How to Change the Pitch in Windows Media Player

The graphic equalizer found in Windows Media Player mimics equalizers found on traditional audio receivers and stereos.

Pitch is one of the core characteristics of sound. It is measured by frequency, with different frequencies representing different aspects of a sound. When you hear booming bass notes you are hearing low frequency, or low pitch sounds. Likewise when you hear the squeal of tires or a chirping bird, you are hearing high frequency, or high pitch sounds. Many sound playback devices offer equalizers that can adjust individual pitch characteristics, either increasing or decreasing their presence in a sound. Equalizers are also found in digital playback devices, such as Windows Media Player. To change the pitch in Windows Media Player you can use the included "Graphic Equalizer."

Instructions

1. Open Windows Media Player.

2. Click on "View" within the menu bar at the top of the screen. If your Windows Media Player window does not feature a menu bar, simply press and hold Ctrl + M to access the menu bar.

3. Go to "Enhancements."

4. Select "Graphic Equalizer" within the "Enhancements" menu.

5. Adjust the pitch by moving the slide bars on the Graphic Equalizer, shown at the bottom left hand corner of the screen. Adjusting a slide bar up will increase the pitch at the specified frequency, sliding the bar down will decrease the pitch. The lowest pitch is at the far left of the equalizer, listed as 31Hz. Pitch increases as you move to the right. The highest pitch able to be adjusted is 16KHz, or 16,000Hz.

Tips & Warnings

• Have an audio file playing while you adjust pitch to get immediate feedback from your pitch changes. By default, the graphic equalizer will move the slide bars together in a loose group to avoid over exaggeration of one pitch. To adjust pitch level individuals simply choose the top equalizer icon, to the left of the slide bars, just below the words "Turn Off."

• Be careful to not adjust pitch levels beyond your speaker's capability. If you increase a pitch too far it can harm the speakers. Always make adjustments in small increments and listen to your speakers for any signs of distortion.

References

• Microsoft Support: Change bass, stereo, and other audio effects in Windows Media Player

Resources

• Georgia State University: Physics and Astronomy - Hyperphysics: Pitch