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Author: Caleb J. Murphy
Last updated: Jul 1, 2022
Reads: 10,581
Caleb J. Murphy is a songwriter/producer based in Austin, TX, whose music has been on ABC, NBC, NPR, and in hundreds of indie film projects. His advice for musicians has been featured by Digital Music News, Bandzoogle, BMI, and ASCAP. He also sends a twice-monthly newsletter called 5 Things To Help You Keep Going that features five resources from the internet that will help indie musicians.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who Invented Autotune?
- What Is Autotune?
- Musical Key
- Input Type
- Retune Speed
- Different Methods for Using Autotune on Vocals
- The Best Autotune Plugins
- MAuto Pitch
- Antares Auto-Tune
- Graillon 2 Free Edition
- X42 Auto-Tune
- Autotalent
- GSnap
- KeroVee
- References
People also ask
- What does Auto-Tune actually do?
- Why are singers using Auto-Tune?
- What is an example of Auto-Tune?
Musicians started using autotune in 1998 after Cher dropped her song “Believe.” And now, nearly every professionally produced song uses it.
Some use extreme settings as a stylistic choice, others use it to subtly adjust the vocals.
If you’re not sure what autotune is or how to use it, keep reading.
In explaining what autotune is, we’ll explore:
- Who invented autotune
- What autotune is
- Different methods for using autotune on vocals
- The best autotune plugins
Who Invented Autotune?
Dr. Andy Hildebrand is the one who invented autotune, making it public in 1998 when Cher released “Believe.” Hildebrand earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, so creating this powerful piece of software was just what he loved doing.
But some people wonder if he and his autotune ruined the music industry. Isn’t autotune cheating?
Not according to Hildebrand.
“Cheating in the old days used endless retakes to get a final result,” he told PBS1. “It’s easier now with Auto-Tune. The real impact of Auto-Tune is that it changed how studios produce vocals.”
“If you’re going to complain about Auto-Tune, complain about speakers too,” he said2. “And synthesizers. And recording studios. Recording the human voice, in any capacity, is unnatural.”
Whether or not you agree with him, autotune is here. And it’s here to stay. Now it’s up to us to use it well.
What does Auto-Tune actually do?
Caleb J. Murphy
Autotune is a piece of software that adjusts notes that a person sings (or that an instrument plays) to fit into the scale of a song, essentially correcting the notes to fit the song. So if you have a song in the key of C major, you can adjust the singer’s notes to match only the notes in C major. Typically, producers and mixing engineers will manually correct only the off notes rather than applying autotune to an entire track.
What Is Autotune?
We know autotune automatically tunes something you’ve recorded. But what is it, technically speaking?
Well, it’s a piece of software that digitally corrects the pitch of your voice (or any instrument). It uses something called a Phase Vocoder.
To understand a Phase Vocoder, we first have to talk about a regular vocoder.
With a vocoder, you sing into a microphone while you play an instrument so the vocoder can adjust your voice notes to fit the notes of your instrument. The output will sound like your instrument is singing. So it doesn’t really matter what notes you sing into the mic because the vocoder will adjust your voice to fit the notes you’re playing on your instrument.
So a Phase Vocoder does basically the same thing but all with software and, most of the time, at a less drastic level.
That’s what autotune is — it adjusts the notes you sing or play to match the closest actual note in the chosen scale.
There are three main aspects of autotuning: Musical Key, Input Type, and Retune Speed3.
Why are singers using Auto-Tune?
Caleb J. Murphy
Virtually everyone in the music industry today uses autotune, even just a little bit. It helps everything blend together by correcting any off notes that would distract the listener. It’s pretty much impossible to sing perfectly in tune all of the time, so autotune is a subtle tool to tighten up a singer’s performance. On the other hand, some singers use heavy autotune as a stylistic choice.
Musical Key
For autotune to actually tune something, you need to tell it what key to operate within. So before you do any autotuning, you’ll need to set it to the key of the song.
Input Type
What is the thing you’re autotuning? That’s your input type. Your autotune plugin will most likely give you options for different types of vocals (soprano, alto, tenor, etc.) as well as different types of instruments (bass, guitar, keys, etc.). This helps the autotune be more accurate and natural-sounding.
Retune Speed
Retune speed determines how quickly the autotune catches an off note in order to tune it. If you want a T-Pain-level of autotune (i.e. to sound like a robot), you can set the speed to 0, which is the fastest retune speed possible. But if you want something effective but less noticeable, you can set the speed between 20-150.
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Different Methods for Using Autotune on Vocals
The first method of using autotune is the one you may think of first. It’s where the vocalist sounds like their voice has been run through a robot — because, well, that’s exactly what happens. Artists who made this style popular include T-Pain, Kanye West, and Akon.
It’s definitely a stylistic choice.
The other autotune method is used more often. It’s where the autotune corrects notes but stays transparent and keeps the vocal sounding natural (see this video as an example).
Because this is probably the style of autotune you’re looking for, we’ll breakdown the steps for using it.
Here are the basic steps:
- Set your autotune plugin to the correct musical key and scale
- Choose your input type
- Set the retune speed
Slower retune speeds are good for more accurate Singers.
Faster retune speeds are better for less practiced Singers.
Start with a speed of 20 and adjust from there.
Those are the basic steps, but here are some extra tips to consider when using autotune:
- Use autotune only on the sections that need it rather than applying the effect to the entire vocal track — autotune on the entire track can negatively affect the quality of the recording.
- Try the Humanize function on your autotune plugin — this helps counteract faster retune speeds by smoothing things out and making the vocals sound more natural.
- Flex-Tune may be helpful — instead of letting the autotune pull each note to the closest note in the scale, you can use Flex-Tune so that each note is only corrected as the Singer approaches the right note.
What is an example of Auto-Tune?
Caleb J. Murphy
An example of heavy autotune use is T-Pain’s music, who became well-known for his style of clearly edited vocals. It makes the singer sound almost robotic as the autotune corrects every note to fit within the song’s scale. However, most autotune use today is subtle and not noticeable, and pretty much every well-known artist uses it, even if it’s minimal.
The Best Autotune Plugins
Regardless of what style of autotune you want, there’s an autotune plugin on this list that will meet your needs.
MAuto Pitch
The free version of MAuto Pitch has a specialty: simplicity. The interface is easy to figure out, so it’s a great option for beginners. There may be other autotune plugins that deliver more effective results, but this one is a smart choice if you want to familiarize yourself with the autotune world.
Antares Auto-Tune
If you Google “best autotune plugins,” I guarantee you’ll see Antares Auto-Tune. It’s supposedly the plugin Cher used and all the blogs recommend it. And that’s because it’s great. It is a bit pricey, but if you’re already familiar with autotune and want to use what the pros use, this plugin is a good choice.
Graillon 2 Free Edition
Graillon 2 Free Edition calls itself a voice changer and features pitch correction and pitch shifting. But make no mistake, this is an autotune plugin meant for vocals. Some reviewers have said it can be a bit more on the dry side rather than the wet side, so beware of that. But for a free plugin, it’s not bad.
X42 Auto-Tune
Not only does the X42 Auto-Tune fix tuning issues, but it can also help with sweetening the tone. Although it doesn’t offer formant correction, it will resample the vocal and then loop the signal.
For this reason, it works best for subtle tuning changes, not for the robotic-sounding stylistic choices. One cool feature is the Bias parameter, which keeps the vocal on the current note for a little longer instead of jumping to the next note in the scale. This makes it sound much more natural.
Autotalent
Autotalent is great because it works well with both subtle adjustments and the robotic autotune sound. This free plugin has an LFO and vibrato section, which lets you add vibrato onto the vocal. The downside is the interface, which can take a minute to get used to. But if you’re into the features, you can get past that.
GSnap
GSnap was one of the first free autotune plugins, and it’s still considered one of the best. The flagship feature is that you can adjust notes depending on the MIDI notes you feed into the plugin.
So to correct a Singer’s notes, just play the notes on a MIDI piano, feed that into the plugin, and it will shift the notes to fit the piano. Plus, you can add vibrato (and adjust the speed) and you can tell GSnap to only affect certain parts of the recording.
KeroVee
KeroVee is known for precise autotune and pitch correction — its ability puts it at the top of the “free plugins” list. Although it doesn’t offer the robotic autotune effect, you can get very specific with the pitch correction.
You can choose which notes in the scale KeroVee should correct your recording to. And, like GSnap, you can use a MIDI piano to adjust the Singer’s notes. The super unique feature is the Nuance parameter, which lets you ignore certain pitch changes and keep others.
References
- 1. "Auto-Tune: Expert Q&A". PBS. published: 31 March 2009. retrieved on: 10 February 2020
- 2Crockett, Zachary. "The Mathematical Genius of Auto-Tune". Priceonomics. published: 26 September 2016. retrieved on: 10 February 2020
- 3McAllister, Max. "How to Use Auto-Tune for Vocal Tuning". Produce Like a Pro. published: 29 June 2019. retrieved on: 10 February 2020
FAQs
What is Auto-Tune and how does it work? ›
Auto-Tune is a voice processing app that uses algorithmic technology to automatically correct and enhance the pitch of a singer's voice. This allows for more accurate and expressive performances and has become a popular tool for recording artists and music producers.
What is the meaning of Auto-Tune? ›autotune. / (ˈɔːtəʊˌtjuːn) / noun. a software package that automatically manipulates a recording of a vocal track until it is in tune regardless of whether or not the original performance was in tune.
How do you actually use Auto-Tune? ›- Choose Input type. First, I set Input type. ...
- Find your Key and Scale. ...
- Choose between Auto and Graph mode. ...
- Play with Formant and Throat. ...
- Don't change Transpose. ...
- Use Detune if you have a different reference pitch. ...
- Set up your Tracking. ...
- Choose Retune speed for your recording.
Then, in the 1990s, an inventor named Andy Hildebrand created Auto-Tune. Today, autotune is known worldwide as software that tunes your voice—automatically.
Why do people need Auto-Tune? ›The most common and reasonable time to use Auto-Tune is when a vocalist delivers an emotional performance but has a few problems with pitch. The overall track is great and there is no need to re-record the song, but there are a few pitch problems that autotune can correct.
Do all songs use Auto-Tune? ›Though Auto-Tune is used in almost every genre, it is more obvious in certain musical styles such as hip-hop. Famous American rapper Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas use Auto-Tune heavily in some of their hit songs to create different effects with their voices, not necessarily because they are singing out of tune.
Can everyone sound good with Auto-Tune? ›But, through correctly training your voice and ears, you can take anyone from not being able to sing to being able to perform live with AutoTune correctly. However, singing live nowadays isn't that important as you may think. Lots of incredibly successful singers can't sing live correctly even if they use AutoTune.
How effective is Auto-Tune? ›Autotune is considered bad as it can make vocals sound unnatural. As it uses software algorithms to reduce natural human pitch variations, it can suppress emotions in a vocal. Autotune also adds the temptation to settle for a subpar vocal performance, and rely on it to correct pitch post-recording.
How to Auto-Tune for free? ›- Graillon 2 | Auburn Sounds. Graillon is the most popular free autotune plugin. ...
- MAutoPitch | MeldaProduction. ...
- Voloco | Resonant Cavity. ...
- GSnap | GVST. ...
- TrapTune Free Edition | UnitedPlugins. ...
- x42 Auto Tune.
Autotune can be configured to sound less robotic, particularly by using a slower re-tune speed. There are different ways to use autotune, depending on the sound you are trying to achieve. If the robotic sound is not what you want, there are certain things you can do to make it sound more natural and less artificial.
Do you have to pay for Auto-Tune? ›
A: Yes, our monthly and annual subscription plans will be renewed automatically. If a 14-day trial is not canceled before the end of the trial period, your license will automatically roll over to a monthly subscription. You will be charged $24.99 for your first month's subscription.
What was the first song to use Auto-Tune? ›Cher's comeback smash “Believe” in 1998 is recognized as the first commercial release featuring Auto-Tune. In fact, the robotic yet mesmerizing sound of the song came to be known as “the Cher effect.”
How do I know if Auto-Tune is working? ›The easiest way to determine if the AutoTune is working is to go for a ride, come back, plug the Power Commander into a computer and look at the trim table(s). If there are values in any cell other than zero, AutoTune is working. If the table is all zeros, AutoTune is NOT working.
What is the difference between tune and Auto-Tune? ›You'd know the sound when you hear it. Auto tune is an automated but less precise version of pitch correction. Basically, autotune allows you to choose the key you're working in so the notes you sing will be automatically adjusted to fit the closest note. That's why auto tune makes you sound like a robot.
Why do singers sound different live? ›The vocal cords are also only part of the singing mechanism. The vocal cords cause the vibrations; however, the passing of those vibrations through the rest of the body affects the sound. This is one reason why your voice sounds different to other people and on a recording than inside your head.
How much does autotune cost? ›Auto-Tune Pro X is available now, with both subscription and perpetual licensing options. It is included with an Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription, which costs $24.99 per month or $14.58 per month / $174.99 per year if paid annually. A perpetual license costs $459, and includes a free year of Auto-Tune Unlimited.
Who made auto-tune popular? ›Auto-Tune was popularized by Cher's 1998 song "Believe". While Auto-Tune was designed to be used subtly to correct vocal performances, the "Believe" producers used extreme settings to create unnaturally rapid corrections in Cher's vocals, thereby removing portamento, the natural slide between pitches in singing.
Are there singers who don't use autotune? ›Kelly Clarkson is a bonafide quality singer that has earned her spot on this list, not only because she does not use Auto-Tune but because of her incredible voice overall! What is this?
Can bad singers learn to sing? ›“Everyone who can speak can learn to use a singing voice,” says Joanne Rutkowski, professor of music education. “The quality of the voice is dependent on many factors; however, barring a physical vocal disability, everyone can learn to sing well enough to sing basic songs.”
Can a terrible singer become good? ›Even if you have a “bad” singing voice in the beginning, the truth is your voice is perfectly fine, and that once you understand the basics and learn good techniques, once you get out of your own head, and once you establish good practice routines, you'll become a much better singer, and you'll appreciate the ...
What device do singers use to sound better? ›
Microphones. This is the singer's most important tool, and they are not created the same. In the studio, you will find very sensitive microphones that pick up every nuance of the voice.
What singers use to sound better? ›Good singers are using their ears as much as their voice, and their ears are a tool to help them sound better. As a singer your ears let you: Hear and check your own pitch. Adjust your tone as you sing.
Why do I still sound bad with autotune? ›Here's why your Auto-Tune doesn't sound like the pros: The pitch of the vocalist prior to Auto-Tune processing must be close enough to a note in the scale of the key of the song for Auto-Tune to work its best. In other words, the singer has to be at least near the right note for it to sound pleasing to the ears.
What speed is best for Auto-Tune? ›A Retune Speed around 25 tends to work quite well for most melodic vocals if a natural sound is what you're looking for.
What app do you use for autotune? ›Voloco automatically removes background noise and lets you correct the pitch of your voice to keep you in tune. Voloco also gives you a variety of presets for compression, EQ, auto voice tune, and reverb effects to polish your recording to perfection.
How do I get natural autotune? ›For natural, realistic sounding autotune, you'll want a slower retune speed (set it to where you barely hear it and then back it off a bit more) and maybe 10% flex tune to allow some wavering. That's it.
Why do I sound like a robot when I talk? ›This is usually caused by interference with a wireless telephone's signal. To check: Unplug the bases of your wireless phones from their wall jacks, then test call quality with a corded phone. Make sure that no wireless devices (router, telephone base, etc.)
Why do singers use Auto-Tune? ›It helps everything blend together by correcting any off notes that would distract the listener. It's pretty much impossible to sing perfectly in tune all of the time, so autotune is a subtle tool to tighten up a singer's performance.
How much does Auto-Tune cost? ›Auto-Tune Pro X is available now, with both subscription and perpetual licensing options. It is included with an Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription, which costs $24.99 per month or $14.58 per month / $174.99 per year if paid annually. A perpetual license costs $459, and includes a free year of Auto-Tune Unlimited.
Can everyone sound good with autotune? ›But, through correctly training your voice and ears, you can take anyone from not being able to sing to being able to perform live with AutoTune correctly. However, singing live nowadays isn't that important as you may think. Lots of incredibly successful singers can't sing live correctly even if they use AutoTune.
Who made auto tune popular? ›
Auto-Tune was popularized by Cher's 1998 song "Believe". While Auto-Tune was designed to be used subtly to correct vocal performances, the "Believe" producers used extreme settings to create unnaturally rapid corrections in Cher's vocals, thereby removing portamento, the natural slide between pitches in singing.
Is there a free version of auto tune? ›Graillon is the most popular free autotune plugin. The full, paid version obviously has more features, but the 'freemium' Graillon 2 provides pitch shifting and correction—the two most important elements of autotune.
What is the difference between tune and auto tune? ›You'd know the sound when you hear it. Auto tune is an automated but less precise version of pitch correction. Basically, autotune allows you to choose the key you're working in so the notes you sing will be automatically adjusted to fit the closest note. That's why auto tune makes you sound like a robot.
Did Michael Jackson ever use autotune? ›The Michael Jackson estate's music producers/operators also added autotune to some songs of Michael Jackson's posthumous albums named ''Michael'' and ''Xscape''. But no other than that, he never used autotune in his early albums and his 80s-90s albums. In conclusion, he used autotune for effects and pitch correction.
How to sing well? ›- Warm up your body before your voice. Aerobic exercise is a great way to warm up before singing. ...
- Release tension. ...
- Don't “take” a breath when singing. ...
- Don't hold your breath before you sing. ...
- Open your mouth. ...
- Remain relaxed. ...
- Speak on pitch. ...
- Care deeply about what you're singing.
For only $24.99 a month, you'll get over $1200 worth of software, free upgrades, and ongoing access to select new plug-ins for as long as you subscribe. Simply put, Auto-Tune Unlimited delivers the lowest cost-of-entry to access everything you need to produce truly professional-quality vocals.
Does Snoop Dogg use Auto-Tune? ›Snoop Dogg Explains Why He Used Auto-Tune
Oddly enough, Snoop Dogg admitted that he used autotune on “Sensual Seduction” to sound like T-Pain. Luckily, T-Pain was flattered by his inspiration.
Prior to the invention of pitch correction, errors in vocal intonation in recordings could only be corrected by re-recording the entire song (in the early era of recording) or, after the development of multitrack recording, by overdubbing the incorrect vocal pitches by re-recording those specific notes or sections.
Did paul McCartney use Auto-Tune? ›hearing someone like Paul McCartney use autotune is something i never thought would happen ever. welp, here we are. its not a bad thing! its unusual, and autotune isnt ALWAYS my thing, but its different! in a good way! he's experimenting and i love artists who do that.