Autotune is a term that we are all familiar with in 2020. Most of us could do an impersonation of heavy autotune, and have an understanding of what it does. For those who wish to use it in music production or simply want to try it out, we bring you our picks for the best Autotune Plugins (VSTs) available in 2020 for your DAW or Beat Maker. We will look at what autotune is, and then look at plug-ins. Join us as we review their prices, weigh up their pros and cons, and tell you our recommendations for purchase.

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What Is Autotune (AKA Audio Tuning or Auto Tuning)?

Put simply, here is an Autotune definition: a program that corrects any pitch issues on a recording, either in post-production or in real-time.

An autotune program helps whether you are in the recording studio or performing live. Autotune tweaks or fixes the pitching of vocals, and makes sure that the vocals stay within the correct key.

The autotune effect is widely used by many studio personnel. It is a standard part of the production workflow in modern pop music, no matter the vocalist’s natural abilities.

How Does Autotune Work And How Do You Use It?

In simple terms, autotune takes any audio file and measures its pitch and key through a software audio processor device. It measures the recording against a specific key and pitch, altering or correcting it so that the pitch of a vocal is matched to an instrumental music recording or performance.

Want to know how to use autotune? The good news is that there are different ways, as autotune can be used both practically and creatively. Nowadays, it can be used stylistically, although it is more commonly used to rectify pitching errors in vocals. Whether you are using it to fix slightly off-tune vocals or to achieve the autotune effect used in many songs heard on the radio today, you will be sure to learn a lot in our rundown of the best pitch correcting plug-ins on the market.

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Auto-Tune Pro adds automatic key and scale detection with the new Auto-Key plugin (included with your Auto-Tune Pro purchase), a Classic Mode algorithm which brings back the celebrated “Auto-Tune 5 sound,” real-time MIDI Parameter Control, and ARA (Audio Random Access) functionality for closer integration with supported host applications. There are 5 customer reviews. (5) Antares Auto-Tune Hybrid Pitch Correction and Vocal Effects Plug-in. Vocal Pitch and Time Correction Plug-in for Avid DSP Hardware with Streamlined User Interface, Auto-Key, Classic Mode, Audio Random Access, and MIDI Parameter Control - Mac/PC AAX Native, AAX DSP.

How Is Autotune Different From A Vocoder?

Vocoders and the vocoder effect are techniques used primarily in electronic popular music and hip hop. They give the vocals a synthetic sound by setting an instrument such as a synthesiser as the input to a filter bank, and blending it with the vocal recording.

There are many plug-ins that can achieve this effect, and many DAW’s come with plug-ins that have a vocoder preset available. A good example of this is Logic’s classic EVOC 20 synth. Without further ado, here are our picks for the best autotune plugins!

Best Autotune Plugins

Now let’s have a look at some of the best Autotune plugins and software available! If you’re looking for free autotune software and plugins only then have a look at our review of the best free autotune plugins.

1. Antares Autotune Pro by Antares Audio Technologies

Pricing – $399 | Standalone Plug-in

Considered by many to be the best autotune and pitch correction software, Antares has been at the top of the game for decades. Their software is used as the standard when it comes to the big leagues in many of the top recording studios worldwide. This is due to its ease of use and trusted reputation. After all, Antares do actually own the trademark “Autotune”.

Autotune started with Antares back in the mid-’90s after it was launched by Andy Hildebrand, a PhD specialist in digital signal processing. It became an instant hit, and quickly rose to fame after it was used on Cher’s 1998 classic “Believe”. Autotune has since been the go-to plug-in for many music producers and recording artists, and over time has been used even more creatively.

Pros

User-Friendly Interface

One of the best features of the autotune program is its ease of use and how simple it is to figure out while achieving a high level of accuracy and a natural tone.

Autokey Included For Faster Workflow

Trying to figure out the key of a song can be a time-consuming challenge for artists. It can be especially challenging for those with lesser knowledge of music theory, or those who lack the skill to tell by ear. With Antares’ autotune, this challenge is eradicated. The software comes with Antares Autokey, which detects the key of the song and sends it to the processor for a streamlined workflow.

Classic Mode

Some of us like to stick with what we know when it comes to the way something functions, as it makes things easier due to muscle memory.

A benefit for the OG users is that they can switch to the classic auto mode they are used to, whilst still reaping the benefits and high-quality processing that Pro has to offer. Check the video below for more information.

Cons

Price

As with anything, quality comes at a price. At almost double the price of Logic Pro X, $399 is steep for a standalone plugin. However, you can rest assured that it will get the job done with no hiccups.

2. Waves Tune Real-Time

Pricing – $69.99 | Standalone Plug-in & Bundle

Although not quite as notable as Antares Autotune, Waves Tune Real-Time is still one of the classics. Real-Time is used primarily for live vocal performances due to its accuracy, precision, and ultra-low latency.

It boasts the ability to achieve studio-quality, pitched vocals in a live setting without the need for manual post-editing. Due to this, Real-Time is the ultimate autotune option for many singers on tour.

Pros

Super-Low Latency

Great for live performances on tour, this plug-in has super-low latency, and delivers an outstanding result. You can also set your own presets for different songs, or for different parts in the same song.

High-Quality Audio Processing

Set your retune speed to 0.1 milliseconds or have it slow. However harsh you want your effect to be, you can be sure to always have pristine human-like sound with no artificial artefacts getting in the way of the performance.

Cons

Requires Low Latency Computer System For Live Settings

Although the plug-in itself causes little to no latency issues, it does require a low latency set up to achieve its full potential. If you or your label’s budget allows for it, it is worth having a separate computer or MacBook for live audio and production purposes only.

Interface Learning Curve

You will want to make sure that you are aware of how the plug-in operates and what the parameters do to be able to get the most out of the software. It is unfortunately not as simple as just pressing one button and it doing the job for you. On the bright side, this can be a good thing, as it allows further manipulation of sound.

3. Celemony Melodyne

Pricing – $99 – $849 | Standalone plug-in

Melodyne is used by many studio engineers and producers due to its advanced capabilities. The software is able to create background vocals from a single vocal take. Furthermore, Melodyne boasts melody building and time stretching functionalities.

Melodyne’s highly advanced direct note access feature also allows for singular manipulation of individual notes within chords and polyphonic recordings.

Pros

Multiple Algorithms

Choose from a selection of advanced algorithms designed for different instruments and types of audio including percussive, melodic or polyphonic. This allows you more choice to find what fits your recording, and enables the best possible editing experience for whatever you are working with.

Ability To Adjust Timbre & Shape Sound

Use the “formant” tool and sound editor to c

Avid Best Auto Tune Plug In