MattJohnsonskeyspace’s Vocoder Adventures: A Groove-Filled Guide

MattJohnsonskeyspace kicks off his vocoder guide with the kind of easygoing swagger you’d expect from a guy who’s spent decades playing keys for Jamiroquai. He doesn’t claim to own the best vocoders in the world, but he’s about to dish out some serious wisdom on the ones he swears by. First up, the basics: a sawtooth wave, maxed-out decay, and a wide-open filter, perfectly set up for some buzzing synth action. It’s all about making those vocal lines pop with synthetic charm. His approach to vocoding is less textbook and more street-smart, focusing on raw, powerful sounds over convoluted setups. And you know it’s gonna be a ride when he starts syncing oscillators for that extra punch.

The Electro Harmonix V256 is Matt’s tried-and-true partner-in-funk. Described as rugged and versatile, it’s the kind of pedal that rolls with the punches on stage and in studio sessions alike. This box isn’t just about owning one setting, but instead, Matt shares his secret sauce: keeping the blend at a full 100% vocoded signal for pure robo-groove vibes. With knobs set in the middle, its gender-bender feature provides everything from helium highs to Barry White lows, depending on your needs. He warns against wandering off with unnecessary settings—stick to what works and sounds sweet. As Matt casually riffs through its capabilities, he brings out the soulful, pro-vocalist feel that mere mortals only dream of capturing. It’s a nifty piece of gear that, despite its modest price tag, delivers stunning results. When accompanied by his advice about engaging pitch bends and vibrato, it’s no wonder this device holds a prime spot in his live rig arsenal.

Next up is a gem that’s got the internet buzzing—the Digitech Talker. Matt connects this gadget with none other than Daft Punk, citing its unmistakable sound profile. Despite the steep, inflated price tag due to its legacy status, it brings an undeniable charm to the table. In his hands, it’s clear why every synth lover should at least take it for a spin. Matt details some of its challenges, like latency and lack of carrier output, but balances it with praise for its distinct ‘talk box’ setting and some choir-esque tones that hit the spot for anyone chasing those Daft Punk vibes. It’s a throwback to the ’90s with its quirks and all, and Matt’s excitement for this piece of gear shines through as he shares a slice of vocoder history that just can’t be matched.

Matt digs deep into the analog domain with the PCP 330, a vocoder relic from another time. He talks about the discovery of its lasting power after nearly two decades untouched—a testament to its build and charm. Here, Matt emphasizes the manual finesse needed to dial in the sound, implying that some good old-fashioned faffing could be both a challenge and a treat. The warmth it delivers is likened to a cozy blanket of sound, reminiscent of airy tracks from bygone eras. While it might lack the intelligibility of its digital cousins, its character is undeniably rich. Matt paints this picture of the PCP 330 being more than just a tool—it’s a piece of nostalgia for those who crave a tactile connection with their machines.