Korg VC-10

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Korg VC-10 Vocoder.jpg
Korg VC-10 vocoder

The Korg VC-10 is an analog vocoder released by Korg in 1978. It was Korg's first vocoder and unlike many vocoders, the VC-10 includes a built-in polyphonic tone source that can be played via its 32-note keyboard. [1] When a microphone signal is mixed with the internal sound generator, it supports basic vocoding, a process that allows for the modulation of a synthesizer's sound with the characteristics of a human voice to create distinct electronic effects. Introduced in 1978, it was priced at $1,299, excluding the microphone. [2] [3]

Contents

It gained popularity in the 1970s following utilisation by bands such as Kraftwerk and Electric Light Orchestra.[ citation needed ]

Sounds and features

The VC-10 features a 20-band analyzer, a 20-band EQ, and an internal divide-down synthesizer for tone generation. [1] Additionally, it can process external signals using the ensemble effect from the Korg PS-series, enabling the transformation of basic sounds into rich textures. [2] [3]

It features 32-note polyphony with one oscillator per key, all individually tuneable, accent bend control which adds a slight pitch wavering effect so that the sound produced is more like a human voice, octave-up control which extends the range of the keyboard, and tune control as well as various settings relating to input and output mix.[ citation needed ] The VC-10 allows for an input from an external signal carrier, such as an electric guitar, to be modulated by the keyboard. It also features an external pitch control input.[ citation needed ]

The VC-10 achieved a measure of popularity because it was simple to use, relatively inexpensive and completely self-contained. [4]

The unit was originally supplied with a gooseneck microphone called the Korg MC-01 which plugged into a bespoke BTS connector. This type of connector was phased out when XLR became the standard and is now obsolete. It is difficult to source a microphone that will connect to it but TOA still (as of July 2025) makes a compatible model, the DM-524B.The VC-10 also has a front panel standard microphone 1/4" input jack.

References

  1. 1 2 Bjørn, Kim (1 January 2022). Patch & Tweak with KORG. Bjooks. p. 176. ISBN   978-8799999552.
  2. 1 2 Reid, Gordon (October 2002). "The History Of Korg: Part 1". Sound On Sound. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  3. 1 2 Vail, Mark (15 March 2000). Vintage Synthesizers (2nd ed.). Miller Freeman Books. p. 194.
  4. ↑ John Shepherd (27 February 2003). Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world: VolumeII: Performance and production. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 268. ISBN   978-0-8264-6322-7 . Retrieved 26 January 2011.
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