Favorite Vocoder

Jason · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject: Favorite Vocoder

I am pretty sure this topic has been touched on a little though I wanted to get some more feedback from those more experienced than myself.

What is your favorite vocoder, hardware (Analog or Digital) or software based?

Yes I am looking for a basic classic or cliched (take your pick) robot effect sounds.

I have 3 vocoders and am not new to them, but am looking perhaps at a more vintage piece, though cost is a concern and I am sure the classic pieces are pricey. Maybe I should just settle for a new electrix MK2, or just keep on tweaking my G2.

Thank you Idea

v-un-v · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject:

The Boss VT-1 was always my fave.

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:57 pm Post subject:

One of my favorites is the Roland SVC-350. Another is this one
The brain behind the infiltrator is our most excellent janitor Dr. Justice.

I bought the Roland VP 550 yesterday as a replacement for the Roland VP 330 and the Korg VC-10.

deknow · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

the mam vf11 (also marketed as next, and perhaps some other names) is an excellent vocoder. it has a limiter on the input (which is a nice feature). if you want something with a built in synth, the microkorg is quite nice.

deknow

edited because i said it needed a compressor, but what i meant was that it has a limiter (my paia however, does need a compressor)

Jason · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:33 pm Post subject:

You guys are awesome!
what would the chances be for getting a sound clip example of the
Roland VP 550 elektro80? If not thats totally cool just wondering.
Probably somewhere online there are some.

Thanks everyone I need to check all of these out.

I almost became the sales rep here for MAM but wisely declined due to many reasons like I not a sales person but I digress...
(I have the MAM filterbank)... anywho thanks

deknow · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:37 pm Post subject:

i've also played a bit with 'vocator', which is an akai vst...smoooooth.

on http://www.deknow.com/ , you can hear "the call up", all the main vocals are vf11 vocoding voice/theremin...also the "hup, 2, 3, 4" is our dog vocoded with my voice Smile

deknow

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject:

I haven´t yet recorded anything with the VP 550. But.. if you search Youtube for Roland VP 550 you will find a lot.

Like:

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:48 pm Post subject:

The VP 550 is very cool.

It does not in any way replace a proper vocoder with individual inputs for modulator and carrier as well as tweakable bands and all that.. but as a replacement for the keyboard strains of the vocoder.. like the 330 and the VC-10 is it is unbeatable ( and far far better ).

v-un-v · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:48 pm Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:50 pm Post subject:

Practice makes perfect? Shocked

deknow · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:55 pm Post subject:

18 thousand posts can't _all_ be wrong Smile

deknow

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

18K?

Gee..

v-un-v · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:56 pm Post subject:

yeah but are 3000 of those porn? Shocked

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject:

Back to the VP 550. I was just about to say that it costs almost nothing. In Norway the price was approx. 2400 USD and I paid approx. 50% of that yesterday. And I got it brand new from a shop.
That still equals almost the price it goes for at musiciansfriend.com right now though.

Drone · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject:

Wow that's a really nice vocoder effect. Could have sworn that second last video was a Queen recording of Freddie Mercury.

deknow · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject:

...it sounds like a "proper vocoder" couldn't really replace that thing either. great sounds.

now, if i could only play keyboard, i could finally sing Smile

deknow

Jason · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:37 pm Post subject:

Yes thank you all so much again. I am totally sold on the VP-550.
I also want to check out that infiltrator that the Dr worked on as that is news to me. I just cant help but wonder what it would be like to use a vintage vocoder and what the main differences would even be, though obviously midi control and other modern advancements will sway me to a more up to date solution.

Cheers Cool

X-Electric · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:31 am Post subject:

elektro80 · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:20 am Post subject:

W.T. · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:44 am Post subject:

I don't know wich one was used for the cylons in battle star calactica (also used by the beastie boys big-japan-robot song believe) but that is the one i love. it sounds so strong. But i don't know wich one that is (ems?)

Jason · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:37 am Post subject:

Actually if its the song I am thinking of they actually did that with a MAM as I recall some marketing at the time.

And yes I love vocoders for much more than just robot voices as well, but it gives me a general idea of the quality and timber as to what a device may be capable of in terms of its articulation and clarity.

My korg MS2000r yields some barely acceptable results but I guess it just isnt that good of a machine. I bet the radius is pretty cool, but having a dedicated device like a VP-550 would be great.

mono-poly · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:01 pm Post subject:

EMS 3000

seraph · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:42 am Post subject:

mono-poly · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 3:10 am Post subject:

That's the 5000

Posted Image, might have been reduced in size. Click Image to view fullscreen.

This is the 3000 amazing sounding machine!!!