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How to Use Auto-Tune Analysis

Auto-Tune is the name of a series of pitch analysis and correction software plugins produced by Antares. Variations include Auto-Tune Evo and Auto-Tune 7, both of which can perform real-time pitch analysis and graphing. In order to function, they require a host application to supply them with audio input. For example, a music producer using a digital audio workstation (DAW) environment such as Logic Pro or Pro Tools would "insert" an Auto-Tune plugin on the vocal track to which he wants to apply pitch correction. Whatever host is used, the process of analyzing audio using Auto-Tune is basically the same.

Things You'll Need

  • A VST, RTAS or AU-compatible host application
  • A pre-recorded vocal track
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open your host application and create a new audio track. Place the audio file of your vocal recording on the track. Ways of doing this vary by DAW host, but in most cases it can be done by dragging and dropping the file onto the track.

    • 2

      "Insert" Auto-Tune Evo or Auto-Tune 7 as an effect on the audio track. Different hosts have different methods of doing this, but in every case there will be a way to insert effects on a given track. Often the section of the track's channel strip where this is done is named "FX" (as in Pro Tools) or "Inserts" (as in Logic). Once inserted, the Auto-Tune interface will appear.

    • 3

      Click the "Graph" button under "Correction Mode" in the upper right of the Auto-Tune interface. This will switch the interface to a piano-roll style editor onto which Auto-Tune will analyze and graph the input's pitch in real time. The virtual piano keys on the left represent the approximate pitch of the notes being sung.

    • 4

      Click the button labelled "Track Pitch," located at the bottom-middle of the Auto-Tune interface. This "arms" Auto-Tune to begin analyzing and graphing pitch data as soon as input begins. Make sure the button labelled "Host" in the "Source" section on the lower left is lit. This indicates that Auto-Tune is synced with your host application and can render the timing accurately.

    • 5

      Press "Play" in your host application. You vocal track will play back, and Auto-Tune will analyze and graph its pitch. The graph will take the form of a wavy red line that accurately traces even subtle changes in pitch. Once the vocal track has played through, press "Stop" in your host application. You now have a complete pitch analysis of your vocal track, which you can edit using Auto-Tune's built-in suite of tools.

Recording Music

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