Download Robot Rocket
Audio Unit requires macOS 14+.
VST requires macOS 13+ or Windows 10+.
Want to install it manually? VST for Mac. VST for Windows.
Robot Rocket
A vocoder plugin that rules the nation
Robot Rocket Audio Unit 1.1.3 (version history). Robot Rocket VST 1.1.2.1 (version history).
$39 USD + tax. 30-day free trial.
Robot Rocket delivers the distinctive sound of a classic 90s vocoder
What’s a vocoder?
Vocoders combine a voice and synth input create a robotic sounding output. They do this by analysing the voice to measure the frequency response, then filter the synth input with the voice’s frequency response. The result sounds like the synth is singing. We’ve named the inputs as “voice” and “synth” in this description and in Robot Rocket, but any audio source can be used. Experimentation is encouraged, and can sound great!
Retro mode
In retro mode, Robot Rocket will sound very familiar, and a bit lo-fi. The “TalkBox” program is probably the one you’ve heard the most.
“NuVo” lets sibilant sounds pass through, adding to intelligibility. “NuVo” is a less popular setting, but it was used on at least one song you’ve very likely heard.
“TazMania” replaces the synth input with white noise, which sounds like robotic whispering. The robot is probably going to say “pssst… you should buy Robot Rocket”.
Modern mode
In modern mode, more controls are available to push Robot Rocket into new soundscapes. Turn the quality setting up, and Robot Rocket will sound smoother, and more intelligible.
The shift control pitch shifts the voice input, which in turn moves the vocoder’s filter around. Drop it 2 semitones for extra bite and vibe. Crush lowers the bit depth and sample rate to 16-bit at 31.25kHz.
The low and high pass buttons enable low and high pass filters that have been carefully tuned to match the original.
Vocoder comparison
All vocoders are good vocoders. Here’s some audio examples of Robot Rocket and few other hardware vocoders, so you can hear how they compare.
Robot RocketModern, voiced, shift -2
Robot RocketRetro, TalkBox
Alesis Metavox
Ensoniq DP/4+Preset 61
Ensoniq DP/4+Preset 62
MAM VF-11
Electrix Warp FactoryBand low, gender -2
DigiTech TalkerTalkBox
Voiced vs unvoiced detection
Robot Rocket can automatically switch between the synth input and white noise for sibilant sounds — injecting white noise for Ss and Ts can help with intelligibility. The “auto” setting will do just that.
If you’d prefer only use the synth input, with no switching, “voiced” is the way to go. “Unvoiced” will use white noise all the time, which sounds like whispering.
Installation and use
To install the VST, download and run the installer. To install the Audio Unit, download the app and move it to your applications folder, then open the app. That’s it. The plugin will now be available.
To use Robot Rocket, add the plugin on a vocal track, then assign the side chain in the plugin to the synth track. We have more help and tips, if you need them. Happy vocoding!
Requirements
Robot Rocket is available as an Audio Unit version 3 and VST3 plugin. It also requires side chaining support.
Robot Rocket works with a wide range of audio apps. We have setup guides for Ableton Live, Bitwig, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Reaper.
Not a subscription
When you purchase Robot Rocket, all 1.x updates are included. There’s also a 30-day free trial, so you can use it for a few weeks before making up your mind.
Robot Rocket and all our products are privacy focused, with no ads, no analytics, and no creepy tracking.
Robot Rocket Audio Unit 1.1.3 (version history). Robot Rocket VST 1.1.2.1 (version history).
$39 USD + tax. 30-day free trial.
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