Vocoder?

[N.U.G.]

Lately everywhere I look I'm hearing about Vocoder this and Vocoder that. I don't even really know what one is, most of the articles have been too technical, the most I can understand is it's like a robot talking or some ish like that.

Anyone I was hoping someone could drop some knowledge on the Vocoder thing and if it's used in hip-hop.

 

[Copenhagen]

Check the chorus on Tupac's 'California Love'...Roger Troutman who sings that chorus is one of the illest to use a vocoder ever...that's his ish.
Unfortuantely, I've heard too many people, who don't know shit, mention that Cher started that whole thing...which is such a let down...
Anyway, I've heard of 2 different type of vocoders...check the web to get some info...I'm sure you'll find some intersting links to share with the rest of us

 

[CamCreationz]

I found this link...
Vocoder
Hope it helps

 

[Fade]

I know that Cool Edit 2 has a vocoder effect in there somewhere but I haven't checked it out yet. You might want to give it a try if you have it. Check their Help files.

 

[N.U.G.]

thanks 4 that guys. Yeah Roger Troutman was ill with his, I thought he used a voicebox but maybe that is the same thing as a vocoder. I've been messing around with the Vocoder in FLStudio 4.1 but I cant imagine using it in a hip-hop beat. I'll give it a few more trys and see what I can come up though.

Ay yo CamCreationz (or anybody else) holla if you've used a vocoder in any of your tracks with good results.

 

[Copenhagen]

As far as I am aware a vocoder and a voicebox is the same...different instrument, same result...but haven't used either so I'm not really an expert.

 

[N.U.G.]

that's cool neither am I.

 

[Cold Truth]

also if you have guitar effects on whatever you use, you can produce some nice effects... i have a Korg PX4 i use the guitar effects at times with excellent results.

 

[elmacaco]

roger troutman didn't use a vocoder, he used a talkbox.

not the same as a vocoder. check the end of Stevie Wonder's "I just called to say I love you" there is one application of a vocoder.

 

[Copenhagen]

As I said, I'm no expert, this was just my understanding

 

[N.U.G.]

that's cool. I was reading that Cher used the Vocoder a lot as well. I've been messing around with it and it hasn't impressed me much and I think it's application for hip-hop is limited but it's still worth giving it a try.

 

[MadScientist]

Talk Box

Roger used a heil talkbox. You can still buy them at guitar center for about $120. There in the guitar department where the foot pedals are. They were originally made for guitars untill roger used it for his synth. Also you must buy a keyboard amp for you to get that sound. And use a analog keyboard.

 

[mendoza]

You can also use Vokator from Native Instruments. People says it's the best soft vocoder. Or Orange Vocoder, wich is a VST, and I find it more easy to use.

 

[MadScientist]

you might want to try to layer the talkbox and the vocoder together. It might sound real clean.

 

[N.U.G.]

mendoza (or anyone else), let us know if you have any examples of a Vocoder to show us aight?

 

[Frictionbeats]

Roger Didnt use a HEIL, his original talkbox was a Golden Throat by Electro-harmonix that he played a mini-moog thru. Later he made his own talkbox and created his own voice on a yamaha synth. I am very fortunate to own an original Troutman Talkbox with his Voice parameters. And its nothing like you never seen. For his vocal stack?? Well he did overdubs just like singers do in the studio. I'll send sample if wanted.

 

[Wattz21XX]

i think that talk box thing was used in Kanye's song featuring Odb "Keep The Receipt" on the hook u can hear it they kinda make it sound like a guitar but u can hear the breathing n shit it sounds hot.

 

[Mine]

Originally posted by N.U.G.
that's cool. I was reading that Cher used the Vocoder a lot as well. I've been messing around with it and it hasn't impressed me much and I think it's application for hip-hop is limited but it's still worth giving it a try.

There are a couple of long detailed interviews on what went into the making of believe...
one: http://www.cherworld.com/library/view.php?itemid=21&item=article

I found them less interesting technically, but fascinating when it comes to the politics of working with stars. Plus I like seeing that people are making this music with tools that are in reach.