What is a vocoder?

A vocoder is an electronic device or software algorithm that analyzes and synthesizes the human voice. It is often used in music production to create robotic or synthesized vocal effects.

Vocoders work by analyzing the frequency and amplitude of the input voice signal and then applying those characteristics to a synthesizer, creating a unique sound that blends the original voice with the synthesized sound. This results in a robotic or distorted vocal effect that is commonly heard in electronic music genres such as electronica, hip hop, and pop.

The vocoder was originally developed in the 1930s for telecommunications purposes, but has since been widely adopted in music production. It has been used by artists such as Daft Punk, Kraftwerk, and T-Pain to create distinctive vocal effects in their music.

Vocoders can be hardware-based units or software plugins that can be used in digital audio workstations (DAWs) for music production. They offer a wide range of settings and options for manipulating and shaping the sound of the human voice, making them a versatile tool for creative expression in music production.