Using Vocoder Plug-ins

Dec 9, 2021

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ANECDOTE

Vocoder Origins

The vocoder, or voice-operated recorder, was invented in 1939 by Homer Dudley.
It was initially intended to improve vocal transmissions in telephone lines, not for music.

INSIGHT

How Vocoders Work

Vocoders use two signals: a carrier and a modulator.
The modulator's sound character influences the carrier, creating unique textures.

ADVICE

Creative Vocoder Use

Use drum beats or sequenced material as modulators in vocoders.
This can create interesting and unexpected textures, especially with sustained carriers.

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Vocoders are not just for vocals. In this episode, Eddie Bazil talks about the various vocoder plug-in options and demonstrates six creative techniques.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - A Short History Of The Vocoder
02:15 - How Vocoders Work
03:28 - Example 1: Processing Drum Beats and Pads
07:31 - Example 2: Adding Texture To Drums And Bass
10:41 - Example 3: Creating Rhythmic Bass Textures
13:30 - Example 4: Creating The Borg
16:00 - Example 5: Modulating Sounds Using A Beat
21:20 - Example 6: Adding Delay To Create Motion

Eddie Bazil Biog
Eddie Bazil launched his music industry career at the age of 17 as a synth programmer for a range of Electro / New Wave bands including Art of Noise, Spandau Ballet, Pet Shop Boys, Bobin, Paul Dee, DJ Krush, DJ Shadow, Jets Orchestra. By his 20s he was working as a sound designer for Akai, Roland Emu/Ensoniq, eventually signing on exclusively with the latter. Later, due to a growing demand for software instruments and libraries, Eddie started to develop libraries for various software manufacturers, including Native Instruments, Kiesel, Sound Effects Library, Arturia and Propellerheads. A meeting with Phil Allen, a Capital Radio DJ, resulted in the company Samplecraze, which Eddie has spent 20 years developing as an educational resource. At this time he trained in music production and soon gained a number of prominent contracts working with some notable artistes such as Busta Rhymes, Greensleeves, 9 Bar, SFP, Sleeveless, Chris Campbell and Gam Productions. He contracted to Island Records and Chrysalis as a producer and remixer, plus was commissioned to write the score for Macbeth that ran at 2 Way Mirror at Alexander Palace for the Cambridge Shakespeare Company. His ongoing development of Samplecraze has led to him offering educational workshops and classes, releasing four books via PC Publishing and becoming a contributor and forum moderator for Sound On Sound. Recently he has established The Audio Production Hub for online education and been invited by the Recording Academy to become a Grammy judge.
https://eddiebazil.co.uk/

https://samplecraze.com/

https://theaudioproductionhub.pivotshare.com/

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