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What is pitch correction?
Pitch correction is an audio effect that adjusts the pitch or intonation of a vocal or instrumental recording with the help of software.
Typically pitch correction is done inside a DAW application with the help of plugins.
When was pitch correction invented?
Pitch correction is a relatively new technology. The first pitch correction tools became widely available in the early 2000s.
However, vocoders, which were popular synthesizers in the 1970s, acted as prototypes for modern pitch correction tools by using sound synthesis to create a pitch-corrected vocal effect.
Arguably, vocoders gave way to the rise of the famous “Auto-Tune” vocal effect popular in hip-hop and pop music.
How to use pitch correction
Pitch correction is used in many ways, and there’s no right or wrong amount of pitch correction.
The key is to use your ears and know what sound you’re looking for.
You may be looking for a clear, subtle effect that leaves the vocals sounding natural and human.
Or you may be looking for an aggressive, robotic-like effect.
Depending on the sound you want, you may need a specific tool.
Here are the main ways pitch correction is used in music.
- Polish a vocal recording
If you have a vocal take that already sounds good but needs help in a few areas, a transparent, natural-sounding pitch correction plugin is the best tool to polish your vocals.
Transparent pitch editors can change or adjust a vocal’s pitch without losing the tone and human-ness of the original recording.
The tools make it easy to isolate problem areas and make the subtle changes needed to tune a vocal take, without creating a snappy, robotic effect that doesn’t sound human.
SynchroArts’ RePitch is a great example of a transparent pitch correction tool that can clearly and subtly tune a vocal while keeping its natural, human sound.
- Produce a creative robotic effect
In some music genres, artists use pitch correction as a robotic effect that effectively snaps every part of a vocal recording into perfect pitch.
The effect is colloquially known as the “Auto-Tune” effect since the plugin originally used to produce vocals like this was Auto-Tune by Antares.
Instead of creating a clear vocal sound where the audience can’t necessarily hear the pitch correction effect, the Auto-Tune effect is easily heard and instantly recognizable.
Of course, it still takes talent to sing a good vocal take that sounds good with this effect. The singer's pitch still has to be close enough to the right note for the effect to match it to the exact pitch properly.
If you've heard that Auto-Tune allows anyone to sing well without training, that's actually not the case.
Rather, the robotic Auto-Tune effect is a creative choice on the part of the producer and the artist, instead of a shortcut.
- Correcting vocal layers and harmonies
Pitch correction can get complicated once there’s multiple vocal layers involved.
That’s because differences in timing between layered vocal takes can make even the most subtle of pitch corrections sound a bit muddy.
Pitch correction tools like Revoice can both align vocal takes and correct pitch in reference to the lead vocal, making it much easier to keep pitch correction on layered vocals as clear as possible.
So if you’re worried about tuning a stack of layered vocals, today’s modern pitch correction tools have you covered.
Types of pitch correction tools
Not all pitch correction tools are created equal.
Some pitch correction tools are intended to be simple and easy to use, while others include complex graphic interfaces that allow for in-depth control over the tuning process.
They also might come as plugins that work inside of your DAW, or they may work as standalone applications that tune vocals on their own.
Here are the three main categories of pitch correction tool:
- Graphic pitch correction plugins
Graphic pitch correction plugins are the most common type of plugin used for vocal tuning.
They’re best used for producing clear and transparent vocal edits that leave the voice sounding natural and human.
A graphic pitch correction offers a visual interface that shows exactly where a vocal recording falls on the pitch grid.
This graphic interface gives producers the ability to isolate out-of-tune vocals and make fine-tuned adjustments to the pitch of a vocal recording, all without impacting the overall and personality of the vocal recording.
SynchroArt’s pitch correction tool RePitch is a great example of a graphic pitch correction tool. It offers an easy-to-use interface that makes it simple to adjust the pitch of a vocal take.
- Effect style pitch correction plugins
If you want the robotic pitch correction effect that’s commonly used in rap, R&B and pop music, you might not want to use a graphic pitch correction tool.
Instead, look for creative pitch correction tools that can make that snappy effect while aligning vocals exactly to a pitch center.
Unlike graphic pitch correction tools, these plugins don’t plot the vocal recording on a visual interface.
Rather they offer controls over how much the effect is applied, the key that vocals are tuned to and other effects like vibrato and octave doubling.
The plugin suite from Tuned is a great example of the effects-style pitch correction tool.
- ARA-based pitch correction and alignment tools
ARA is a relatively new advancement in pitch correction technology that makes it possible to use advanced pitch correction software in connection with a DAW without the limitations of plugins.
Unlike traditional plugins that only act on audio at a single point in time, ARA enables tools to send high amounts of audio information about an entire track to process the entire recording.
In the context of vocal editing and pitch correction, ARA-enabled tools are ideal since they can edit entire vocals, especially when vocals are layered and require both time alignment and pitch correction.
SynchroArts' Revoice is a great tool for vocal editing that works seamlessly with ARA. It's perfect for pitch correction and alignment and gives you super precise results.
So if you’re looking for the most advanced pitch correction tool that can align and tune stacked vocals, definitely consider an ARA-enabled pitch correction tool like Revoice.
Frequently asked questions about pitch correction
Is Auto-Tune pitch correction?
Auto-Tune is a pitch correction plugin developed by Antares Audio.
Its suite of pitch correction plugins is well known for the “Auto-Tune” effect, which uses extreme pitch correction to create a robotic-sounding effect on vocal recordings.
Is it dishonest to use pitch correction?
It is not dishonest to use pitch correction.
The process is used on countless vocal tracks and even the best vocalists in the world will apply pitch correction to their vocal recording to some degree.
However, pitch correction can be noticeable when used at extremes.
So if you don’t want your audience to know you’re using pitch correction, use light touches with the help of a graphic pitch editor that’ll make natural-sounding transparent edits to your vocal recording.
Do pop singers use pitch correction?
Many pop singers use pitch correction. Even the most popular artists in today's top 40 hits will likely use pitch correction in their music.
Tune your vocals
Pitch correction has come a long way since its early days.
Whether you're aiming for a polished, natural sound or the iconic robotic effect, the right tool can make all the difference.
Experiment with different plugins and techniques to find what works best for your music.
With practice, pitch correction can become an essential part of your recording and mixing workflow.
