122
Doc Q7.0
Vocoder [VOC]
5.32
The Axe-Fx II has a digital recreation of the classic analog
vocoder. The vocoder, created by Homer Dudley, was
originally designed as means of compressing human
speech for transmission over narrow-band carrier
channels. In the 1970s, Robert Moog and Wendy Carlos
pioneered the use of the vocoder for musical applications.
The Axe-Fx II
Vocoder
block pays faithful homage to those
early analog vocoders. Using a true constant-Q approach,
it can be used to make your guitar “talk” or to make your voice
sound like a robot [chicken]. When using the vocoder with your guitar or other instrument as the carrier (synthesis
bank), resist the urge to sing along. Speaking in a monotone voice yields the best results.
Each Axe-Fx II preset can use one
Vocoder
block.
Parameters
INSEL
– Selects the input to use for the synthesis (carrier) channel. This is the input to use for your guitar or
other instrument. The other input is then the analysis channel and is typically used for vocal input.
BANDS
– Selects the number of bands to use in the analysis and synthesis filter banks.
MIN FREQ
– Sets the frequency of the lowest filter band.
MAX FREQ
– Sets the frequency of the highest filter band.
RES
– Sets the Q, or bandwidth, of the filters. Higher values yield narrower filters.
SHIFT
– Shifts the frequency of the synthesis bands relative to the analysis bands. This allows you to change
the character of the vocoding to produce “anonymous mob informant” or “chipmunk” effects.
HPMIX
– Sets the amount of high-pass filtered signal to mix in with the synthesis output. This can be used to
increase the intelligibility of the vocoding by allowing certain consonants and air sounds to pass right through.
ATT
– Sets attack filter time for the envelope followers.
REL
– Sets release filter time for the envelope followers.
FREEZE
– Turning this to ON freezes the output of the envelope followers. This can be used to hold the vocal
formant.
MASTER LEVEL
– Sets the master level for all the synthesis filter outputs.
MASTER
PAN
– Sets master panning for all the synthesis filter outputs. Individual control of the filter output
levels and panning is provided on dedicated menu pages. You can use these controls to fine-tune the filter
bank response and control the panning of the filter outputs.
Figure 5-41 –- The Vocoder Block
