How to Make Your Voice Sound Better With Software

These days, with a little software tinkering, it is also possible to make your voice sound better with the help of a computer program. Auto-Tune is an audio editing software plug-in developed by Antares that can correct off-pitch singing voices. It has become very popular since it was revealed that the robotic voice effects in Cher's 1998 song "Believe" was made using this plug-in. Although it has recently become more known for the robotic voices used by T-Pain in his songs and in various viral videos, famous singers also use Auto-Tune to make their voice pitch-perfect in the songs they release.

Things You'll Need

• Audio editing software with VST support
• Auto-Tune VST plug-in or installer
• Vocal audio clip

Instructions

1. Install the audio editing software. Make sure that the software has support for VST, an audio plug-in standard that is supported by many applications.

2. Run the Auto-Tune installer. If it is not an executable file and is instead a .dll, look for and select VST effects in the audio editing program's menus. This can probably be found in the "Effects" menu or something similar. Browse for the .dll file of the auto-tune plug-in and open it.

3. Open Auto-Tune from the start menu (if installed by executable file) or inside the audio editor.

4. Play around with the settings and become familiar with the program. A T-Pain-like effect can be achieved by setting the following: pitch tracking---relax, key---F, scale---major, retune speed---0, rate---0, and amplitude and formant at maximum.

5. Save the effect by clicking the save button near the top right of the Auto-Tune window. Input the desired name for the preset and press "Okay."

6. Exit Auto-Tune and go back to the main interface of the audio editing software.

7. Load the voice recording clip to be altered in the audio editing software and apply the saved preset on the file. The preset can also be used again on other voice files.

Tips & Warnings

• Audio editing software programs that support VST include Adobe Audition and WavePad. Adobe Audition is a very popular audio editing software but it can be too expensive. WavePad, on the other hand, can be downloaded for free.

• Demos for Antares Auto-Tune can be downloaded for free on the company website.

• GSnap is a free VST alternative to Auto-Tune that can also be used to correct the pitch of a vocal or to give a robotic effect.

• Always back up the original recording to avoid losing it in case you change your mind about the effects that were applied in file.

References

• Antares: Auto-Tune Evo: Pitch Correcting Plug-in
• "Time" magazine; Auto-Tune: Why Pop Music Sounds Perfect; Josh Tyrangiel; February 5, 2009