Korg Microkorg Vocoder: Any good?

[dj ray]

What do you think? I am especially interested in the vocoder on this thing. If anyone would be so kind as to post some samples, I would really appreciate it. How does it compare to a good software or even hardware vocoder in terms of intelligability and quality of results? Could this be my main workhorse vocoder? I am basically looking for some talkbox style vocals. Thanks guys.

[Cordelia]

Well, it's fun. In terms of intelligibility, the vocoder in FLStudio smokes the MicroKorg.
The MicroKorg vocoder sounds better with a different mic plugged into it (other than the little condenser that comes bundled). Because it's part of the synth, there are a lot of fun things you can do to the signal (arpeggiate it, pan the individual bands, etc.).
It's only eight channels so I really don't think it's up to being a main workhorse vocoder. But, it has a cool old-skool sound.
It's a fun synth, though. Some people don't get along with the interface. I think it's logical, and I prefer working from the front panel rather than editing sounds with the software. Sounds great, tiny tiny keys.

[Chris Roberson]

To be totally honest, I'd look elsewhere for a really good vocoder. For the most part, the micro would fall under the category of "above average beginner's synth" that just happens to have a 16-band vocoder slapped on extra. I've found free software vocoders that would blow it out of the water without effort.

[Resonant Serpent]

Actually, the vocoder in the Microkorg is only 8 bands, which is low. It's big brother the MS2000 has double the bands at 16. The more bands, the better and more intelligible it sounds. The MS2000 also has better converters, so it sounds better right out of the box on just the synth sounds. You can pick up the rack-mount MS2000r on ebay all day for around 300.00. You don't have to worry about hooking up a controller since the lighted squares at the bottom double as a keyboard. I've seen it used on stage with King Crimson if you need a professional endorsement.

[Shy]

Chris: Please give me an example of one, because I haven't heard any that sounds remotely as good.

[dj ray]

Actually, the vocoder in the Microkorg is only 8 bands, which is low. It's big brother the MS2000 has double the bands at 16. The more bands, the better and more intelligible it sounds. The MS2000 also has better converters, so it sounds better right out of the box on just the synth sounds. You can pick up the rack-mount MS2000r on ebay all day for around 300.00. You don't have to worry about hooking up a controller since the lighted squares at the bottom double as a keyboard. I've seen it used on stage with King Crimson if you need a professional endorsement.

Good recommendation. I was looking at a Novation A Station (which has a 12 band vocoder), and didn't even think about the Korg. Will check it out.

[Patch2006]

I own a microkorg and i love it I have had it since april, and it has been working great for me. the vocoder is sweet too it can get a robot sound or different ones depending on what you want. I love my microkorg.

[sloworm]

To be totally honest, I'd look elsewhere for a really good vocoder. For the most part, the micro would fall under the category of "above average beginner's synth" that just happens to have a 16-band vocoder slapped on extra. I've found free software vocoders that would blow it out of the water without effort.

what free ones is that?

[Chris Roberson]

well I know CM magazine offered an only slightly cutdown version of the Fruity Vocoder from FruityLoops. I wanna say the band limit was 128 where the full version had 256. I also downloaded a freeware vocoder with 1024 bands available but for the life of me I can't find the file and I don't remember the name. The second one though I can't vouch for the sound quality, to be comepletely honest, as I haven't tried it out yet, but I do know the fruity vocoder is quality stuff.