Using Robot Rocket with Bitwig

Vocoders need two inputs to function — one that’s typically a voice (modulator), and another that’s typically a synth (carrier). Sound will only be produced when the voice and synth channels are playing something. Here’s the steps to get Robot Rocket set up.

1. Add a voice and synth track #

Start by adding a voice and synth track to your project. These can be audio you’ve recorded, or a live mic input and a software instrument, or really anything that makes sound. Our example project below has recorded audio for the voice and synth.

2. Mute the synth #

Once the synth is set up with a sound you like, mute the synth track. The final vocoded result will be heard via the voice track, so the synth track’s output doesn’t need to be heard. A basic sawtooth synth with the filter open is a good starting sound source for a vocoder.

3. Add Robot Rocket to the voice track #

Find and add the Robot Rocket plugin to the voice track.

4. Set up the side chain #

Set the side chain input for Robot Rocket to the synth track. You should now be able to hear a vocoded sound after pressing play. Please note that Robot Rocket will not produce any sound unless the side chain is set up and both channels are playing audio.