How to set up the vocoder on 1680?

[Alchemist3k]

I kinda understand how a vocoder works in general but I would like to set one up using the VS 1680 effects board. I want to combine a vocal track with a keyboard track, preferbale at the input stage and simply record the vocals with the effect mixed in already like you cna do with other effects. How do you do this?

[Wish14]

I got this off another forum........


Fun with the VS Vocoder (or eight easy steps to schizophrenia)

Here's my routing:
Input #1- keyboard
Input #3- microphone

Your routing may be different. If so, you can either substitute your routing numbers for mine (e.g. if your keyboard is Input #2, just substitute Input #2 wherever I mention Input #1) or you can temporarily route your stuff the way that is. Using headphones is a good idea while playing with the Vocoder.

1.) Make sure that your Fader Edit button is showing yellow. This will allow you to manipulate the Input rather than the Track or Effects Return. What we want to do here is to allow you to experiment with the Vocoder before you record. If you happen to get something that you like, then you can just start recording and the effect will be printed to the track that your Inputs are assigned to.

2.) Looking at the Input Mixer, play your keyboard using a nice rich texture. String sounds usually work pretty well using four or five voice chords. Bring up Input #1 until you can hear the keyboard fairly well.

3.) Now speak into your microphone and bring up Input #3 until you can hear your voice fairly well. I've found compressor on the voice will help a bit with Vocoder experiments.

4.) Play sounds on your keyboard and speak into the microphone at the same time. Can you hear them both well? Good.

5.) Hit the Effect button, and assign FX1 to B84, VOC2:M19Band.

6.) Hit the Select/Channel Edit button for Input #1, and scroll until you find the IN1 FX1 Ins screen. It should be showing "Off" right now. Roll your Time/Value control clockwise until the display shows IN1 FX1 Ins=InsertL. playing your keyboard. You should not hear it.

7.) Hit the Select/Channel Edit button for Input #3, and scroll until you find the IN1 FX1 Ins screen. It should be showing "Off" right now. Roll your Time/Value control clockwise until the display shows IN1 FX1 Ins=InsertR. into the microphone. You should not hear it.

8.) lay a big four or five voice chord on your keyboard while speaking into your microphone. Your voice should "Vocoded". Go ahead, try that Cher song that you've heard over and over and over again. Now try some four-letter words…Now that you've tried some of the easy stuff, think of some even better things, like talking cymbals (if you're into cymbalism). Or think about Vocoding a bass guitar with a kick drum- there's a tight rhythm section!

[Alchemist3k]

Thanks very much. I will give that a go!