Roland SVC-350 11 Band Analog Vocoder Demo

[intromix]

For the price, this is probably one of the nicest and most common Vocoders in audio history. I use to own the VP-330 and LOVED it too, the ensemble switch when toggled on the 330 is phenominal and very warm, deep, and has a nice chorus. The most expensive Vocoders in the top 4 are EMS, Sennheiser, Moog/Bode and Syntovox. The Sennheiser VSM-201 is highly overrated though and can't see why ppl love this machine? Its ONLY good if your a collector. Th Korg VC-10 and Electroharmonix Vocoders suck

[Sjobeck7]

Totally boss! Not sure I'd ever dish out 3 grand for a Vp-330 so this seems like the ticket for sure! I'd use it with my Juno 60 and other vintage string synths and analog drum machines... So many possibilities!!!

[zibbybone]

@Sjobeck7 YEah, it's pretty silly how expensive the VP-330 has become. As far as a vocoder goes, the SVC-350 has more sound sculpting ability. I've got the VP's strings covered with my RS-505, but the VP's choir is super sweet. My Korg Lambda's choir is OK, but has nothing on the VP's choir. The SVC is a definate winner and great value at its current $1K price. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe.

[VoiceEncoder]

@zibbybone Sometimes still $1K (or less), but usually between $1200 and $1500 (and soon to go up, but not as ridiculously as the VP-330 prices).

[gmael1234567890]

lol at 1:43 transformers rule

[ChemicalComedown]

I love Roland kit !!! : )

[VoiceEncoder]

@ChemicalComedown So do I, but I wonder why you call it "kit" since it's NOT DIY vocoder like the PAiA or the Elektor? You don't have to assemble it yourself...it already is, like most vocoders and other appliances.

[zibbybone]

@VoiceEncoder People in the UK call music gear "kit".

[VoiceEncoder]

@zibbybone Okay, got it. Thanks!

[ChemicalComedown]

@VoiceEncoder No, its just a figure of speech. I did not mean it literally LOL ;D

p.s. 'Kit' is just another word for equipment ;D

[VoiceEncoder]

@ChemicalComedown Here in the US "kit" generally refers to a kit car. A car that has the shell of a great car, but underneath has the body of a lesser car. Kit cars are mostly made of AC Cobra's and the like. They even have Ferrari ones with Chevy's underneath, or something like that.

[ChemicalComedown]

@VoiceEncoder Sorry for the misunderstanding ; )

[VoiceEncoder]

@ChemicalComedown No problem! Don't worry about it. Thanks!!

[HmDelCrecHumano]

AutoTune = shit

not comparable to this

[VoiceEncoder]

@HmDelCrecHumano 1000% AGREE!!!

[VJFranzK]

Soundwave says "Great Demo"!

[stellarsounddublin]

Great demo! I'm looking at buying one of these, but I noticed a high pitched whine on the unit (regardless of the EQ settings). Have you ever noticed this? Could it just be a question of cleaning the switched or something? Thanks!

[TheDLovas]

lol transformers haha - nicely done Z

[zibbybone]

@TheDLovas Thanks!  I put a lot of effort into this one. Please take a look at my other vidoes when you have the chance and let me know what you think.

[adelsballen]

hardware <3

[TonartAM]

I like it...

[TurkBack2]

I LOLed at Transformers.

[Grenozh]

put it on noise and say "ahh this stuff is really fresh"

[Jauly]

02:00 bizzare love triangle :D

[funkb0x]

mmmm vocoders are interesting :) LOL

[shatminer]

damn I love vocoded drums so much

[theHackerOfMayhem]

thanx-thanks-thankzzzzz!!! ;)

[AshleyMarkPomeroy]

Autobots wage their battle to destroy etc... Decepticons! sorry. I couldn't stop.

[JettaJ1]

haha this is AWESOME

[TheInnocentSynth]

You can't beat a vocoder - especially that one - great stuff....! Great video....

[Yuruia]

I want this thing.

[analogue71]

great demo, well done. I want one.

[Therealanimale]

Super demo from an JX-3P owner.

[Therealanimale]

Very usefull demo! Love the stuff. Have a Roland JP-3P myself from 1988 (it was only 4 y old then, it has never been used live and I will never get rid of it.

[TheFesta01]

very good demo - thankyou! : )

[Batman83]

Sounds better than Auto Tune any day.

[brandonelliot]

GREAT demo!!! Now I just gotta get $1000+ so I can actually buy 1 of these.... SIGH~~~ I guess my Electrix Warpfactory will have to hold me over till then lol

[breakdancer1967]

thanks for clip, awesome. I have just purchased an svc350 and connected to my juno60,im not simulating the same low notes as you have ie transformers ( or galactica). when i connect my juno60 into the instrument slot i dont get any sound but when connect synth to guitar slot i start to get high pitch vocoder sounds. what is an "n filtered saw wave"? when i select saw wave it doesnt make a difference even if i select different memory patches. am i not setting up the connections correctly?

[zibbybone]

@breakdancer1967 An UNFILTERED saw wave means none of its harmonics are filtered, for a nice, rich tone. Simply move the filter's cut-off frequency to its highest position for a completely open filter. Like I stated in the video, using a sub-oscillator on lower notes will help beef up the sound. Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to be notified of future videos.

[DeadNordicCannibal]

@zibbybone Can you set up an instrument to this? Say a guitar or bass?

[zibbybone]

@DeadNordicCannibal You can use any instrument as carrier or modulator. It's best to use an instrument with lots of harmonics as carrier. When I bought my 1st SVC-350 at a pawn shop 20 years ago, I used a guitar as carrier to test it. I have only used voice and drum machines as modulators. I should try other instruments sometime.

[imperialpod]

@zibbybone

I believe the TAL-Vocoder plugin was modeled on this very unit and have heard it sounds VERY close to the real hardware.

Any thoughts/comparisons?

[zibbybone]

@imperialpod I've never used a vocoder plug-in as I am strictly hardware. My studio is 100% REAL.

[imperialpod]

@zibbybone

Aw that is a shame, you're definitely missing out.

'Dynamix 2', one of the major pioneers of modern electro music had a hand in making the plugin and now use it live to replace their hardware version.

Go to their website and click on the press tab. It has an interview about how they made it and how happy they are with the plugin emulations made by TAL.

[zibbybone]

@imperialpod To each, their own. I prefer to interact with an instrument rather than stare at a computer. I know there a many people out there making great music from a computer, it's just not for me.

[VoiceEncoder]

@breakdancer1967 The original-series version of 'Battlestar Galactica' was the EMS Vocoder 2000W Mk1 (beta-version) with a saxophone as the carrier-input (oscillator). The Roland SVC-350 Vocoder didn't exist back then. Also used for the BSG:TOS Cylons was the Marshall 5002 Time-Modulator.

[alexfrbc]

Thats one great sounding vocoder!!!

[Geeljasjes]

Awesome machine.

I want one.

[computron808]

I noticed u have cable coming out of both the vocal amp.And the A output jack.Does that make it stereo?I just use the A output jack..Should I try both?

[zibbybone]

@computron808 Using both A&B Output jacks gives the full stereo effect of the built-in Ensemble effect.

[gagagadget]

can't think of a better way to do a vocoder demo video...

[zibbybone]

@gagagadget Thanks!

[mku17ra]

Awesome demos.!

[zibbybone]

@mku17ra Thanks for the kind words! Be sure to subscribe to be notified of future videos.

[Loser85]

XD @1:38

[JBVries]

When it comes to product videos, you set the bar pretty high I gotta say. Cheers.

[leonbeatless]

mine was stolen years ago! I used to run my 606 through it. Waaah!!!!

[funkyjamesmusicprod]

Why swith "instrument direct" please ? I don't kwow the function

Thanks

[zibbybone]

@funkyjamesmusicprod That feature is demonstrated twice in my video annd can also be explained in the user manual - available for FREE download at RolandUS dot com

[mixxndj]

I love your vid man!!!!!! I want one!!! I keep watching this cuz it sounds sooooooo cool!

[smartti1970]

AMAZING I wannnnnnnnnnnnnt One !

why dont you demo your other gear including digital stuff?

[zibbybone]

@smartti1970 So much gear, so little time. Such is the life of a widower with 2 boys. Be sure to suscribe to my channel so you'll be notified when I do post new videos. I'll probably make a "Third Rendez-Vous" video with my Synthex that just got out of the shop as my next vid.

[smartti1970]

@zibbybone yeah I'v had a go a somany things i'm a spoilt little bugger....

[Stundek]

02:02 - "Every time I see you falling, I get down on my knees and pray", etc.

[techstyle123]

what other machine will give crisp clear robot voice.....transformers part is cool

[Dvs35]

verry cool dude !

[techstyle123]

wow im looking for a vocoder at min....this is awsome......

[zsyed12345678]

1:44 LOL Obligatory Transformers! I've worked with vocoder-synths before but was never able to get the robotic voice in the beginning of Mr. Roboto. I'd love to see someone do that.

[Meteotrance]

this one was over used on Mike Oldfield "Sheba" !!! he also used drum to drive the sound.

[VoiceEncoder]

@Meteotrance Mike Oldfield used the Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus Mk1, NOT the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder.

[Snotra]

I have owned Roland amps, Boss Pedals, R- Keyboards, etc... I must say, these people don't fuck around. Best gear in the world

[BlueVisualCH]

What a blast from the past demoed by a guy that knows his stuff!!

[seifukusha]

i had one of these....it sat in a shop unused for like 15 years, sold it last year since im not a vocoder user, but its way neat

[VoiceEncoder]

@seifukusha You bought it (in Korea) for $190 (a STEAL!!)...did you sell it for more, and make a handsome profit??!

[seifukusha]

yes, i did. i did do a few demoes of it. you can see them on my channel :)

[VoiceEncoder]

I've enjoyed them!!

[sergiomarcio2006]

Very Cool Demo! =)

[RaldyV]

0:37 When the pedal is Preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessed. XD

[VJFranzK]

that's a very rich and yet understandable sound!

[mantisman96]

lol

[karelpostthuis]

Great demo, you convinced me into buying one, it is now in my rack!

I previously used a Korg Wavestation A/D which did the trick too, bur this one is more pure.

Thanks!

[kuxaansum]

Sweet!

I have been looking for a 350 and was curious about some of the connections. Thanks for the demo!

[sauermusicDE]

0:53 Switching on the effect makes it sound even better. GREAT demo.

[TheWatchthetube]

Transformers More Than Meets the Eye

haha, great...

[wog222]

Look like you took that out of a Minute Man Nuke silo launch room control panel

[supajc]

Wow.. I've owned/worked with the PAIA 6710, MAM VF11, MS2000, Access Virus, Microkorg... this one BLOWS them all away... I think it's the high quality VCA's that make it so great... dynamic= intelligible. Wish I had one!

[Korgator]

fanthastic Demo!

[discotechwreck]

you literally have every other piece of gear I want right now

[clumpft]

Awesome demo, thanks a mil!

[VoiceEncoder]

This Is so far the BEST video highlighting the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder!!!! Click my name for MORE, which while NOT as great are still very-good (especially if you LOVE that robotic-vocal sound!!), imho.

[supajc]

The VCA's in this unit are so much better than any software or other cheap units..... I wish I had one! holy crap that is the holy grail

[VoiceEncoder]

@supajc Yes, this is an excellent vocoder...BUT the "Holy Grail" is the EMS Vocoder Studio-System 5000 aka "The Big One"!!!

Here are pics of the greatest vocoder of all-time: sequencer.de/pix/ems/synthi100­.jpg

bermuda.ch/balduin/blog/synthi­100.jpg

[potrezaml]

Amazing !! Seems so obsolete now; but back in its time,man...!!... So it would be that vocoder taht Shalamar used in "Dancing In The Sheets" (among other groups and songs of course...) just fantastic ...!!... there's nothing like the good old instruments,good old music ...now it's all in PC and softawares like ProTools and Cubase...

[zibbybone]

Obsolete? Are you kidding? This is one of the most sought after vocoders. No software comes close to the grit that a real analog vocoder gives. Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe to my channel for videos of more "obsolete" gear.

[computron808]

Tell em zibby!!!! The svc 350 what defines the werd vocoder!!! What it is and what it should sound like!!!! This will always b the best and will have it`s place in history..Hundreds of years from now it will b still talked about..As the badest!!! Zibby...Do u use a mic pre amp??I heard a few people tell me to get one 4 it...What do u think???

[zibbybone]

I've never used a pre with my vocoders as I have never owned one (except using a mixer). I recenly bought a Presonus BlueTube for my Yamaha CP-80 electric grand piano and very happy with it. Now that we're in a age of digital recording (I'm still using tape, though), I hear many people are running their instruments into Tube pres to "warm" the sound.

[VoiceEncoder]

No pre-amp necessary, or booster for mic. Use a dynamic (NOT condenser) uni-directional (to eliminate/reduce side sounds) mic. 1/4" or XLR.

[VoiceEncoder]

Yes, this is the same vocoder model as used by Shalamar for their song "Dancing in the Sheets". It was also used by Midnight Star for "Freak-A-Zoid" and others. If you want to hear more just click my name. I have both personal videos and songs from artists of the seventies and eighties using this vocoder model and others!!

[outlawstarZZ]

By the way do they sell smaller ones for just doing the voices because I really need one If I'm to Soundwaves voice in my stop motions

[VoiceEncoder]

If you want a real analog vocoder as opposed to a fake digital/analog-modeling vocoder (plugin, VST, etc...) to do Soundwave then you'll need a Roland VP-330 Vocoder Plus (MkI or MkII?)!!! Otherwise Dr. Smoov's emulation is the best I've heard.

[outlawstarZZ]

Soundwave superier every thing else inferier

[xXxXFOXYRX7LADYXxXx]

soundwave

[VoiceEncoder]

Sorry, but no. Soundwave is the VP-330+ (MkI or MkII?), not the SVC-350. However "The Transformers" title song is the SVC-350. Why the bought or borrowed two different Roland Vocoders, one for song and one for Soundwave?? Idk.

[TheDangerousKid]

great video, i cracked up at the transformers singalong

[PWMaarten]

Great and clear video of what the SVC-350 does.

Thank you for posting!

P.S. If you're ever selling yours :)

[zibbybone]

Thanks for the kind words. Actually, the unit used in the video was sold back in February, but I'll never part with my SVC that I've had nearly 20 years. Be sure to subscribe to my channel for updates. I plan to make videos for Korg DVP-1 (mine) and Moog Vocoder (bowrrowed).

[VoiceEncoder]

I'll NEVER PART with mine neither since...I've had mine OVER 25 YEARS!!! She arrived via UPS on Thursday May3, 1984 just after 4pm CT.

P.S I'm NOT a musician (I just happen to own a Roland SVC-350 Vocoder)...I'm STILL waiting 'zippybone' for you to tell me which notes to play for "Transformers, robots in disguise"!!! Thanks.

[slackdave]

awesome!

I really like using rhythms for carrier sound.. or modulator.. God, I can't control the terminology - but hey that leads to happy accidents!

[Jayboy720]

Is it possible to use anything as the carrier signal... (i.e. the Juno-G)?

[zibbybone]

Yes, anything audio source can be use as carrier, modulator or both. It is best to use a sound source rich in harmonics for the carrier signal for best results.

[phreaf]

Very cool and very well presented. Thanks!

[perspeeks]

That's a really impressive setup for electro etc. I'm jealous :)

[KingKKevinKev]

LOOOOL Transformers....ROFL...

[xpander2k]

I about fell outta my chair when he hit that Transformers rift. SWEET!!! I GOTTA get me one of those.

[estebann]

great demo thank you!!

for cheaper you can get a micromodular clavia, or nord modular g2 ,wich do the same

[zibbybone]

There are a lot of cheaper vocoders, but do they have the "analog grit"?

[yearofrolling]

1:43

nuff said

all we needed!

sweet!

[funkberto]

Can be used WITH A KORG POLYSIX?..

Excuse me, i don't know too about the science behind the Vocoders.

[repeatle]

Yes, it can. "Any" sound can be used as a carrier.

I've always wanted the SVC, but I have had a few others at least.

Great demo!

[nathanrmorales]

That's awesome...I've been wanting one of these!

[VoiceEncoder]

@nathanrmorales I have one in my bedroom with me...but she's not for sale!!!

[mattmoogstar101]

great video...more than meets the eye...ha

love it....I would love to hear it with a big dirty bass sound?

hope to hear more.

thanks

[marvinkmooneyoz]

I m interested in getting a vocoding possibilties..other than software and microkorg what are the other possibilites that are under say $500? this sure seems very versatile, but i cant justify (at this point) too much money. I would be using mostly a Moog Prodigy with it. also, i have a moog phaser, which with the phaser sweep rate very high, it sort of becomes ring mod, so i can already kind of get robot sounds of a sort...

[zibbybone]

The Korg DVP-1 is pretty decent. I'll be making a video of that soon, so be sure to subscribe to my Channel so yo be notified about my new videos.

[magevers]

Wow, great demo !

Thanks !

[suckerformimi]

Fantastic demo!!!

[VoiceEncoder]

Also if you plug your synth into the mic input as well as the instrument (guitar also if you have a wide dynamic-range, or an extra cord to use, I don't so I do both one after the other) and are thus effectively vocoding your synthesizer itself...it should produce a deeper funkier sound than you synth normally gets. Thus makes me believe that some funky-beats and rhythms from funk music of the late 70's to mid 80's might in fact be synths being vocoded.

[VoiceEncoder]

Two pointers for owners of a Roland SVC-350 Vocoder:

1. Put a 1/4" adapter plug with no cord to it into the 'Guitar Amp' output jack (unless you use that, of course) this will eliminate (works as a cut-off) that annoying synth buzz you get when switching between vocoder and direct mic modes via the foot-switch jack if your synthesizer is in hold mode.

And...

2. If your synth has a wide dynamic-range use both the 'Instrument' input, and the 'Guitar' input.

[VoiceEncoder]

FUCKING AWESOME, DUDE!!! The BEST SVC-350 and vocoder video YET on YouTube!!!! I'd give it six stars...but unfortunately can ONLY give it...*****!!! Juno-60 sounds like an EXCELLENT carrier-wave to use. Please watch and listen to my vids using a Korg Poly-800 Synth (which ISN'T as impressive). Thanks.

[zibbybone]

Yes, I've seen your videos back when they were posted on MatrixSynth. Thanks for the comments. Stay tuned for a video of a friend's Moog Vocoder (probably in a month or so).

[rnbsteenstar]

is there a way that you can just sing into it and get a vocoded natural voice? Is autotune the only way or could you mix that with auto-tune?

[VoiceEncoder]

@zibbybone What happened with your friend's Moog? There are still no videos posted!

[zibbybone]

@VoiceEncoder He loaned me his vocoder last summer, but I cold never get it to work properly. He picked it back up from me a few months ago. Not sure if he's got it fixed, we've both been busy.

[VoiceEncoder]

@zibbybone Okay, I hope he has gotten it fixed...I'd really LOVE to see some Moog Vocoder vids here!!

[nvanzoeren]

Best demo from the SVC-350 on Youtube!!!

[zibbybone]

Thank you. I actually wrote a script for this video and started & stopped the camera for different angles & setting - I still don't know how to edit. Be sure to subcribe to my Channel for updates. A friend of mine wants me to make a video of his MOOG vocoder.

[zibbybone]

@nvanzoeren Thanks!

[DeathByDinSync]

ha! awesome. what fun sounding toy....

[VoiceEncoder]

NOT A TOY!!!! A toy would be the Korg MicroKorg, which I call the MicroCRAP!!! This is a SERIOUS professional sound-effects instrument.

[CleverDjembe]

This is so awesome!

Every boy's dream :)

[Thalassa77]

Very good :) , I've posted this video on switchedonsynthesizer.blogspot . com