Load your vocal track in your music software by either opening the project with the vocal track or inserting the audio file. Generally audio recordings are added to projects by selecting Track > Insert > Audio in most music software. Alternatively some programs provide a drop-down list of all audio recordings associated with the project. If neither of these options are available consult your software's user manual on how to insert an audio recording into a track.
Apply a delay, or digital delay, plug-in to your vocal track. Most major music recording software provides the option to add digital delay under the "Insert" or "Effects" options on your track. If your track does not provide "Insert" or "Effects" options consult your software's user manual.
Adjust the settings on your digital delay to create a classic "sci-fi" robot effect. Set the dry to wet, or unprocessed to processed, ratio to half dry and half wet. Set the feedback setting to 20% and the delay time to anything from seven milliseconds to one-quarter of one second. Your software may provide other settings such as time tap. If your software is tempo tapped set the tap to thirty-second or sixty-fourth notes.
Download and install the TAL Vocoder. A vocoder combines voice with synthesizer sounds creating a very popular robot effect. While often built into popular synthesizers software versions like TAL Vocoder create the same effect without the need for bulky and expensive equipment.
Create two audio tracks in your music software by using Track > Insert > Audio Track or as your user manual instructs. Insert your vocal recording into the first track and set the"Pan" all the way to the left and label the track "Carrier." On the second track add the TAL Vocoder as a plug-In as indicated by your manual, usually via the "Effect" or "Inserts" options on your track options, and label the track "Vocoder." Set the audio output of the "Carrier" track to the "Vocoder" track.
Create an instrument track in your audio software and load a VST Synthesizer. VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and VST Synthesizers are softwares which mimic electronic instruments. Set the track's pan all the way to the right and select a basic sound synthesizer sound. Label the track "Modulator" and set the audio output of the "Modulator" track to the "Vocoder" track.
Press "Play" on your audio software and play notes on the virtual synthesizer. As the audio track plays back, the vocoder will combine the vocal track and the synthesizer. The vocal will take on the sound and pitch of the synthesizer but retain the diction, creating a very popular robot effect.