Vocoders

[Clockworker]

So, I just remembered these are a thing after seeing a video using EHX's one (the V256 I think it's called? I'm too tired and lazy to check). I kinda want some kind of vocoder now, but what other options are there? I don't think it's a big market, but I want to know who else is doing them.

[K2000]

EHX has three models, I believe (Iron Lung is the simplest and cheapest).

[aholidayatthesea]

I love vocoders.

I've tried an EHX one, but ended up getting the tc Helicon one (I think it's called voice synth or something) and I'd highly recommend it. You can use it with an instrument or without. I got it for like $100, which is cheaper than I could find the EHX for. It doesn't do harmonies, but for $70 I put a Behringer US600 and kaoss pad after it so now I can do harmonies, delays, looping effects, etc.

[lordgalvar]

Always have been interested in them. The Korg MS2000 (and some of it's children) have them too. Never got around to playing with them though. (I always almost buy a talk box or vocoder then go for a fuzz )

Zapp and Roger used a talk box for vocoder-like sounds too (don't always have to sound like Bon Jovi or Frampton...).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aVa7qVKUHI[/youtube]
Get out those Roller Skates:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK6wOG_aDl8[/youtube]

Always been interested in the Kraftwerk and Bambaataa tones too. "Looking for the Perfect Beat"'s intro is one of the damn coolest sounds ever. (I think both used old Roland or Moog ones...not exactly sure though)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa8hdzQ4aok[/youtube]

Gotta ILF demo one of those EHX ones if you pick one up...I am really interested!

[echorec]

What are you wanting to run through a vocoder---instruments, vocals, found sound? The Electrix Warpfactory is one of the most coveted ones. They're only available in rack format and should run $150-250, depending on if you use eBay/Craigslist/other online outlets.

For Radiohead's "Fitter Happier" they ran speech software through a vocoder, which the band felt made it sound slightly more human. It's sort of like a double-negative canceling each other out and turning into a positive. I always liked that as a creative implementation of the device.

If you don't specifically need a vocoder, you might check into the Boss VT-1. I would expect to pay $120-$180 for one of those, but they fluctuate depending on condition and demand. Roland is currently making the VT-3, which would probably run $120-170 used.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... -1&_sop=15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK0njkATf84

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxamXlACUuM

[Clockworker]

EHX has three models, I believe (Iron Lung is the simplest and cheapest).

You're right, they have the V256, the Iron Lung, and the Voice Box. The Voice Box is pretty neat, though it's not what I'm looking for. The Iron Lung is a very stripped down V256. Between these three, the V256 is what I'm looking for most.

I love vocoders.

I've tried an EHX one, but ended up getting the tc Helicon one (I think it's called voice synth or something) and I'd highly recommend it. You can use it with an instrument or without. I got it for like $100, which is cheaper than I could find the EHX for. It doesn't do harmonies, but for $70 I put a Behringer US600 and kaoss pad after it so now I can do harmonies, delays, looping effects, etc.

I listened to some demos of it, I wasn't very impressed honestly.

Any other options out there? Maybe I'm just being picky.

What are you wanting to run through a vocoder---instruments, vocals, found sound? The Electrix Warpfactory is one of the most coveted ones. They're only available in rack format and should run $150-250, depending on if you use eBay/Craigslist/other online outlets.

For Radiohead's "Fitter Happier" they ran speech software through a vocoder, which the band felt made it sound slightly more human. It's sort of like a double-negative canceling each other out and turning into a positive. I always liked that as a creative implementation of the device.

If you don't specifically need a vocoder, you might check into the Boss VT-1. I would expect to pay $120-$180 for one of those, but they fluctuate depending on condition and demand. Roland is currently making the VT-3, which would probably run $120-170 used.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... -1&_sop=15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK0njkATf84

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxamXlACUuM

The Roland VT-3 sounds very interesting. It also has the advantage of being able to take in 1/4 inch jacks, which is what my microphone has (I think it's other option is 1/8 inch). The EHX seems to only take XLR, which I don't have. I'll have to investigate further.

[space6oy]

For Radiohead's "Fitter Happier" they ran speech software through a vocoder, which the band felt made it sound slightly more human. It's sort of like a double-negative canceling each other out and turning into a positive. I always liked that as a creative implementation of the device.

i doubt that, sounds like simply a mac talking.

[space6oy]

i love this one.

[echorec]

i doubt that, sounds like simply a mac talking.

It's widely reported that Macintosh SimpleText was used for the voice, but I remember reading an article once with Yorke where he talked about how the audio was created and then processed. It could've been mixed through multiple tracks in order to minimize the wet signal. I would agree that it's not overtly obtrusive the way you might hear it in hip hop or in Kraftwerk.

[tuj]

ok I got all of them.

best? Sennheisier, but you'll never find one.

Roland SVC-350 is brilliant sounding. The MS10 is OK.

The Elextrix vocoder is also not bad. The Zoom 1204 is a cheap processor that has a surprisingly good vocoder.

And then there is the EHX, which sounds AMAZING with 256 bands.

[modernage]

ok I got all of them.

Even the Moog?!??

[echorec]

For anyone interested--

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sky-Soundlab-Vo ... rmvSB=true