“SING LIKE A STAR” Sound Tech Vocal Trainer Kit

About the software… Sound Tech’s Vocal Trainer Kit is a program that enables people from limited musical backgrounds to improve upon their singing skills. It uses animated characters and graphics to help non-musicians develop basic skills.

Package Contents Dynamic microphone Tripod desk stand with microphone clip LightSnake XLR to USB cable—STUSBXLR10 SingingCoach Software User Guide PC driver CD for Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE. The package costs around $90. The items are more expensive if you buy them separately.

First, hook up the LightSnake cable( a USB cord) to the computer and microphone. Place the microphone on the tripod. Install the software onto your computer by following a few basic steps. Set Up

Getting Started Once the program is installed, you will begin by singing a scale, going from the lowest part of your range to the highest part. The program will access your vocal range and show the results in a graph so that you can determine where your voice naturally sits. After testing your range, you can choose to go through all 20 available lessons or pick the ones you want to take. Each session is designed to help the singer develop a good tone, better pitch accuracy, and an expanded vocal range. The program even offers lessons on basic music reading skills.

Graphics The program uses graphs like this one to show you how accurate your pitch is. Such visuals also enable you to see what your voice is doing when you listen to the playback.

Reading Music This is a screen shot of the music reading lessons that come with the program. A melody is played while the notes are highlighted on a virtual keyboard.

After the tutorials Once you have completed the lessons or just skipped over the ones you don’t want to do, you can begin singing songs karaoke style. The program comes with several songs but also provides a link where you can download popular music. The downloaded music comes in a format that only works with the Vocal Kit. However, these downloads include virtual notation and lyrics. The program even comes with a mixer application so that once you record your voice with the accompaniment, you can set the volume for the different tracks. After you sing through each song, you will get a score from 1 to 100 based on your pitch accuracy. To help you stay on track while you sing, the program will show you a graph with color-coded pitch boxes.

Product Pros The program provides good basic training for people who want to improve their singing skills enough so that they won’t embarrass themselves at karaoke bars. There are plenty of practice songs provided. The package includes a good microphone. Being able to read music is not a requirement for the program. Safer learning environment for beginners.

Another Plus… The LightSnake microphone is a cool accessory to have if you want to do any other vocal recording with your computer in the future. It’s probably not great for an audition recording, but it works great for podcasting and casual recording. It is also available for guitar.

Product Cons Additional karaoke songs for the program are rather expensive, and they are mediocre midi recordings. The program requires a different disk to be compatible with Vista. The tripod has a reputation of breaking easily. Those songs that are so expensive to download are only compatible with the Vocal Trainer Kit.

Overview The Sound Tech Vocal Trainer Kit could be helpful when used for its intended purpose. It provides an adequate foundation in basic singing skills for inexperienced singers. It would probably not be helpful for people who have already had basic musical experience and are seeking to build upon fundamental knowledge.