Kraftwerk's vocoder is on eBay right now!

[Dmitry]

AUTOBAHN, BABY

[Jim Alfredson]

In simplest terms, a vocoder is a device that lets you "talk" through an instrument like a synthesizer. Think of "More Bounce To The Ounce" by Zapp.

[J.A.W.]

British rock groups Herd and Humble Pie's former front man Peter Frampton used it on some of his recordings.

[jazzbo]

I like Stevie Wonder using it. . . either before or after these cats. But was that really a "vocoder"? Wikipedia shows this:

Seems more "Kraftwerky" to me.

Edited July 2, 2006 by jazzbo

[JohnS]

A very unpleasant sound.

[DatDere]

I think Roger Troutman actually used a talkbox for stuff like 'More Bounce to the Ounce'. It does sound kind of similar though. The spoken intro to Kraftwerk's Autobahn was apparently done with the very machine they're selling on ebay.

Edited July 2, 2006 by DatDere

[J.A.W.]

A very unpleasant sound.

Some people like it, otherwise it wouldn't be used.

[J.A.W.]

I think Roger Troutman actually used a talkbox for stuff like 'More Bounce to the Ounce'. It does sound kind of similar though.

Come to think of it, Frampton used a talkbox too.

[DatDere]

Here's a humorous explanation:

[JSngry]

Herbie's used a vocoder.

[Free For All]

Herbie's used a vocoder.

Not Herbie's greatest moment (the vocorder effect seems kind of creepy) but not the worst either.

One cut with Jaco and Tony Williams. I remember when this came out in 1977 it seemed like a real sell-out and kind of led me to lose interest in Herbie for a while. Upon relistening there are some moments here and there and some engaging arranging/composing.

And some great fashion from the 70s (cover photo)

[Jim Alfredson]

Vocoders and talkboxes sound similair but are very different functionally. I think Stevie used both. There's a video on Youtube of him using a talkbox.

If you want to sound like a robot, there's nothing better than a vocoder. If you want to look like a robot, might want to go to the local hardware store. If you want to look like Herbie on that album FFA posted, Goodwill is always there for you.

[Rooster_Ties]

Lot's of vocoder on Trans. Neil also used the device live on tour for a couple years in the early-to-mid 80's.

Somewhere I have a tape of a live concert of his from about 1986, where Neil sings through a Vocoder for about 4 tunes total, including two or three tunes from Trans, and one or two of his older (more popular) songs. (The tape was taken from a live radio broadcast.)

Most people hate Trans, but I sorta like it -- and I really LOVE that live tape with Crazy Horse backing Neil while he's singing through the crazy thing. Works for me!!

(Wish to heck I could find another copy of that same or a similar Neil concert circa 1986 on CD (or CDR) somewhere. My old cassette hasn't been played in years, and come to think of it - I probably haven't seen it in years either.)

[Kalo]

Think of "More Bounce To The Ounce" by Zapp.

For some odd reason, I often do...

[BruceH]

...Something that never should have been invented.

[Christiern]

Herbie H. once showed me his Vocoder and wanted me to sing into it. I told him that I couldn't sing. He said that was all the better, because the Vocoder could make one sound like a singer--it worked for him, he added. I didn't try it.

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

whatevr- u just wish u had one

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

chris albertson: u DENIED herbies vocoder? you DENIED herbies vocoder?>!>!

[JSngry]

One can reject Herbie's Vocoder, but one can never deny it!

[Guest akanalog]

no need to denigrate vocoders. they are pretty cool.

i have one connected to my keyboard but i still don't understand how it works.

i have to hit a note or notes as i speak to get a sound, but then i do sound like a romantic robot.