What is a vocoder ? Everything you need to know
“What is a vocoder?” This question often resonates among electronic music enthusiasts and sound engineers. A vocoder, short for “voice coder,” is a device or software that transforms the human voice in a unique and fascinating way. Let’s explore together the history, functions, and various uses of this tool that continues to captivate musicians and listeners around the world.
A vocoder is a device or software used to modify the sound of a human voice in real-time. It was invented in the 1930s by Homer Dudley (photo), an engineer at Bell Labs. This ultra-powerful tool analyzes and synthesizes the human voice in a unique way. It instantly gives your mix an electronic touch.
The vocoder can be used in several ways:
- Vocal effect
- Vocal harmonies: Some vocoders can generate vocal harmonies by adding additional voices to the main voice. This can give an impression of choirs or multiple voices and enrich the harmonic aspect of a song.
- Sound transformation: It can analyze and segment sound into different frequencies, then apply precise filters to each segment. This allows for a unique “sound texture”.
The history of the vocoder
In 1938, the vocoder was created for a completely different purpose: synthesizing human speech. This technique was designed to encode and decode the human voice for military purposes. Musicians eventually discovered it,they discovered this techno and they appropriated it to play with it in their creations.
In the vocoder, the decoding section is aptly called the “voder.” In its early days, the voder consisted of a noise generator (which produced a sound spectrum close to white noise) and an oscillator. Never before had musicians had the possibility to add depth and character to their voice like this. Naturally, in what many called a remarkable twist of fate, the vocoder underwent a significant transformation, evolving from a military device to a captivating musical effect. Its true public debut occurred in 1971, when it first appeared on the soundtrack of “A Clockwork Orange”.
In the early 1980s, the vocoder found its true calling by becoming the quintessence of a new genre, Electro Funk. Renowned artists and groups such as Zapp and Kraftwerk adopted this particular hardware because they were drawn to its captivating “robotic” properties.
The vocoder today
To unleash the sonic magic of vocoder, you need to understand two essential audio sources: the carrier and the modulator. The carrier is the base sound, while the modulator shapes the overall sound of the carrier.The sound transformation occurs in the “filter bank.” This filter bank acts as a sound analyzer, breaking down the modulator signal into different frequency bands. Each band is then precisely filtered to match the center frequency of the corresponding modulation band.When the carrier passes through these filters, the vocoder skillfully adjusts the level of each filter based on the harmonic complexities of the modulator signal.
If you find this too technical, don’t worry. Imagine your voice working in the same way. When you speak, the air from your lungs sets your vocal cords in motion, acting as the carrier. As this vibrating air passes through the rest of your vocal tract, including the tongue, mouth, and throat, it acts as the modulator, shaping the sound that is ultimately heard by you and the people around you. The vocoder works in the same way by modifying the carrier based on the unique characteristics of the modulator.
Vocoders Used by Artists or Sound Engineers
Hardware vocoders are popular synthesizer keyboards for studio production and stage performances. Here is a selection of versatile hardware vocoders that work perfectly in both areas.
Roland VP-03 Boutique
The Roland VP-03 Boutique combines the worlds of synthesized sound and the human voice using the latest ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology to emulate the sound that made the original so influential.
The VP-03 offers faithful reproduction of the sound sources from the VP-330, including the vocoder, human voice, and strings. It also features a step-by-step vocal sequencer that allows the creation of complex vocal patterns.
iZotope VocalSynth 2
iZotope VocalSynth 2 is a versatile vocal effects plugin with five powerful vocal engines, such as the vocoder, talkbox, and compuvox. It offers a wide variety of vocal effects, from classic to experimental. The plugin provides pedal-like effects to add color and texture to vocal recordings. Additionally, it offers creative control features such as automatic, MIDI, and Sidechain modes for unique modulations. With its user-friendly interface and integrations with other iZotope plugins, VocalSynth 2 is a powerful and creative solution for transforming and shaping vocal sound.
The VP-03 offers faithful reproduction of the sound sources from the VP-330, including the vocoder, human voice, and strings. It also features a step-by-step vocal sequencer that allows the creation of complex vocal patterns.
Waves Ovox Vocal Resynthesis
Waves Ovox Vocal Resynthesis is an innovative vocal resynthesis plugin that pushes the boundaries of vocal transformation. It allows the creation of unique and futuristic vocal effects using advanced vocal resynthesis technology. Ovox offers a wide range of controls to modify the timbre, intonation, and waveform of the voice, allowing the creation of complex and surprising vocal textures. The plugin also features advanced modulation controls to add movement and variation to resynthesized voices. With its creative features and advanced vocal processing capabilities, this plugin is a valuable addition to any vocal effects toolbox.
Conclusion
Vocoding is a very versatile technique that can meet a wide variety of creative needs, whether it is to achieve a timeless synth-pop ambiance like Daft Punk or to create a futuristic robotic voice for a science fiction film. Whether you are a music producer or an artist, the vocoder offers an exciting range of vocal effects to explore and incorporate into your musical creations.
Get onboard !
Don’t miss any blog post we share, unlock premium content, receive insider tips, and enjoy exclusive perks within our Newsletter.
