Vocoder by Softube vocoder effect plugin interface

Vocoder: Vintage-Style Vocoder Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (156 ratings)

Vocoder by Softube is an effects plugin that applies vintage-style vocoding to your audio, using a built-in six-voice carrier synth to shape the sound. It runs on Windows and macOS in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Softube Vocoder is built for producers who want the character of a classic vocoder inside a modern DAW. It pairs a vocoder processor with a six-voice polyphonic carrier synth that offers four selectable waveforms and MIDI input, so you can play the carrier directly. Controls for band count, stereo spread, spectral tilt and an Unvoiced section give you detailed shaping over the resynthesis. The plugin is listed for electronic and pop production.

Best for

Vocal robot effects
Electronic pop production
Synth vocoder leads
Rhythmic formant holds
Drum transient shaping
Wobble and vibrato effects

Developer: Softube
Category: Vocoders
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Six-voice polyphonic carrier synth with four selectable waveforms
MIDI input for the carrier synth
Attack Hold Decay Envelope for the carrier
Transpose Chord Mode with MIDI note transposition
Unvoiced section for plosive and consonant reproduction
Variable band selection from 4 to 20 bands
Stereo widening between even and odd bands
Spectral Tilt control for output weight
Freeze section with manual, MIDI and DAW sync triggering
Pitch Modulation section for vibrato and wobble

03In depth

Carrier Synth and Vocoder Shaping Controls

The carrier synth has six voices and four waveforms, and it can be played over MIDI. Its Attack Hold Decay Envelope is the main envelope control, and the Transpose Chord Mode lets you build a chord on the on-screen keyboard and transpose it with MIDI notes.

The vocoder section offers variable band selection between 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 bands. Stereo widening adjusts the spread between even and odd bands, and Spectral Tilt sets the spectral weight of the output. The Shape section controls the slop of the resynthesis, and the Emphasis section manages the response of each band.

The Unvoiced section handles plosive and high-frequency consonant reproduction, which helps with transients and speech-like syllables.

Freeze, Pitch Modulation and Rhythmic Control

The Freeze section lets you hold selected formants manually, or trigger the hold with MIDI notes or DAW sync. Syncing to the host lets you set holds to beat subdivisions, which suits rhythmic vocal and synth effects.

The Pitch Modulation section adds subtle vibrato or deeper wobble effects to the carrier and output. Together with the Freeze and Shape controls, it covers both smooth and stuttering results.

The plugin is a good fit for electronic and pop production where a vintage vocoder sound is needed.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Vocoder
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Vocoder support?

Vocoder is listed in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats. Softube notes that TDM, VENUE and RTAS are no longer supported, and AAX DSP is not in active development.

Which operating systems can run Vocoder?

Vocoder runs on Windows and macOS. The system requirements list macOS Big Sur, Monterey and Ventura, and Windows 10 and 11, all 64-bit.

What do I need to use Vocoder?

You need a Softube account, an iLok account, and a computer with an AU, VST, VST3 or AAX compatible host application. Softube recommends using the VST3 format where possible and the latest iLok License Manager.