With the vocoding effect enjoying a resurgence after some time away, there are a few options out there from simple to complex. We check out Zynaptiq’s latest creation that promises lots of features without the need for complex routing or synthesis.
In Summary
Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder IV provides classic vocoding as well as synth and effects textures. Its Zynth, and Dice buttons can provide instant inspiration, along with Freezer for infinite hold effects. Despite its deep functionality, it can be dropped directly across vocal tracks without the need for external routing or MIDI inputs.
Going Deeper
Vocoding 101
Although some might be unfamiliar with the world of vocoders, they may well have heard the sound without realising it. With acts such as Daft Punk, Beastie Boys, Phil Collins, Grandmaster Flash, Kraftwerk, and Imogen Heap all indulging in its ‘robot voice’ capabilities, the sound actually has its roots military and communication technologies. These were developed in the early mid twentieth century with the aim of distilling voice information to encrypt and reduce bandwidth along lines of communication. Having fallen out of favour, these designs were later resurrected by those at the leading edge of synth technology.
A signal such as voice (the Modulator) is used to shape an existing sound such as a synth (the Carrier). The modulator is analysed across multiple bands, each feeding corresponding bandpass filters at the same frequencies. The carrier is passed through a bank of filters that respond to the analysed bands from the modulator. This way the carrier takes on the spectral character of the modulator, giving rise to effects such as the ‘talking synth’. This changes sounds electronically in the same way as its acoustic Talkbox equivalent, which exploits the filtering qualities of the singer’s mouth.
Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder IV
Orange Vocoder IV reboots Zynaptiq’s old tangerine-coloured audio plugin of the same name. Borrowing its predecessor’s bright paint job, Orange Vocoder IV takes the tool much further by adding a huge feature set to familiar vocoder functions. Along with 24 vocoding algorithms and a redesigned synth in its own right, it also features three unique buttons designed to boost creativity: ZYNTH, FREEZER, and DICE.
In the video we show how Orange Vocoder IV can serve up both familiar sounds and some completely new ones. Despite its deep functionality we simply hover over its different vocoding algorithms to audition different sounds straight away. We look at its ZYNTH and DICE buttons as well as take looped ‘snapshots’ of the modulator thanks to the FREEZER button. With distinctive vocoding sounds on tap, we cannot resist calling up a couple of familiar favourites before we go…
Summing Up
Having used only one or two vocoders before, I was interested to try out Orange Vocoder IV. Despite its complexity, it wasn’t long before I had dialled up some familiar sounds pretty easily, and with a little exploration it’s very useable. I especially liked the fact that you can drop it directly across tracks or busses without having to set up audio or MIDI routing; and reassuringly its default preset gives rise to the sound that many will be expecting.
Once you’ve got all the Daft-Punk, Kraftwerk, and yes, Mister Blue Sky action out of your system, you can get down to the business of using it like all those acts did with fresh ears, and big ideas from tonnes of new sounds.
A Word About This Article
As the Experts team considered how we could better help the community we thought that some of you are time poor and don’t have the time to read a long article or a watch a long video. In 2023 we are going to be trying out articles that have the fast takeaway right at the start and then an opportunity to go deeper if you wish. Let us know if you like this idea in the comments.