Vocoder Tips?

[mfrazer1989]

I use Absynth as the external synth for the vocoder effect in Ableton, but I'm not quite getting the effect right. I'm trying to get a richer (yet somewhat verbally understandable) sound as in the following video by CC

Skip to 3:50 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHO97rhh42U

Any tips on instruments in Absynth, vocoder settings?

Thanks, all.

[cacti]

I find very simple synths such as just a square and or saw wave with quick attacks work well. Any effects should be post vocoder. (except perhaps saturation or bit reduction.)

[Warrior Bob]

Haven't checked the video, but maybe this'll help...

I like to start with a waveform that has tons of harmonics. Detuned saws aren't bad for this. Any FM synthesizer ought to be able to make things nice and gnarly. I like Operator, but haven't used Absynth.

Understanding speech seems to require a lot of harmonics in the same frequency range as a telephone conversation. I forget what this is offhand., but I think it's heavy in the mids and high mids.

Ableton's Vocoder has a white noise generator which can help with transients and plosive sounds, although I found it's a bit tricky to get just right.

Play around, don't be afraid to save presets you like

[mfrazer1989]

Thank you both. Very helpful.

[Warrior Bob]

Post up some of the neat sounds you're making ;)

[spacecat]

couldnt listen to the whole track because i dont like it, but, lives vocoder is well able to reproduce this...

pretty sure that u will do a better job;)

=)

[Serra]

if you have reaktor its worthing checking its vocoders... also NI the mouth

http://youtu.be/BXIygTrVIHU

[mfrazer1989]

Post up some of the neat sounds you're making

pretty sure that u will do a better job;)

Well, here's the link to what I did with a vocoder: http://soundcloud.com/mfrazer/catalyst

Hope you enjoy it.

[Inlo]

Daft Punk have a chorus or phaser on some of their vocoders. If you use a saw wave it will add a little depth and funk to the vocoder.