Pronunciation: [vˈə͡ʊkə͡ʊdə] (IPA) 
The word "vocoder" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈvoʊkoʊdər/. The "vo" in "vocoder" is pronounced like the word "vote", while the "co" is pronounced like "koh". The "de" in "vocoder" is pronounced like "duh" and the final "r" is pronounced with a slight emphasis, almost like a roll. A vocoder is a device or software that analyzes and synthesizes human speech, often used in music production and sound engineering.
A vocoder is an electronic device or software application used in audio processing and synthesis that combines the characteristics of a voice with a musical instrument or other sound source. It analyzes the spectral content of the input voice or sound and applies it to a carrier signal, often an instrument or synthesizer, creating a unique and distinctive output.
The term "vocoder" is derived from voice encoder, which signifies the device's fundamental function of encoding or transforming sounds. It was initially developed in the mid-20th century for telecommunications purposes such as speech coding and transmission. However, their application in music production became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in genres like electronic, funk, and pop music.
Within a vocoder, the vocal input is split into various frequency bands or channels, each of which is analyzed and compared to the corresponding bands in the carrier signal. This analysis allows the vocoder to mimic the spectral characteristics of the voice, effectively synthesizing it with the carrier signal. The resulting output has a unique and robotic quality, often creating the impression of a synthetically altered voice.
Vocoders have found extensive use in music production, allowing artists and producers to achieve distinctive vocal effects and create novel sounds. They have become an integral part of popular music genres, contributing to the creation of characteristically robotic voices, harmonized choirs, and inimitable vocal effects. The development of software-based vocoders has further expanded the accessibility and versatility of this technology, empowering musicians and sound engineers to experiment and innovate in their creative processes.
