EVOC 20 PS overview in MainStage
EVOC 20 PS combines a vocoder with a polyphonic synthesizer and can be played in real time.
It can create classic vocoder sounds, made famous by groups such as Kraftwerk during the 1970s and 1980s. Vocoding remains popular in current electronic, hip-hop, R & B, and other music styles.
EVOC 20 PS “listens” to an incoming audio signal—typically of a spoken or sung performance—and imposes the sonic characteristics and level changes of this signal onto the integrated synthesizer.
When you play notes and chords with your MIDI keyboard, the internal synthesizer “sings” at the pitches of incoming MIDI notes, but with the articulations—level changes, vowel and consonant sounds—of the incoming audio signal. This results in the classic “singing robot” or “synthetic voice” sounds that vocoders are mainly known for.
EVOC 20 PS can also be used as a synthesizer, or it can be used for more subtle effects processing—such as the creation of relatively natural-sounding vocal harmonies from a solo voice performance. Not limited to vocal processing, you can also achieve interesting results by processing other audio material, such as drum or instrument loops.
To use EVOC 20 PS, you need to insert it into the Instrument slot of an instrument channel strip. You also need to provide an audio signal as the analysis audio source, via a side chain.
If you’re new to using plug-ins in MainStage, see Add and remove plug-ins in MainStage.
Set up EVOC 20 PS MainStage
In MainStage, insert EVOC 20 PS into the Instrument slot of an instrument channel strip.
Choose an input source from the Analysis Input pop-up menu in the plug-in header. This can be an audio track, live input, or bus, depending on the host application.
EVOC 20 PS is now ready to accept incoming MIDI data and has been assigned to an input, audio track, or bus—via a side chain.
If applicable to your host application and needs, mute the audio track serving as the side chain input, start playback, and play your MIDI keyboard.
Adjust the volume levels of EVOC 20 PS and the side chain source—if not muted—to meet your needs.
To further enhance the sound, adjust the knobs, sliders, and other controls, and insert other effect plug-ins.