How To Vocode in FL Studio - Vocodex Tutorial

Vocoding is a versatile effect that can be used in extreme ways like 1980s Phil Collins production or in modern subtle ways like Zedd's production techniques.

• Create extreme robotic vocal effects • Use as a thickening technique to make vocals sound wider and richer • Blend with main vocals for enhanced presence

The vocal transforms from a natural sound to a vocoded version, demonstrating both extreme and subtle applications of the effect.

• A vocal track on the mixer • A synth to determine harmonization • A mixer channel with the Vocodex plugin

The vocal is sent to a mixer track and must be routed to an input channel, not directly to the master.

• Place the synth on the next mixer track after the vocal • Use Serum or any synth with a buzzy sound like a saw wave or square wave • Program the synth with the song's chord progression

Load Vocodex from the miscellaneous plugins section on the third mixer track.

• The vocal acts as the modulator (controls the shape) • The synth acts as the carrier (provides the harmonization)

Turn down each track's input to the master and then right-click and select sidechain to the vocoder track.

• Use the mouth icon for modulator (vocal) • Use the keys icon for carrier (synth) • Scroll within the plugin to select the correct inputs

Right-click to see mixer channel names, eliminating any confusion during selection.

Once properly configured and all tracks are enabled, the vocoder produces the characteristic effect.

Adjust the overall level of the vocoded effect to blend it properly with other elements.

• Lower order makes it sound more like a synth • Higher order makes it sound more like the original vocal • Range from buzzy robot to realistic human voice

• Lower bands create a more synthetic sound • Higher bands create a more human-like voice • Default starting point is around 15-16 bands with order of 2

• High pass and low pass controls let you pass vocal or synth signal through • Adjust for desired presence and clarity

Increasing attack and release times gives a metallic feeling and smooths out the signal significantly.

Adjust to make things sound resonant and sharp or buzzy and smooth, creating dramatic differences in tone.

Together, order, band distribution, attack and release, and bandwidth provide most of the control needed.

• Press F1 with the plugin open to access the detailed manual • Explore additional parameters like noise to improve speech intelligibility • Experiment to find your preferred sound

The synth patch makes a massive difference to the vocoder output quality and character.

• Filtering reduces high-end frequencies in the vocoding signal • Adding oscillators and frequency modulation dramatically changes the source sound • Different synth settings create vastly different vocoded results

Try various synth settings and effects to discover unique vocoded sounds.

Once the vocoder is set up, additional effects like EQ, reverb, and delay can be added for further enhancement.

The MIDI notes you input don't dictate the exact notes the vocoder produces; the actual audio output from the synth does.

• Use full chords for traditional harmonization • Create different harmonies using various scale notes • Use single notes instead of chords for different effects

The original vocal doesn't have to follow the same chord progression as the synth; the vocoder will still harmonize them together.

• Pitch the synth up and down independently from MIDI notes • Explore limitless possibilities with different melodic and harmonic combinations • Combine vocoder with reverb and delay for unique atmospheric effects