Vocoder/Talk Box type of effect for bass?

[Jay Parker]

I had only one petal around 1980. "Bassballs" is what I think it was called. Pretty cool from what I remember. I'm sure the more active members may have some better insight.

 

[ofajen]

A vocoder uses a microphone that plugs into the unit along with your instrument. You sing, and the unit alters the pitch of your vocal based on what you're playing. This is the Daft Punk effect.

More precisely, the carrier signal is typically the instrument signal (synth, guitar or bass, preferably harmonically rich and sustained). The program signal is typically voice.

You hear the carrier signal after it is run through a graphic eq network, where each band is encoded by the instantaneous level in the corresponding frequency band of the program signal after it is run through a similar network to generate the control voltages.

Thus the dynamic signature of the program is encoded onto the carrier, allowing the instrument sound to "talk." The pitch is the pitch of the carrier or instrument, assuming the instrument is a pitched sound. It could be noise.

Otto

 

[ofajen]

Actually, this could be pretty simple. BC3A just needs +5 V on sleeve and tip to ground. Analog output of 0 to 5V is on ring. It would be worth a try to just power it up and run the output direct to the control input on a VCA. it could be pretty cool. I would not be surprised if it was a bit rough and would benefit from running first thru a lag filter.

Otto

 

[Carl Hillman]

Guitarist Jimi Tunnell has something like you're seeking cooked up.

I've never specifically grilled him on how he gets this effect, but I'm pretty sure he isn't using a dedicated vocoder.

Just a guess, but I think this might involve the hex pickup on his guitar somehow.

Starts at 0:45

 

[megafiddle]

This idea is really intriguing to me.

I am definitely more focused on the mechanical/pneumatic solution and have went through some designs in my head, but have no idea how I could turn that idea into a working physical model... I'd think some sort of 3D printer would be needed (or I find the right parts, chambers, and gears and re-purpose them).

Something that may work is a simple resistance divider using photoresistors. A low mass shutter of some type could be used to differentially shade the photoresistors from an LED light source. The shutter could then be driven by a low mass movable vane sitting in the air path. A spring would return the vane in the absence of air flow.

The photoresistors would serve as a volume potentiometer, requiring little more than input and output buffers.

-

 

[ofajen]

Guitarist Jimi Tunnell has something like your seeking cooked up.

I've never specifically grilled him on how he gets this effect, but I'm pretty sure he isn't using a dedicated vocoder.

Just a guess, but I think this might involve the hex pickup on his guitar somehow.

Starts at 0:45

To me, it sounds like it could well be guitar as carrier and voice as program into a vocoder.

Otto

 

[Tydis]

Thanks for the detailed response. I wasn't quite sure how they worked...

But yes, all I'm looking for is volume control. I know I could use a volume pedal, but I'm not a huge fan of them and thought this would be more to my liking.

Check out this song/video of Larry Graham and it will give you and idea: