Vocoder

Hold the value knob and short-press 14/A6/Sampler button to access the sampler. If needed, repeat this until you are in vocoder ("VCdr") mode.

A vocoder works by splitting the input signal into frequency bands, extracting the amplitude envelope from each band, and applying it to a corresponding carrier signal to produce a synthesized output. This allows for the modulation of one sound source (usually a synthesized note) by the characteristics of another (typically vocals), resulting in the distinctive robotic or synthesized voice effect. Famous examples include Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" or the Cylons ("By your command") in the original (1978) Battle Star Galactica series.

The vocoder will use the sound and pitch from the last played note (or chord) from the last used track. E.g. if you played a chord on the chord track, it will use that sound and chord. If you played a lead, it will use that sound and note pitch, etc. This will be your carrier sound.

Connect an audio source to the audio input of your Woovebox and set the appropriate audio source and encoding by turning the value knob. You may select the from following options;

• '22.16 line'; use line-level audio at 22.05kHz 16-bit as the modulator source.
• 'Mic 12db'; use mic-level audio with 12db gain at 22.05kHz 16-bit. Use this option to record voice from an unamplified microphone, for example as included with the Woovebox Pro.

To record a vocoded phrase or word using a voice as a modulator and the previously played synthesized sound/note/chord as a carrier, then - just like the sampler - hold write + the slice slot 1-16 you wish to record into. Say something through the mic while doing so (or play back some voice through as line in audio). Upon releasing the buttons, you should now have a vocoded sample that speaks the words from the modulator, but has the characteristics of the carrier.

A monitoring function is also available, just like in the sampler, press the play button to activate and deactivate it. Sample editing functionality is identical to regular sampler mode, and you may seamlessly switch between the sampler and vocoder mode.

What makes a good carrier

Not all sounds or patches make for good carriers. A good carrier patch has;

• lots of harmonic content for the vocoder to modulate - think "sharp" sounds like super saws, saw waves, white noise, or chords
• a clearly audible sustain component, e.g. short sounds with an immediate decay (such as percussion sounds) typically won't work well as they won't give you much time to imprint your voice before they decay away