> Starter question No. 2: How does the Doepfer Vocoder
> compare to the “classics” such as Moog, EMS etc

It sounds pretty good. I bought the basic A129 1/2 from a
list member (hi Paul!), and I have been very happy with the
results. It sounds good even without the addition of the
other ancillary vocoder modules.

I have a Synton Syntovox SPX-216 as well, and though the
Doepfer doesn't sound as "present" as the Synton, it has a
warmth all its own. I would say the Synton is more
intelligible for vocals than the basic Doepfer.

I haven't used the EMS or Moog, so I can't comment on
comparisons there. However, the Doepfer sounds better than
all the digital vocoders I've heard, and it's way better
than the MAM vocoder.

t

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Tom Butcher