User:Darwinerasmus/Korg VC-10

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The Korg VC-10 is an analogue vocoder from the 1970s. Vocoding refers to voice encoding of speech and singing with musical synthesis. It gained popularity in the '70s following utilisation by bands such as Kraftwerk and ELO. The VC-10 allows basic functionality in operation and modulation of signal carriers. It has two microphone input options. Its resale value is within a reasonably affordable price range though it can be difficult to source. It has been utilised by various famous musicians as documented below.

Korg VC-10 vocoder

Features[edit]

The VC-10 features 20 channel polyphony, ensemble mode with speed and depth controls (akin to a chorus function), accent bend control, 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.^[1]

During the 1970's :

"The korg VC-10 , acheived a measure of popularity because it was simple to use, relatively inexpensive and completely self-contained " ^[2]

Microphone input options[edit]

The unit was originally supplied with a gooseneck microphone 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 almost impossible to source a microphone that would connect to it. The unit also has a front panel standard microphone phono input jack.

Functionality problems[edit]

Informal sources such as as vintage synth restore shops suggest that the quality of the originally supplied MC-01 gooseneck microphone is poor and therefore it is preferable to utilise the front panel microphone phone jack input with a modern microphone . Korg technical support has reccomended following enquiry replacing the top BTS connector with an XLR base connector.

Current Resale Value[edit]

The VC-10 in full working order with original MC-01 microphone resells in the UK for between £400 and £900.

Use in popular music[edit]

The Korg VC-10 has featured in music by :

Musician	More info	Reference
Keith Emerson	Documented to be an instrument Keith later put to auction.	^[3]
Roger Waters	(used in Animals (album)) "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"	^[4]
Apollo 440	Listed in Apollo control gear in sound on sound article	^[5]
Klaus Schulze	Documented in 1977/1978 he used Korg as well as Sennheiser vocoders	^[6]
Isao Tomita	Used on 'The Bermuda Triangle' (1978) on the track 'Vocoder'	^[7]
Labradford	TBC	TBC
Joe Zawinul	Documented to use VC-10 in Sound on Sound article.	^[8]
Rick Wakeman	TBC	TBC
Tangerine Dream	TBC	TBC
Goldfrapp	In the 'Black Cherry Making Of..' videos, there's an unmistakeable Korg VC10 vocoder.	TBC
Daft Punk	TBC	TBC
Air	TBC	TBC
Yes	TBC	TBC
The Stranglers	Used on meninblack album around 1980s	^[9]

^[10]

External Links[edit]

References[edit]

^ Analog Vocoder info : VC-10Accessed 26 01 2011
^ John Shepherd (27 February 2003). Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world: VolumeII: Performance and production. Continuum International Publishing Group. pp. 268–. ISBN 9780826463227. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
^ Keith Emersons keyboard clearout
^ Richard Wright and Pink Floyd : Keyboard, Synthesizer and electronics equipment
^ APOLLO FOUR FORTY: Ad Astra |accessed 27.01.2011
^ Klaus Schulze's Instruments
^ Bermuda Recordings
^ | accessed 27.01.11
^ Mark Jenkins (2 August 2007). Analog synthesizers: understanding, performing, buying: from the legacy of Moog to software synthesis. Elsevier. pp. 150–. ISBN 9780240520728. Retrieved 1 January 2006.
^ Vintage Synth - Korg VC-10 | Accessed 27 .01.2011

[1] Analog Vocoder info : VC-10Accessed 26 01 2011

[Shepherd2003-2] John Shepherd (27 February 2003). Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world: VolumeII: Performance and production. Continuum International Publishing Group. pp. 268–. ISBN 9780826463227. Retrieved 26 January 2011.

[3] Keith Emersons keyboard clearout

[4] Richard Wright and Pink Floyd : Keyboard, Synthesizer and electronics equipment

[5] APOLLO FOUR FORTY: Ad Astra |accessed 27.01.2011

[6] Klaus Schulze's Instruments

[7] Bermuda Recordings

[8] | accessed 27.01.11

[Jenkins2007-9] Mark Jenkins (2 August 2007). Analog synthesizers: understanding, performing, buying: from the legacy of Moog to software synthesis. Elsevier. pp. 150–. ISBN 9780240520728. Retrieved 1 January 2006.

[10] Vintage Synth - Korg VC-10 | Accessed 27 .01.2011

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