Artificial Vocal Cords
ItemA voice-altering mask fitted to Hitoshi Shinso's hero gear, the Artificial Vocal Cords let him speak in a borrowed voice without any electronics involved. The design exists for a reason: his Brainwashing Quirk dies the instant his speech gets converted into an electrical signal.
Overview
The Artificial Vocal Cords are a piece of support equipment built into the hero costume worn by Hitoshi Shinso. The mask arrives in Chapter 194 of the manga and Episode 91 of the anime, and it serves one narrow purpose: giving Shinso a way to sound like somebody he is not. Since his Quirk only takes hold when a target replies to him, being able to pass as a trusted voice turns a conversation into a weapon.
Function
Instead of routing sound through circuitry, the mask uses a series of plates that reshape and resonate whatever Shinso says, then release the reworked sound directly into the space around him. That construction is deliberate rather than cosmetic. Ordinary amplifying gear, megaphones and loudspeakers included, turns speech into electrical signals, and Brainwashing stops working the moment that conversion occurs. Plates sidestep the problem, preserving the quality his Quirk depends on while still letting the output imitate a different speaker.
The equipment also underpins his Ultimate Move, Persona Chords, which cannot be performed without it.
Notable Users
Shinso is the sole character shown wearing the device, which was tailored to compensate for a Quirk that offers him nothing physical in a fight. In the English dub of the anime he calls the gear his Vocal Modulator rather than by its Japanese-derived name. The underlying idea echoes the Voice-Changing Bowtie from Case Closed, another gadget that hands its owner somebody else's voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shinso have artificial vocal cords?
Yes, Hitoshi Shinso wears the Artificial Vocal Cords, a mask built into his hero costume that lets him imitate other people's voices. The equipment first appears in Chapter 194 of the manga and Episode 91 of the anime.
How do the Artificial Vocal Cords work?
The Artificial Vocal Cords use a series of plates to reshape and resonate Hitoshi Shinso's voice rather than routing it through electronic circuitry. That design lets him imitate another person's voice while keeping his Brainwashing Quirk functional.
Why can't Shinso use an ordinary microphone to disguise his voice?
Ordinary amplifying gear, including megaphones and loudspeakers, converts speech into an electrical signal, and Hitoshi Shinso's Brainwashing Quirk stops working the instant that conversion happens. The Artificial Vocal Cords avoid the problem by using plates instead of electronics, preserving the voice quality his Quirk depends on.
What move does the Artificial Vocal Cords enable?
The Artificial Vocal Cords underpin Hitoshi Shinso's Ultimate Move, Persona Chords, which cannot be performed without the equipment. In the English dub of the anime, Shinso refers to the gear as his Vocal Modulator.
What inspired the Artificial Vocal Cords?
The Artificial Vocal Cords echo the Voice-Changing Bowtie from the series Case Closed, another gadget that hands its wearer somebody else's voice. Hitoshi Shinso is the only character shown using the device.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Artificial Vocal Cords? The My Hero Academia Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the My Hero Academia anime series, manga, and official materials. My Hero Academia was created by Kohei Horikoshi, published by Shueisha, and animated by Bones. All rights to My Hero Academia and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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- Published byShueisha
- Animated byBones
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