't use your mouth and breath to play instruments
Reason for use electric or electronic instrument
Electric signal is used to input voice into talkbox, and so instruments must be electric / electronic device.
- Keyboard Synthesizer ・・・Recommend
- Electric Guitar / Bass ・・・Recommend
- Electronic Piano
- Acoustic Guitar / Bass with pickup device.
Since the clarity of pronunciation varies depending on the tone of the instrument, a synthesizer that can configure its tone is the most recommended.
Reason for not use mouth or breath to play a instrument
The sound from the instrument reaches a mouth and the voice from a mouth picked up by a microphone.
Therefore, it is very difficult to pronounce clearly when you use your mouth to play a instrument.
For instance, wind instruments such as trumpet, sax, wind synth are NOT suit talkbox.
What kind of synth is right for a talkbox?
Talkbox players often use sawtooth wave.
If you want sawtooth sound, you should choose synth that can create raw sawtooth wave from oscillator.
I recommend an
However, to state extremely, every synth is ok as long as a good sound is created as a result. It's up to you.
The following are typical synths that are often used.
For discontinued instruments, you may want to visit an auction site or a used instrument shop.
DX100 appears on the secondhand market quite often, but it sells out quickly since it is a popular product.*1
How to choose a talkbox
Mainly, there are 3 way of talk box procurement.
- Make by modifying the amplifier with monitor
- Procure parts separately and combine parts
- Get ready-made talk box ・・・Recommend
If you don't have a talkbox expert around, I recommend buying a ready-made talkbox.
If you try to make your own from the beginning, you will work without knowing the right inner structure of talkbox.
Please refer to GF WORKS' page on making your own. The page is awesome.
Built-in Amplifier and Non-Built-in Amplifier
Now, there are two main types of off-the-shelf talkboxes: "Built-in amplifier" and "Non-built-in amplifier". This can be divided by the functions the talkbox has.
| Type | With Amplifier | With Speaker-Driver | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in | ✓ | ✓ | just plug it into your instrument | Most of them have a small output |
| Non-Built-in | X | ✓ | Relatively High Power Possible | Needs a Separate Amplifier |
Which type you buy is a preference.
I would recommend you to buy the built-in amplifier type if you are not particular about it.
Since the built-in type is small and not too bulky, you can easily take it for jam session or your live.
Low-cost ready-made talkboxes available on the market would be the following.
| Name | Bland | Type | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| BANSHEE | ROCKTRON | Built-in |  |
| M222 | Jim Dunlop MXR | Built-in |  |
| HEIL TALKBOX HT-1*2 | Jim Dunlop | Non-built-in |  |
See below for product pages.
www.electroharmonix.co.jp www.jimdunlop.com www.jimdunlop.com
To consider when purchasing equipment
For example, if you are a frequent performer of gigs and sessions, keep in mind the things below.
- Is the equipment compact enough to carry?
- Is it easy to set up the equipment at the live house?
Won't there be any parts that need to be assembled on site? - Is the equipment hard to break
Especially, in case you purchase used device, you should buy one more for a spare. - Is it easy to find replacements for broken equipment?
That's it for equipment preparation.
In the next article, I'd like to introduce you to an example of how to set up your equipment.
See ya!