The vocoder was originally developed as an academic tool for analysing and recreating human speech. But on this device, even simple vowel variation took time to synthesize. Then, in April 1978, Korg unveiled the VC-10, the first vocoding musical instrument that was practical for use on the live stage.

Much easier to operate than a synthesizer, anyone can use the VC-10 on the very first try. Just talk into the microphone while playing the keyboard and you'll hear
polyphonic music with the unique characteristics of your voice. A wide range of controls lets you mix the 'dry' microphone sound with the simulated sound, add vibrato, and even use the octave switch to change a male voice into a female chorus effect. Instead of playing the keyboard, it's also easy to take any other kind of audio signal (synthesizer, electric guitar, tape recorder, etc.) and make it talk. This is unquestionably the most unique and exciting new instrument in years."