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A pitch shifter is a useful tool that can be used for both subtle pitch correction and heavy-handed effects. Auto-Tune is one of the most popular pitch shifters, and it serves as a great example of how pitch correction can be made subtle or extreme.
In this article, we will explore some of the best pitch shifter VSTs, both free and paid, so you can add them to your production toolkit.
What Is a Pitch Shifter?
A pitch shifter is a type of plugin that can change the pitch of an audio signal either up or down. By manipulating the waveform, it not only raises or lowers the tone of the instrument but also changes the timbre of the signal.
These plugins are widely used in modern music production genres like pop, hip hop, and EDM. Pitch shifters are versatile and can be applied to vocals, instruments, and any other audio source that would benefit from a cool or exciting effect.
How Does a Pitch Shifter VST Work?
The process of pitch shifting involves dividing the recorded waveform into small parts. When you pitch down, the waveform is extended, while when you pitch up, it is shortened. The best thing about pitch shifters is that they carry out these actions instantly and without changing the duration of the recorded signal.
This sets them apart from manual pitch shifting, where altering the pitch of any signal by time stretching or consolidating a clip also changes the audio’s length. Most pitch shifter VSTs come with controls for changing semitones, cents, and formant.
- Semitones are also called half-steps in music theory and allow you to raise or lower the signal’s pitch by a chosen interval. Pitch shifters usually run from -12 to +12 semitones, with 12 designating a full octave down or up.
- Cents are the tiny frequencies in between semitones and help you set the appropriate pitch to stay in key with the music.
- Formant emulates the human vocal tract.
The 7 Best Pitch Shifter VSTs of 2024
1) Antares Auto-Tune Pro
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Auto-Tune Pro is a popular software used for pitch correction. It is known for its ability to track and correct pitch errors in real-time, allowing a singer to stay in tune. The correction can be made subtly or used as an effect by adjusting the Retune Speed parameter.
By adjusting the Transpose parameter, Auto-Tune can also shift the pitch up or down by a full octave. Enabling the formant feature can help adjust the overall timbre of the sound. Additionally, Graph Mode can be used to fine-tune the vocals or to create more drastic pitch shifts.
2) Celemony Melodyne 5
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Melodyne is a professional software designed for editing vocals. It is the most powerful tool available for creating pitch-perfect pop-style vocals, and it does so very transparently. However, Melodyne may be overkill if you only need creative pitch-shifting effects.
But if you require precise editing of vocal or instrument performances, as well as some fun shifting, Melodyne is the perfect choice as it covers all the bases.
- RELATED: Melodyne, Waves Tune, or Auto-Tune?
3) Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
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Little AlterBoy is an excellent creative effect that can add dramatic effects to your music. It features a simple interface with Pitch and Formant parameters, and also includes a Drive circuit that is based on the popular Decapitator saturation.
If you’re looking for a pitch shifter that is easy to use and provides quick results, then Little AlterBoy is the perfect choice for you.
4) Waves SoundShifter
SoundShifter is an affordable and advanced pitch shifter. You can change pitch, key, tempo, duration, and more. Anything from a quick fix to more unique effects can be done with SoundShifter. The interface is a bit clunky looking at first, but once you get comfortable, it gets more intuitive.
5) Auburn Sounds Graillon 2 (Free)
This is considered the best budget-friendly alternative to Auto-Tune. It has a unique character of its own, and the free version provides access to Pitch Shifting and realtime Pitch Correction.
6) GVST GSnap (Free)
GSnap is mainly a real-time pitch correction effect that can be used creatively to produce the well-known auto-tune effect.
7) Aegean Music Pitchproof (Free)
Pitchproof is a guitar harmonizer pedal emulator that offers a unique experience. With the Blend feature, you can adjust the dry signal amount versus the harmonized/shifted signal to add thickness to your sound or create a creative effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pitch Shifters Good?
Pitch shifters are versatile tools that musicians use to transform audio signals without affecting their timing or tempo. They can help correct pitch inaccuracies, achieve surreal soundscapes, and create unique melodies and harmonies.
Additionally, pitch shifters are widely used in live performances to transpose songs into different keys or achieve unique instrument sounds.
What Famous Songs Use Pitch Shifters?
Pitch shifters have transformed music by allowing artists to explore innovative sounds and push creative boundaries. The legendary track “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics and Radiohead’s experimental masterpiece “Everything In Its Right Place” are prime examples of the unique effects achieved with pitch shifters.
Hip-hop and electronic music have also embraced pitch shifters, with Kanye West’s album “808s & Heartbreak” showcasing his innovative use of vocal processing techniques.
How Do I Pick a Pitch Shifter?
To choose the best pitch shifting software, consider the user interface, flexibility, compatibility with DAWs, real-time processing, and algorithmic quality.
The software should have an intuitive interface, offer a wide range of options, integrate seamlessly with popular DAWs, allow real-time processing, and have high-quality algorithms that preserve the natural timbre of audio signals while achieving accurate pitch adjustments.
Prioritizing these factors will enhance your music production process and unlock new possibilities for experimentation.
Conclusion: Which Pitch Shifter VST Is The Best?
The world of pitch shifter VSTs offers a wide range of options tailored to both free and paid users. These plugins have advanced features and user-friendly interfaces that redefine the art of pitch manipulation in music production.
They offer a seamless experience for producers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or just starting your musical journey. The reviewed VSTs are versatile tools that can enhance your creative pursuits.
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for premium offerings, there is a perfect fit for every producer seeking to elevate their sound with the best pitch shifter VSTs available in the market.