Korg VC-10

The Korg VC-10 is an analog vocoder released by Korg in 1978. It was Korg's first vocoder and unlike many vocoders, the VC-10 includes a built-in polyphonic tone source that can be played via its 32-note keyboard.[1] When a microphone signal is mixed with the internal sound generator, it supports basic vocoding, a process that allows for the modulation of a synthesizer's sound with the characteristics of a human voice to create distinct electronic effects. Introduced in 1978, it was priced at $1,299, excluding the microphone.[2][3]

Korg VC-10 vocoder

It gained popularity in the 1970s following utilisation by bands such as Kraftwerk and Electric Light Orchestra.

Sounds and features

The VC-10 features a 20-band analyzer, a 20-band EQ, and an internal divide-down synthesizer for tone generation.[1] Additionally, it can process external signals using the ensemble effect from the Korg PS-series, enabling the transformation of basic sounds into rich textures.[2][3]

It features 32-note polyphony with one oscillator per key, all individually tuneable, accent bend control which adds a slight pitch wavering effect so that the sound produced is more like a human voice, octave-up control which 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.

The VC-10 achieved a measure of popularity because it was simple to use, relatively inexpensive and completely self-contained.[4]

The unit was originally supplied with a gooseneck microphone called the Korg MC-01 which plugged into a bespoke BTS connector. This type of connector was phased out when XLR became the standard and is now obsolete. The VC-10 also has a front panel standard microphone 1/4" input jack.

References
  1. Bjørn, Kim (1 January 2022). Patch & Tweak with KORG. Bjooks. p. 176. ISBN 978-8799999552.
  2. Reid, Gordon (October 2002). "The History Of Korg: Part 1". Sound On Sound. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  3. Vail, Mark (15 March 2000). Vintage Synthesizers (2nd ed.). Miller Freeman Books. p. 194.
  4. John Shepherd (27 February 2003). Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world: VolumeII: Performance and production. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 268. ISBN 978-0-8264-6322-7. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
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