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Plugins & Software

Best Vocoder VST Plugins

Vocoders have been essential studio effects for decades. These plugins bring that character without the hardware price tag.

Nick Cesarz 3 min read

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Best Vocoder VST Plugins

The vocoder is one of the most sought after effects used in the recording studio when searching for new sounds and timbres. Over the last forty years, artists like Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Imogen Heap, and Phil Collins have all used the vocoder on recordings.

The vocoder used to be a hardware-only (analog) instrument, integrated into a synthesizer. Like most analog gear these days, we now have "digital hardware" that we can use right in our computer's music software — VST Plugins (Virtual Studio Technology).

I've used several vocoder VST plugins over the years. Today I will share with you my favorites and a little about each one.

In This Guide

  1. #1 Best "set it and forget it" vocoder: iZotope VocalSynth 2
  2. #2 Best accurate emulation of the Roland VP-330: XILS-lab XILS V+
  3. #3 The timeless classic that just works well: Waves Morphoder
#1

Best "set it and forget it" vocoder – iZotope VocalSynth 2

VocalSynth 2 is an incredible VST from Izotope. It’s the most plug-and-play vocoder plugin I’ve ever used.

iZotope

VocalSynth 2

iZotope VocalSynth 2 is a multi-effect vocal plugin that includes vocoder, talkbox, polyvox, and biovox modules, making it the most versatile and approachable vocoder-style plugin available.

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Initial Impressions

If you’ve ever used a vocoder plugin before, you’ll know that the routing to make it function can be rather tedious.

You have to send MIDI information to the vocoder on a separate track and make sure the vocoder understands it before you’ll hear any sound.

Izotope VocalSynth 2 works a little different, as you can manipulate existing audio with or without MIDI input.

The plugin is excellent for auditioning effects quickly when working with an artist — they can get impatient.

In Practice

The presets sounds remarkable, and the interface is clean and slick.

Izotope’s VocalSynth 2 is by far my favorite vocoder VST to date because how ease of use and how perfect it works when getting creative with a mix.

Format VST / AU / AAX
Developer iZotope
Modules Vocoder, Talkbox, Polyvox, Biovox
#2

Best accurate emulation of the Roland VP-330 – XILS-lab XILS V+

The V+ has been around for several years but remains to be one of my favorite picks. While not a vocoder VST exclusively, the XILS V+ fuses a ten band vocoder with strings or human voice synthesis.

XILS-lab

XILS V+

XILS-lab XILS V+ is the most accurate software emulation of the classic Roland VP-330 vocoder/string machine, delivering authentic vintage vocoder tones for producers and sound designers.

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Initial Impressions

The V+ has been around for several years but remains to be one of my favorite picks. While not a vocoder VST exclusively, the XILS V+ fuses a ten band vocoder with strings or human voice synthesis.

In Practice

The synthesizer is a somewhat accurate emulation of the original model (Roland VP-330 Vocoder) but does require a more advanced user to understand the knowledge of routing on a hardware-based instrument.

I’m not the biggest fan — while I do like learning a lot of technical aspects when it comes to recording, it comes at the expense of creativity. There is enough to learn regarding production. Adding complex synthesis to the list is something I’d instead not do.

For those who like tinkering and learning about synthesizers and hardware emulation, check out the V+ synth and vocoder VST.

Format VST / AU / AAX
Developer XILS-lab
Emulates Roland VP-330
#3

The timeless classic that just works well – Waves Morphoder

I’m a huge fan of plugins from Waves. There’s not a single session I’ve worked on in the past five years that hasn’t utilized something from Waves (most notably, the SSL Channel). Waves follows Apple’s logic when it comes to plugins — there’s one for everything, including a vocoder.

Waves

Morphoder

Waves Morphoder is a classic vocoder plugin that reliably delivers traditional vocoder effects, featuring modulation options and carrier inputs for flexible vocal sound design.

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Initial Impressions

The Morphoder was the first vocoder VST I tried. I had a tough time figuring it out. For a new producer, it will take practice to wrap your head around how the routing works, once again.

In Practice

Aside from that, the vocoder sounds excellent, though you are limited to only ten factory-provided synth sounds.

Format VST / AU / AAX
Developer Waves
Type Classic vocoder