Vocoder Performance Technique

[J P M]

When performing live(or even in the studio)it is best to use a gate (and 
a compressor) between the mic and the vocoder.As far as the PAIA vocoder 
goes i believe it only has 8 filter bands ,wich just barely allows for 
any intelligable speech (if any at all).Intelligable speech starts with 
10 to 20 (depending on the filter db) high db bands.Most of the digital 
vocoders available today are designed for adding chorusing to dry vocals 
.If you want to get more intelligable speech you should try starting of 
with the Roland vocoders (starting from $500-$800). These are very easy 
to find.And for your keyboard signal ,you should use a very buzzy 
sound(the more harmonics the better) with a small bit of white noise.