Flute and Effects

Playing effects pedals opens up many musical possibilities for the flutist. Examples of effects include reverb, delay, harmonizers, chorus, distortion, looping, and much more. 

What you need to play with effects:
  • Your instrument
  • Microphone
  • Preamp (this boosts the microphone signal so that it works with effects pedals; some pedals include a preamp)
  • Effects pedal(s) - I recommend the BOSS VE-20 Vocal Effects Processor for beginners
  • XLR cables
  • Optional: amplification, headphones, power supplies for pedals

​I offer lessons and consulting sessions for anyone interested in learning how to setup the gear and make music using effects. Contact me at melissa@melissakeeling.com and I'd be happy to learn more about you and your musical goals.
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Electric Flute Quick-Start Guide [FREE PDF]

$0.00

Want to play your instrument through effects pedals? Check out this quick-start guide for how to set it up. Includes checklists of required hardware and recommended products.


2 pages.
Free Download
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​Electric Flute - Essential Gear for Beginners - Shopping List

Do you want to play flute with effects, but aren't sure where to start? This is the no-frills shopping list for a basic setup. You can expand on this later, if you want! Snag the items on this list and you'll have access to effects such as delay, distortion, reverb, harmonization, flanger, chorus, and looping. 

(I am not affiliated with these companies in any way, nor do I profit from any sales. I put this list together for educational purposes to help anyone that wants to get started playing flute with effects pedals.)

MY PEDALBOARDS

Shure SM58 microphone > Helix Floor pedal by Line 6 >
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface > DAW​
(Photo credit: Melissa Bowman)
K&K Silver Bullet microphone > BOSS VE-20 > BOSS DS-1 Distortion > BOSS DD-7 Delay (on BOSS Pedalboard BCB-60)

MICROPHONE

Melissa uses a Shure SM58 microphone. This is cardiod (unidirectional) dynamic mic performs well in both studio and live performance situations.

EFFECTS PEDALS

Helix Floor by Line 6

This is multi-effect pedal is truly incredible. It includes nearly every effect imaginable (including a looper), 12 customizable footswitches, an expression pedal, a color LCD screen, an array of in/out jacks, and MUCH more. 

One reason why I chose this pedal is because it includes a dedicated microphone (XLR) input jack and preamp settings. This greatly streamlines my setup.

BOSS VE-20 Vocal Effects Processor 

Melissa has used the BOSS VE-20 for it's wide range of effects options in one stompbox. A great feature for flutists is the built-in microphone/XLR input and built-in preamp.

This pedal includes effects such as distortion, delay, harmonization, octaves, strobe, flanger, radio, and others. It also has the ability to have user-created sounds. AND it's a loop station!

BOSS DD-7
​Digital Delay 

This BOSS effect allows sounds to be played not only in delayed patterns, but in reverse. This pedal can loop, too!
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BOSS DS-1 Distortion

This effect is the key to creating that "fuzzy," gritty tone used by rock and metal guitarists.
Using distortion with a microphone can lead to feedback, especially at loud volumes.

VOX V845 Wah-Wah

This pedal creates a "scoop" in the sound, which was originally thought to imitate the sound of a muted trumpet. The Wah is used by guitarists to create that "wacka wacka" sound in funk music.
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​AMPLIFICATION

I've had the best success (the least amount of feedback and the cleanest amplified flute sound)
​using PA systems.
​However, guitar/keyboard amps can also get the job done.