Top 5 Vocal FX : 5 Effects Transforming the Voice into Music

Certain distinctive vocal effects that have become popular in music. These effects have significantly influenced modern music production, contributing to the distinctive sounds heard across different genres and eras. Contemporary music is infused with innovations and sonic experiments, where the human voice becomes fertile ground for artistic creativity. 

Among these techniques, Auto-Tune, Vocal Synthesis, Vocoder, Harmonizer, and Talk Box stand out as emblematic tools that have redefined the sonic landscape of modern music.

Today, we’ll be reviewing 5 Vocal FX that transforms the voice into music, and explain how it works !

1. Auto-Tune
2. Vocal Synthesis
3. Vocoder
4. Harmonizer
5. Talk Box

1. Auto-Tune

This effect alters the pitch of a vocalist’s voice to correct or modify it, often used for stylistic purposes in various genres. Auto-Tune was created by Dr. Andy Hildebrand, an engineer and researcher, in the late 1990s. It was initially developed as a technology for seismic data exploration to analyze and interpret seismic waves in the oil industry.

Although, 30 years later, Auto-Tune use divide people. Why ? Here are some interesting videos about auto-tune’s massive use :

However, Auto-Tune is still one of the most popular effects in the world ! So many Pop songs use it and it allows vocals to get massive and multiple in big modern productions. And sometimes… The effect is used but most people can’t hear it. Moreover, Auto-Tune purpose can be corrective as well as it can be stylistic.

How to get this effect ?

Use specialized software like Antares Auto-Tune or similar plugins. Apply the effect to the vocal track and adjust settings to correct or intentionally modify the pitch of the vocals.

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2. Vocal Synthesis

Daft Punk, particularly in their later albums, incorporated vocal synthesis techniques extensively into their music.

Vocal synthesis and vocoders stand as distinct pillars in the realm of altering vocal sounds within music production. Vocal synthesis involves the creation of artificial vocals through the manipulation of synthesized parameters, devoid of using an actual human voice as the basis.

In contrast, vocoders are devices or software effects that blend a human voice with another sound source, like a synthesizer, modulating the characteristics of the input voice with those of the carrier signal to generate a robotic or synthesized vocal effect. While vocal synthesis crafts entirely artificial vocal sounds, vocoders manipulate and blend existing vocal tones with external sounds, resulting in unique sonic landscapes that vary distinctly from the original voice.

To create synthesized vocals, use synthesizers or vocal synthesizer software like Vocaloid. These tools allow you to input lyrics and melodies to produce artificial vocal sounds.

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3. Vocoder:

It modifies a vocal signal to create robotic or electronic sounds, often associated with sci-fi or futuristic elements in music.

Some artists made their style around this effect. The most famous band using it ? You got it…Daft Punk Again.

Daft Punk is known for their innovative use of vocoders, which became a signature element of their music. The duo extensively utilized vocoders to create the distinctive robotic and futuristic vocal effects heard throughout many of their tracks. In this video you can hear them testing different vocoders through “Lose Yourself To Dance” song.

How to use a vocoder ?

Utilize a vocoder plugin or hardware. It combines a vocal input with a carrier signal (like a synthesizer) to create the distinctive robotic voice effect. Sing or speak into the microphone connected to the modulator input. Your voice will modulate the carrier signal through the vocoder’s settings.

Play notes or chords on the synthesizer (carrier) connected to the vocoder. The modulated sound will reflect the characteristics of your voice. Adjust parameters for desired output.

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4. Harmonizers:

These effects produce harmonies or alter a singer’s voice to create multiple vocal layers or mimic choir-like sounds.

A harmonizer, in the realm of music production, is a powerful tool that enriches vocal performances by generating harmonies or altering the pitch of a vocalist’s voice in real-time. Operating within a digital audio workstation (DAW) or as a standalone hardware unit, a harmonizer analyses the incoming vocal signal and duplicates it, allowing for precise manipulation of pitch and harmony.

Through this duplication process, the harmonizer generates additional vocal layers that either follow the original pitch at specific intervals, creating harmonies, or adjust the pitch according to the predefined settings. Artists can choose intervals such as thirds, fifths, or octaves to create lush harmonies, making the vocals sound fuller and more melodically complex. Harmonizers have become an indispensable tool for musicians, enabling them to experiment, enhance vocal performances, and craft intricate vocal arrangements with ease and precision.

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5. Talk Box

An effect that uses a device to shape a vocal sound through a tube, giving a “talking” or “singing” effect as popularized by artists like Roger Troutman. Requires a talk box device that includes a tube, a small speaker, and a mouthpiece. The musician shapes the sound by mouthing words into the tube while playing notes on an instrument.

To achieve the talkbox effect, you’ll typically need a talkbox device and some additional equipment. Here’s a general outline of the process :

Equipment Needed:

1. Talkbox Device: Devices like the Dunlop Heil Talk Box or Rocktron Banshee Talk Box are popular options.
2. nstrument (Guitar/Keyboard): The sound source (guitar or keyboard) to play the musical notes.
3. Amplifier: An amplifier to boost the sound signal from your instrument.
4. Microphone: To capture the sound from the talkbox.

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As a conclusion, the utilisation of these effects – Auto-Tune, Vocal Synthesis, Vocoder, Harmonizer, and Talk Box – stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and technological advancements within the music industry. As these effects evolve and new technologies emerge, they continually inspire artists to push the boundaries of vocal expression, ushering in an era where the human voice becomes an instrument capable of limitless transformation and sonic exploration.

What is your favorite effect and why ? Tell us in the comments !

Simon's passion for music generated a long time ago, and led him to become a guitarist and self-produce his music with the band Onyria.

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