Video Tutorial: Introduction to Articulator Vocal Effect Plug-In

Articulator is one of the most exciting and definitive tools that’s included with Auto-Tune Unlimited and is an absolute must-have for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful talk box effect plug-in. You might be wondering how to use Articulator, or may not even know what a talk box is used for. Have a look at our tutorial below to get a better understanding of all the fun and creativity that Articulator can offer you.

What is Articulator?

Articulator is a virtual voice box that revives the classic talk box effect first popularized during the 1970s. You might have heard the use of a talk box from artists such as Peter Frampton, Daft Punk or Anderson Paak and The Free Nationals. This effect is generated with a traditional talk box that has a tube held in a player’s mouth. The generated sound is reminiscent of singing or of a talking guitar or synth, hence the moniker ‘talk box.’  

Articulator digitizes this unique sound into a powerful compact VST for use in most major DAW’s. The plug-in works by extracting formant and amp information from an incoming vocal signal and routing it through another audio track (such as a guitar or synth) or through its own built-in noise generator.

How Does A Talk Box Work?

A talk box produces its sound by side-chaining an incoming vocal signal to an instrument such as a synth or guitar. Early talk box units featured a cable connected to a synth or guitar, and a tube that a vocalist would hold in their mouth and sing through. The result is a cutting lead sound that adds a distinct sense of style and attack to compositions. The nature of the talk box’s design gives users an intriguing range of expressions, and generates tones unlike most conventional synths or instruments. 

Essentially, a talk box places a layer of noise over an incoming audio signal to create a variety of colorful and useful synth lead-type sounds. Articulator has taken this vintage effect and given it a modern touch to allow users a range of exciting sonic options including: 

• Amplitude, noise and formant controls. 
• Built-in three-band EQ.
• Throat modeling system for precise sonic shaping.
• An onboard mixer with input and output volume controls.

Who is Articulator For?

Even with its distinct tone and flavor, Articulator can be and is used across an immense span of live and electronic genres. This talk box effect has already found its way into the worlds of hip-hop, soul, indie, house, and several other styles. 

Articulator’s incredibly user-friendly interface makes it a dream choice for hours of effortless studio production. Most users should take just a few minutes to learn the basic functions of Articulator’s GUI, so even beginner producers, composers, or mix engineers can get in on the action. 

Thanks to its built-in noise generator and low CPU load, Articulator’s talk box effect can be generated in real-time with zero latency –  a crucial component for anyone wanting to use Articulator for live performances.

Perhaps you’re trying to add some spice to a melody in your arrangements, or need a rich, powerful lead sound for some shredding improvisations? Articulator delivers all of this and so much more with its unparalleled tonal quality and character.

How to Use Articulator:

Routing and utilizing Articulator will differ slightly depending on the production software you are using. However the basic principles of the talk box application is the same regardless of your preferred DAW. 

• Open up an audio channel/track in your DAW and select your vocal mic as the audio input for this channel. 
• Open a secondary audio channel and select your guitar or synth as the audio input for this channel
• Place Articulator in this channel for use as a vocal effect. Open up the Articulator interface.
• Select your vocal channel as the control signal.
• Select your synth/guitar/instrument as the audio signal. Alternatively, use the built-in noise generator as the audio signal. 
• You can adjust the volumes of both the audio and control signals to taste. You can also tweak other parameters such as the amplitude modulation, formant value and noise levels for meticulous sound sculpting options. 

Anyone from fledgling producers to GRAMMY-nominated artists can use Articulator to create timeless hooks and compositions. 

Ready to try it for yourself? Sign up for a FREE 14-Day trial of Auto-Tune Unlimited and see what talk box tricks you can create using Articulator.