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Description

Unleash your creative potential with the DigiTech Talker, a gem from the '90s that stands as a testament to vocal and instrumental innovation. This rare effects pedal blends the lines between vocals and instruments, allowing for an unprecedented fusion of sounds. With its unique set of programs – including NuVo, NuWah, TazMania, TalkBox, Alien, and AutoTalk – the DigiTech Talker offers a palette of effects that cater to both the experimental musician and the nostalgic sound smith. Whether you're looking to infuse your guitar riffs with a talkbox vibe or add a layer of otherworldly vocals to your tracks, this pedal has got you covered. Perfect for the studio or live performances, its versatility and ease of use make it a must-have for those looking to explore new sonic territories without sounding like every other act out there.

Key Features:

  • Six unique programs for versatile vocal and instrumental effects
  • Suitable for use with both vocals and instruments, offering a blend of sounds
  • Ideal for experimental musicians and those seeking to add a nostalgic touch
  • Easy to integrate into both studio setups and live performances

Product specs

Brand DigiTech
Model Talker
Finish Metallic
Year 2010s
Categories Vocal

FAQs

What type of effect does the DigiTech Talker pedal provide?

The DigiTech Talker is a vocal formant effects pedal that allows guitarists to create talk box-like sounds without needing a traditional talk box setup.

Can the DigiTech Talker be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the DigiTech Talker can be used with any instrument that has a 1/4-inch output, allowing for creative vocal-like effects on various instruments.

Does the DigiTech Talker require a specific power supply?

The DigiTech Talker typically requires a 9V DC power supply, which is a common requirement for many guitar pedals, but always check the pedal's specifications for compatibility.

How does the DigiTech Talker differ from a traditional talk box?

Unlike a traditional talk box, which requires a tube and microphone setup, the DigiTech Talker uses digital processing to create vocal formant effects, making it easier to integrate into a pedalboard.

Is the DigiTech Talker suitable for live performances?

Yes, the DigiTech Talker is designed for live use, providing reliable vocal-like effects that can be easily controlled via footswitch during performances.

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Vocoder Roundup - Roland Boutique VP-03, MicroKORG, Xils V+, Digitech Talker

Video thumbnail for Vocoder Roundup - Roland Boutique VP-03, MicroKORG, Xils V+, Digitech Talker by Starsky Carr

Vocoder Roundup - Roland Boutique VP-03, MicroKORG, Xils V+, Digitech Talker

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for Digitech Talker Advanced Vocal Synthesis Talk Box by shnobel

Digitech Talker Advanced Vocal Synthesis Talk Box

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Video demo: Digitech Talker by Alchemy Audio

Video demo: Digitech Talker

Alchemy Audio

Alchemy Audio

Video thumbnail for Stu G - The Digitech Talker Pedal Demo by Stu Garrard

Stu G - The Digitech Talker Pedal Demo

Stu Garrard

Stu Garrard

Video thumbnail for Testing the Digitech Talker by Cmyth

Testing the Digitech Talker

Cmyth

Cmyth

Reviews

PROS

  • Utilizes Linear Prediction Coding for extremely clear speech modulation

  • Diverse settings offer a wide range of distinct vocoder tones

  • Legendary status, used on Daft Punk's Discovery and Human After All

  • NuVo setting provides super clear, crisp speech experience

  • Durable build quality, built like a tank

  • Unique trapezoidal design adds visual appeal

CONS

  • High resale prices, often exceeding $1000

  • Sound quality highly dependent on the chosen carrier signal

  • Larger size compared to typical effects pedals, may be cumbersome

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DigiTech Talker.

Features and functionality

  • The DigiTech Talker uses an A/C power supply, not D/C, and cannot be battery-powered; it shares power supply compatibility with the U.K. Whammy pedal.

    Source
  • The Talker excels in clarity over traditional talk boxes, particularly with sibilance, due to the absence of a mouth tube.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users find that the Talker struggles with tracking when using distortion on the carrier wave; a clean saw tooth is recommended for better results.

    Source
  • Positioning the Talker after a looper or glitch pedal in the signal chain allows users to maintain continuous sound while using the pedal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Daft Punk's 'Human After All' album tuning is slightly sharp at 444Hz, aligning with the Talker's robotic tone for accurate covers.

    Source
  • The DigiTech Talker benefits from sustained broadband sounds, such as sawtooth waves, to optimize its performance.

    Source

User experience

  • Dynamic mic levels can be inconsistent with the Talker; running a mic compressor like the TC Helicon Voice Tone T1 helps maintain clarity and avoid clipping.

    Source
  • After 25 years, a former user rediscovered the Talker and successfully integrated it with modern loopers for a more seamless musical experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DigiTech Talker provides a unique tone on par with Daft Punk's use, favored for its electronic emulation of a talk box without the physical constraints.

    Source
  • The Rocktron Banshee 2 and MXR Talkbox are recommended alternatives for those seeking less cumbersome talk box experiences.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Truetone’s CS-12 power supply can effectively power the Talker, eliminating the need for a separate wall wart.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Digitech Talker

soundonsound.com

DigiTech Talker cleverly modernizes the classic talk box concept, offering a versatile stomp-box format designed for live use and studio creativity. Its intuitive operation and robust build make it ideal for guitarists and producers alike, with various vocal effects that range from vocoder-like 'NuVo' to the quirky 'TazMania'. While the limited control over effects may frustrate some users, the Talker's ability to articulate richly harmonic sounds is a standout feature. The lack of drool-inducing mechanics and the added studio potential make this a must-try for those seeking unique soundscapes.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Moby uses DigiTech Talker

Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

...
Verified via reverb.com

Sold for charity on Moby’s Reverb shop in 2018.

This Digitech Talker is part of the private collection of Moby.

The Digitech Talker is a rare vocal effects pedal manufactured in the '90s that comes stock with programs for vocoder or vocal synthesizer effects.

The programs (NuVo, NuWah, TazMania, TalkBox, Alien, AutoTalk) can be use with vocals, instruments, or both to create unique mixes of vocal and instrument.

Serial: 1833. Works without issue.

All items in Moby's Collection ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Moby

See how Air uses DigiTech Talker

Air

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"We used actual vocoders such as the DigiTech Talker."

See how Gotoh Masafumi uses DigiTech Talker

Gotoh Masafumi

Singer, Guitarist

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Gotoh can be seen showcasing the "Digitech Talker Advanced Vocal Synthesis" pedal

See how Camo & Krooked uses DigiTech Talker

Camo & Krooked

Music Producer

Camo & Krooked

...
Verified via Photo

"Time to activate these 2 badboys again!"

See how Étienne de Crécy uses DigiTech Talker

Étienne de Crécy

Music Producer, DJ

Motorbass

...
Verified via YouTube

This effect box is a vocoder made by DigiTech. The effect box can be seen at 0:22 during the video.

See how Joe Preston uses DigiTech Talker

Joe Preston

Bassist

Melvins

...
Verified via Last.fm

Joe Preston uses the DigiTech Talker, as evidenced by its visible placement on the floor in a journal article posted to Joe Preston's Come and Gone on Last.fm.

See how Matthew Caws uses DigiTech Talker

Matthew Caws

Guitarist

Nada Surf

...
Verified via Photo

This was posted on Matthew's Twitter (april 2021)

See how Blockhead uses DigiTech Talker

Blockhead

Music Producer

Pet Shop Boys

...
Verified via EMusician

Used for the vocoded vocals on "Four Walls", as stated in this February 1, 2010 Electronic Musician interview.

Blockhead also had his friend Damien Paris record bass and guitar, and Wilder Zoby from the band Chin Chin played/sang a DigiTech Talker vocoder through a Moog Liberation on “Four Walls.”

See how Luke Million uses DigiTech Talker

Luke Million

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Swiss

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube Video doing his rendition of "Nightcall" by Kavinsky Luke is seen using a DigiTech Talker.

See how Anthony Marinelli uses DigiTech Talker

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 48:27 in the "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025" video by Anthony Marinelli Music on YouTube, a DigiTech Talker Vocoder is visibly placed on a rack behind the Prophet-5 in Anthony Marinelli’s studio setup.

See how Katsumi Sugahara uses DigiTech Talker

Katsumi Sugahara

Guitarist

Solmania

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "SOLMANIA - Lady Apocalypse @ BAKUTO OSAKA 2008," provided by DAX -Space Shower Digital Archives X-, the DigiTech Talker can be seen in Katsumi Sugahara's setup at the 4:12 timestamp.

See how Boom Jinx uses DigiTech Talker

Boom Jinx

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this November 8, 2018 Instagram post by Boom Jinx.

Moving some of my studio grear back in, ohh...2002-2003? Old school. Making music was very, VERY different back then. #tbt #throwbackthursday #retro #oldschool #studiogear #studioequipment

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DigiTech Talker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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