11 Best Vocoder VST Plugins: Unique Vocal Textures (2024)

What Are the Best Vocoder VST Plugins in 2024?

Here are the top vocoder VST plugins to consider in 2024:

• Zynaptiq - Orange Vocoder
• iZotope - VocalSynth 2
• Xils Labs - Xils V+
• Softube - Vocoder
• Arturia - Vocoder V
• Soundtoys - Little Alterboy
• Blezzbeats - Vocodine
• Native Instruments - Razor
• Antares - Auto-Tune Vocodist
• Waldorf - Lector
• Waves - OVox Vocal ReSynthesis

High-Quality Vocoding and Synthesis

Plugins known for their professional-grade vocoding and synthesis capabilities, offering extensive sound design options.

Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder

The Evolution of Iconic Vocoding: Rich, Silky and Utterly Distinctive

Overview:

Step into a universe where the iconic sound of vocoding is not just preserved but evolved. The Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder stands as a testament to what’s possible when classic meets contemporary. For years, it has been the go-to tool for producers and sound designers who crave that signature vocoded tone, but it also offers modern twists to keep up with today’s demanding soundscapes.

At the heart of the Orange Vocoder lies its remarkable algorithm. This piece of sonic artistry is responsible for the plugin’s lush, thick, and unmistakably rich vocoding sound. But beyond this core feature, Zynaptiq has also packed in a suite of innovative voice processing modules. These tools, when combined with the vocoder’s extensive modulation capabilities, provide users with a broad canvas of expressive potential.

With its sleek design, the user interface of the Orange Vocoder isn’t just visually appealing – it’s also incredibly functional. Sound shaping is a breeze, with visually guided tools that make it easy to sculpt, mold, and refine your sound. And for those moments when inspiration feels out of reach, a collection of professionally designed presets stands ready to jump-start your creativity.

Final Thoughts:

Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder effortlessly bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern sophistication. With its rich features and impeccable sound quality, it solidifies its position as one of the most revered vocoders in the industry. For those seeking both the classic vocoded sound and the tools to push it into new territories, Orange Vocoder is a match made in sonic heaven.

Comprehensive Vocal Processing Suites

These plugins offer a wide range of vocal processing tools, making them highly versatile for various vocal effects, including vocoding.

iZotope VocalSynth 2

Advanced Vocal Processing: From Iconic Talkbox Tones to Evocative Vocal Landscapes

Overview:

iZotope’s VocalSynth 2 isn’t just a vocoder; it’s a comprehensive vocal suite designed for producers seeking ultimate control over vocal processing. Packed with five distinct modules, VocalSynth 2 offers a range of effects from the traditional vocoding experience to the cutting-edge, bio-inspired processing of the Biovox module.

The Vocoder module provides that classic, robotic tonality that vocoders are known for, while the Compuvox gives a digitized, computerized texture to vocals. Talkbox offers the unmistakable sound akin to the legendary talk box effects heard in countless funk and pop tracks. Polyvox allows for harmonization, layering, and thickening of vocals. Lastly, the Biovox module, inspired by the human vocal tract, gives producers the tools to manipulate characteristics like nasality, vowel shapes, and formants.

One of VocalSynth 2’s standout features is its inter-plugin communication, allowing users to see VocalSynth within Neutron 3, Ozone 8, Tonal Balance Control, and Relay, ensuring a seamless workflow within the iZotope ecosystem. The plugin also comes equipped with a variety of effects including ring mod, distortion, and filter for further sculpting and enhancement.

Final Thoughts:

iZotope VocalSynth 2 stands as a testament to the innovation that modern digital processing can bring to the table. Whether you’re chasing the sounds of yesteryear or pioneering new vocal landscapes, VocalSynth 2 ensures your tracks possess a voice that cuts through the mix and captivates the listener.

Classic Vocoder Emulations

These plugins emulate classic vocoders, providing a blend of vintage sounds with modern features.

Xils Labs Xils V+

The Essence of Legendary String Machines and Vocoder Units Combined

Overview:

Drawing inspiration from the revered string machines and vocoders of the 80s, Xils Lab presents the Xils V+, an impeccable combination of these two iconic sound shaping tools. The V+ captures the heart and soul of vintage instruments while incorporating modern functionality, making it a choice pick for enthusiasts of both eras.

The 10-band vocoder integrated within stands as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail Xils Lab has paid to authenticity. This ensures users can achieve those distinctive, robotic vocal tones that became synonymous with various musical genres of the past.

But the Xils V+ isn’t confined to vocoding alone. The string machine aspect, complete with its ensemble and chorus modules, allows for the creation of lush, sweeping soundscapes reminiscent of the golden age of synthesizers. The advanced stereo space engine further accentuates this, providing the user with an expansive stereo field to craft their sonic masterpieces.

Ease of use is another hallmark of the Xils V+. Its user-friendly interface, paired with its in-depth features, guarantees that producers, whether novices or experts, can harness its full potential.

Final Thoughts:

Blending the illustrious past with cutting-edge present-day technology, the Xils V+ from Xils Lab stands out as a tribute to iconic sound machines. Its dual functionality of string synthesis and vocoding, combined with its in-depth modulation possibilities, makes it an invaluable addition to any audio professional’s plugin collection.

Softube Vocoder

Seamless Vocoder Effects with a Touch of Studio-Class Precision

Overview:

Softube, a name synonymous with studio-quality effects, brings to the table its rendition of a vocoder with unparalleled precision and clarity. The Softube Vocoder not only emulates the classic vocoding effects but does so with a level of clarity and precision that’s rare to find in the digital realm.

Engineered with an impeccable modeling of classic analog hardware, this plugin ensures that the tonal essence and warmth of vintage vocoders are retained while offering the benefits of modern software flexibility. Whether it’s the iconic robotic voices, ethereal ambient vocals, or any effect in between, the Softube Vocoder handles them with an elegance that’s hard to match.

One of the highlights of this plugin is its user-friendly interface. Even though it’s packed with features, users won’t find themselves lost in a sea of knobs and sliders. Each control is thoughtfully placed and labeled, ensuring that both novices and pros can get the desired sound without a steep learning curve.

Final Thoughts:

When it comes to achieving that perfect vocoded effect with a mix of vintage warmth and modern precision, the Softube Vocoder stands tall among its peers. It’s an investment in quality, versatility, and authenticity. For those in search of the pristine vocoding effect that sits perfectly in a mix, the journey might very well end with Softube’s offering.

Arturia Vocoder V

Classic Vocoder Sounds Melded with Modern-day Design and Flexibility

Overview:

Arturia, a giant in the domain of software synthesis and vintage hardware emulation, brings forth the Vocoder V, a magnificent fusion of the old and the new. Drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic vocoders of yesteryears, Arturia manages to infuse the charm of vintage vocoding with the flexibility and power of modern-day software.

The Vocoder V isn’t just a simple tool for robot voices. It’s a comprehensive sound design platform that lets users sculpt and craft a wide variety of tones and textures. Whether you’re looking to create those classic talkbox-style vocals or venturing into more experimental sonic terrains, this vocoder has got you covered.

The interface, staying true to Arturia’s design ethos, is not just functional but also a visual treat. It’s laid out in a manner that’s intuitive, ensuring even those new to the world of vocoding can dive in without feeling overwhelmed. And for those who might be short on inspiration, the plugin comes packed with a plethora of high-quality presets that span a wide range of genres and styles.

Final Thoughts:

The Arturia Vocoder V stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation. It’s more than just a vocoding tool; it’s a comprehensive sound shaping module that will appeal to both purists and those keen on pushing the boundaries. With its vast feature set, user-friendly design, and impeccable sound quality, the Vocoder V is undoubtedly a top contender in the vocoding realm.

Pitch and Formant Shifting

Plugins that excel in pitch and formant shifting, providing creative tools for vocal transformations.

Soundtoys Little Alterboy

Voice Tweaking Magic: Dramatic Transformations to Delicate Tunings

Overview:

For artists and producers in search of a tool that offers voice transformation capabilities with both subtlety and dramatic flair, Soundtoys’ Little AlterBoy stands out in the crowd. While it may be termed “little”, the power and versatility it brings to vocal processing are anything but minimal.

The heart of Little AlterBoy lies in its pitch and formant shifting abilities. These allow users to dramatically change the character of a voice, from gender transformations to cartoonish exaggerations. The Robotize feature, on the other hand, offers that quintessential hard-tuned effect synonymous with modern pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Yet, Little AlterBoy doesn’t stop with mere pitch processing. The added Drive control can infuse vocals with a warm, analog-style saturation, reminiscent of pushing vintage hardware to its limits. This feature, in combination with pitch effects, can lead to some truly unique vocal tones.

The interface, streamlined and intuitive, ensures that artists can bring their vocal vision to life without getting bogged down in complexity. For those moments when instant inspiration is the order of the day, a range of presets comes included, showcasing the plugin’s vast potential.

Final Thoughts:

Soundtoys’ Little AlterBoy is an essential tool in the modern producer’s arsenal. Whether you’re looking to craft a unique vocal effect for a single track or aim to redefine the sonic texture of an entire project, Little AlterBoy stands ready to deliver. Its combination of ease-of-use and powerful processing cements its place among the top vocoders and voice manipulation tools available.

Versatile and Experimental Vocoding

Plugins that provide versatile and experimental vocoding options, suitable for creative sound design.

Blezzbeats Vocodine

Advanced Vocoder for Modern Music Production

Overview:

Blezzbeats Vocodine is a powerful vocoder plugin designed to enhance modern music production with advanced vocal synthesis and modulation capabilities. This plugin stands out for its ability to produce high-quality, detailed vocoder effects, making it a go-to tool for electronic music producers and sound designers.

Vocodine excels in its versatility, capable of generating everything from classic robotic voices to unique, experimental vocal textures. The plugin’s sophisticated algorithms ensure that the synthesized vocals maintain clarity and definition, even when heavily modulated. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from electronic dance music to cinematic soundscapes.

The user interface of Vocodine is designed for efficiency and ease of use. With its intuitive layout and straightforward controls, users can quickly achieve the desired sound without a steep learning curve. This makes it accessible to both beginners and advanced users, allowing for seamless integration into any production workflow. The interface also features real-time visual feedback, helping users fine-tune their settings with precision.

Final Thoughts:

Native Instruments Razor

Precision Additive Synthesis for Cutting-Edge Sound Design

Overview:

Native Instruments Razor is a powerhouse of an additive synthesizer that pushes the boundaries of sound design. With its cutting-edge additive synthesis engine, Razor allows for incredibly detailed and nuanced sound creation, making it a favorite among producers and sound designers who seek precision and innovation in their sonic toolkit.

The built-in vocoder adds another layer of versatility, enabling users to create intricate and expressive vocal effects. Whether you’re crafting ambient soundscapes, powerful basslines, or intricate lead sounds, Razor’s flexible modulation options and intuitive interface make it an essential tool for any modern producer.

Final Thoughts:

Native Instruments Razor stands out as a versatile and powerful synthesizer with robust vocoder capabilities. Its ability to deliver high-quality, complex sounds makes it an invaluable addition to any producer’s arsenal. Whether you’re looking to explore new sonic territories or enhance your vocal processing capabilities, Razor offers the tools and flexibility to elevate your music production to the next level.

Auto-Tune and Vocoding

Plugins that combine auto-tune capabilities with vocoding, providing unique vocal effects.

Antares Auto-Tune Vocodist

Combining Iconic Auto-Tune with Advanced Vocoding

Overview:

Antares Auto-Tune Vocodist merges the world-renowned Auto-Tune technology with sophisticated vocoding, offering a versatile tool for modern music production. This plugin not only provides precise pitch correction but also enables users to create complex vocoder effects, making it an essential tool for both vocal enhancement and creative sound design.

Auto-Tune Vocodist excels in versatility, allowing producers to achieve everything from classic vocoder sounds to cutting-edge vocal effects. The integration of Auto-Tune ensures that the vocals are perfectly in tune, while the vocoder adds a rich, harmonic texture. This combination makes it ideal for genres ranging from pop and electronic to hip-hop and R&B.

The interface of Auto-Tune Vocodist is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring intuitive controls that allow users to quickly adjust parameters and achieve the desired sound. Real-time visual feedback and easy-to-navigate menus make it accessible for both beginners and experienced producers. The plugin also offers a variety of presets that provide a solid starting point for creating unique vocal effects.

Final Thoughts:

Antares Auto-Tune Vocodist stands out as a powerful plugin that combines the precision of Auto-Tune with the creative potential of a vocoder. Its high-quality pitch correction, versatile effects, and user-friendly interface make it an indispensable tool for music producers and sound designers aiming to elevate their vocal tracks. Whether you’re looking to enhance vocals with subtle pitch correction or create dramatic vocoder effects, Auto-Tune Vocodist offers the tools you need to achieve professional results.

High-Fidelity Vocoding

Plugins known for their high-fidelity vocoding and flexible sound shaping options.

Waldorf Lector

Comprehensive Vocoder with Extensive Modulation Capabilities

Overview:

Waldorf Lector is a powerful vocoder plugin that brings classic and modern vocoding effects to your DAW. Known for its pristine sound quality and extensive modulation capabilities, Lector is ideal for both traditional vocoder applications and innovative sound design. The plugin provides an array of features that allow producers to create complex, rich vocal effects with ease.

Lector shines in its versatility, providing a broad spectrum of vocoding styles. From vintage robotic voices to futuristic vocal textures, it handles all with high fidelity and precision. The plugin includes advanced modulation sources such as LFOs and envelopes, which can be routed to various parameters, offering deep control over the sound.

The interface is designed to be intuitive and efficient, with a clear layout that makes it easy to navigate and tweak settings. Real-time visual feedback helps users understand the signal flow and the impact of their adjustments, making sound design and vocoding more accessible. Lector also comes with a variety of presets that serve as a great starting point for further customization.

Final Thoughts:

Waldorf Lector is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add high-quality vocoder effects to their production toolkit. Its robust set of features, combined with its user-friendly interface and professional sound quality, make it a standout plugin in the vocoder category. Whether you’re working on electronic music, pop, or experimental sound design, Lector provides the tools and flexibility needed to achieve stunning vocal effects.

Real-Time Vocal Synthesis and Effects

Plugins that offer real-time vocal synthesis and effects, providing a wide range of creative options.

Waves OVox Vocal ReSynthesis

Revolutionary Vocal Synthesis and Processing

Overview:

Waves OVox Vocal ReSynthesis is a groundbreaking plugin that redefines vocal processing by allowing you to transform your voice into an entirely new instrument. Powered by advanced vocal synthesis technology, OVox provides an expansive palette of sounds, from classic vocoder tones to futuristic vocal effects. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for music producers, sound designers, and live performers.

One of the standout features of OVox is its extensive modulation capabilities. With multiple modulation sources, including LFOs, envelopes, and step sequencers, users can create dynamic and evolving vocal textures. The plugin also integrates seamlessly with MIDI, enabling pitch and mod wheel control for expressive performance.

In addition to its synthesis prowess, OVox comes with a suite of high-quality effects such as reverb, delay, and EQ. These built-in effects allow you to shape and refine your vocal sounds within the plugin, streamlining your workflow and maintaining a cohesive sound.

Final Thoughts:

Waves OVox Vocal ReSynthesis is a powerful and versatile tool that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with vocal processing. Its combination of advanced synthesis, extensive modulation, and high-quality effects makes it a must-have for any producer or performer looking to innovate with their vocal tracks. Whether in the studio or on stage, OVox delivers a unique and inspiring vocal experience.

“For more vocal-focused tools, you might want to explore our guide to the Best AutoTune VST Plugins.”

FAQ Buying Guide: Best Vocoder VST Plugins

Vocoders have paved the way for countless iconic tracks in music history. Whether aiming for that classic robotic voice or exploring uncharted sonic territories, having the right vocoder VST can make a significant difference. Familiarizing oneself with the features and specifications ensures that you’ll pick the best tool for your creative journey.

• What is a vocoder VST plugin?

  A vocoder VST plugin is a digital tool that combines a carrier signal (usually a synthesizer) with a modulator signal (typically a human voice) to produce a robotic, synthesized vocal effect popular in various music genres.

• Why are vocoders popular in music production?

  Vocoders have been iconic in transforming vocals, offering a distinctive robotic sound heard in electronic, pop, hip-hop, and dance music. Artists like Daft Punk and Kraftwerk have popularized the vocoder effect.

• How does the number of bands affect a vocoder's sound?

  The number of bands in a vocoder divides the frequency spectrum into sections. More bands generally provide a clearer, more detailed sound, while fewer bands offer a more vintage, lo-fi effect.

• What's the difference between a vocoder and a pitch correction (AutoTune) plugin?

  While both can modify vocals, a vocoder merges vocals with synthesized sounds for a robotic effect. In contrast, an AutoTune plugin corrects pitch discrepancies to ensure vocals align with a specific musical key.

• Why do some vocoders have built-in synthesizers?

  Having a built-in synthesizer means the vocoder can provide its own carrier signal. This integrated approach offers convenience and ensures compatibility between the carrier and the modulator signals.

• What is the "formant" feature found in some vocoder plugins?

  Formant control allows producers to modify the tonal character or “shape” of the modulated sound. By tweaking formants, users can adjust the resulting sound to be deeper, brighter, or even more alien-sounding.

• How does "External Carrier Input" benefit a vocoder VST?

  External Carrier Input lets users apply an external sound source (like a guitar or drum) as the carrier signal instead of the traditional synthesizer, enabling a wider range of creative effects.

• What does "Mono" and "Poly" mode mean in a vocoder context?

  Mono: Produces a single synthesized voice, often more robotic.

  Poly: Allows for chordal vocoding, enabling harmonies and richer textures.

• Why do some vocoders offer a "freeze" function?

  The “freeze” function captures and holds a particular sound or formant structure, allowing continuous playback of a specific moment or texture, leading to evolving, ambient effects.

• Are there any genre-specific vocoder VSTs I should consider?

  While vocoders can be used across genres, some are tailored to specific styles, with presets optimized for electronic music, hip-hop, or pop. Always preview and choose one that aligns with your desired sound.