The Vocoder is such a classic sound that many renowned software companies try their darnedest to recreate this one-of-a-kind effect digitally. However, for some discerning ears, only the original will suffice; now, these discerning ears can purchase the original unit: The Moog 16 Channel Vocoder is risen anew, for all those who love the workflow and authenticity of the original, as well as its timbre.
When it first hit the scene in 1978, this device truly changed the sound of music. Its crazy sound was heard on classics such as Giorgio Moroder's “E=MC2.” Even if your pop music knowledge only goes back a few years, you'd recognize the sound, because Daft Punk continually brings it back. Ever hear a synthesizer speak? That's probably a Vocoder, and it works in an ingenious way.
This all-analog instrument continuously analyzes the timbral characteristics of one sound—and we call this sound "the modulator." The modulator can quite often be your voice. The magic begins when the Vocoder impresses the timbral characteristics of the modulator onto another signal, called the carrier. The carrier gets shaped by the modular, and all sorts of madness ensues. Vocals become synthesizers. Drum sets become arpeggios. Dogs and cats start living together.
Moog's employee-owned factory, in Asheville, NC, has gone to every length to ensure this Moog 16 sounds just like the original. They've done this while upgrading the power supply and updating the mechanical connectors to ensure the unit excels in durability, as well as sonics. Indeed, the unit sounds just like it did back in the days of the Alan Parsons Project releasing “Pyramid,” but will last a long while before needing maintenance.
So if you want the original, and can accept no substitutes, go with the original—go with the Moog 16, available now at B&H's SuperStore, as well as our non-corporeal location, otherwise known as the Internet.
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