Best Talk Box For Guitar, Keyboard (March 2023) - Which Talk Box is BEST?

This post was updated on: March 1st 2023

Have you ever seen a guitarist who plays the instrument with a tube in his mouth? Then, it is the talkbox that can create special effects.

Say, it can shape the sound frequency and apply the artists’ speech sounds and lend them to the instrument. In that way, the audience feels like the tool is “talking” to them.

Interesting, right? – Then, keep reading the following best talk box reviews and get one for yourself!

Preview
Product

MXR Talk Box

TC-Helicon Talkbox Synth

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 07:28 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Best Talk Box Review

MXR M222 Talk Box Pedal – Top Quality

So far, it can be said that MXR M222 Talk Box is the most frequently used talk box, mostly due to its reliability of converting the sound and ease of use.

Firstly, the MXR M222 Talk Box is very tough and durable with the 2-piece thick enclosure, custom driver, D amplifier, and five hex screws in terms of the reliability.

Such construction is almost ready-to-use without requiring a separate amp rig.

Still, you should invest in an additional microphone and PA systems to make the most out of the “talk” sound.

Secondly, this talk box is much easier to grok than many other devices.

Even the beginners find no challenging experience to set up the MXR M222 Talk Box.

You can control the device intuitively according to your playing and music styles!

When you play, the sound is transferred from the tube to your mouth, and you can shape and speak the sound there.

The textures are ranging within the light grit and full-blown.

At a higher gain setting, the vowel sounds become even more pronounced.

In terms of drawbacks, it takes quite a while to master the effect. The muted output causes it to be hard to double the amp and talkbox performance.

Sale

MXR Talk Box

Contains its own amp and speaker driver
Volume, Tone and Gain controls

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 07:28 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

Extremely high-quality use
Built-in amplifier
Effortless to dial in
Playful tones
Suitable for keyboard and guitar

Cons

Not cheap
Hard to master all effects

TC Helicon TalkBox Synth – Best For Guitar and Vocal

Bob Heil was the first person who invented the modern form of the talk box. Since then, his talk boxes have been preferred for many years to come.

Take the TC Helicon TalkBox Synth, for example. The outstanding features of the TC Helicon unit are its improved vocal and stylish synth.

Accordingly, this talk box emphasizes the guitar-focused effects with the support of Adaptive Tone, Reverb, and Pitch Correction settings available.

Together, there are four synth styles available to create exciting performances without a skilled keyboardist.

Our favorite set is Style 3 (Classic +) to combine the guitar signal and the talk box’s classic raspiness.

As a result, you can tog between the clean singing sound and additional processing to achieve your preferred vocals.

We want the TC Helicon TalkBox Synth to improve its usability – somewhat complicated, we might confirm.

You should be ready to take some trial and error until you get the right one.

Sale

TC-Helicon Talkbox Synth

Talkbox Guitar Vocal Effects Pedal

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 07:28 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

Quite affordable
Rugged build quality
Improved vocal settings
Four synth styles available
Good for guitar-focused effects

Cons

A bit heavy
Complex setup

Best Microphone For Talk Boxes

Shure SM58-LC – Best Budget

The talkbox and microphone are the best friends. A good microphone will help convey the speech “talked” by the talkbox to the audience.

Besides the talk boxes above, also take this Shure SM58-LC into account, then.

All in all, the Shure microphone is well-known for the balance in the budget-friendly price, rugged constructional, and responsive performance.

In detail, the microphone is a cardioid dynamic one, built as reliable hardware that is modest and lightweight enough to carry around.

This means you can take it out on a trip every time you intend to let the singer within you shine. But what if you raise your voice several notches? Would the sounds be distorted?

Well, interestingly enough, there is a spherical filter beneath and an internal shock-mount mechanism that will mitigate the sounds’ harshness.

Meanwhile, it also reduces the noises caused by the induced vibration.

It is also worth mentioning that this microphone is ideal in the frequency response of 50Hz-15kHz, meaning that it will highlight vocals and bass attenuation from 40-100Hz.

Just take notes that when you record the guitars or piano chords, the sound seems to be quieter a bit.

You can increase the loudness upon editing the sound, but you should be careful against the harmonic distortion.

Sale

Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Pneumatic Shock Mount, Spherical Mesh Grille with Built-in Pop Filter, A25D Mic Clip, Storage Bag, 3-pin XLR Connector, No Cable Included (SM58-LC)

INDUSTRY STANDARD – The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life. From the club to the stadium, Shure has your back.
CLARITY & CARE – The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time.

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 01:40 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

Relatively cheap thinking of its quality
Rugged and comfortable construction
Responsive to the sound from 40-100Hz
Decent sounds when recording guitars and vocals

Cons

A bit quieter than the natural sounds
Lack of advanced wireless connection

Sennheiser E906 – Best Sound

If you buy the best vocal TC Helicon Talkbox, you will not want to lose its sound quality using a low-quality microphone.

In that case, we strongly recommend Sennheiser e906. As its name suggests, this unit is also a cardioid dynamic like the Shure SM58.

Rather than that, this is a “super”-cardioid model. At a glance, the Sennheiser e906 looks different from standard microphones.

Although it is quite irregular at first, you will quickly find out that the mic is plump and firm enough to position in a cramped spot and when you need to hold the mic hand-free.

Say, you are a handful with the instrument.

Now, when discussing the mic’s recording performance – we need confirmation that you will hardly be dissatisfied with it.

To be exact, the Sennheiser e906 comes with an ultra-tight cardioid polar pattern supposed to eliminate bleed.

For example, when you use the guitar talk box, the e906 is right in place to transfer the natural tones without allowing artifacts.

Just remember that the mic is particularly sensitive to small movements resulting in a difference in the sound capture.

Sennheiser Pro Audio E906 Microphone, black

Flat shape perfect for guitar amps
Extra-resistant reinforced metal body

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 07:28 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

Interestingly construction for guitar amps
Ease of use
Full and lively sounds

Cons

Expensive
Very sensitive

Best Amp for Talk Boxes

Crown XLS1000 Power Amplifier – Best Control

Getting a power amplifier is also important if you want to perform the best. Since you are already here, we will also introduce you to some good amps.

First is the Crown XLS1000 Power Amplifier. As you can see, this is a portable PA that is easily carried when you want an outdoor guitar playing.

All are ready to play anywhere because the Crown XLS1000 is packed with multiple inputs and many advanced technologies like PureBand Crossover System, DriveCore Technology, and Peakx limiters – just to name a few.

For example, DriveCore Technology makes it possible to drive the “frontend” class D output stage at a stable AC line supply.

Moreover, it helps the guitar and talkbox to recover quickly on pick transients and reproduce the low-level details.

The only thing that can drive you away from making a purchase decision is its price.

Extremely costly!

Crown XLS1000 Power Amplifier

215 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 350 watts per channel at 4 ohms, 1100 watts at 4 ohms bridged
High Performance, Lightweight Class-D amp weighs less than 11 lbs

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 07:28 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

Extremely compact to carry around
Multiple inputs to connect many instruments at once
Easy to use with advanced control

Cons

Expensive

Orange Micro Terror 20W Head – Best for Money

“Should I pay that much for the talk box amp like the Crown XLS1000?” – For those who are wondering, “Yes, you should!”

However, if the price is one of your concerns, you can look at the Orange Micro Terror 20W Head.

This amp is not as compact as its counterpart.

Fortunately, it is still lightweight to carry around and to meet your basic requirements.

In terms of performance, the amp can crank out 200W thanks to its solid-state Class D amp, which is safe enough to drive 8- or 16- ohm cabs.

The sound is extremely good once stationary. The Terrors pumps give off an unexpectedly loud and classic sound that will excite any classic rock guitarists.

Quite good for the price; however, this amp does not support a glassy and clean tone. Moreover, overdrive happens even when you set up to the lowest settings.

Orange Micro Terrror 20W Mini Hybrid Guitar Head

Power: 20 watt (hybrid)
Tube: 1 12AX7 tube preamp with solid state power amp

Last update on 2023-03-01 at 04:17 UTC – 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

Affordable price
Still compact and portable
Great loud sound for a classic rock style

Cons

Lack of glassy and clean tone

How Does a Talkbox Work?

best talk boxes

The idea of the talkbox was introduced by Peter Frampton, who played his guitar like it could “talk” to him in return.

This made a more figurative and unique sense to any performance. Nowadays, the device is becoming more and more popular, particularly for rock singers.

Simply put, the talk box works by lending the vocal track’s qualities and human mouth to the instruments.

To do so, the talk box needs at least a plastic tub or a horn driver.

The commercial models, moreover, have additional input and output and a PA system.

Then, the guitarists will put the tube halfway into their mouths.

They will push air from the lungs to the larynx’s vocal cords to create an air valve and vibrating speech audible.

At the same time, the larynx muscles will control tone and pitch.

Mouth, tongue, teeth, palate, and lips – on the other hand, create complex language.

Thus, the guitarists will lend the talkbox their sound and release it via the amplifier or horn driver connected to the instrument.

FAQs

Are Talk boxes dangerous?

When you search for the talk box, you might occasionally come across reports from other consumers that the talk boxes damaged their teeth and affected their vibrations and volume.

Then, do not be stressed about this.

The talkbox is not dangerous that much as long as you do not overdo it.

How much does a talkbox cost?

It depends on the functions required from the talk box. Most of the time, the price can range from $100 to $400.

Who uses a talkbox?

The most common use of the talkbox is with the electric guitars, meaning that the guitarists will love this musical device.

Furthermore, who play keyboards or synthesizers – whatever can be amplified, can also take advantage of talk boxes. If you are among them, you can get one talk box and try.