Using Robot Rocket with Logic Pro

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.

Latency #

If you’re using Robot Rocket with a live mic or live synth and would like the realtime latency to be as low as possible, this can often be done by temporarily turning plugin delay compensation off.

The setting can be found by choosing Logic Pro › Settings › Audio › General from the menu bar. Plugin delay compensation is a great feature that should be set to all normally.

Low Latency Monitoring mode can also be used in situations where realtime monitoring is time sensitive.