ROLAND VT-4 or VT-3? Which Is Best for You? Comparison & Review
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- Have a seat on your comfiest Chesterfield and prepare yourself for a tragically disorganized and casual comparison/review of the brand new (and amazing) Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer and the older (but still amazing) VT-3.
There is lots to compare and I'd be lucky to get through a 10th of what these bad boys can do in the right hands, but as a basic run-down we'll check out the differences and compare how they sound in very basic use!
I keep telling myself I'll write a script, or better prepare my points of comparison for a more professional appeal, but think of it as a (very one-sided) candid conversation with your friend MR TUNA
***
Things I totally forgot about:
VOCODER. The vocoder has multiple functions on the VT-4, including 'ADVANCED', 'VP', 'TALK BOX', & 'SPELL TOY'
actually the whole list goes like this:
[ROBOT]
[1] NORMAL OCTAVE
[2] OCTAVE -1
[3] OCTAVE +1
[4] FEEDBACK
[MEGAPHONE]
[1] MEGAPHONE
[2] RADIO
[3] BBD CHORUS
[4] STROBO
[VOCODER]
[1] ADVANCED
[2] VP
[3] TALK BOX
[4] SPELL TOY
[HARMONY ]
[1] +3
[2] +5
[3] +3 -4
[4] +3 +5
[BYPASS] (Reverb)
[1] REVERB
[2] ECHO
[3] TEMPO DELAY
[4] DUB ECHO
Also, I've found out you can now download an additional reverb pack on the Roland site to change up whats on the machine.
There are also a number of 'convenient features' like noise-reduction (a little ironic in this video), a low--cut feature, and an enhancer.
Thumbs up if you love unacceptably high room noise!
hey man this was a great comparison. it’s rare I can sit through a minute of these types of tutorials...much less 16. well done 👏🏽👏🏽
I noticed you didn’t sample the 4 vocoder variants on the VT-4 ... and I can’t find examples anywhere on the internet. Everyone skips it in their tutorials and it’s the function I’m most curious about. Obviously you don’t need to oblige, but I’d be super grateful if you could a quick little demo...doesn’t have to be extensive or anything. I’m just looking for a good talk box alternative because that thing is a real hassle live. I’m hoping this can replace my VT-3 and microkorg, so I’m real curious to hear this units emulation of the sound.
PS - I follow you on Instagram. Love your jams! Didn’t realize you did these types of videos as well until researching this 🤙🏽
@@AugustineRampolla I'm gonna make up a new vid! hopefully ill have it in a week or so! Thanks so much for the kind words
@@MRTUNA I am trying to figure out if their is a setting that will a voice to a scary but understandable low tone? I watched video didnt see you touch on it much as far as low tones go. I have a haunted house during Halloween and wanted to route a cordless mic through this to a PA speaker with scary sounds playing in background. Hoping this is what I can use. Thanks
@@MRTUNA In case you made that video, can you give me a link? I can't find it.
Yeah, My wife of 40 plus years keep sticking her head in the door asking if I am okay. Had her watch your review now we both are cracking up. Keep up the GOOD work I'll be getting the VT 4 this week base on your review, Roland should be sending you a check.
Hahahaha so appreciate it! Really glad to have helped
NOTE! Regarding VT-4 reverb, It has 6 variations. The manual only mentions 4 of them, but the Midi Implementation mentions 6. You can get Deep Reverb by pressing Bypass, Manual and 1. You can get VT Reverb by pressing Bypass, Manual and 2.
Thanks for a nice review!
since we didnt hear those 2 variations in the demo...do they sound comparable to the VT-3 deep one he demo'd?..just as deep sounding or better?
@@blasphem0 Thank you, blasphem0, for asking. When I tried it on my VT4, it sounded much deeper, but I was actually wrong. I have been working on an app that lets you access all 8 variations on all 5 effects, and to edit the parameters for them. Unfortunately I had changed the feedback on Deep Reverb, so I got a much deeper reverb on variation 5 (which you can access by pressing BYPASS + MANUAL + 1). I just now did a factory reset to make sure on my claim, but there was no deeper reverb than in variation 1. The only difference is that the pre-delay is 100 ms rather than 30, as it is for variation 1. Not much difference.
You can change the feedback by sending a SysEx to address 50H, 00H, 00H, 01H, data 00H, 00H, 0FH, 00H, 00H, 00H, 00H, 00H, which will get you roughly the same reverb as the VT3.
You can also try the Roland VT-4 Companion Application from Microsoft Store. The app gives you access to all variations and parameters.
Sorry about my mistake. It was NOT so easy to get better reverb as I first thought.
@@the51craw How has your app been coming along? That sounds like it'd be super useful for VT-4 users.
@@CockatooDude It's in the store. It is as a try-buy where you can try it for a month by clicking 'Free trial'. Better try first than being disappointed after paying 5 Euro. I have not received any feedback yet, so I do not know if people like it or think it's worth the 5 Euro.
@@hakanberg1649 If you don't mind me asking, what is the app called?
I'm so behind on this, but definitely will be getting the VT-3. I cracked so hard when you turned up a Persian flute at 11:22
Thanks for the laughs!
Was looking for a comparison video on this, thanks for the review.
Thanks for checking out-- my apologies for the disorganized way about it!
Oh... screw it, I bought both.
How much difference you can tell?
Because I bought it V3 to mainly pitch my voice high is a female and 2 sound natural as possible but I get artefacts when it's recorded into an audio track in my DAW
Mr. TUNA...Fun demo and comical improv. :D Some of the differences that i took away:
0:36 VT-3 has a nice green border; VT-4 does not.
1:00 VT-4 is an evolution of the VT-3 and has similar features, but more of them. VT-4 has MIDI in and battery power (and there is no other choice, you hafta to use batteries. Duh, Roland. No one wants to use batteries.).
2:06 VT-4 is smaller and has better i/o -- VT-3 is mono, VT-4 has stereo and phantom power.
3:01 VT-3 auto-pitch 1 & 2. 13:05 Pitch tracking comparison for the auto-pitch.
3:22 VT-3 vocoder (usable with a MIDI keyboard via USB). i get confused here...does a VT-4 have vocoder (circle one; yes/no)? (You seem to jump between vocoder and harmonizer with a comma, rather than a period. Having trouble getting this, but maybe I am dumb.) That said, the VT-3's vocoder sounds somewhat similar to VT-4's robot at 10:00.
3:34 VT-4 has a more versatile harmonizer with key select or MIDI input to control pitch more accurately than VT-3.
5:03 VT-3's reverb represents a bigger room than VT-4's, and VT-4 reverb smaller but more virtual.
6:38 VT-3 has synth sounds that VT-4 does not have.
7:19 VT-3 has a bass sound that the VT-4 does not have.
7:50 VT-4's megaphone is more versatile than the VT-3's.
9:47 VT-4's robot is more versatile than the VT-3's. See also 11:55, after the intermission. ('robot' probably = ring modulator)
10:08 VT-4's radio is more versatile than the VT-3's.
10:35 VT-3 has a scatter than VT-4 does not have.
10:54 VT-3 has three memories, and VT-4 has four. The presets are very different on the two.
15:05 VT-4 has a bigger manual, not like the VT-3's folded up piece of paper.
Thanks Mr Tuna! I wanted a comparison between the two and found this informative.
Best review on the internet and I'm not saying best vt-3/4 review. Best review in on the internet in general.
The kindest comment ever! thank you!
How do I get in the tom tom club? Do I just fill out an application and wait, or is there some strange initiation period with old-school hazing and stuff?
Hey cool comparison -but there was a big firmware update on the vt3 - doubles the effects - hold the manual button whilst choosing the effect gives you a 2nd variation. Plus 3 more slot memories. Happy days!
on the VT-3?! I just learned about the extra reverbs for the 4.... which is super cool and Im gonna download that tonight, but the 3 is something I also plan to keep so with some extra effects I am super excited about that
Highly amusing, occasionally insane, but surprisingly informative all the way through! Great job :)
...man, 'don't know why you think folks would leave this presentation. thorough and well done. best I've seen in dusting off my VT-3 with a determination to use it. BIG THANKS! Excellent. Jus' subscribed...(and a thumbs up)
What a hoot! Sarcastic self-deprecation is never a bad thing in a review of this type. Thanks for putting this comparison out there for us.
Random Button Pusher sarcastic self deprecation is my specialty! Hope the comparison helped a bit
@@MRTUNA Helped a lot, both with info and with some laughs.
Thanks for nice comparison! Your living room is so made for weekend long parties 😀
Oooh I had such good laughs, and you making me want to use my vt3 again. ✌️👍 Greetz
Thankyou, this is actually one of the more helpful videos I’ve seen on the VT-4…. And I’ve seen many.. Nice apartment too
lmao the intermission was great. Thanks for this review. Been wanting to hear these side by side!
This is the best video in the whole world.
you need to get out more
Joshua Hoffman this is true.. fancy a drink?
Tumbleweed
While the VT4 sounds more clean and polished i actually prefer the raw tone of the VT3..will soon pick ond up
i have had the vt3 for almost 3 years now and its still running like a champ i may up grade to a go xlr someday
I love all the “Oops that wasn’t supposed to be there” moments in this video. That’s how something revolutionary is made.
Brilliant, hahaha. Thanks for the comparison. I was looking at getting a vocoder just to screw around over voice comms and honestly, the different effects are just TOO damn awesome.
hi, one question please, what is its name and where can i buy the microphone you are using? BEST R.G.D.S.
Same question I have
WOW!!! Raw, Unpolished, Informative, Funny as HELL, Crack me up, Presentation Style was GREAT and I learned something today. THANKS Double THANKS
njoy2k thanks a lot! I was worried it was a little too ‘raw’ just bullshitting to the camera for 15 minutes but in the I think it really came together in the end
Was this filmed on the set of Evil Dead 2?
J.K. Thanks for the deets!
Lol thanks for posting this. I actually had no idea there was a VT-4 even though I’m a fan of the aira series
Thanks for putting up with it! VT4 is the unsung hero of the AIRA line
Good review! I was temped by the price on these but went all out instead and bought a Roland JunoDS, the most powerful vocoder available maybe in history by using an alternative vocoder sound of a robot and substituting choir and then having the option of adding 10 to 16 layers of synth voices over your vocoder voice pitched the keys played on the keyboard. Still working on this for an extreme vocal synthesis in my music, haven't been 100% successful yet.
That was fantastic funny informative goodness.
Just started playing vid and im already thanking you man cheers
Hi there, could either of these be used to get a halfway convincing female vocals / harmonies for a male vocals input?
I really enjoyed this !
Thank you for doing this video.
So far no one else has done this yet.
I have a VT 3 and a VP 03 .
Love vocoders! I was looking into buying the VT 4.
But I don’t know ?
Undecided.
I'm trying to decide which one of those to buy right now is the VP 03 better?
Had me laughing and also helped me pick, i subbed this is the review style for me.
I'd never buy either, but I watched the whole thing for the comedy of it. High-larious!!! I love the brain crash intermissions!
hahahaha thanks buddy. I wanted to do this comparison for a while but when it came down to it I was just too tired to have to worry about it any more than just blab at the camera until I felt like I got it.
Had a few takes where I got maybe a few minutes in and reeeeeeeally blanked or did something unforgivably dumb so id just start over again. Missed a few key things because I couldn't remember if I had said it during this take or another one. All and all it worked out despite my stutters
This made me smile a lot. Very entertaining. Thank you
The VT-3 reverb reminds me of the old Zoom units.
Ended up getting a VT-4 because it seemed better for a studio setting.
This was refreshing and real... compared to the other product reviews. People try to make there stuff perfect but that is static and stale. Nice job.
Now that's a thought I just realised I got a USB battery pack for my phone, I dunno if you can actually power the VT-3 from it though will try and test it out just for fun. Where did you get those goose neck mics from 'cos I need one! I was looking at getting the VT-4 (I already have the VT-3) and at the price can afford to keep both, which is good.
@@MRTUNA lol youre shameless 😂
Great vid! What kind of mics are you using on both units?
I also found that the underlying parameter (also not mentioned in the manual) can be changed via SysEx messages. I managed to adjust a Deep Reverb to actually have a Feedback greater than 1.
This is the ONLY VID ON CZcams that i was Super Relieved when an Advert Cut In ! Huge LOL ! Difficult Products to Demo and get enthusiastic about...Nice Try and Well Done.!
I usually try to take the mid-roll advertisements out but must have missed this one-- thanks for the kind words
Loved the intermission- my favourite part.
Shme no icecream girl.
How would I hook my VT-4 up to my microkorg? Just using it via midi to play it through the keys?
I’m looking for a vocal transformer that does everything, but most importantly i need a -5 and -8ve octave option, which would you recommend? :)
Oh, what mic is that... love the Flex Neck ones you are running!!
888berg they are goosenecks from MicroKorg XL (or R3) that I bought and sold specifically to steal those mics from!
Hi. Thanks a lot for that video. I was short before buying the vt-4 but the scutter effect and the reverb at vt-3 actually made me change my mind. You talk about temposync the vt-3. How is that possible? It has no midi in, right?
Great video and review man,i got the vt4 and well i am still learning it lol! Subscribed to your channel too :)
Have you used it in production?
@@GullySyde28 v Only on my podcast at time
7:07 Charlie Brown's Parents. yeah..VT3 is the bomb
So this is what Ant Man was doing during his house arrest...
does anyone know why my vt 4 isnt working on discord? i have my xlr connect with phantom power on and everything, bypass is turned off, and the vt4 is powered through the usb cable connected to my PC.
Best ending video on youtube!
Very interesting. I've wanted the VT3 for a longer time but always bypassed it to get something else. I like the VT4 so I might not bypass this one. We'll see lol
its been super fun! I regret everyone having to be stuck in the strange strange world of the vocal choices jared and I have been making lately. So far the VT-4 is definitely getting way more use than my VT3 ever did
@@MRTUNA is it worth upgrading for the midi option? Is it a Good synth vocoder with a controller ? Can you blend in a external synth?
Great video... quick question for you.
Can you powered the VT 4 with USB and still MIDI control it with the same USB connection ?
yes definitely you can-- MIDI, audio and USB power. you can also stream audio from the computer into the VT4 via USB as well
@@MRTUNA Thanks a lot for ur reply... Since ur here do you know if i can midi map from DAW (ableton live for example) the key of the auto-pitch ?
@@minig_official ooooh that is a good question that I do not really know the answer to.... for some reason I dont think so but you can play in notes from Ableton live so you might be able to make a more specific performance that way... I dont think the key-change knob has a CC command
@@MRTUNA I see. Good thinking... thanks again. I am gonna buy one an check it by myself. I'll let u know on comments in case I found it to work ;)
hi great video, I was wondering, on the vt4 is it possible to control the vocorder with a midi keyboard?
Great vid! helped my decision, thanks.
I appreceate the no scripted video, it show the true ease of use factor for someone looking to buy one of the products like the vt 4 seemed like you had to hit a few more buttons to change the sound and then you would for get to do things to it but the vt 3 was fast and no fiddeling around which is more appealing to me personally. btw I also post videos unscripted and in a messy as fuck trailer cause were in the cool club bro!, thanks for the vid and i subbed
Strangely entertaining.
Excuse me for asking, but what is that wooden fence behind you?
Keep up the good work.
Hey! What are these micophones?
gooseneck XLR mics from MicroKorg XLs that I bought specifically to steal the microphone from
the only thing I really care about is the formant and pitch bending. do you feel like one sounds more natural than the other? The Knife for example uses the old VT-1
Josh Kovitz the VT4 slays the VT3 for formant/pitch shift. I love the knife!
Hes wrong, the VT-4 sounds so extremely fake and bad for pitch bending. For some reason the VT-3 and every other program that lets you change pitch blows VT-4 out of the water
@@Stringbats thats what it kind of seemed like in the video, like the vt-4 was really whacky compared to the other. hmmm
I’m wrong pretty much all the time so not sure why anyone’s listening but the VT4 sounds better than the VT3 so if the VT4 sounds bad then the VT3 sounds really bad
@@MRTUNA haha. I'd be really curious to hear a 123 ABC side by side with the settings just slightly up/down (not so extreme). trying to get a Knife/Burial thing going. thanks for the opinions !
Sweet review. I barely sing on any of my tunes, so I'll probably skip the vt-4. Take care, Sam.
Thanks sam! I am trying to incorporate more vocals and human-based sounds into my music lately (and its really been getting away from me) and the VT4 has been too too much fun for that kinda stuff. I was using it to vocode some drums and that sounded awesome as well
this was both useful and entertaining
Looking for something to compliment my boss R 505 lip station. I like the vt3 for the bass sounds. You said the 4 doesn't have it..?
I liked this more than I should
I am a beginner, so as not to buy both, and do not regret choosing, help me Choose VT3 or VT4, please choise for me... This review makes me confused to choose VT3 or VT4
I just ordered the VT-4 because I didn't see anything as good for the money. Of course the next day I see people complaining about getting stuck on robot and other issues. THEN, today, I found a greatest list putting the VT3 as #1? I thought it was an easy decision but of course I find conflicting information about the better processor. 🤔❓
Ill do everything but insist the VT-4 is the way to go. I rarely if ever use my VT3 for anything more than guitar reverb now (the reverb KILLS the VT4 reverb) but the VT-4 is front and center for vocals. mines never been stuck on robot
@@MRTUNA glad to hear that. I was looking at the tc helicon perform V too, the quick functions like button for normal Mic and the pitch wheel for clarification is nice. Not to mention the ability to attach to a mic stand, mic button compatibility are great ideas.
I honestly love this video
Mr. Tuna what kind of microphones are you using on the Rolands? I would like to purchase a similar one, because I'm planning on using it while streaming. Thank you!
sorry for the super late reply- they are microkorg xl vocoder mics that I stole from the synths!
Great tutorials,Many thanks
Vt-3 reverb... 😲
6:55 these sounds I've never found a use for that sounds good. ; - ) Is there something better on VT4?
Nice what kinds of mic are you using
Dude this is hilarious to say the least😂😂😂
I havent watched this in a very very long time but the camera dying at the end really really got me
Nobody ever knows what to say into these things. "This is a test of stuff oh yeah". Same goes for me lol
I can't get any sound from my Roland vt4 to come through my studio monitors or even pick up a signal, I am just trying to record in Logic Pro x to create my producer tag. please if anyone could help i would very much appreciate it.
what mics are you using for vt-3 and 4
Do you live in a barn or did you build your actual house right in front of the barn? Like instead of a window your living room just has barn doors?
Hey.......man. does the vt4 allows selectable midi channel? Is so can you pls tell me how? I cant find the manual online. Great video btw really enjoyed it :)
yes it does! I cant remember how but its a matter of using the combination of butons on the front and the key-selector wheel.
i stuck through watching through the entire thing because youre doing exactly the same things that ill be doing with it TBH
Good comparison!
ok i’m back, i had been trying to buy a vt-3 and they were off shelf. then they advertised the 4…. i was devastated….. i’m hoping now, i can find an old vt 3… otherwise i’ll get the behringer 330… if it can do laurie andersen’s Oh Superman it must be pretty good.
If you could keep only the vt 3 or vt 4 which would it be?
definitely, no question, the VT4. so SO SO much fun. Never realized how much use I was going to get out of it immediately.
Thanks.
Mr Tuna witch one you use the most?
Hey MR TUNA, what model of microphones do you have plugged into the VT-3 and VT-4? I'm thinking of getting a VT-4 and was thinking of getting a gooseneck mic with it but not sure which type to get because there are a lot of expensive goosenecks out there.
Its a regular balanced Gooseneck. But this particular one comes included with the KORG Microkorg XL or R3.
@@fet Roger dodger. Thanks.
@@diueadslvrsl1711 oh BTW, I had to do a similar choice. I opted for the vt3 since the used market where is live was good. I'm happy with it.
You Have missed your calling, Comedy is your Game!
I like this video, cause you didn't cut the screw ups
what mic's are you using here? thnks
What type of gooseneck mic are you using on the VT’s? Those look perfect for my application.
I would like to know as well
Thank You !
Hey man what mics are those? Wanna get one for my looper.
Goya they are Microkorg XL mics. I literally bought microkorgs used, swiped the mics, sold the microkorgs
is the reverb on the VT-4 as good as the VT-3 with the reverb pack 1?
Great video. I subscribed when you told me to.
yeah i can’t figure out what they were thinking.... vt4 seems harder to use and less fun
Awesome video, thanks a lot!
I've got one question though: Does the USB in the VT-4 also works for MIDI?
Alfredo Robinson yes definitely! You can send audio and midi to the VT4 over USB
can it modulate samples?
@@MRTUNA om vt3 too?
Thanks, I bought the VT-4 to use on my streams and it works great! Do you know how to connect this to a Ps4?
Would be great using the vt4 with my ps4 chat...did you figured it out? Thanks
For someone who just wants to use this for goofy voice transformations when in a discord call / podcast / stream. Which would be more user friendly? the VT3 seems better but i'm hoping for a community input aswell
I say go with the VT4. it is easier to use, and it looks as though Roland might continue to support it with additional effects... there's already a new reverb pack available. You might find the 3 really cheap though and that would be a good way to go if the right opportunity came by
Where can I find a VT-3 for sale? I never see them anywhere. (Europe)
I can use the VT-3 like audio interface?
THABYTTA yes you can!
Some of those effects (like the harmonizer) sound so artificial. I realize some of the effects are meant to sound that way. I have a Helicon Voice live GTX that I plug a guitar and a mic into. The effects are decent enough. There's a nice layering effect it does with vocals, makes them sound nice a full.
Cool stuff.Subbed.
I use a phone charger on my Roland tb303 boutique. I think that would work on the 4
which is best?The newer I suppose :)