The vocoder is an effect/instrument that has been around in some form or another since the thirties, as with many effects and electrical instruments it was developed through the invention of the telephone and other devices. But today the vocoder is a way to turn your voice into an instrument that you can then control via the keys of your keyboard. Many of todays leading synthesizers include a vocoder and even DAW (digital audio workstation) applications have gotten in on the vocoder.
The Best Use for Studio Vocoder
The vocoder whose name is derived from simply combining the words voice and encoder, is an analysis and synthesis system which is usually use on vocals. The vocoder works by running a vocal through a multiband filter, than each filter is passed through an envelope filter. There are three types of vocoders as with many of todays instruments and effects there are digital, analog and software version. The analog was of course the first and sends the voice into tuned frequencies keeping the shape of the words made in the original signal but after heading through the filters it comes out with different varied pitches which can be changed and played on a keyboard. The vocoder can be used for a variety of sounds from non melodic special effects to melodic playable types of sounds.
Voice Effect with Studio Vocoder
The idea, musically atleast is to turn your voice into an instrument that you can then control the notes of. This is similar to the effect caused by the guitar pedal none as a talk box. In the case of the vocoder you can make your voice sound like a choir or a synthesizer or just about anything. You can play single notes or chords and whatever you play the shape of the sound will come from your vocal. Hardware synthesizers such as the microkorg are very popular in part for there vocoder, and even come with a built in microphone. There are also plugins which you can buy for your DAW that emulate the sounds of the vocoder, the work in pretty much the exact same way. A lot of DAW’s come with a plugin of there own which can work to varying affect. Vocoders have gone in and out of vogue over the years but used creatively they cam make for some very cool sounds. In todays autotune crazy recording industry the vocoder is a cool and different choice for such effects.
As the technology of the music industry moves into new levels of perfection and slick production tricks take over the radio, the vocoder is one effect that is both historic and futuristic in nature. There are lots of ways to integrate this interesting effect into your music, stay creative and you will always be ahead of the curve.
