The secret story of the vocoder, the military tech that changed music forever
The vocoder transformed from military tech to a music staple.
The vocoder, initially developed by Homer Dudley at Bell Labs to improve telephone communications, unexpectedly became a revolutionary tool in music. After its military use in World War II for secure communications, artists began to explore its potential, leading to its widespread adoption in the music industry. This episode of Version History features discussions with Chromeo, who highlight the vocoder's enduring appeal and versatility.
Key Takeaways
- 1.
The vocoder was developed at Bell Labs by engineer Homer Dudley in the 1920s.
- 2.
It played a crucial role in World War II for secure communications before becoming a musical tool.
- 3.
Artists like Chromeo have popularized the vocoder, showcasing its versatility in modern music.
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