Radial Engineering Voco-Loco MK2 - Effects Switcher for Voice or Instrument

The Voco-Loco MK2 is a foot-controlled microphone preamp and effects loop switcher designed for vocalists and acoustic instrumentalists who require the creative flexibility of guitar effects processing within a professional signal chain. It bridges the gap between microphone-level signals and guitar-pedal-level processing — cleanly, quietly, and without compromise.

Signal Path & Preamp

A studio-grade internal mic preamp accepts dynamic or condenser microphones via a locking XLR input, with switchable 48V phantom power for condenser operation. A dual-band shelving EQ provides low-frequency body and high-frequency articulation before the signal enters the effects loop, ensuring tonal foundation is established prior to processing.

Effects Loop Architecture

The transformer-isolated, hi-Z effects loop routes signal to and from standard ¼" guitar pedals via independent send and receive level controls, allowing precise optimization of signal-to-noise ratio across any pedal configuration. A tone control on the return path attenuates harshness introduced by bright or aggressive pedals, and a wet/dry blend control enables parallel processing — preserving the integrity of the original dry signal at any mix ratio.

Footswitch Operation

The primary footswitch engages or bypasses the effects loop. The secondary footswitch is user-configurable as either a Mute — for clean cut-offs between performances — or All Wet mode, which routes 100% processed signal for specialized applications.

MK2 Refinements

• Locking XLR input connector for secure stage and installation use
• Increased preamp gain headroom
• Enhanced phantom power handling for high-current condenser microphones
• 9V–18V power supply compatibility; 15V PSU included

Infrastructure & Build

• Balanced XLR line output for direct connection to mixing consoles
• Ground lift on pin-1 for hum elimination
• 180° polarity reverse for phase-coherent effects integration
• 14-gauge steel chassis for EMI/RFI shielding and structural integrity