Vocoder is an audio device that can synthesize the human voice or a vocal performance. Vocoders can make human vocals sound robotic, computerized and glitchy. Some Vocoder VST plugins available on the market can achieve these effects and add some flair to a dull performance.
You must have heard popular Daft Punk songs where vocoders are used. While the most recognized way to use vocoders is to create robotic voices, there are many other creative ways you can use them in your productions. Our list of the best Vocoder VST plugins focuses on these digital software recreations of expensive hardware vocoder units that offer several options and are quite affordable. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
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5+ Best Vocoder VST 2024
1) Izotope VocalSynth 2
iZotope plugins rarely disappoint and VocalSynth 2 is no exception. With popular producers such as the inimitable Ian Kirkpatrick (of Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber fame) among its patrons, you can surely expect VocalSynth 2 to deliver the goods.
You can add colouration, saturation, and shape your vocals with stompbox-esque studio effects as well as use VocalSynth 2 to achieve a whole range of eclectic Vocoder, Talkbox, Polyvox, Compuvox, and Biovox effects.
2) Antares Autotune EFX+
Legendary Autotune plugin maker, Antares is known for their state-of-the-art pitch correction algorithm. Their Autotune EFX+ tool follows the same ‘principle’ in that it can be used as an all-in-one vocal warping solution and a tuning plugin.
Auto Tune EFX+ is a solid vocoder VST that comprises multiple vocoder emulations, and offers a simple touch-and-go solution for vocoding and other creative vocal processing ideas.
The Autotune EFX+ does it all by applying the tonal effect of vocoding without allowing for MIDI input.
3) Vocodex
Vocodex is the creation of the Fruity Loops Studio (FL Studio) team and is a relatively easy to use vocoder.
While there are only a handful of control parameters available with an info bar that displays each control’s function when you hover over it (which is great for beginners), Vocodex does a pretty good job at modulating vocals.
For starters, it features up to 100 filter bands, envelope follower, and tons of carrier options to choose from. That’s a decent amount of filters to derive some accurate sounds.
4) Ableton Vocoder (Stock Plugin)
Ableton Live’s Stock Vocoder Plugin is free for the native DAW’s users who have purchased it.
It can achieve some incredible sounding effects and voice modulations. Some of the top-tier names in the contemporary EDM genre use Ableton’s nifty Vocoder in their tracks to a great degree. After all, it is very easy-to-use, and sounds amazing right off the shelf.
5) Tal Vocoder (Free)
Rounding up our list is a free vocoder vst called Tal Vocoder that perfectly emulates the distinct sound of 80s vocoders.
Tal Vocoder has several inbuilt features such as frequency shaping, de-essing, a majestic chorus effect modelled on the analog Juno synth.
Tal Vocoder sounds stellar by all means and with a bit of fiddling around you can really squeeze some interesting sound effects from this free plugin.
How does a Vocoder work?
A vocoder comprises two main elements: the carrier and the modulator. While the carrier is the synthesized element of the vocoder, a modulator can be an audio source such as a vocal performance.
The modulator runs through a sequence of filter bands that create an amplitude map of its vital sonic characteristics.
The more the number of filter bands a modulator runs through, the more detailed the carrier will sound. Then, the amplitude map is used to remove unwanted frequencies from the carrier, resulting in a unique seamless mashup of the two sounds.
