OVERVIEW
EVOC 20 TRACK OSCILLATOR
EVOC 20 TrackOscillator is a vocoder-style plug-in in Logic Pro that uses audio from an existing track as the carrier signal, rather than an internal synth. This allows one sound (typically a vocal) to shape the tonal characteristics of another sound already in your project, such as a synth, guitar, pad, or drum loop. Compared to EVOC 20 Filterbank, TrackOscillator is ideal for creative routing, layering, and experimental sound design, especially when students want to combine real audio sources in expressive ways.
Audio-Based Carrier Source: Uses another audio track in the session as the carrier instead of an internal synth.
20-Band Vocoder Processing: Splits the frequency spectrum into 20 bands for detailed spectral shaping.
Side-Chain Input: Easily route the modulator signal (usually vocals) into EVOC 20 TrackOscillator.
Formant Shift Control: Changes the perceived size or character of the vocal without altering pitch.
Attack & Release Controls: Adjust responsiveness and smoothness of the vocoder effect.
Unvoiced Signal Section: Preserves consonants for clarity and intelligibility.
Freeze Function: Captures a spectral snapshot for sustained or experimental textures.
Band Balance & Output Controls: Shape frequency emphasis and manage overall level.
Vocoded vocals using real instruments (e.g., vocals controlling guitar, strings, or pads).
Electronic and experimental music production where audio sources are layered creatively.
Talkbox-style effects using recorded instruments instead of hardware talkboxes.
Sound design for film, media, and games, especially for hybrid organic/synthetic textures.
Layering vocals with rhythmic sources, such as drum loops or arpeggiated synth tracks.
Creative transitions and breakdowns using Freeze and automation.
"Livin’ on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" - Michael Jackson
"24K Magic" - Bruno Mars
"Frankenstein" - The Edgar Winter Group
Choose a harmonically rich carrier. Sustained sounds with lots of overtones (pads, guitars, synths) work best.
Route carefully using side-chain input. Send the vocal (modulator) to EVOC 20 TrackOscillator correctly to ensure response.
Use clear vocal articulation. Consonants and rhythmic phrasing improve intelligibility.
Adjust attack for clarity. Faster attack improves definition; slower attack smooths transitions.
Blend dry signal if needed. Mixing in some unprocessed carrier or vocal can improve musicality.
Experiment with Freeze. Capture a vocal spectrum and play it rhythmically with the carrier track.
Automate formant and band balance. Automation adds movement and interest across sections.
Think musically, not just technically. EVOC works best when the carrier and modulator complement each other rhythmically and harmonically.
LISTEN to this POD about the EVOC 20 TRACK OSCILLATOR Plugin
FAMOUS USES
(These tracks use vocoder or talkbox-style processing similar to what EVOC 20 TrackOscillator can achieve when audio tracks act as carriers)
"Livin’ on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi
Duration: 4:09
Timestamp: 0:44–1:02
Use: Talkbox effect where vocals shape a guitar carrier.
"P.Y.T." - Michael Jackson
Duration: 3:59
Timestamp: 3:00–3:30
Use: Vocoder-style vocal textures layered into the mix.
"24K Magic" - Bruno Mars
Duration:3:46
Timestamp: 0:10–0:30
Use: Modern vocoder-style vocal effects blended with instrumentation.
"Frankenstein" - The Edgar Winter Group
Duration: 4:44
Timestamp: 2:40–3:10
Use: Early synth processing mimicking vocal articulation.
LOGIC VIDEO TUTORIALS
Valence provides an outstanding demonstration of how to use the EVOC 20 Track Oscillator with a different synth. (8:13)
Sight Sound Beyond provides a short tutorial on how to utilize the EVOC 20 Track Oscillator. (3:53)
ProAudioTipz quickly demonstrates how to use the EVOC20 Track Oscillator Plugin. (2:26)
Recording Connection Audio Institute reviews all of the filtering effects in Logic Pro (Autofilter, EVOC 20 Filter Bank, EVOC 20 Track Oscillator, Fuzz-Wah, Spectral Gate. (36:07)
FILTER VIDEO TUTORIALS
Mixed Signals explains the basics of Audio Filters. (6:54)
Woochia explains the basics of EQs and Filtering. (13:10)
Audio University explains comb filtering. (14:13)
Akash Murthy defines filters and the basics behind filters. (9 videos)
wickiemedia explains filters in part 1 of his two part serioes. (4:54)
wickiemedia explains filters in part 1 of his two part serioes. (17:43)
wickiemedia explains and demonstrates resonance. (0:59)
Cableguys provide tips on how to make your music move with filters. (12:48)
SOURCE ARTICLES
SOURCE ARTICLES YOU CAN READ:
Using Logic’s Evoc 20 Vocoder on more than vocals (MusicTech)
Vocoding With EVOC tutorial course (macProVideo)
What is a Vocoder? (Roland)
What is a vocoder? How to use vocoders in your music (Splice)
What Are Vocoders: The Secret Behind Robot Voices
Vocoder (Wikipedia)
VOCABULARY
1. Vocoder: An audio effect that uses the frequency content of one sound to shape another sound, often creating robotic or “talking instrument” effects.
2. Carrier Signal: The sound being shaped by the vocoder; in EVOC 20 TrackOscillator, this is an audio track such as a synth, guitar, or pad.
3. Modulator Signal: The sound that controls the vocoder’s filter movement, most commonly a vocal.
4. Side Chain: A routing method that allows one audio signal (the modulator) to control the processing of another signal inside a plug-in.
5. Filter Bank: A collection of frequency-specific filters that divide the sound spectrum into multiple bands.
6. Band: One individual frequency range within the filter bank that responds independently to the modulator signal.
7. Formant: A resonant frequency region of the human voice that helps define vowel sounds and vocal character.
8. Formant Shift: A control that changes the perceived size or character of the vocal sound without changing pitch.
9. Attack: The amount of time it takes for the vocoder to respond after the modulator signal begins.
10. Release: The amount of time it takes for the vocoder to stop responding after the modulator signal ends.
11. Unvoiced Signal: High-frequency consonant sounds (such as “s,” “t,” and “f”) that improve intelligibility in vocoded speech.
12. Freeze: A function that captures and holds a snapshot of the modulator’s frequency spectrum for sustained or experimental sounds.
13. Spectral Processing: Audio processing based on frequency content rather than amplitude or time.
14. Articulation: The clarity and definition of rhythmic or spoken elements in a vocoded sound.
15. Harmonic Content: The overtones present in a sound; richer harmonic content produces clearer vocoder results.
16. Routing: The process of sending audio from one track to another or into a plug-in using buses or side chains.
17. Talkbox Effect: A vocal-like instrument effect where a sound source is shaped to mimic speech, often recreated digitally using vocoders.
QUIZZES
MANUAL