Talkbox Effect Vst Plugin

VocalSynth 2 by Izotope ($199) This is one of the most powerful commercial vocoder plugins out.

When it comes to vocal processing, one of the most interesting effects you can use is any kind of vocoder VST plugin.
Simply put, a vocoder is a device that is used to synthesize the human voice. This has the effect of making vocals sound robotic and inhuman. It can be the perfect way to add some flare to a dull performance.
One of the most well known examples of a vocoder would be Daft Punk’s “Harder Better Stronger Faster.” In fact, the vocoder used by the French house duo is a big part of what made that song so iconic.
While vocoders are best known for making robots sing, there are plenty of other ways you can make use of them in your productions.
For bass music producers, they can be a great way to add vowel sounds to your bass patches. You can even use them to create experimental sounds like tuned percussion, or you can add otherworldly textures to any piece of audio.
There are a lot of vocoder VST plugins floating around the internet, but it can be tough to figure out which ones are worth using.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 11 best vocoder VST plugins to use in 2017.
But first, let’s break down the different elements of a vocoder first.

How Vocoders Work

A vocoder consists of two main elements: the carrier and the modulator.
The modulator can be any audio source, though the most popular choice is to use a vocal. The carrier is the synthesized element of the vocoder.

Free Talkbox Vst Plugin

The modulator is run through a series of filter bands that are used to create an amplitude mapping of its most important characteristics. The higher the number of filter bands, the more detailed the carrier will sound.
This map is then used to remove all the unwanted frequencies from the carrier, resulting in a seamless mixture of the two sounds.
To put that in simpler terms, we can compare this process to sketching over a penny onto a piece of paper. By placing a penny under a sheet of paper, you can create an impression of the penny’s image by shading over it with a pencil.
In this metaphor, the penny is the modulator, the paper is the carrier, and the pencil is the filter band.
The resulting sketch retains the image of the penny but transfers its material from copper to paper.
Now that we understand how vocoders work, let’s dive into our list of the best vocoder plugins.

Best Commercial Vocoder VST Plugins

If you are serious about using vocoders in your workflow, your best bet is to go with a commercial plugin. This means investing more money into your plugin collection, but you’ll have access to higher quality vocoders than if you stick with the free selection.
As with any other piece of gear, you get what you pay for. Luckily, there are lots of great options on the market and not all of them will break the bank!

1. Vocodex by Image-Line [99 USD]

From the creators of Fruity Loops Studio comes Vocodex, a relatively inexpensive and easy to use vocoder.
The interface for Vocodex is very straight forward, which is great because it won’t overwhelm beginners. There are only a handful of controls available, and there is an info bar that will display each control’s function when you hover over it.
Vocodex features up to 100 filters bands, so you’ll be able to get some very precise sounds from it. You also get a number of carrier options to choose from and a few other basic functions. Some would include an envelope follower and controls for the filter bands.

2. VocalSynth by iZotope [199 USD]

VocalSynth is a powerful vocoder plugin from iZotope, and it comes packed with tons of other great features for creating futuristic vocal effects.
VocalSynth’s interface features four main panels: Vocoder, talkbox, polyvox, and compuvox.
True to its name, the vocoder panel can be used to create classic robotic voice effects. You can choose from a variety of different vocoder modes to use, ranging from vintage hardware sounds to more modern digital ones.
Similarly, the talkbox panel emulates the iconic sound of the talkbox. A talkbox is similar to a vocoder, but has its own unique sound. It’s most famously been used by Peter Frampton when he makes his guitar talk.

Talkbox Effect Vst Plugin Plugins

With a hardware talkbox like Peter Frampton’s, a PVC tube is inserted into the player’s mouth to provide the vowel sounds of the effect. But since we’re dealing with software, there’s no need for this.
The polyvox section can be used to create rich vocal harmonies using a polyphonic pitch shifter. This tool can produce a range of effects, from organic backing vocals to artificial sounds.
Lastly, the compuvox panel can be used to add a computerized quality to your sounds. From old school speech synthesis to glitchy vocal effects, there are a lot of possibilities at your disposal.
In addition to the four main panels, there are also a ton of other useful features in VocalSynth. These include pitch correction, filters, distortion, and delay.
VocalSynth is a premium vocoder with a premium price tag, but it's definitely worth the investment when you consider how versatile its functions are.

3. Morphoder by Waves [79 USD]

With Morphoder, Waves has delivered a powerful yet streamlined vocoder.
Morphoder includes a built-in synth that can be used as the carrier. The controls for this carrier are limited, giving you the option to choose from ten pre-programmed patches.
If you aren’t satisfied with the ten presets, you can also sidechain your own sound sources.
A five band EQ is used to process the output of the vocoder, while the sound can be further tweaked with formant, pressure, smoothing and release controls.
A final output section is used as a mixer for the four main parameters of morphoder. You get a slider for mixing in the carrier, the modulator, and noise. Lastly, there is a slider to control the balance for each of these elements.
While Morphoder’s controls are more limited than other plugins, there’s no denying that it’s a great sounding vocoder. The simple interface makes it easy to dial in a nice tone, which is more than can be said about a lot of other vocoders.

4. Vocalizer Pro by SONiVOX [49.99 USD]

SONiVOX is another top notch vocoder VST with some unique capabilities.
The main feature of Vocalizer Pro is its four module system. Each of these four modules can be routed in a number of creative ways, making the possibilities endless.
Each module features options for pitch shifting, filtering, and modulation using LFOs. You can mix and match how the four modules interact with each other, which will allow you to create very complex patches.
Not only is Vocalizer Pro a great studio tool, but it has been optimized for performance as well. Two rows of eight MIDI-mappable pads are included on the interface..
The top row can be used to save different presets and parameters for quick recall. The bottom row can be used for mapping chords so they can easily be sequenced from a MIDI controller.

5. Waldorf Lector [183.68 USD]

Just take one glance at Waldorf’s Lector and it will be clear that it’s a very comprehensive vocoder.
Lector’s interface is jam packed with control knobs and functions. This plugin features a two oscillator synthesizer, a dynamic filter, and a wide range of effects such as distortion, delay, and reverb.
The Lector also features 100 filter bands, meaning that you can get as detailed with your carrier as you want to.

6. Razor by Native Instruments [99 USD]

Native Instruments’ Razor is technically a soft synth, but it has a great vocoder function that comes included.
Razor’s vocoder is a feature that is easily overlooked, but it's a powerful tool once you know how to use it. After loading the vocoder into oscillator one, you can then route Razor to an audio track to use it as a sidechain carrier.
Razor is capable of creating classic vocoder sounds, but you can also get some more experimental textures out of it.
Because Razor is an additive synthesizer, it is capable of creating otherworldly sounds that sound unlike other vocoders. Everything from metallic bass to morphing atmospheres can be created with it.
Not only do you get a great vocoder when selecting Razor, but you also get a full fledged synthesizer as well. This makes the initial investment even easier to justify.

Best Free Vocoder VST Plugins

Free vocoder VSTs can be a mixed bag, so don’t waste your time downloading any duds. The following plugins are great options for producers who don’t have a large budget.

7. TAL Vocoder

Togu Audio Line (TAL) is known for producing top notch VSTs for free and their vocoder is no exception. This plugin is designed to replicate vintage vocoder sounds that were popular in the ‘80s.
TAL Vocoder features an 11 band filter as well as a built-in carrier synth. The carrier synth features a few different waveforms such as saw, pulse, and noise. It is also possible to use external sounds as the carrier.
All in all, TAL Vocoder is a simple plugin with a decent sound, especially since it won’t cost you a dime.

8. Vocovee by g200kg

Vocovee by g200kg is another free vocoder worth checking out. Its features are pretty limited, but it boasts low latency, making it ideal for performances.
The interface is fairly appealing for a free VST as well. Features include three oscillators, two LFOs, a five band EQ, and a chorus effect.

9. Vintage Vocoder by Sonicism

Sonicism’s Vintage Vocoder plugin is based off of classic analog vocoders. The interface is simple, but there are still plenty of features to mess around with.
Included is an analog style filter, a powerful filterbank for processing the modulator, and a carrier that can use up to eight oscillators.

10. 4ormulator Vocoder Extreme

Don’t let the basic graphical interface fool you, 4orumulator’s Vocoder Extreme comes packed with multiple features.
Included are up to 520 bandpass filters, a resonance control, different vocoder modes, glide control, stereo harmonic effects, LFOs, a sequencer, and much more.
For a free VST, you’d be hard pressed to find a vocoder packed with more features.

11. Cannabis Vocoder by Bitsonic

As its name suggests, Bitsonic’s Cannabis Vocoder is an odd plugin. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t have an interesting sound.
The Cannabis Vocoder excels at grungy, distorted effects. It’s parameters are limited, with just a handful of controls available on the interface. However, there are a number of built-in presets that you can explore. Each of the stock sounds feature a rather hoarse sound, hence the name.
Not many vocoders can sound like they’re hacking up a lung, but Bitsonic seems to have mastered this effect.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you’ll have to decide what is most important to you in a vocoder. If you only intend to use them occasionally, you would do fine grabbing one or more of the excellent free plugins that are available.
However, if you’re looking to revolutionize the Daft Punk sound, you should probably invest in one of the premium VSTs.
The good news is that most of the plugins on this list can be sampled before you hand over your hard earned cash. Make sure you try a few out before settling on the right one.

Have you used any of these vocoders before?
Let us know in the comments!

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Vocoders have been around since the method was used first to synthesize a human voice in the 1930s. The word itself is derived from combining the words VOice and enCODER. For a brief history of the Vocoder and some of the artists that have used them, see Ian Vargo’s excellent article here.

Auto-Tune vs. Talk Box vs. Vocoder vs. Cross Synthesis

There is some confusion regarding the difference between these processes which should be cleared up first:

Vocoding is a form of Cross Synthesis, which is nicely described here by Julius Smith:

Cross-synthesis is the technique of impressing the spectral envelope of one sound on the flattened spectrum of another. A typical example is to impress speech on various natural sounds, such as ‘talking wind.’

Let’s call the first signal the `modulating’ signal, and the other the ’carrier’ signal. Then the modulator may be a voice, and the carrier may be any spectrally rich sound such as wind, rain, creaking noises, flute, or other musical instrument sounds. Commercial [hardware] vocoders used as musical instruments consist of a keyboard synthesizer (for playing the carrier sounds) and a microphone for picking up the voice of the performer (to extract the modulation envelope). (source)

In other words, only the frequencies that are present in the modulating signal are retained in the carrier signal after the envelope is applied. In software, vocoders can usually function as inserts on an audio track, as an instrument on a virtual instrument track using a sidechained input from another audio track or a live external source, or in the case of devices like Vocal Synth 2, either as an audio insert effect or virtual instrument.

Random thought: What would happen if you Vocode a Vocoded signal?

Auto-Tune is designed to sort of quantize a vocal signal to the closest pitch or scale degree. You begin to get that robotic vocoder-esque sound when you push it hard so that the pitch jumps abruptly from note to note. But the process is significantly different from vocoding.

The Talk Box is also a very different process:

… is usually an effects pedal that sits on the floor and contains a speaker attached with an airtight connection to a plastic tube … the speaker is generally in the form of a compression driver, the sound-generating part of a horn loudspeaker with the horn replaced by the tube connection. The other end of the tube is taped to the side of a microphone, extending enough to direct the reproduced sound in or near the performer’s mouth. When activated, the sound from the amplifier is reproduced by the speaker in the talk box and directed through the tube into the performer’s mouth. The shape of the mouth filters the sound, with the modified sound being picked up by the microphone. The shape of the mouth changes the harmonic content of the sound in the same way it affects the harmonic content generated by the vocal folds when speaking. (source)

Carrier & Modulator

“One of the earliest vocoders was developed by Homer Dudley in the late 1920s/early 1930s at Bell Laboratories. Large-scale telephone networks were being implemented at the time, and the vocoder was developed as a potential solution to bandwidth issues. These early tools were designed to encode speech to reduce bandwidth, allowing multiple voice signals to be transmitted over the same cables. Vocoders even underpinned pivotal World War II technologies, such as the SIGSALY system used for secure voice transmission.” (Vocal Synth 2 Vocoder manual – iZotope)

(image source)

While the use of the vocoder is typically associated with the robotized voice you are undoubtedly familiar with, and the processing method can be used on any sound especially those with distinct transients such as percussive sounds. Don’t feel constrained by the name — try experimenting with sounds other than vocals — replace or parallel process rhythm parts for example to get a beat that tracks the harmony. I’m a big fan of misusing software for creative effect – unlike hardware; it cannot be broken with bold experimentation.

Below is a collection of software Vocoders (in no particular order) that I recommend based on personal use. I welcome any additions to the list from readers inclined to contribute. They all work great on vocals of course, but as mentioned above, I suggest a healthy dose of reckless abandon and misuse to get your creative juices flowing.

EVOC 20 PS by Apple

Price: $199 – included with Logic Pro X

This is the vocoder and polyphonic synth that comes with Logic Pro’s excellent suite of virtual instruments. (Check out my Synthesis 101 tutorial series that features Logic instruments here)

Vst Plugin Audacity

The interface is accessible and well organized — once the three modes (Analysis, Synth, Vocoder) are understood and the Side Chain input is set up, you will start getting immediate results. The Synth section (Carrier signal) can be a blend of two waveforms or an FM modulated waveform. Built-in modulation, noise generation, onboard effects and a cool Freeze function (which freezes the current vocoded sound to be used as a straight-ahead synth voice) are nice features. Voiced and Unvoiced detection is also available for increased intelligibility if desired.

Vocal Synth 2 by iZotope

Price: $199

This plugin by iZotope is extremely powerful and sounds great from the very first launch. It is addictive, so make sure you’ve got some extra time on your hands before you fire it up. There are three main modes to be aware of off the bat:

AUTO: The internal synth engine of the plugin is used to generate sound. Insert it on an audio track and press play.
MIDI: With this mode, you can control the harmonies generated with a MIDI controller (eg. Keyboard)
SIDECHAIN: In this mode, you can drive another synth, guitar or other sound sources through the Vocal Synth modules.

The help screens give clear and concise setup instructions for each mode.

In addition to the Vocoder Module, there are four others – Biovox, Compuvox, Talkbox and Polyvox. The interface uses a nice graphic to display the relative influence of each.

There is also a slew of audio effects that can be easily routed in any custom configuration simply by dragging. The Shred module, in particular, creates a great granular stuttering effect that’s worth the price of admission.

There’s A LOT of functionality in Vocal Synth 2 and I encourage you to dig deep.

iZotope VocalSynth 2: Vocoder, FX & More

Vocoders have been around since the method was used first to synthesize a human voice in the 1930s. The word itself is derived from combining the words VOice and enCODER. For a brief history of the Vocoder and some of the artists that have used them, see Ian Vargo’s excellent article here. Auto-Tune

MVocoder by Melda Production

Price: $57

The MVocoder is a feature-rich device that comes with an exhaustive 102-page manual and allows for the manipulation/modulation of every conceivable parameter. Four Modulator sections include morphable shapes, envelopes, followers and more. The Band Graph and Band Matrix sections alone make this a powerful tool. There is an onboard upsampling section and mid/side capability.

The more time I spent with it, the more I liked it as I continued to uncover new functionality, new graphic interfaces, and surprising layers of control that resulted in nuanced to extreme sonic variation. It even has 11 interface styles with custom colors to accommodate your aesthetic taste.

As with many plugins of this complexity, the learning curve is steep and to take full advantage of all that this device has to offer will require a significant time commitment. For what this thing does, the price is ridiculously low. But there is no price/functionality relationship here. The MVocoder is for those looking to explore vocoding in great depth with meticulous control and programmability at every turn.

MeldaProduction MVocoder teaser

Vocalizer Pro by Sonivox

Price: $199

The Vocalizer Pro has a stunning, albeit initially intimidating interface, and provides access to four identical spectral synthesis modules with customized routing capability. The modules include various synthesis methods, envelopes, multimode filters and LFOs. There is an Effects Tab for built-in EQ, Chorus, Delay and Reverb, and an excellent Browser system based on genre, color and character descriptors. Eight Snapshot pads allow on-the-fly access to user presets and eight Chord pads will recall keyboard notes and chords. This device sounds great right out of the virtual box and is almost immediately usable. Once you understand one module and the effect of the various synthesis methods you are ready to roll.

Talkbox Plugin Free

Vocalizer Pro Overview | SONiVOX

Lector Vocoder by Waldorf

Price: $179

The Lector Vocoder is a single window interface that includes four main sections: Input Carrier signal controls with Unvoiced detection for intelligibility, Synthesizer (2 oscillators, filter and amplifier sections), Vocoder filter bank with modulation and analysis controls, and an onboard Effects section that includes: overdrive, chorus, delay and reverb. It took some futzing to get this device to do what I wanted, but the results were reasonably good. I recommend a good read through the manual to avoid unnecessary frustration. The Waldorf sound engine is well-known and respected and provides a strong foundation for Vocoding in this plugin.

Orange Vocoder IV by Zynaptiq

Price: $189 (older version price)

The Orange Vocoder IV will be the latest offering by the innovative developers at Zynaptiq but has not yet been released, so I’m unable to make any comments or personal observations. However, check back after the release date for an update to this article. Until then, here is some preliminary information from Zynaptiq:

Initially developed by Prosoniq in 1998, ORANGE VOCODER has since evolved through numerous iterations, always staying at the cutting edge right to this day. It has a reputation for being the single most transparent sounding and flexible vocoder plug-in available … it features a built-in 32-voice synthesizer, eight different vocoder algorithms ranging from analog modeled circuits to far-out digital cross-synthesis modes, filter-bank freezing and reverb, a 10-band graphic EQ, and more…a dream-machine for creating new sounds!

I can say that the current version pictured below is a beautifully designed plugin that sounded immediately great from the very first instantiation. It features two sound sources which can be waveforms or samples, two modulators which be set to an LFO, envelope or dedicated pitch modulation, ring modulation, onboard reverb, filter, graphic EQ, unvoiced detection, mixer section, and a freeze button. I am anxious to see and hear what improvements the latest release will have to offer.

Conclusions

Vocoding is not just about voice mangling or robotizing; it is a unique form of cross synthesis that works well with a variety of source material and live audio input. If you haven’t experimented with vocoders in the past, now is as good a time as any. It may be just the thing to inspire new directions in your work.

Vst Plugin Free

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