Autotune adjusts and manipulates the tuning of vocal tracks, and is well known for its use in popular hip-hop music. While it can create high-pitched sounds like a robot, this feature can also adjust normal singing voices and fine-tune the tuning. If you want to use autotune to edit sound tracks, it's actually quite easy to use. Some audio editing programs such as GarageBand have a built-in autotune feature, while others require add-ons or plugins that can be purchased or downloaded from the internet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Autotune on GarageBand
Step 1. Set the base tone of the track
GarageBand's built-in autotone feature can adjust the tuning of a track to any note you choose. Click the base note button at the top of the screen and select the note you want to apply to the track from the drop-down menu.
If you want to apply a subtle autotune to a track, make sure that the track's base tone matches the settings in the drop-down menu selected
Step 2. Click the track you want to autotune, then click the scissors icon
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen and will display the vocal track editing window. Through this window, you can manipulate tracks and change the sound output.
Step 3. Click the “Limit to Key” box in the editing window
Make sure you're on the " Tracks " tab once the editing window opens to see options for adjusting the tuning of the track. Click the “Limit to Key” box to limit the autotune tuning adjustment to the tone you previously selected.
By limiting the vocal track to a certain basic note, the track will still be set in the tone you choose, even if the original recorded sound is not in that note
Step 4. Move the tuning slider to level 60-80 for a more “light” and natural tuning correction
Move the tuning correction slider to the 60-80 level, then play the track to see how it sounds. Experiment with the slider tools and try different levels until the track produces the sound output you want.
- The tuning correction will increase the low-pitched parts of the track, while maintaining a realistic and natural sound output for the high-pitched segments.
- The "strong" original recording will make autotuning vocal tracks easier.
Step 5. Move the barrel correction slider to level 100 to get a high barrel effect
Adjusting the tuning slider to level 100 will make the track sound robotic and unnatural. Sound outputs like this are quite popular in hip-hop music and can be used to completely change vocal tracks. Press the play button to listen to the track after the tuning slider has been moved to the highest level.
You can adjust the slider to a higher or lower level as desired
Method 2 of 3: Downloading and Installing the Antares Autotune Add-on
Step 1. Visit the Antares website at
Antares is the company that makes the official autotune add-on which is widely used in popular songs. Check the website and make sure the autotune program offered is the one you really want (and are suitable) to buy.
- Do not download a hacked or cracked version of the autotune add-on because in addition to being illegal, the downloaded file may contain malware.
- The autotune program from Antares is offered at a price of 130 US dollars (approximately 1.8 million rupiah) to 400 US dollars (about 5.7 million rupiah).
Step 2. Find an add-on that matches the music editing program you are using
Before determining the add-ons you want, make sure they match your music editing program. Visit https://www.antarestech.com/host-daw-compatibility/ to find out which version of the add-on is compatible with the program you are using.
- For example, Auto-Tune Pro is not compatible with Audacity.
- Auto-Tune 7 TDM/RTAS can only be used with Pro Tools version 10 or earlier.
Step 3. Compare different add-ons
Click “Products” and select “Autotune” in the navigation bar at the top of the site to see all available autotune add-ons. Some of the more expensive options like Autotune Pro have additional options and settings that can be used if you are a professional recording artist.
- You can use the trial version on some tracks before purchasing the program.
- If you're just editing music as a hobby, Autotune EFX is the easiest to use and the most affordable option.
Step 4. Purchase the desired autotune add-on
Click the add-on you want to purchase and create an account on the Antares website. Follow the installation instructions included in the add-on package to download the installation file to your computer.
Step 5. Install the autotune add-on to the computer
Open the archive included in the download package and open the folder on your computer. Double-click the “Install.exe” file in the “Antares Autotune” folder and follow the instructions for installing the program on your computer. Now every time you open a music editing program, autotune can be selected as an add-on that you can use.
Method 3 of 3: Using Autotune Add-ons
Step 1. Open the autotune add-on in a sound editing program
Select the track you want to autotune by clicking on it. After that, access the add-ons menu. Usually, a separate pop-up window will open showing you access to the various autotune effects you can choose from.
- If you are using Audacity, click “Effects” and select the downloaded autotune add-on.
- If you're using Pro Tools, click one of the input buttons on the left side of the track and select the autotune add-on from the drop-down menu.
Step 2. Click the “Input Type” button to select the sound effect of the track
Sound effect settings can change the pitch of the song. If you are using Autotune EFX, this setting is labeled “Voice Type”. The three vocal arrangements available are “soprano”, “alto/tenor”, and “low male”. Try to match this setting with the recorded song.
- The soprano voice "plays" in the highest tuning range.
- The alto or tenor voice is in the middle range of the tuning.
- The low male setting has the lowest usable range on autotune.
Step 3. Set the pitch and scale of the song
Click the top of the add-on and select the desired vocal pitch and scale. If you know the notes and scales of the song you want to edit, pick the right notes. With this step, the vocals will stay on the right pitch as you adjust the tuning.
Reading sheet music is the easiest way to find the basic notes of a song. However, you can also specify it by listening to it manually
Step 4. Click "Formant" if you want to get natural sound output
If you don't want to get a high-pitched autotune that sounds like a robotic voice, click "Formant" on the top center side of the add-on. This option will adjust and correct the tuning of the vocal track, without giving it an artificial sound.
Select “Pitch Correct” instead of “Formant” if you are using Autotune EFX
Step 5. Adjust the tuning speed to change the tuning of the track
Click the tuning disc at the bottom of the add-ons window and move it to the left to select a higher setting for a more natural tuning of the tuning. If you want to get an autotune output with a higher pitch, move the dish to the right.
- Usually, a speed of 15-25 is the right setting for natural sound output.
- Speeds in the 0-10 level are suitable for obtaining high-pitched voice output that sounds like a robotic voice.
Step 6. Use “Effect Type” to adjust the tuning speed if you are using the Autotune EFX add-on
In lieu of a tuning dial, Autotune EFX displays several built-in options or presets at the bottom of the add-ons window. A high EFX setting will produce a high pitched sound output like a robot. Meanwhile, lighter or smoother EFX will result in song output at a slightly lower tuning than the high setting. If you want to get a more natural sound output, select “Pitch Correct”.
