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Description
The SVC-350 is a rack mount type vocoder designed to accept external inputs. It is easy to use both in the studio and on the stage.
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | SVC-350 Vocoder Plus Rackmount Analog Vocoder |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1979 - 1986 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
FAQs
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What type of sound processing does the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder offer?
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The Roland SVC-350 is an 11-band analog vocoder that allows you to process and transform vocal sounds by modulating them with a synthesizer or other audio sources.
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Is the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland SVC-350 is designed for both studio and live applications, offering intuitive controls for real-time sound manipulation, making it a versatile choice for performances.
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What are the connectivity options available on the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder?
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The Roland SVC-350 features standard audio input and output jacks, allowing you to connect microphones, synthesizers, and other audio equipment for versatile signal processing.
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Can the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder be used with any synthesizer?
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Yes, the Roland SVC-350 can be used with any synthesizer that provides an audio output, making it a flexible tool for creating unique vocoder effects.
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What makes the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder unique compared to modern vocoders?
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The Roland SVC-350 is a vintage analog vocoder known for its warm, classic sound and hands-on control, distinguishing it from many modern digital vocoders that may lack the same character.
Videos
zibbybone
Roland SVC-350 11 Band Analog Vocoder Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SVC-350 Vocoder.
Features and functionality
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The analog VCAs in the SVC-350 are noted for their dynamic range, surpassing software vocoders in producing a live, dynamic sound.
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The Roland SVC-350 includes a BBD ensemble, integral for achieving the classic Roland vocoder sound.
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The Moog hardware vocoder allows external modulation of bands, offering unique effects by accepting audio for both modulator and carrier inputs.
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Vocoders integrated with synths, like the Moog, often limit carrier signals to the synth itself, impacting versatility compared to standalone units like the SVC-350.
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Comparisons
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Owners consistently report that software vocoders can't replicate the dynamic and live sound of the SVC-350, especially when paired with a JP8 synthesizer.
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The Moog Spectravox is noted for its beautiful sound but criticized for being less intelligible due to fewer bands compared to the Roland SVC-350.
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The Roland V-synth GT offers true-ish vocal emulation for background vocal reinforcement but is considered finicky compared to the Roland SVC-350's robust performance.
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Value and pricing
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One unit was purchased for $1670 from a reputable source, highlighting the premium price point for well-maintained models.
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Use cases and applications
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The SVC-350's 16-channel architecture is ideal for creating unique sounds, such as the iconic Battlestar Galactica Cylon voices.
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User experience
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Users express a strong preference for the SVC-350 over software vocoders after years of experimentation with plugins, finding the hardware solution significantly more satisfying.
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Some owners have shared their experience of the Roland SVC-350 as a more 'open' version of the VP-330 circuit, which they find beneficial for certain applications.
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Owners note that analog vocoders, such as the Roland SVC-350, offer superior timbre compared to modern digital and Eurorack counterparts.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Used on Discovery, as stated in this May 1, 2001 Remix interview.
You use vocoders and phase shifters on many of your tracks.
Bangalter: People always ask us what vocoder we use, but every one of our vocal tracks uses a different vocoder effect. We have the old Roland one [an SVC-350], Auto-Tune, and a Digitech Vocalist. We take the same approach with phase shifters. Every track on this album uses a different phase shifter. We have a Mu-Tron phaser, a Moogerfooger pedal, an old AMS phaser, and an Ensoniq DP-4. With the older items, you can have several of the same model and they all sound different.
Kraftwerk has used the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder in their music production, as detailed in the Kraftwerk FAQ.
In a 1997 photo from cEvin Key's Vancouver studio, a Roland SVC-350 Vocoder is visible in one of his equipment racks.
In the video, made during a session in Bibio's home studio, the vocoder is shown at 1:39, sitting underneath the limiter referenced in the description.
According to John Carpenter's website, a Roland SVC-350 vocoder was used on the "Escape from New York" soundtrack.
During a live chat titled "Sunday Live Chat: a look back THE PROCESS! 10/15/23" on YouTube, cEvin Key confirmed at 48:48 that the Roland SVC-350 Vocoder was part of Dwayne Goettel's setup in the mid-nineties.
In the video titled "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025" by Anthony Marinelli Music, Anthony Marinelli shows a Roland SVC-350 Vocoder at 48:14, located at the bottom of a preamp rack in his studio setup.
This image posted to Underworld's Instagram account shows the band's long-running, hard-working Roland Vocoder (the band uses the keyboard version rather than the rackmount unit), visible on the lower rack. Smith typically uses it to "play in" Hyde's voice.
Used for the 1980 Doctor Who theme, as demonstrated in this video at 4:39.
The next phrase was done using this box here, which is the vocoder, and this gives out an electronic, but voice-like, sort of quality and I'll show you what I mean.
Richard Norris used a Roland SVC-350 on the Grid album "Electric Head," according to the liner notes.
Album Usage
The Roland SVC-350 Vocoder has been featured on the following albums:
Doctor Who - Revenge of the Cybermen
Peter Howell & The BBC Radiophonic Workshop (2023)
Electric Head (Plus Bonus Tracks)
The Grid (2013)
Escape from New York (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
John Carpenter & Alan Howarth (2005)
Discovery
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
The Process
Skinny Puppy (1996)
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 Roland SVC-350 Vocoder, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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