Vocoding
Vocoding is a audio technique where one audio track is enveloped onto another. Initially invented in the late 20's to help reduce bandwidth of voice information, it never caught on due to the dramatic changes it did to voice output [1] In practice, vocoders are most commonly seen today in music to create "robotic" or "autotune" effects, however in Tennis they have a wide variety of uses for sound manipulation.
History
Some of the oldest prominent use of vocoding was using MAGIX Music Maker in 2007. Specifically, this was for a YTP fad where the "electronic sounds" preset was added to random videos.[2]
One of the most notable users of vocoding was HerpyWhooves, who in the early 2010's used it to developed ethereal soundscapes throughout their rounds. Combined with their heavy use of trails and rainbows, the style became instantly recognizable within the community.
During the mid-late 2010's, vocoder plugins became very popular with the younger community due to their relative simplicity in making "cool sounding stuff". This led to quite a bit of backlash against them, with many calling them "overused" or avoiding the technique entirely.
Notable Vocoders
Many different vocoders have been used in tennis. This section will primarily cover plugins, as most DAWs contain their own and escape the range of this topic.
Image Line Vocodex
https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Vocodex.htm
Image Line Vocodex, also known as IL Vocodex or just Vocodex, is a vocoder plugin.
It can be purchased for $79 USD.
Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder
https://www.zynaptiq.com/orangevocoder/
Orange Vocoder is a vocoder by Zynaptiq.
As of 2024, version 4 can be purchased for $169 USD.