Briefing: The secret story of the vocoder, the military tech that changed music forever

The vocoder, initially designed for military applications, emerged from Bell Labs in the 1920s. Its primary function was to facilitate secure communication, a need that drove its early development.

Over the decades, the vocoder's capabilities were repurposed, leading to significant advancements in music production. Its unique sound processing features allowed artists to explore new creative avenues.

Today, the vocoder is recognized not just as a tool of military origin but as a pivotal element in the evolution of music technology, influencing a wide range of genres and iconic artists.