Antares AutoTune 3DX DirectX Software V.3 (DX Windows)

Hailed as a "Holy Grail of recording" by Recording magazine, Auto-Tune is a multi-platform plug-in for Macintosh (TDM, VST MOTU MAS, RTAS, or Stand-alone) and PC (DirectX or RTAS) that corrects intonation problems in vocals or solo instruments, in real time, without distortion or artifacts, while preserving all of the expressive nuance of the original performance - with audio quality so pristine that the only difference between what goes in and what comes out is the intonation.

Pitch Detection
Both the Automatic and Graphical modes start by instantaneously detecting the original pitch of a performance. This detection requires a periodic waveform, typical of a lead vocal or other solo instrument. The pitch detection algorithm is virtually instantaneous. Used in combination with a slight delay of about 5 milliseconds, the detected pitch can be corrected, without artifacts, to the desired pitch.

Pitch Correction
As the input pitch is detected, Auto-Tune's proprietary pitch correction algorithm changes it to the target pitch at a user-selected rate. The Auto-Tune algorithm is extremely clean and transparent and introduces no distortion in the output. Over a typical pitch correction range, it is simply not possible to tell that a sound has been processed, except that it is perfectly in tune.

Automatic Mode
Auto-Tune's Automatic Mode works by continuously comparing the detected input pitch to a user-selected Scale. The input is constantly corrected to the Scale note that is… read more closest to the detected input pitch.

The rate at which the input pitch is slewed to the target pitch is controlled by the Retune slider. The choice of Retune rate depends on the style of the performance and amount of required correction. A fast Retune rate, for example, is appropriate for a performance with rapidly-changing pitches or where substantial correction is required. A slower rate will preserve expressive gestures while accurately adjusting the pitch center to be in tune.

All aspects of the Automatic Mode Scale can be optimized for a particular performance:

You can select any key and scale - minor, major, chromatic, and 26 historical and microtonal scales provide unprecedented control of the output tonality.

Specific Scale notes can be removed, allowing a wider range of pitch correction for neighboring notes.

Individual Scale notes may be "bypassed," meaning that when the input pitch is near that note, the input is passed through with no correction. Having trouble hitting a single note? Bypass all the rest of the Scale notes, and Auto-Tune will only apply correction to the problem note.

The Scale can be de-tuned, allowing pitch correction to any desired pitch center.

The Vibrato section lets you add a vibrato to a performance with variable depth, rate, and onset delay.

All buttons and sliders are automated under Pro Tools 4.0 or later.

Graphical Mode
Most peoples' experience is that Automatic Mode solves most pitch problems most of the time. But for those times when only the most meticulous tweaking will do the job, Auto-Tune offers Graphical Mode.

In Graphical Mode, the you can use a variety of graphic tools to actually draw your target pitches as a function of time. Data entry is made easy by displays showing the performance's amplitude envelope and the detected pitch referenced to the Scale selected in Automatic Mode. Simply draw a horizontal line at the desired pitch or, for more elaborate processing, convert the detected pitch graph to a fully manipulatable curve. Complete image sizing and scrolling controls are provided. The graphical editor allows easy editing, including cut, copy, and paste functions. Graphical Mode also includes a Retune function identical to that in Automatic mode.

The Professional Standard
Auto-Tune is used daily by thousands of audio professionals around the world. Whether to save studio and editing time, to ease the frustration of endless retakes, or to save that otherwise once-in-a-lifetime performance, Auto-Tune is the tool of choice. Check it out. And prepare to be amazed. read less