vocoder

noun

vo·​cod·​er ˈvō-ˈkō-dər 

: an electronic mechanism that reduces speech signals to slowly varying signals transmittable over communication systems of limited frequency bandwidth

Examples of vocoder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And the hooks just keep coming, from those harmonies coming out of the chorus to an instrumental break with handclaps and the title line run through a vocoder. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 20 Oct. 2024

His solo album White Roses, My God bridges tones and styles, with electronics and prominent vocoder the constants against a turbulent backdrop of abrasive, frenetic, or droning electronics. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 27 Sep. 2024

Slowly, the song builds up: a drum patter in the second verse, some vocoder in the next chorus, and an acoustic guitar solo. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 15 Mar. 2024

Martin spent the set switching among the saxophone, synths, the vocoder and doing live production. —Nereya Otieno, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

voice coder

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above