The Korg VC-10 is an analogue vocoder which Korg launched in 1978. Vocoding refers to voice encoding of speech and singing with musical synthesis. It gained popularity in the 1970s following utilisation by bands such as Kraftwerk and Electric Light Orchestra. The VC-10 allows basic functionality in operation and modulation of signal carriers. It has two microphone input options.
The VC-10 "achieved a measure of popularity because it was simple to use, relatively inexpensive and completely self-contained."[1] It features 32 note polyphony (one oscillator per key, individually tuneable), 20 analysis bands, ensemble mode with speed and depth controls (a bi-phase chorus function), accent bend control (adds a slight pitch wavering effect so that the sound produced is more like a human voice), octave-up control (extends the range of the keyboard), and tune control as well as various settings relating to input and output mix.
The VC-10 allows for an input from an external signal carrier, such as an electric guitar, to be modulated by the keyboard. It also features an external pitch control input.[2]
The unit was originally supplied with a gooseneck microphone (the Korg MC-01) which plugged into a bespoke BTS connector. This type of connector is now obsolete. It appears to have originated around 1965 and was phased out when XLR became the standard in later years. It is difficult to source a microphone that will connect to it but TOA Japan [3] still (as of Jan 2015, at a cost of approx. £100) makes a compatible model, the DM-524B. The VC-10 also has a front panel standard microphone 1/4" input jack.
It has been noted on Korg Kornucopia mailing lists that early versions of the VC-10 have a misprint on the front panel block diagram, which spells "FREQUENCY RESPONCE SIMULATOR" rather than the correct "FREQUENCY RESPONSE SIMULATOR".[4]
The Korg VC-10 has been featured in popular music, with notable users including:
| Musician | More info | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Emerson | — | [5] |
| Roger Waters | (used in Animals) "Floyd first used a Vocoder in Animals (recording during 1976) for Roger’s lead vocals in "Pigs" and for the bastardised psalm on "Sheep", as well as for the treated barking sounds and other effects in "Dogs". Rick's keyboards were also fed through the Vocoder, notably during the middle section of "Dogs". Although it is not documented which particular model was used in Britannia Row studios for the recording of Animals, it is reported that they used the "now-classic Korg VC-10 model". However, this was recorded 2 years before the VC10 was released. | [6] |
| Apollo 440 | Listed in Apollo control gear in Sound on Sound article | [7] |
| Klaus Schulze | Documented in 1977/1978 he used Korg as well as Sennheiser vocoders | [8] |
| Isao Tomita | Used on 'The Bermuda Triangle' (1979) on the track 'Vocoder' | [9] |
| Joe Zawinul | Documented to use VC-10 in Sound on Sound article. | [10] |
| The Stranglers | Used on meninblack album around the 1980s | [11] |
