Waves

major knobs, a small link chain simply allows us
to move both controls simultaneously while
thoughtfully keeping any ofset in play. This is
particularly handy once we get into the more
advanced controls.
You took the words right
out of…
Though the main controls are simple to
experiment with, and results can be crafted
speedily, once we reveal the modulation and
automation options, vast creative scope
presents itself. The four sub-windows can be
revealed by clicking on one of the four
acronyms beneath the main window – this is
easy to miss if you’ve not consulted the manual.
Each of the four modulators can be neatly
dragged to the Pitch, Formant or Mix knobs, to
kick in once a certain threshold is met. Clicking
on M1 or M2 opens up a sub-window where we
can delicately build up unique LFOs, and Step
Sequences, using both a Pen tool and the
delicate carving of the Phase, Warp, Smoother
and Level controls. The ‘Organic Modulators’
(AM and PT) use the input signal itself as the
starting point of their modulations, AM
(Amplitude) allows you to use the amplitude
envelope of your vocal signal to dictate when
other modulations come into play, while PT
(Pitch) erases all pitch detection data from the
vocal signal to make way for more detailed and
individual pitch variations.
A simple blue ring, along with a small
indicator displaying the acronym of the
modulation appears beneath one of the main
knobs, once you’ve dragged and dropped.
Dragging vertically over this modulation slot
adjusts the modulation depth, illustrated by a
small coloured arc inside the knob. This type of
automation can be a superb way of introducing
vocal efects (such as sudden pitch drops, or
additional vocal support) that activate based on
the volume of the input signal, so the intensity of
your performance can be the triggering factor.
Mouthing off
While we’re only really scratching the surface of
the range of possibilities presented by the
plugin’s modulation controls, the aim of the
game with Vocal Bender is really getting that
professional-sounding vocal manipulation at
speed. We’re happy to report then, that not only
did Vocal Bender provide that within minutes,
but that there was absolutely no processing lag.
We can dramatically scale the pitch of our
backing vocals on the ly during track playback,
and experiment with modulating our vocal in
order to get the right tonal qualities without any
CPU slack.
If you just want to jump straight in to emulate
the tricks of the pros, then Waves have
thankfully provided a wide range of impressive
presets. These include those that add additional
deep and high voices, vocal doubling, harmony
efects and humorous ‘character’-types such as
‘Chipmunk’ and ‘Broken Bot’. See the boxout for
more information on these.
Vocal Bender is certainly one of the slickest
vocal plugins we’ve experimented with. While
those hankering for more expressive vocoding
efects will ind more appeal from Waves’ larger
OVox vocal synthesiser. The (complementary)
Vocal Bender is undoubtedly the best in class for
quick-ire, modern pitch manipulation.
Web waves.com
Verdict
For Incredible levels of manipulation
Simple and accessible UI
No latency or sync loss
Against Make sure you update to
Waves V12, as default UI size is tiny!
More complexity available elsewhere
Modulated vocals are going to be in vogue
for a long time, and with this valuable tool,
you’ve all you need to shape your own with
no stress
9/10
Alternatively
Output Exhale
225 » 9/10 » £180
A vast ‘vocal engine’, similarly
geared towards emulating modern
pop vocal quirks.
SoundToys Little AlterBoy
£70
With a similar UI to Vocal Bender,
this has been a staple of modern
vocal production for a while.
Digging into the presets a little further
reveals a diverse range of instant
efects. There are some presets that
can bolster a performance, like ‘Fake
Vibrato’ which sneakily adds a realistic-
sounding vibrato to your vocal. It’s
actually astonishing how our
(admittedly sub-par) vocals can take on
a studied polish by delicate application
of this preset. Dad Support provides us
with a very recognisable sound used by
many to fatten up a vocal section with a
low baritone. It reminds us of the
numerous Stormzy tracks where this
technique is frequently used. The more
fun presets include Game Over which
add a cool arcade game efect, which
could be used to add some sonic colour,
while the demonic Dark Magician is
– genuinely – absolutely terrifying,
particularly when applied to a tender,
close-mic’ed voice. It’s clear that some
of these presets should only be applied
to vocals at speciic parts of a track,
while others could subtly run
throughout sections (Low Double
Tracker is a nicely subtle enhancer). All
of these presets could serve a purpose
in your tracks, and can be used as
jumping of points to explore the outer
reaches of what Vocal Bender is
capable of.
Round the bend
The basic UI of Vocal Bender has a simplicity that invites
fun experimentation
Presets can be a good
starting point to
pursue your own
adventures in vocal
efect creation
“Once we reveal the
modulation and
automation options,
vast creative scope
presents itself”
July 2021 / COMPUTER MUSIC / 75
waves vocal bender / reviews <
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