Did you know that Vocodex comes also in VST form? It’s simple, not too expensive, yet still a very effective tool for making your synth sounds pop or adding some robotic nuances to your music.

by Alex Arsov, Jan. 2016

I presume you know what a vocoder is and what it can be used for. You can transform a human voice into a robotic one, or even change the pitch of a recorded voice, giving the effect of some sort of singing synthesizer. In vocoder vocabulary, an audio clip (usually containing human voice) is a Modulator, while the sound from the synthesizer is a Carrier. A series of band pass filters analyzing the modulator signal in real time control the frequency spectrum of synthesizer sound, letting only the frequencies that are presented in the modulator to get through the filters. All other frequencies are gated out. The end result is a blended sound of a voice and a synth line. The quality of the vocalized voice is in close connection with its carrier source, the type of sound that you choose for a carrier.

If a vocoder doesn’t have an integrated internal syntheszier then setting it inside the DAW can be a bit tricky. You should insert a group channel, panning modulator to one side of the group and carrier to another, experiment with synthesizer presets and similar joyful things to get usable results. Thankfully IL Vocodex has an integrated carrier synthesizer, so all you need to do is set it as an insert effect of the audio track (modulator) and set the output of a MIDI file to “Vocodex MIDI in” MIDI input, setting the modulator value inside Vocodex to 0. Then you should set wet signal to maximum, adding any synthesizer sound source from the lower part of main Vocodex graphical interface (or just use any of the Immediate presets, as they all already use some sound source from the Synthesizer sound source menu). So as you can see, it’s not complicated at all, right? … Errr actually, wrong is the correct answer. I spent two days figuring this out, at first I even tried with a group channel, but thankfully figured this out by reading the manual, trying to get some conclusions out of some facts. Setting up in other DAWs (Vocodex is a part of Producer and Signature versions of Image Line Fl Studio) is not mentioned in the user manual, also there is only one video on the topic that is not precise enough to give you a straight answer. Dear Image Line, you have a million video tutorials on your Youtube channel – I would be thankful if you can also make one on how to set this up in Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One, etc., etc. … Thanks in advance.

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The Purpose

The main advantage of Vocodex, aside from it being relatively cheap, is the user-friendly interface that makes it very simple to operate. It is adorned with various self explanatory symbols, so you don’t need a PhD to set it right. One man in the picture means center mode, while two men means stereo. The male symbol is for lower pitch, female for higher pitch. Also, in the upper left corner is an info line that gives you a short explanation for each controller as you pass over a button or knob with the mouse. The main graphical interface is neat, clean and very well-organized. There are actually just a few sections with various controllers. If you need a more detailed set of controllers then maybe this is not the right vocoder for you. This one is built with one main purpose: to be user-friendly and to achieve great results with as little effort as possible.

Mixer

At the top is a mixer row. The most prominent thing on the whole interface is a big knob for setting the wet/dry ratio for the input signal. The next row has a slider for setting the “Soundgoodizer” level. According to the manual this is some sort of compressor that prevents signal clipping. Then we have sliders to set the input level for the modulator and carrier, along with a slider for setting the “Noise pass through” level. The Draft and Threaded options are for preserving CPU usage and there are also a few “Contour” options for determining envelope volume of the carrier or detecting the consonance of the modulator. If it ain’t broken, don’t try and fix it. I didn’t touch most of these things, but it’s nice to have them all the same.

Envelope Follower and Band Distortion

The next row contains the Envelope follower set of controllers. In this section we can find knobs for Hold, Attack and Release for taming the modulator signal, along with an RMS/Peak switch and low and high pass filters. No strict rules here: tweak and try. The most interesting knob is Freeze, a snowflake symbol freezing the current settings as long as you press it. Cool solution for some end phrase special effects. If you run into any glitches check if Min Times is selected, as this function ensures that bands will be open just for a short time.

In the same row, on the right-hand side we find the Band Distortion section dedicated to controlling the width and level of the input filtering bands. At the bottom left of this section we can set the number of bands, from five to 100. The more bands you use, the more CPU will be used, and the more natural and clear sound will be. Of course, if you are after a robotic sound then you will use fewer bands. Also, more bands doesn’t automatically mean a better sound. Around 50 bands is a good starting point and I suggest you to try both extremes.

Along with setting the band width there is also a controller for setting the level of the bandwidth multiplier and modulator pitch shift, making the output sound more male by lowering the pitch or more female by setting it higher. The last in the row is band unison panning and unison order, from one to five voices.

Under those two sections is a big graphic-equalizer/frequency-band window showing you modulator frequency/level activity.

Carrier Synthesizer

At the bottom of the main graphical interface is a carrier synthesizer with a virtual keyboard. On the left we can choose between various carriers – from Saw and Robotic Saw, through various Pulse, Organ, Car Horn, to the Elderly, Panner and PWM. One way or another, try them all, and you will find the one you’re after. The good thing is that they are quite different, so the end result is not just a variation of one sound but gives quite a wide spectrum of sound. From helium inhale to deep distorted.

Summary

I presume that reading about all these controllers gives you the impression that it’s quite complicated to set it right, but the truth is that great results can be achieved just by choosing the right carrier inside the synthesizer and slightly tweaking a few of the left-hand sliders in mixer section along with playing a bit with Band Distortion – and that’s it. IL Vocodex sounds great. It’s really simple to operate, being blessed with a graphical interface where the more important controllers are most graphically exposed. So tweak what you see first and you’ll soon be there. It also brings a huge number of presets and a big number of internal carrier sounds. It offers great value for money and it will not break your brain, leaving you enough time to make music and without needing to read the manuals, trying to figure how to make it work.

It comes as a VST effect (unfortunately Windows only) and it will cost you €89 EUR.

The vocoder is one of the most sought after effects used in the recording studio when searching for new sounds and timbres. Over the last forty years, artists like Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Imogen Heap, and Phil Collins have all used the vocoder on recordings.

The vocoder used to be a hardware-only (analog) instrument, integrated into a synthesizer. Like most analog gear these days, we now have “digital hardware” that we can use right in our computer’s music software — VST Plugins (Virtual Studio Technology).

I’ve used several vocoder VST plugins over the years. Today I will share with you my favorites and a little about each one.

Table of Contents

1) Izotope VocalSynth 2

VocalSynth 2 is an incredible VST from Izotope. It’s the most plug-and-play vocoder plugin I’ve ever used.

If you’ve ever used a vocoder plugin before, you’ll know that the routing to make it function can be rather tedious. You have to send MIDI information to the vocoder on a separate track and make sure the vocoder understands it before you’ll hear any sound.

Izotope VocalSynth 2 works a little different, as you can manipulate existing audio with or without MIDI input. The plugin is excellent for auditioning effects quickly when working with an artist — they can get impatient.

The presets sounds remarkable, and the interface is clean and slick. Izotope’s VocalSynth 2 is by far my favorite vocoder VST to date because how ease of use and how perfect it works when getting creative with a mix.

Orange Vocoder Vst

Izotope VocalSynth 2 is available from Plugin Boutique.

2) XILS V+ Vocoder VST

The V+ has been around for several years but remains to be one of my favorite picks. While not a vocoder VST exclusively, the XILS V+ fuses a ten band vocoder with strings or human voice synthesis.

The synthesizer is a somewhat accurate emulation of the original model (Roland VP-330 Vocoder) but does require a more advanced user to understand the knowledge of routing on a hardware-based instrument.

I’m not the biggest fan — while I do like learning a lot of technical aspects when it comes to recording, it comes at the expense of creativity. There is enough to learn regarding production. Adding complex synthesis to the list is something I’d instead not do.

For those who like tinkering and learning about synthesizers and hardware emulation, check out the V+ synth and vocoder VST.

XILS V+ is available from Plugin Boutique.

3) Morphoder Vocoder VST by Waves

I’m a huge fan of plugins from Waves. There’s not a single session I’ve worked on in the past five years that hasn’t utilized something from Waves (most notably, the SSL Channel).

Waves follows Apple’s logic when it comes to plugins — there’s one for everything, including a vocoder.

The Morphoder was the first vocoder VST I tried. I had a tough time figuring it out. For a new producer, it will take practice to wrap your head around how the routing works, once again.

Vocodex Vst Free Download

Aside from that, the vocoder sounds excellent, though you are limited to only ten factory-provided synth sounds.

4) Vocalizer Pro by SONiVOX

Looking for an affordable vocoder VST? Look no further.

Vocalizer Pro by SONiVOX is on sale (at the time of publishing) for USD 14.99 from Plugin Boutique.

Vocalizer Pro is comparable to VocalSynth 2, as it operates similarly. The plugin re-synthesizes audio from any given source — you’re not limited to only vocals.

Some of the most unique and exciting sounds I’ve heard from the VST are not vocals. Plugging a drum loop through Vocalizer yields fresh sounding results.

The VST is also light enough to be used in real-time in a live situation.

Vocalizer Pro is available from Plugin Boutique.

Free Vocoder VST Plugins

For all the young and budding producers out there who need to save a little case, I’ve got you covered. There are a bunch of free vocoder plugins available online.

Though I haven’t tested any of these VSTs personally, they’re still worth a mention.

• Voyager by Arguru
• Vocovee by g200kg
• Syncoder 32
• Talkbox by mda

Stay Away From Cracked VSTs

This section of the article is a disclaimer more than anything. No surprise to most, I am entirely against the use of cracked plugins. They’re dangerous and immoral.

Don’t even search for illegal or cracked plugins. Not only are you ripping off the plugin developers, but malicious code is also often included with these cracked plugins. Malware and ransomware are still a real threat.

As a rule of thumb, always be careful when looking for free downloads online. Make sure the download comes from a trusted and reputable source. Ensure the website uses SSL encryption (see the little lock at the top address bar?).

Things to Consider When Looking for a Vocoder VST

Some DAWs include a stock vocoder — While this isn’t the case with my DAW of choice Cubase, some digital audio workstations may come with a vocoder. Check your DAW’s manual to see before buying an additional VST plugin.

Be aware of the complexity — Lots of vocoder plugins are often just synthesizers that contain a vocoder. Your skill level with synthesis determines how easy these types of plugins will be for you.

Wrapping Up

As stated before, my favorite vocoder VST is Vocal Synth2 by Izotope. It’s super simple to use and produces excellent results with ease.

Do you use a vocoder plugin? Which one is your favorite? I’d love to hear from you down below in the comments. Thanks for reading, once again!