Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by

Vocoders are fun! In short, they are used to synthesize thehuman voice making them sound robotic and even “inhuman”.

• Robotic VST vocoder: TAL-Vocoder is a vintage vocoder VST plugin with 11 eq bands emulating the vocoder sound of the early 80's. The TAL-Vocoder VST plugin is optimized for voice processing and includes some algorithms for consonants to make the voice more intelligible.
• Plus, if you want to sound design the voice of any robotic creature, a vocoder is a must-have tool in your VST production toolkit. To help choose the right vocoder for you, in this article, we'll highlight some options worth checking out.

The Sonivox Vocoder is pretty cool, I'm less than thrilled with the company these days, but for $15??? Zynaptiq has announced a new version of the Prosoniq Orange Vocoder, and based on their other plugins it will probably be awesome, but it isn't out yet, so that makes it less useful. They are still selling the previous AU version. The VP-03 is a miniature version of the VP-330 Vocoder Plus, one of the most popular vocoders ever made. Part of the Roland Boutique series, the VP-03 brings together the worlds of synthesized sound and the human voice, using the latest ACB technology to accurately emulate the sound that made the original so influential.

The great thing about vocoder plugins is that they can add alot of flavor to your music in just a matter of seconds.

Now, in this post I will list the seven best professional/commercialvocoder plugins, as well as the 7 best free ones.

Let’s get started…

Best Commercial Vocoder VST/AU Plugins

1. VocalSynth 2 by Izotope (Windows, Mac)
2. Vocodex by Image-Line (Windows, Mac onlyin FL Studio)
3. Morphoder by Waves Audio (Windows, Mac)
4. XILS V+ by XILS Lab (Windows, Mac)
5. Vocalizer PRO by Sonivox (Windows, Mac)
6. Waldorf Lector by WaldorfMusic (Windows, Mac)
7. Razor by Native Instruments (Windows, Mac)

VocalSynth 2 by Izotope ($199)

This is one of the most powerful commercial vocoder pluginsout there that also comes with loads of other features which are great forcreating cool and futuristic vocal effects.

VocalSynth 2 features a Vocoder, Compuvox, Polyvox, Talkbox,and Biovox, which is a brand new effect based on the sonic qualities of thehuman vocal tract.

It’s more than capable of creating the typical roboticeffects, however you can also get any kind of oldschool or “newschool” soundswhich should help you find that secret sauce that you need to make your mixessound awesome.

Since it’s one of those plugins where you can certainly getlost in all the features available, VocalSynth 2 also provides you with loadsof presets, which not only is a good starting point when you’re trying toachieve that awesome vocal sound, but it also helps you save loads of time.

The newly added “Biovox” feature is pretty interesting aswell;

Using scientific modelling of a human vocal tract, you canadjust human vocal characteristics like nasality, vowel shapes, and formantsfor a smooth, textural vocal treatment to any audio signal.

VocalSynth2 also features a visual animation that moves withthe shape of your audio, which gives you a pretty unique audio meteringexperience.

All iZotope products feature inter-plugin communication,allowing seamless integration with essential tools for music production andanalysis.

Features

• Biovox: Modelling of human vocal tract.
• Stompbox-style effects
• Inter-plugin communication
• Extensive plugin enhancements
• Best Free Vocoder VST/AU Plugins

You can find out more about VocalSynth 2 here.

Related: I’ve also written other posts about VST plugins that might interest you;

Vocodex by Image-Line ($99)

Image-Line is the company responsible for creating theamazing DAW FL Studio.

One important thing to note here is that Vocodex works in Windowsin almost any DAW, however if you want to be able to use it with a Mac computer,you’ll only be able to through FL Studio.

I believe that Vocodex is an ideal plugin for beginners becauseof how straight forward and easy to use the interface is.

It also features voice doubling and reverb capabilities, aswell as up to 100 filter bands which are individually controllable, giving youloads of options for creating extremely precise sounds.

It’s a lot more basic than VocalSynth 2, but that is why it’sbetter for beginners.

Plus, it allows you to get straight to the point withoutwasting time going through all the features.

Features

• Speech enhancement contouring of noise ormodulator pass-through.
• Modulator noise reduction to reduce ambientnoise bleeding through carrier.
• Voice doubling and reverb capabilities.
• Built-in Soundgoodizer for limiting and warmoutput.
• Up to 100 bands individually locatable anywherein the spectrum.
• …and more!

You can find out more about Vocodex here.

Related: Are you looking for a new DAW? Here’s a list of the best DAWs currently available!

Morphoder by Waves Audio ($29)

This Vocoder plugin by Waves is not only powerful, but alsofeatures a built-in synth that works as a carrier.

However, this synth is pretty limited in the sense that itonly allows you to choose between 8 internal voice synthesizers.

The good news is that you can sidechain your own soundsources and completely ignore the built-in synth, should you want to.

It also comes with a 5-band EQ and some other features likeformant, smoothing and pressure controls.

As you can see, Morphoder is a very simple andstraightforward Vocoder plugin.

But what it lacks in flashiness it more than makes up in easeof use and overall effectiveness.

Just like Vocodex, I can definitely recommend Morphoder toany beginner and even pros.

Features

• 8-Voice stereo synthesizer
• Formant control
• Modulator with Linear Phase EQ
• MIDI control

You can find out more about Morphoder here.

XILS V+ by XILS Lab ($159)

The XILS V+ is a plugin based on Roland’s classic VP330which was comprised of a simple vocal synth, a very simple string synth and abasic vocoder.

The original Roland VP330 only does three things, but itdoes them in a style and quality, which have not yet been surpassed.

The plugin version combines a Vintage 10 band Vocoder,Supreme Top Octave Divider based Strings and Human Voices, or any sophisticatedlayering of these three elements.

It also features a couple new additions that the people at XILSLabs decided to include; A virtual keyboard, an Advanced Stereo Space effect, asimple but nice sounding reverb, an Analog like resonant Phaser, up to 6 freeassignable modulation nodes, and more…

If you’re looking for a simple and great sounding vocoder thatdoes these three things extremely well, and that is capable of a hugerange of related sounds that you can’t obtain from the original, then check outXILS V+.

Features

• Access to a lot of parameters which its hardwaremodel kept secret under the roof.
• One strings section.
• One human voices section.
• One 10 bands vocoder.
• A virtual keyboard
• …and more!

You can find out more about XILS V+ here.

Related: Here’s a list about the best Guitar VST Plugins.

Vocalizer PRO by Sonivox ($49)

If you’re looking for an affordable vocoder plugin thatstill performs incredibly well, then Vocalizer Pro might be for you.

It features a total of four Spectral Synthesis modules whichcan be routed in, around, and through each other in various combinations toincrease your sonic potential.

Now, add to this that each of these modules offers pitch shifting,filtering, and modulation using LFOs, and you can see how each module cancreate awesome sounds.

And since you can combine these modules in any way you like,the possibilities are endless.

Two rows of MIDI-mappable pads provide great performancecontrol.

The top row saves snapshots of parameter settings, while thebottom row stores multi-note chords for expressive real-time interaction.

Features

• Revolutionary MIDI-controlled audio effect
• Unparalleled vocoding, re-synthesis and signalprocessing from subtle to mind-blowing
• Expanded controls including FFT audio processingsuite
• Pitch shift, formant, improved frequency controland spreading
• Two rows of performance pads extend playabilityand live performance control

You can find out more about Vocalizer Pro here.

Lector by WaldorfMusic ($180)

The interface of Lector might seem a bit intimidating atfirst because of all the knobs and controls, however it’s pretty easy to use.

The analysis filter bank splits the incoming audio signalinto as many as 100 frequency bands, which basically means that you can getextremely detailed with the carrier if you want.

It comes with some unusual features such as; The Waldorfmultimode filter (12dB-24dB slopes), a whitening filter and a three-band EQ.

The Lector also features two oscillators with analogwaveforms such as sine, triangle, sawtooth, square and more, as well as variouseffects such as distortion, delay and reverb.

Features

• 3 to 100 band Vocoder
• Adjustable range of Analysis Filter Bank
• Adjustable offsets and LFO modulation ofSynthesis Filter Bank
• 3-band Equalizer with variable mid band
• Individual Compressors for Speech and Carriersignal
• Voiced / Unvoiced Detector
• …and more!

You can find out more about Lector here.

Razor by Native Instruments $(99)

Native Instruments is known for creating some of the bestplugins out there, be it Guitar VST Plugins or even samplerplugins, and they all sound fantastic.

Razor is actually a soft synth but it comes with anexcellent 34-band vocoder function.

This vocoder function is capable of creating the classicvocoder sounds which we all know, but it also allows for more experimentationwhere you can come up with some pretty cool sounds.

You might be hesitant of purchasing this plugin because ofits price tag, but remember that you are getting an overall excellent synth aswell, and not just the vocoder function.

Features

• Detailed, dynamic additive synthesis
• Extreme sonic flexibility and morphability forboundless sound design
• Easy-to-use subtractive controls and uniquevisual feedback

You can fin out more about Razor here.

/mks-20-vst-free.html. This concludes the list of the premium vocoder VST/AUplugins.

Now, let’s move on to the free ones…

Best Free Vocoder VST/AU Plugins

1. TAL-Vocoder by Togu Audio Line (Windows, Mac)
2. FBVC by Full Bucket Music (Windows, Mac)
3. VSMINI Vocoder by WOK (Windows only)
4. CANNABIS VOCODER BY BITSONIC (Windows only)
5. VINTAGE VOCODER BY SONICISM (Windows only)
6. Vocovee by g200kg (Windows only)
7. mda Vocoder by mda (Windows only)

TAL-Vocoder by Togu Audio Line (Free)

TAL-Vocoder is a vintage vocoder with 11 bands thatemulates the sound of vocoders from the early 80’s.

It includes analog modeled components in combination withdigital algorithms such as the SFFT (Short-Time Fast Fourier Transform).

This vocoder does not make a direct convolution of the carrier and modulation signal as other digital vocoders may do.

It includes an envelope follower for every of the elevenbands.

It is mostly been optimized for voice processing andincludes some algorithms for consonants to make the voice more intelligible.

Features

• 11 band vocoder engine.
• Internal carrier synth (pulse, saw, sub osc,noise, mono, poly, portamento, sync mode, tune).
• Possibility to route an external carrier signal.
• Harmonic control (adds more harmonics to anycarrier signal)
• …and more!

You can download TAL-Vocoder for free here.

FBVC by Full Bucket Music (Free)

The Full Bucket Vocoder FBVC is a plugin thatsimulates the classic KORG VC-10 Vocoder from 1978.

It emulates both the sound character and the signal chain ofsaid vocoder while still introducing some new features.

The front panel is pretty easy to use and it features thebasic controls such as; the global tuning control, the volume controls forcarrier and modulator, the vibrato controls and the built-in patch browser.

One cool feature about this vocoder plugin is that it can loada .WAV file, which will then be used by the modulator.

This means that you can avoid routing the audio around inyour DAW by simply loading the .WAV file onto the vocoder.

Features

• 20 band full stereo vocoder
• 64 voice polyphonic built-in Tone Generatorsection
• Accent Bending and Vibrato effects
• Optional WAV file playback
• Fully tweakable Analysis/Synthesis section
• …and more!

You can download FBVC for free here.

VSMINI Vocoder by WOK (Free)

VSMINI is a 20-band vocoder effect plugin based on theSennheiser Vocoder, however this one is a much more simplified version.

It features an internal carrier signal source with saw ornoise and optional MIDI control.

Also, an external signal can be used as the carrier on onechannel of the stereo input, the other channel receives the modulation signal.

An integrated noise generator for sibilance parts of the speechsignal improves articulation quality.

You can download VSMINI for free here.

CANNABIS VOCODER BY BITSONIC (Free)

Clearly, this isn’t your traditional vocoder plugin, as youmight have been able to make out from the name.

However, it really does have an interesting sound to it eventhough it’s quite a limited plugin.

It comes with a couple of built-in presets which sound a bitfunny… actually, the whole plugin sounds funny, but it’s pretty interesting aswell.

The mono version is an effect plugin, meaning it’s not a VSTinstrument.

The poly version is a VST instruments application, where youcan load the vocal track into the software and using the midi channel you cancreate a polyphonic vocoder.

You can download the Cannabis Vocoder for free here.

Vintage Vocoder by Sonicism (Free)

Vintage Vocoder was originally a commercial productpublished by Sonicism Digital Audio Solutions in 2002.

It was used for the robot voices and sound effects in thecomputer game Freelancer.

The interface is simple and easy to use, which is always nice,but it’s still a pretty powerful plugin, especially considering that it’s freeand pretty dated.

Features

• Screaming analogue style filtering:
• Versatile and powerful Filterbank for analyzingthe modulator signal:
• Onboard tone generator for use as the carriersignal:
• Modulate anything with anything.

You can download the Vintage Vocoder for free here.

Vocovee by g200kg (Free)

Vocovee is a VST Effect version of g200kg’s VocovVocoder and its features are pretty limited.

It does not have sidechain routing but it does have a lowerlatency, making it ideal for performances.

It also has an improved built-in synth which is nice.

Features

• Digital vocoder engine.
• Built-in 8 Voice polyphonic 3-OSC 2-LFO synth.
• 6-band Graphic EQ.
• Delay, Chorus and Reverb effects.

You can download Vocovee for free here.

Vocoder by mda (Free)

This is a really simple switchable 8 or 16 band vocoderplugin.

Its interface is extremely simple and it doesn’t reallyfeature anything out of the ordinary.

It’s basically an earlier and less sophisticated version ofthe Cubase Vocoder.

Note: The website is a bit outdated and the downloadlink isn’t that easy to find. It’s the second-to-last one on the “Plug-ins”section.

You can download the mda Vocoder for free here.

Conclusion

Vocoder plugins are super fun to use, especially the goodones.

I would recommend all the beginners to download a couple ofthe free ones first before moving on to the higher-end ones.

I hope this information was useful.

Have a nice day!

One of the most interesting and long-standing vocal effects is that of the vocoder. Though they have been around since the 1930s, they only became popular in the music realm during the 1970s. Funk musicians were using these pieces of hardware to synthesize the human voice. It’s one of the most instantly recognizable sounds around, helping to give the human voice an alien or robot-like quality.

Saoftware Vocoders are great for adding a bit of width and edge to performances that are a bit dull otherwise. Whether you want to add some vowel sounds to your instruments, get experimental with tuned percussion, or pull some otherworldly tones out of your leads, here are the best vocoder VST plugins on the market to help you do so.

Top 9 Vocoder Plugins

1. Soundtoys Little AlterBoy

The Little AlterBoy plugin from Soundtoys gives you a lot of room to explore creatively with your sounds. Little AlterBoy gives you the ability to hard tune, add a robotic tone to vocals, pitch shift, and manipulate your vocal formants. There’s a Formant knob that you can use to change the vocal’s “gender.” There’s also a Pitch knob for you to adjust the pitch of the vocals throughout your mix.

If you want to achieve hard-tuned, robotic tones, pick a single pitch in the vocal and tune it like crazy. The MIDI section is where to go for classic vocoder effects. Yes, the plugin is very digital, but you can still add some grit and warmth with the same classic tube saturation model that’s included with the Decapitator.

Little AlterBoy gives you all the tools you need to perfectly replicate the sounds of the classic vocoder hardware. It’s definitely worth having in your collection.

Pros

• Wide selection of effects in a user-friendly interface
• Doesn’t take up much CPU
• Impressive formant shifting

Cons

• Only works monophonically

2. SONiVOX Vocalizer Pro

The SONiVOX Vocalizer Pro is an exciting vocoder plugin that can be used to make some super special sounds. It’s set up in the same way as the VocalSynth 2 with a four module system. You can move the modules around in any order you like to develop some truly unique, complex tones. You are only limited by your own creativity.

On each module you’ll find a number of parameters to mess with, including pitch shift, filter, and modulate—all with the use of high-quality LFOs. The SONiVOX has been optimized for live use, so it can be used both inside and outside the studio. At the bottom of the GUI, you’ll find eight MIDI map pads in two rows. You’ll be able to save various presets and parameters on the top row. This makes them easy to access in the middle of a live performance. The bottom row gives you the tools you need to map out chords and put sequences together.

You’ll also find an Effects tab with several options like Chorus, Reverb, EQ, and Delay. This plugin also features a high-quality browser system that allows you to search presets based on genre, color, and other qualities. There’s definitely a bit of a learning curve with this one, but the sounds you get from the Vocalizer Pro are worth the effort.

Pros

• Customized routing capabilities
• Built-in effects tab
• Numerous presets to work with

Cons

• Some might find the interface a little overwhelming

3. iZotope VocalSynth 2

The VocalSynth 2 is among the most popular and powerful vocoder plugins you can get your hands on today. It has an awesome selection of features to help you create some interesting vocal effects. There’s four panels found on the interface: the Polyvox panel, Vocoder panel, Compuvox, and Talkbox panel.

The Vocoder panel is what you would expect; you can utilize it to apply classic robot-like effects. You can also choose from a wide selection of vocoder modes to create different tones from vintage to futuristic. The Polyvox panel is perfect for when you want to build rich vocal harmonies with the help of a polyphonic pitch shifting device. It can also be used to add numerous effects from organic BGVs to artificial sounds.

The Compuvox panel gives you crazy computerized effects like speech synthesis and glitchy vocals. Finally, the Talkbox panel allows you to apply talkbox sounds, which are pretty similar to a vocoder but with their own distinct tone. Additionally, you’ll have access to distortion modules, filters, pitch correction, and delay modules. The VocalSynth 2 is not cheap by any means, but the versatility and functionality it offers make it well worth the cost.

Pros

• You can reorder effects
• Advanced processing engine
• A good selection of modules to work with

Cons

• Shred algorithm generates bad pops and clicks

4. XILS Lab XILS Vocoder 5000

The XILS Lab XILS Vocoder 5000 is a replication of the famous EMS 5000 module with some added digital features. You’ll get that iconic EMC 5000 sound along with a number of other features like a Freeze button, detailed PWM and FM mods, some Slew rate mods, a top-notch output detection module, a great selection of oscillator waveforms, and Emphasis and Emphasis ponderation with the filters.

With this plugin, you can achieve all the complexity of the EMS 5000 with an easy-to-use design and an intuitive interface. No matter what your level of experience is, you won’t have a problem using this plugin. The interface is comprised of a single panel with all the controls you need right at your fingertips. If you need some help getting started, there are plenty of presets to get you going.

If you prefer to take a deeper dive, you’ll be able to explore all the additional parameters when you open the “center door” behind the logo. This secret stash of more elaborate options is perfect for sound designers and others who like developing different routing and filtering options.

Pros

• Super versatile design
• An impressive collection of creative parameters to work with
• Awesome built-in synthesizer

Cons

• Can overwhelm your CPU

5. Image Line Vocodex

The Vocodex from Image Line is a super straightforward software vocoder, but it produces sounds that are better than just about any of its competitors. It simply contours any sound with the use of various modulators.

The plugin has a modulator noise reduction feature, which works great for eliminating ambient noise. This means that your results won’t be skewed by the plugin picking up notes or harmonics in the background. The Vocodex can handle all your standard vocoder needs and can also double voice and add reverb to get a fatter result.

One unique feature is the Soundgoodizer, which will help give you a warm, limited output so that your vocoded vocals mix well with your leads. The sidechain carrier gives you more freedom, and there are 100 bands that can be launched at any point in the frequency spectrum. Overall, a solid vocoder plugin to consider adding to your toolbox.

Pros

• Warm and limited output
• Technology that decreases ambient noise
• Top-notch vocoder sounds

Cons

• Might have problems if used with other DAWs besides FL Studio

6. MeldaProduction MVocoder

The MVocoder from MeldaProduction has a ton of exciting features that will meet all of your vocoder needs. It comes with a hefty 102-page manual, so you know this thing is loaded with functionality. Actually, you could probably modulate or manipulate just about any parameter that you could imagine. There are a total of four distinct modulation sections, which come with a great selection of morphable shapes, envelopes, followers, and so much more. You’ll find some impressive options in the Band Matrix and Band Graph sections, and you can also take advantage of the onboard upsampling and M/S capability.

The GUI is completely stunning with an impressive collection of controls to work with. You can pick from 11 distinct interface styles with varying colors and layouts. As you might have guessed from the novel of a manual, it takes a lot of time and effort to wrap your mind around everything this plugin offers to maximize your experience.

If you want to dive deep into all the layers of the vocoder realm, this is the absolute best plugin out there. It’s super detailed and gives you every tool imaginable to control your sound and achieve optimal results.

Pros

• Option to use your own synthesizers
• Crazy powerful
• Modulation potential is top-notch

Cons

• Very CPU-hungry
• Takes a lot of effort to learn the software

Vp-330 Vocoder Plus Vst Plugins

7. TAL TAL-Vocoder

Togu Audio Line (TAL) has a great reputation partially based on some incredible free VSTs that they have in their lineup. The TAL Vocoder VST is so good that you’ll feel like you’re ripping someone off by not paying for it. It’s designed to replicate the classic vocoder sounds from the ‘80s. It features an 11-band filter and a built-in carrier synth. It’s super simple to dial-in various waveforms, including noise, synch, saw, osc, portamento, sub, pulse, and others.

This plugin also allows you to use external sounds as carriers. TAL doesn’t use direct convolution with the carrier and modulation signals like many of their competition do. Instead TAL utilizes an envelope follower on each band. One exciting feature is the Panic Button, which uses the synth clip LED to freeze sustained notes. This prevents your input signal from clipping. We think that’s pretty awesome.

Overall we can say that this is an incredible VST with way more functionality than you would expect from a free synthesizer.

Pros

• Infinite routing options
• Super user-friendly
• Faithfully reproduces the classic sound

Cons

• Can’t complain about something that’s free

8. XILS Lab XILS V+

The XILS V+ is a ten band vocoder VST that utilizes string and human voice synthesis. The V+ is essentially a replication of the Roland VP-330 Vocoder unit but with greater in-depth routing capabilities. XILS has been a respected player in the digital realm for quite a while, and they definitely don’t disappoint with the V+.

Similar to the XILS Lab Vocoder, it takes plenty of time and effort to learn all the ins and outs of this plugin. This means it’s geared more towards those who are really invested in the vocoder effect, not those who just use it every now and then. It also adds in complex synthesis if you’re someone who appreciates that kind of thing. It’s about the most versatile vocoder plugin you’ll find on the market.

Vp-330 Vocoder Plus

If you want to explore the advanced settings, you’ll find a top-notch effects pane, modulation controls, and freeze and water controls. If you really want to go to a different level, check out the arpeggio panel. You’ll be able to manipulate pitch, customize the shape of the added strings, or mix the human voice with various oscillators.

The V+ plugin may have a classic vintage design, but its synthesis is more advanced than anything else you’ll find in this arena.

Pros

• Very authentic synth sounds
• Both paraphonic and polyphonic
• Impressive VP-330 clone

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult to learn

9. Zynaptiq ORANGE VOCODER

If you’re looking for a vocoder plugin with contemporary vocal effects, Zynaptiq has you covered with their Orange Vocoder. With this plugin you’ll get impressive sound quality and sonic versatility. This latest version features many upgrades to give you the best possible processing experience.

At the center of the Orange Vocoder is a 32-voice synthesizer. This is supported by more than a dozen distinct vocoder algorithms that each bring their own style into the mix. The algorithms give you an incredible range from cross-synthesis modes to analog circuits. Whether you want pure digital transparency or analog warmth, this plugin has your back. And you can choose to work with either samples or waveforms.

You’ll find two modulators that you can set to either LFO or dedicated pitch modulation. Its other features include a freeze button, rich reverb, ring modulation, and a helpful mixer section. The GUI is visually stunning, and it is designed to help you work more efficiently. You’ll also appreciate the awesome selection of sub-presets and the smart section randomization feature.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Flexible sounds and parameters
• Tones are immediately satisfying

Cons

Vp-330 Vocoder

• Nothing to mention

Value the Vocoder

At the end of the day, which vocoder plugin is right for you will depend on how and how often you plan on using it. It’s ok to take the cheaper route if you only occasionally use the effect to shake things up. But if the vocoder is more of a feature than an enhancement in your mixes, you’ll definitely want to check out the higher-quality options we’ve talked about in this article.