In this post, you will discover the top 7 harmonizer plugins and their features in detail as well as one freebie!

In music, the combination of multiple notes playing simultaneously is called harmony. The simplest example of harmony is a chord, where you have the root note being accompanied by other notes on a given scale to make it more exciting.

 That is: you have one voice, which is the root, and you add more voices to it, which are the other notes. Note that ‘voices’ in harmonizer language aren’t meaning ACTUAL voices or vocals. Even though harmonizers are mainly used in vocals, they can be used with other audio signals, as you’ll see later on in this article.

In a nutshell, here are the best harmonizer plugins in 2023:

1. Waves Harmony

2. Eventide H949 Harmonizer

3. Eventide Octavox

4. Kuassa EFEKTOR Harmonitron

5. Melda MHarmonizerMB 

6. Antares Harmony Engine

 7. Eventide H910

How Does a Harmonizer Work?

Harmonizer will give you a method of audio input that can be real-time or processed. As you get your audio signal going through the Harmonizer, you’ll be given a set of parameters that allow you to create harmony. The engine will duplicate your signal, and you’ll change that signal’s pitch. 

Depending on the chosen Harmonizer, you’ll be able to multiply that signal a lot of times, creating a big choral sound. A few harmonizers allow you to input chords via MIDI, much like a vocoder would work.

That way, you wouldn’t be locked into the Harmonizer’s parameters and would be able to change chords live, either with a midi keyboard controller or with your DAW’s piano roll. But for now, let’s take a look at it.

The 7 Best Harmonizer Plugins

1. Waves Harmony

More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The best vocal harmonies can be naturally created inside this awesome plugin.

Waves is well-known for producing high-quality plugins and audio software, which come in a variety of versions and choices to suit a wide range of applications. However, any plugin that may improve the sound aspects or make the workflow easier is appreciated, and Waves Harmony is just like that. This useful voice harmony generator has a simple and beautiful UI with clear controls that are entertaining to experiment with in the recording studio or on stage.

Key Features:

• • Eight voices
    Vocal Harmony is an excellent engine with eight separate voices, allowing for everything from a basic doubled-melody to a complicated and rich vocal arrangement for all these eight voices. This is critical and works flawlessly, with a true sound character like what actual vocalists would deliver.
  • Pitch correction
    As predicted, this plugin makes pitch adjustments quickly and simply. You may freely change and vary the pitch of every note, either by accident or by personal desire, with relative indicators on the screen. Feel free to correct any lines or simply repair one erroneous note as quickly as possible.
  • Harmony Generator
    The powerful engine hidden within Vocal Harmony is ideal not just for duplicating a vocal but also for sparking your creativity. The harmony generator may create immediate ideas based on current musical scales, giving your phrases and musical ideas even more authenticity.
  • Formant shift
    This type of vocal plugin typically includes a “formant” preset, which allows you to mimic the actions a human lip makes when talking or singing. Of course, there are other factors to consider when giving a genuine aural experience, but being able to modify how a singer’s lips react to a given phrase adds realism to this replication.
  • Built-in effects
    Although you can always add post-effects to anything you make, having the most significant aspects related to vocal harmony provided in this package is really useful. A separate “Delay” fader controls the effect’s feedback, while an extra “Filter” fader allows you to easily sweep over the frequencies in your music.
  • MIDI controlled
    One of the finest features of virtual instruments or effects such as Vocal Harmony is the ability to connect a MIDI device and play whatever you want. This plugin has complete MIDI compatibility from Waves, which may be quite handy for getting your vocals done correctly with the help of a keyboard, for example.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for macOS 10.15.7, 11.6.5, and 12.4 (64-bit only) and Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only). It runs in VST, VST3, AAX, and AU plugin formats.

Summary:

Vocal correction software is difficult to use. It’s difficult to create a decent algorithm that sounds nice to the ears, but Waves has achieved it with Vocal Harmony. This fantastic plugin has a wonderful UI design that makes pitch correction and other modifications as simple as possible, with obvious buttons that change your results with the slightest touch.

Unfortunately, due to the high-processing nature of the effect, Vocal Harmony can have a substantial impact on CPU utilization, even when it works flawlessly.

Related Reading:

20 Best Waves Plugins For Mixing, Mastering & Producing

2. Eventide H949 Harmonizer 

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Eventide Harmonizer puts its drum loop features to the test, showing off how effectively the delay mode and two separate algorithms work with drums.

The brilliance, vibrancy, and attitude of the original hardware are perfectly captured in this detailed replica of one of the earliest effects processors developed by Eventide in the late 1970s. It has a broad three-octave range and the ability to reverse effects, micro pitch and random detuning, delay-only flanging, and several intriguing and unusual effects.

The initial piece of circuitry had two outputs. A delay-only output passed a delayed but otherwise unaffected signal while the main output carried the impacted signal. Along with a mix button and a few stereo connection options for the dual version of the harmonizer, they are replicated in the plugin.

Key Features:

• Interface
  In terms of user interface norms, there was no prototype to utilize because this is one of the first devices of its sort. To understand how things are set up, a quick perusal of the handbook is required. For the high and low EQ frequencies, as well as the Main Output and Delay Only Output, distinct feedback levels are provided. There are separate radio buttons for setting the delay time values for the signal to the main output and the delay-only output. The user pushes them in various arrangements to provide adjustable delay times.
• Select Knob
  The main algorithms are selected using the Function Select button. A row of pitch-based operations and a row of delay-based functions are alternated using a radio button. Each mode has a distinct personality of its own. Normal and extended ranges, as well as micro pitch alterations with either positive or negative values, are all considered pitch changes. There are three types of delay options: normal, random (excellent for a double-tracked effect), and flanging, produced by frequency cancellations when a signal with a variable delay is applied to another constant signal and vice versa.
• Micro Pitch
  Engineers may use this plugin’s specific MicroPitch mode to make tiny pitch adjustments for realistic dual-track replication. A fourth number and pitch resolution were added to the display, making it suitable as an instrument and a precise tool for tuning and tempo management.
• Usability
  Perfect harmonies, unique musical intervals, or bizarre effects can all be created. To make lush voices that bind your mix together, fatten up the snares, detune the synthesizers, space out the guitars, and fatten up the synths. Make your guitar solos more interesting by using delayed reversals, transforming a single vocal into a chorus of backing vocalists, or sending synthesizers into dub-halls that have been broken down into a different aural realm.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

When it comes to genuine vintage twin tracking effects, this plugin is difficult to top. The controls offered are special; they differ from those seen in other contemporary plugins. This has advantages and disadvantages. On the bright side, it challenges you to select delay and pitch-shifting parameters outside your typical current perspective. The signal flow and the interactions between the many phases are quite innovative, adaptable, and dynamic.

The drawback is that to comprehend and utilize the plugin potential, it’s you’ll need to put in some effort and spend some time with it unless you’re an old-timer familiar with the original hardware. Naturally, there is a sizable library of presets to assist clear the path.

Related Reading:

Top 12 Eventide Plugins With Best Value

3. Eventide Octavox

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

A robust harmonizing plugin with numerous practical functions is one of Eventide’s most recent products, another creative offering from this forward-thinking business.

The Octavox plugin by Eventide is a water delay-style effect with pitch-shifting capabilities built into every tap. In addition to enabling some intriguing compositional effects, the combination also makes it enjoyable to play with several bizarre events. 

Modern pitch processors appear to take this for granted, but if one knows how far to push the results to stay realistic, they should be OK. The Octavox is subject to the same law. A cleaner and more realistic outcome will always be obtained using appropriate judgment when deciding how far to bend the sound.

Key Features:

• Pitch Tracking
  Each pitched touch remains static and the same distance from the source song in terms of the interval connection when pitch tracking is deactivated. As a result, using the plugin as a harmonizer on a melodic voice part and setting one tap to a third and one to a fifth won’t function fully since the taps will always be the same distance from the source, allowing for pitched taps to depart from the key.
  When pitch tracking is turned on, the plugin will scan the incoming pitch, determine where it falls within a scale, and then dynamically alter the delay before striking the pitch to preserve the harmonious connection inside that key.
• Randomize Function
  The Randomize option, which modifies the tap delays’ pitch significantly to produce a chorus sound, is another cool feature. This can be helpful for adding variations to taps that are delayed, placing a tap in unison without delay, or even pseudo-dubbing a source like a vocal.
• User Interface
  The Octavox user interface is highly straightforward and easy to use. You may lock your tones to an interval grid in any key of your choosing using the bass and treble lines added to the standard tap delay presentation. You have an almost limitless range of pitches you may utilize since you can also alter the pitch shift on each touch, between intervals, based on cents. Octavox is incredibly simple to set up and takes a few minutes to produce practically any desired effect, although it is certainly advised to explore it for extended lengths of time. Because it is considerably more capable than what the human mind is capable of.
• Usability
  Although you utilize Octavox more conventionally, it can be used to create intricate and bizarre delay effects thanks to its fantastic harmony engine and Pitch Tracking function.
  

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

When you’re searching for a tool to add creativity to your workflow, Octavox is a ton of fun to use. It may be used as a straightforward delay, for intricate rhythmic effects, or as a box for effects that change the pitch. It distinguishes itself from the multitude of multi-voice pitch shifters that only statically modify pitches away from the source thanks to its pitch tracking feature, which enables it to be entirely effective for sustaining dynamically shifting pitch ranges in a song.

As Octavox is capable of far more intricate effects, such as producing arpeggiated delay sequences, this is a very simple illustration of how it might be utilized. I believe it may be used as a quick-fix tool to clean up old materials creatively.

Related Reading:

29 Best Sound Design VST Plugins (Creative Tools)

4. Kuassa EFEKTOR Harmonitron

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

The Kuassa Efektor Harmonitron is one of the most accurate harmonizing and pitch shifting plugins.

Over the years, many artists have used an effect like this, either applying the pedal to instruments or vocals. The most well-known area of music is metal bands that use this kind of pedal for growls that need a lower-pitched sound.

The Kuassa Efektor Harmonitron has 4 independent pitch shifting engines, which make the plugin give you unparalleled precision and creativity, and sound engineers will be able to bring the final sound of the music to another level.

Key Features:

• Pitch Sliders
  The plugin has 6 sliders, each with a fairly accurate representation and independent functions that you will need. Harmonitron has 4 pitch sliders ranging from -24 to +24, representing +/- 2 octaves. They also hold -/+ 50 cents globally for a detune effect.
• Swell And Low Pass Filter
  In addition to detune, it will also give you a swell representing a slow attack and a global lowpass filter, which means that the level of modification is major and makes the plugin one of the best in its category on the market. Swell has 3 controls, a dry button, and 2 knobs representing sensitivity and attack. The Low Pass Filter also has a dry knob, a Q knob, and a Freq knob. Knob.
• Dry And Level Sliders
  These represent the input as well as the output of the pedal. Using the Dry, you can set the input that the pedal perceives, and the level represents its output; each has up to +6dB, so it is quite powerful.

Compatibility:
Kuassa Efektor Harmonitron is available in VST, AAX, and AU formats (32-bit and 64-bit) for Windows 10,8,7 and macOS 10.12 – 10.15.

Summary:
It’s an easy-to-use pedal that helps you a lot in your creativity, and with it, you’ll discover the guitar in a different way. You have a lot to explore using it because besides allowing you to get the most unusual effects, it gives you a wide range of presets that will save you time, and you will discover new sound ways.

5. Melda MHarmonizerMB (Multiband Harmonizer)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

MeldaProduction’s MHarmonizerMB is a multiband harmonizer that brings you six bands of possibility for creating complex harmonies. 

As you open the plugin, you’ll be presented with a basic set of controls and pre-made patches that are the common use of harmonizers, like pitch shifter and octaves. 

First, you set the crossover frequencies and their types for each band. Each crossover has nine types, including Analog, Mid/Side, and Linear-Phase. As you choose a crossover type, you have a set of parameters to shape it the way you want.

You can adjust the slope, level, transients, and other special parameters. The parameters you’ll be able to adjust will depend on the crossover you choose.

After choosing the crossovers, it’s time to go to your band panel. Each band has its own set of parameters to make each unique.

Each has 4 modes and options like strumming, so your vocals can sound like guitars – kind of. Modulators are the natural next step after this.

Key Features:

• 6 bands with individual processing;
• Up to 120 voices;
• Band splitting by Frequency (linear-phase or analog with adjustable slope), Level, Panorama, Mid-Side, Transients, Tonal/Noise or Parallel;
• 4 modulators that can work as LFO, ADSR envelope, and others;
• Mono, Stereo, separate L&R, Mid/Side, 8-channel surround, and 64 channels for ambisonics processing.

Compatibility:

MHarmonizerMB supports VST, VST3, AU and AAX on Windows Vista+ (both 32-bit and 64-bit) & macOS 10.9+ (64-bit only). Linux is not directly supported, but it is possible to run the plugins via Wine.

Check Melda’s system requirements before buying the plugin.

Summary:

MeldaProduction is known for its amazing products at a cheap cost (even a lot of free ones) with expensive quality. MHarmonizerMB is a complete package as far as what you can do in terms of harmonizing.

The fact you can modulate almost every parameter inside the plugin, even the crossovers, shows how much you can get with it. 

Related Reading:

Top 12 MeldaProduction Plugins For Music Production 

6. Antares Harmony Engine

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Antares has been in the music business for years and is the creator of the popular Auto-Tune correction tool.

The Harmony Engine is dubbed as a cutting edge amongst other audio tools as it utilizes automatic and physical control settings. However, it is the ease and convenience that stems from creating multiple harmonies with only one vocal file that gives the harmony engine its place on this list as one of the best audio plugins in the market today. 

Plus, it is user-friendly, and irrespective of if you’re a professional vocalist, an amateur, or a newbie, the harmony engine is structurally designed to accommodate everyone. 

Key Features:

• Five functioning channels of the CHOIR vocal multiplier enable an individual to sound like a group of persons.
• Four top-notch, formant-corrected harmony voices with independent vocal character, pan settings, and vibrato. 
• Antares throat modeling innovation enables you to practice their voice in real-time through a physical, technological model with a similar structure of the human vocal area. 
• Multiple control modes ranging from automatic to physical control.
• The freeze function feature

Compatibility:

Harmony engine is available on Windows and is supported on AAX Native (64 bit only) for Windows 10 and Pro Tools 2018.1 version. It’s Also on VST3 (63 bit only) for Windows 10 and a compatible DAW.  It is also available on Mac and is supported on AAX Native (64-bit only), VST3 (64-bit only), and Audio Units (64-bit only)

Summary:

Harmony Engine offers a simple interface for new and informed users coupled with a huge amount of flexibility.

With four distinct harmony voices, multiple flexibility controls, and vocal multipliers, Harmony Engine spared no effort in ensuring its users that it has the best tools to produce any song of their choice. 

Related Reading:

Top 6 Vocoder Plugins (Effects & Synths + FREE Vocoder)

7. Eventide H910

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

We couldn’t leave the world’s first digital effects processor out of this list, right?

Eventide’s H910 Harmonizer is a legendary piece that recreates the original H910 analog processor in every way possible, even the random glitches the hardware got, they recreated.

Before the ’70s, digital processors weren’t a thing. Studios were filled with analog until 1971, when the DDL (Digital Line Delay) appeared.

Processors from Eventide and Lexicon served as the basis for H910 in its development. Even though it was the first digital processor, only the delay was digital; the rest was analog, which is why it sounded so analog. 

The H910 Harmonizer is straightforward to use. You have your regular Input and Feedback knobs. While the original only had a glide knob and three selectors, the digital version has an envelope, dry/wet output levels, and a hold button, so it gets a little sustain time.

Key Features:

• 4 switches allow you to control the pitch in different ways, including the keyboard.
• The keyboard is an HK941 recreation, which was the original keyboard controller for the H910.
• Simple layout and functionality;
• H910 Harmonizer doesn’t need a lot of explanation, but you should take a look at the manual to understand its signal flow and ratio-to-note chart.
• Faithful modeling of 70’s analog masterpiece;
• Loads of presets from big producers and engineers.

Compatibility:

Eventide H910 Harmonizer requires Windows 8+, and it’s available as AAX, VST2, and VST3 in both 32/64 bit. Also, macOS 10.9+ supports it, but only 64bit AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 versions. 

Summary:

Not much needs to be said about this legend. Simple and powerful, the H910 Harmonizer gives you the analog sound a lot of people know and love. Anyone who’s looking for a warm, nostalgic harmonizer sound should take a look at this one.

Best Free Harmonizer Plugin 2023

Aegean Music Pitchproof

More Info & Download

Simple to use but powerful. Its interface is based on guitar pedals, as it simulates pitch-shifting guitar pedals. The main idea of Pitchproof is blending old styles of pitch shifting with modern technology. 

You have two knobs: Blend, which is a dry/wet knob, and Detune, which is exactly what you thought! In the pitch menu, you can select +/- semitones or harmonies, which are “intelligent pitch effects,” according to Aegean. 

A little detail they added to the plugin, and it’s convenient; it’s a tuner! 

Key Features:

• The key menu is also straightforward; you choose the key you’re in, so the effect can play accurate harmonies.
• Simplest interface and controls;
• Smooth detune control;
• Includes a tuner;

Compatibility:

Pitchproof is available for Windows 32 and 64bit as VST and AAX, and Mac as VST, AU, and AAX. The versions are not specified by Aegean Music.

Summary:

Pitchproof is the best option you can get if you want a really simple plugin, at no cost, that’s gonna do the job flawlessly.

All the controls you need are there, ready to use. It may appeal more to guitar players and pedal enthusiasts, but it’s worth trying if you’re not a part of those groups.

Bonuses:

Eventide H3000 Factory Ultra-Harmonizer

More Info & Price (Trial Available) 

Being another Eventide legend in this list, the H3000 Factory is the software version of the legendary H3000 Harmonizer. 

Recreating some of the algorithms from the original outboard processor, the H3000 Factory is a modular type effect. 

The front panel, which is always on the top, is faithful modeling of the original device. The iconic calculator-like snapshots section is included and ready to store 16 presets to pull up whenever you need.

Key Features:

• With the 18 effect blocks with a patchable matrix, you can make limitless combinations. You can connect them anywhere with the virtual patch cables and can choose between delay, pitch shift, filter, ADSR, IFO, and many more.
• Over 450 presets, including original presets from the hardware;
• Filters and envelope controls;
• Advanced modular matrix.

Compatibility:

Eventide H3000 Factory it’s available for Windows 8+, and it’s available as AAX, VST2, and VST3 in both 32/64 bit. Also, macOS 10.9+ supports only 64bit AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 versions.

Summary:

The H3000 Factory is a versatile sound design tool. You have a lot of control over every parameter. You can fine-tune every setting precisely.

The amount of possibilities makes it stand out from the other options. It gives you the reliability of a piece of equipment that is available at almost every major recording studio for almost 30 years.

Eventide Quadravox

More info & Price (Trial Available)

Eventide’s Quadravox is a time-based harmonizer that features four vocals to play with.

Each voice has precise controls to place them in terms of level, pan, pitch, and time. You can lock those to the key using the Key Lock button or leave them free to some unusual combinations. The same applies to the tempo, which can be synced with your DAW, or following your parameters.

What makes Quadravox unique is the Notation Grid, where you activate the voices, they appear as dots on the grid (staff), and you move them where you want to create your harmonies. Note that you don’t need to know how to read music to mess with the grid.

You’re not limited to only using the plugin with vocals, as Quadravox can handle instruments going through it.

You can have guitar, bass, and even your drums can work with it. Any audio input can work with it but don’t forget to change the Instrument settings as you change the input, so you have a better result. 

The plugin comes packed with over 60 presets that can get you going when exploring what it can do but also gives you a good starting point.

Key Features:

• Four diatonic voices with level, pan, pitch-shifting, and delay controls;
• 32 automatable snapshots for quick recall and complex productions;
• Engine based on Eventide’s Orville and Eclipse effect processors;
• Pitch randomization inspired by Eventide H949 Harmonizer‘s Random Pitch algorithm;
• Instruments compatibility;
• Unique, easy to use, Notation Grid;

Compatibility:

Quadravox requires Windows 8+, and it’s available as AAX, VST2, and VST3 in both 32/64 bit. Also, macOS 10.9+ supports but only 64bit AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 versions. Note that new 32bit macOS installers are no longer being made for this product.

Summary:

Eventide has a name for its quality products, and Quadravox has what you would expect from them. A sleek interface with precise controls makes it easier to navigate and get amazing sounds from it.

The huge amount of presets gets you going if you want a quick sound or want to explore what Quadravox can do before you dive into it.

The effect is easy to learn and quick to use; with a few minutes of tweaking knobs, you’ll be able to understand it and start applying it to your production.

Conclusion & Verdict

Harmonizers are fun and can be a really powerful sound design tool. If you want a different effect on your vocals, it will work perfectly, but if you expand its usages to instruments, drums, and even with your soft synths, it might get some unique results.

An H910 will give you a nostalgic sound with an analog rendition, but Pitchproof will be a quick solution to a simple task.

Overall, all of them have the basics nailed down; you only need to look at their unique attributes and choose. And I don’t think you’ll make a bad decision trying some of them!

Related Topic:

Best Pitch Shifter Plugins 

A pitch shifter is an effect plugin that changes the pitch of any inputted audio. Furthermore, most can change the audio’s timbre and formant, which helps keep the result authentic.

You can use it to create harmonies, fit an acapella to your music, customize vocal recordings, design character voices, etc.

Often, sound designers use these in film and TV productions. Many fictional characters like Smaug from The Hobbit and Steppenwolf from Zack Snyder’s Justice League have pitch-shifted voices.

Hence, pitch shifters are a staple in cinematic productions. Of course, you can also use it creatively in various music styles, especially contemporary electronic music.

Also, consider checking our free VST/AU Plugin:

Deelay by Integraudio & Sixth Sample – Free Delay VST/AU Plugin

The 6 Best Pitch Shifter Plugins 2023

1. Devious Machines Pitch Monster (All-Round Pitch Shifter)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Create stacks of harmonies or pitch-shift beyond recognition with this versatile plugin.

Despite a simplistic interface, Pitch Monster lives up to its name with features beyond what you’d expect from similar plugins.

Furthermore, Pitch Monster often sounds better than other pitch-shifting plugins even when comparing the same functions thanks to its granular pitch-shifting engine.

Key Features:

• Highly Capable
  The plugin can change pitch up to six octaves from the original key. This flexibility makes Pitch Monster an unbeatable tool for sound designing. Similarly, it can create eight-voice harmony, with each voice capable of eight unison voices. That makes sixty-four voices in total.
• Multi-Engine
  The plugin features three pitch-shifting engines: Granular, Formant, and Vocode. The Granular Engine is suitable for any kind of audio, and you can even adjust the granule size. Conversely, the latter two engines are better suited for solo vocals. Formant changes the pitch of the vowel and the consonant separately, whereas Vocode flattens vibrato.
  I suggest using the Forbmant mode for general voice editing and creating harmonies. It sounds the most natural for monophonic vocals. However, if you want to get creative and produce melodies for vocal chops, try the vocode mode.
• Modes
  Pitch Monster features three modes of performance: Normal, Midi, and Chord. The normal mode is merely a pitch shifter, whereas the Midi mode allows you to control the pitch using midi input with an optional glide feature. Similarly, Chord mode lets you play multiple notes simultaneously.
  Furthermore, a Chord Memory feature lets you save up to eight chords. You can perform the chords using automation. This feature is excellent for creating artificial harmonies during a live performance.

Compatibility:

Devious Machines Pitch Monster is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10.9 to higher 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

If you tend to need a pitch shifter often, you can’t go wrong with this plugin. It even handles vocal pitch correction to an extent via its Midi mode.

Furthermore, its harmony engine and chord memory features make the plugin unparalleled in that regard.

If you only ever need a simple pitch-shifting plugin, though, Pitch Monster may be overkill and overpriced. Otherwise, the plugin’s features are outstanding.

2. Waves Vocal Bender (Designed For Vocals)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Waves Vocal Bender is a minimalistic pitch-shifting plugin dedicated to customizing vocal recordings.

Pitch-shifting is a common technique that musicians employ in electronic or pop music production. The most common use is to create additional vocal harmonies with the chorus/bridge vocals, adding richness and life.

Furthermore, mixing a copy of the vocals with mild pitch changes results in the renowned “doubling” effect.

Waves Vocal Bender allows you to do all of that and more while maintaining a user-friendly interface.

Furthermore, since the plugin works in real-time, you can employ it for live performances too. Similarly, its mix knob allows you to create parallel doubling effects faster than ever. Let’s check out more of its features:

Key Features:

• Straightforward
  Vocal Bender features merely two knobs to give you complete control over your vocal’s pitch: pitch and formant. The pitch knob allows you to change the pitch or fundamental frequency by up to one octave up or down. This changes the “note” that the voice is singing.
  Conversely, the formant is the characteristics of a voice that define the sonic individuality of a person and the vowels the person is speaking. Hence, decreasing it makes the voice sound deeper and looser, whereas a higher amount makes the voice sound squeaky and tight.
  Furthermore, the button labeled Fine between those two knobs lets you disable the per-semitone snapping, which is the default mode. So, if you want to adjust the pitch or the formant by cents, enable Fine. And click on the chain-link icon to gang the pitch and formant knobs.
• Flatten
  The Flatten button changes the input vocal pitches into a single note. This feature is useful to generate robotic sounds or “center” the notes to play them by automating the pitch knob. Furthermore, you can select the pitch you want Flatten to force the vocals in.
• Modulation
  Modulation is an important part of Waves Vocal Bender. You can modulate any parameter available, including the knobs of the modulators themselves. Furthermore, there are four modulation sources: two LFO/Sequencers, an amplitude modulator, and a pitch modulator.
  First, the LFO and the 16-step sequencer let you create rapid pitch changes and vibratos easily. Similarly, the amplitude modulator modulates other parameters using the volume of the input voice. Lastly, the pitch modulator uses the input voice’s pitch to manipulate parameters.

Compatibility:

Waves Vocal Bender is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.14.6 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST/3, AU, AAX, and RTAS formats.

Summary:

Vocal Bender is a highly effective pitch-shifting plugin dedicated to vocals. It’s ideal for producing creative vocal melodies for EDM, hip-hop, pop, etc. Furthermore, you can use the formant parameter to change the way people sound. You can even change the gender of the voice.

However, since it’s designed to work well with monophonic vocals, it doesn’t play nice with polyphonic sounds.

Related Reading:

20 Best Waves Plugins 2022 For Mixing, Mastering & Producing

3. Audio Damage Discord 4 (Multi-Purpose)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Audio Damage’s Discord 4 is a pitch-shifter, delay, and reverb plugin based on early 1980s pitch-shifting hardware. 

First, the input signal crosses the pitch shifters. Then, it passes through the delays and the adjustable width filters. After that, the signal goes into the reverb algorithm. From the reverb, the signal is fed back into the pitch shifters for glorious effects.

With options like Reverb Freeze and Low-Frequency Oscillators, this plugin goes from soft to chaotic pitch-shifting. I recommend it for experimental music and general pop music.

Key Features:

• Algorithmic variety
  There are three pitch-shifting algorithms available: Vintage, Clean, and Granular. Audio Damage modeled the Vintage style after the legendary Eventide H910 and H949 hardware pitch shifters. The Clean mode allows you to create very modern-sounding shifting soundscapes. Finally, the Granular style provides you with a vast amount of experimental options to explore, with very smooth pitch-shifting. It subdivides audio into numerous tiny samples and stretches them for pitch shifting.
• Effects
  The plugin employs two delays and a reverb effect in that order. Of the two delays, one is tempo-synced, and the other is free-running. However, both delays support feedback, cross-feedback, and a sophisticated bandpass filter. Similarly, the reverb provides standard size, color, and mix parameters alongside a freeze button. This button forces an infinite length of the reverb, which sounds super cool as the endings of a song.
  Furthermore, the plugin features a soft saturation and limiter at the end of the signal path. These let you add some vintage-style warmth and loud feedback without worrying about real-world output.
• LFOs
  The two low-frequency oscillators present in this plugin modulate pitch-shifting intensity, delay times, and the filters’ frequencies. The Rate knob controls the variation of the LFO over time. Similarly, the Shape knob lets you choose if the wave will be a sine, triangle, or square. The Skew knob controls the horizontal symmetry. And finally, the Warp knob adds a controllable curvature to the wave, changing the vertical balance.

Compatibility: 

Discord 4 is available for Windows 8.1 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary: 

This plugin’s main strength is the highly adjustable parameters, which ensure advanced precise control over the end output. The tempo-synced and free-running variants of the individual effects offer a plethora of different sonic options.

Likewise, the feedback system creates unexpected, creative effects that would require otherwise require complicated track routing.

Furthermore, the resizable user interface makes for a very sleek and enjoyable experience when using the plugin.

4. Eventide MicroPitch (Pitch Shifter, Chorus, Delay)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Eventide MicroPitch plugin is the latest incarnation of the legendary effect that has been influential since the 1970s.

Known for its unique delays, vocal-doubling, and tone-fattening capabilities, the MicroPitch allows smooth adjustments of each parameter.

The Flex button lets you double both pitch-shift amounts, so you can use this plugin to enrich your vocal recordings and create chaotic dive-bombing, dissonant chorus, or ethereal delays.

You get absolute control over the delay times with three sync options alongside a Tap button that lets you set a custom tempo. The latter is useful when using the plugin with a device that doesn’t have a MIDI clock.

Furthermore, you can use MicroPitch as either a mono or a stereo plugin with parameters per channel.

Key Features:

• Ribbon control
  You can use this big slider control to simultaneously adjust two or more parameters as if they were linked. It is supposed to give you the feeling of adjusting different knobs simultaneously as if you were in front of a hardware unit. The advantage of this feature is it keeps the parameters you’re adjusting in ratio.
  The ribbons allow you to set a range for each parameter you’re adjusting. On the screenshot above, you can see a black button at each end of the ribbon strip—they allow you to set the range. So, click on, say, the left one first. Now, you need to turn the parameter you want to control towards the left to set the range’s minimum value. Next, click on the right button on the strip, and move the parameter towards the right to set the maximum value.
• Modulation
  MicroPitch features two controls to adjust the modulation or LFO amount on each generated voice’s pitch. The modulation depth controls the level of modulation, whereas the rate changes the speed of modulation. A moderate amount of rate creates a familiar ensemble effect, whereas an extremely high amount may sound chaotic.
• Mixlock & Tone
  You can fix the mix level while auditioning other presets using Mixlock. It’s helpful to avoid changing the amount of wet sound you want.
  The tone parameter applies a filter on both voices. It brightens or darkens the overall processed sound, which allows you to find the exact frequency range that will make the sound more or less apparent in your mix.

Compatibility: 

Compatible with macOS and Windows, this plugin is available in VST, AAX, and AU formats.

Summary: 

This plugin is designed to achieve the classic stereo-spreading effects. Also, it has numerous different controls, which makes it great for experimenting. You can create thick modulations, rich repeating delays, tempo-synced effects, etc. Furthermore, the ribbon control ensures its status as a reliable live performance tool.

5. Boz Digital Labs ProVocative (Easiest To Use)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

ProVocative by Boz Digital Labs is a lightweight micro pitch shifter designed to give you total control.

Its user-friendly interface consists of three principal and three supporting parameters. The pitch modulation is measured in cents and goes from one to twenty. Once you set this parameter, ProVocative splits the signal into two modulations measured by the chosen amount.

By default, the highest pitch goes to the right and the lowest to the left. However, you can change their positions with the Width knob.

Similarly, the wet and dry knobs allow you to create parallel mixes easily, resulting in wider and richer sounds.

Key Features:

• Delay
  Built-in delay with adjustable time to add latency to the wet signal. It allows you to mix in a second, pitched voice to your sound, resulting in a richer tone. Furthermore, you might recognize it as the famous doubling effect, originally done by Ken Townsend, an engineer at Abbey Road Studios.
• Filters
  You can find a high-pass and low-pass filter in the middle of the user interface. These filters allow you to modify the range of the wet frequencies. Furthermore, they’re crucial for avoiding phase cancellation when using the pitch-shifter on bassy instruments. Similarly, you might want to avoid shifting the high frequencies on vocals to avoid strange clashing.
• Characterful
  Boz Digital designed this plugin to provide you with the software form of the famous 80s vocal treatment technique of adding thickness and width to your voice recordings. This plugin does justice to the famous effect, with the adjustable delay time, which gives you the widening effect if set at a low time discrepancy. If you set it at a higher time margin, you can also achieve the slapback delay sound.

Compatibility: 

ProVocative is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.5 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, AAX, and RTAS formats.

Summary: 

You are guaranteed to have no clipping at the output – courtesy of the 64-bit floating-point signal path with this plugin. Since latency showing up is an issue with similar plugins, Boz Digital Labs made sure that this plugin doesn’t tax your CPU too much.

Therefore, you get zero-latency performance, ideal for both studio and live use.

Using pitch shifters and delays used to come with many sub-effects in the times of the big hardware machines. This plugin ensures the same desired effects without the annoying artifacts of times passed.

6. Soundtoys Little AlterBoy (Designed For Vocals 2)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Or Buy Here (Support Integraudio)

Soundtoys’ Little AlterBoy was designed to produce dramatic vocal alterations from clean, monophonic sources.

This plugin allows you to alter pitch, give bottom to a nasal voice, create a monotonic robotic effect, and work as a real-time auto-tune. Soundtoys even added a drive knob that encompasses technology developed for another one of their plugins – Decapitator. The result is a versatile and fun plugin with serious capabilities.

Furthermore, Little AlterBoy can transform your voice’s gender with formant shifting, control the pitch using MIDI, etc.

However, despite the powerful features, the plugin stays as user-friendly as it could be. There are very few controls on the user interface but the sound is awesome. Let’s check out its key features:

Key Features:

• Shifting
  The first section of the plugin features two knobs: pitch and formant. The pitch knob transposes your vocals by up to one octave up or down. Similarly, the formant control changes your voice characteristics. The Link button between these two parameters lets you gang the pitch and formant knobs. I suggest linking when you want the most natural results.
• Multiple Modes
  The plugin features three functioning modes. The first is Transpose, which is the default mode for pitch-shifting. Then, you have Quantize, which forces the voice to the closest pitch. It creates the famous auto-tuned pop voice effect. And finally, the robot option locks the vocal to a single pitch.
• Harmonies
  You can set the pitch to any interval above or below the main melody and use the mix knob to create a nice double-tracking effect. You can use it as a harmonizer for vocals, octaver for guitars and other instruments, etc. However, you cannot assign a scale or key to the plugin.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, AAX, and RTAS formats.

Summary: 

AlterBoy ensures a wide range of voice transformations. It consists of easy-to-use controls, making for a user-friendly plugin. It provides high-quality pitch-shifting, creative auto-tune voice effects and monophonic tuning.

Furthermore, it allows you to control your voice using a MIDI keyboard, which is a very powerful tool. Overall, it’s a wonderful addition to any music producer’s arsenal.

3 Best FREE Pitch Shifter Plugins 2023

1. Auburn Sounds Graillon 2

More Info & Download 

Graillon, by Auburn Sounds, is a free vocal pitch shifter designed to let you accomplish various vocal modulations.

Auburn Sounds have done their research to make Graillon a versatile plugin with the sound quality set as its primary goal. They’ve got the best features from several vocal pitch shifters and combined them in a single unit.

So, it can help you correct wrong notes in your vocal recordings or generate inhuman creative effects.

Furthermore, you can dial it in heavily to achieve the notorious effect of extreme auto-tuning to get “T-pain” style vocals.

Key Features:

• Detection
  First, the plugin allows you to set the detection pan at the top left of the user interface. It allows you to select the correct channel with your vocals, especially in live performance when you might be using a stereo track with a mono mic panned to a side.
• Pitch Shift
  You’ll find the pitch shift controls at the bottom left of this plugin. In this section, you can change the overall pitch of your vocals by up to one octave up or down. Similarly, you can turn up the Preserve Formants knob to ensure your vocal characteristics remain the same despite pitch changes. If you turn this parameter down, increasing the pitch will result in a “Mickey Mouse” voice.
• Pitch Correction
  Graillon 2’s main feature is pitch correction. You can set the notes of your song’s key/scale using a virtual keyboard. Then, turn up the Enable parameter, and adjust Smooth to change its pitch detection speed. Furthermore, Snap Range lets you control the range of semitones where Graillon starts working. Note that it prefers the notes closest to the incorrect pitch. So, the Snap Range only becomes obvious when you don’t set many notes as the correct/scale notes.
• Customization
  You can control the level of the processed voice using the Lead Voice parameter. Below it, you’ll find a low cut that goes up to 900 Hz. Similarly, you can control the dry mix and global gain. In the correction section, you can also set the reference pitch from 415 Hz to 466 Hz, where the standard 440 Hz is the default value. Likewise, the Intertia knob makes the pitch “stick” to the target pitch better, avoiding strange artifacts.

Compatibility:

Graillon 2 is available for Windows 7 or higher, macOS 10.10 or higher, and Ubuntu 16.04 or higher, all three 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, AAX, and LV2 formats.

Summary: 

Graillon 2 is undoubtedly one of the best pitch-correction plugin available for free. Similarly, its pitch-shifting feature is just as laudable. However, you may have noticed that I didn’t enlist all of the features you saw on the screenshot.

That’s because the bit-crusher and the modulation features are only available with the full version, which costs around $30. Still, it’s an excellent plugin for pitch-shifting and correction.

2. GVST GSnap

More Info & Download

With a simple GUI, the GSnap by GVST is a free auto-tune effect that offers subtle or extreme modulations.

GSnap’s algorithm is more suitable for simpler, more extended notes with steady transitions. Thus, a fast rap vocal can take hours of MIDI tweaking before it sounds pleasing. 

You can find surprising results by applying the Gsnap to non-vocal sounds.

Key Features:

• Correction
  This section allows you to determine the parameters of when and how the automatic pitch correction kicks in. You can set the threshold in cents, and change the amount of pitch correction. A higher amount of correction will result in the reduction of vibrato. Similarly, you can adjust the attack and release to control the smoothness of the processing.
• Detection
  The detection section lets you change the minimum and maximum frequencies detected. Typically, you want to stay somewhere that provides the best results, which depends on your audio material. However, as a general guide, try 60 Hz (minimum) and 800 Hz (maximum). It should detect the fundamental frequencies well while keeping the formant separated. Likewise, you can adjust an input gate, which avoids random detection caused by recording noise. And the speed parameter changes how fast the plugins detects pitch changes.
• Tuning
  The vertical keyboard on the left of the parameter lets you select the notes of your key/scale. Furthermore, you can also see a live graph displaying the input notes (red) and output notes (green). And you can make pitch bends, add vibrato, change vibrato speed, and customize the reference pitch in the MIDI section.

Compatibility:

GSnap is available for Windows XP or higher 32-bit and 64-bit, macOS 10 or higher 64-bit, and Linux 32-bit or 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 format.

Summary: 

GSnap is excellent for both modest pitch correction and creating auto-tune-like sounds. You can also add vibrato to your audio using the modulation wheel (CC 1).

Furthermore, since it’s free, it’s an excellent practicing tool for anyone who wants to start learning pitch correction before taking on a paid plugin like Antares Auto-Tune.

3. Aegean Music Pitchproof

More Info & Download

Aegean Music’s Pitchproof is a pitch shifter based on harmonizer guitar pedals.

This plugin was designed with guitars in mind, even supporting the polyphony of power chords. It can change the pitch or add harmonies to vocals or solo instruments.

Pitchproof works best in mono, but it also supports stereo inputs. So, you can use it to add harmonies on pad sounds, leads, etc.

Key Features:

• Convenient
  First, you can select the amount of pitch-shifting you want using the Pitch menu. You can select values like +5 or -7 seven semitones. Similarly, you can select harmonies that select harmonizing notes based on the scale you have selected in the Key menu. The harmonies include every degree of the scale, like 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. until you reach the 7th. Similarly, you can also add some variations or richness in your sound using the Detune knob. Once you’re done, adjust the dry/wet mix using the Blend knob.
• Tuner
  The display in the middle of the screen is for checking the input notes. However, you can also use it as a guitar tuner. And if it appears annoying, you can position in the bottom right by going through the Tuner Display option.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows XP or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10 or higher 64-bit. It comes in VST 2, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary: 

Aeagan Music’s Pitchproof is very versatile and straightforward to use. It’s particularly awesome for guitar as it includes a built-in tuner. Of course, you can use it on any other instrument to get interesting effects. However, the stereo mode can cause some CPU spikes.

So, set it to mono if stereo isn’t necessary.

Other Great Pitch Shifters:

1. Pitch Innovations Fluid Chords

More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Refreshing plugins such as this can be the next favorite sonic tool you’d least expect to get to know.

The fundamental purpose of Fluid Chords is simple: it allows you to fluidly bend chords from one to another. This is a really refreshing audio tool for quickly generating new, insane musical ideas, setting a benchmark that has not been covered in any similar effect.

In addition, the lightweight software architecture makes this experience even more fluid, enticing anybody looking to explore new musical areas.

Key Features:

• • Learn button
    To begin, you must enter some chords into Fluid Chords. To get it started, click the “Learn” button in the upper right corner of the plugin’s interface. Play any chord now, and it will be saved in the eight little and bright squares. By tapping the C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, A1, B1, and C2 keys, you may quickly activate any learned chord by touching a single key.
  • Chord slots
    Each chord you wish to trigger inside Fluid Chords’ engine is housed in one of the eight colored slots. If you perform a C major chord and save it in the “C1” slot, pushing that key will make that chord active. Adding an F major into the following slot, “D1,” however, will set the desired bend from the preceding square. In this circumstance, for example, playing the “C1” key will resonate with a C major chord, and sliding up the bend wheel in the controller will cause the chord to bend from C major to F major since these were the two chords entered in the squares.
  • Chord modes
    On the right side of your screen, you may experiment with different chord modes. The first, “Fixed,” functions as previously described, with a fixed point, bent up or down (the C major and F major example). The next mode, “Fluid,” allows you to pick the next target chord on the fly without having to enter any other chord in a slot, simply pressing the targeted note (from C1 to C2) while playing the chord. Finally, the “Real Time” mode lets you do real-time chord bending by playing any chord while holding down the sustain pedal. This establishes the main chord, and from there, you can choose any other chord combination you choose.
  • General settings
    There are a few more options to consider throughout your advancement. The “Show Transpose” switch may be toggled on and off to indicate the number of steps transposed in any chord. The “Global Transpose” option transposes all chords at once, while the “Show Help Tray” option displays some advice at the bottom of the interface to assist you.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for macOS 10.12 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only). It runs in VST3 and AU plugin formats.

Summary:

This is a unique effect, yet it will be utilized more frequently than expected. Pitch Innovations is a business committed to creating fantastic and simple pitch-changing plugins, but Fluid Chords take that concept to a whole new level.

The flowing, smooth effect produced by chord bending is extremely distinctive and may make your recording seem incredibly authentic, while the basic settings can assist make the experience more enjoyable. However, this is a simple effect that shouldn’t be too difficult to mess with while producing new and interesting results.

2. Waves Torque

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Its intuitive, user-friendly controls help producers bring life to drums in a way no other pitch shifter can.

Torque by Waves is specifically made for treating drums, and salvaging mistuned or poorly recorded pieces without replacing the sounds with pre-recorded samples. 

By letting you focus on the root of each drum, Torque brings excitement to dull-sounding kits.

The technology behind this plugin makes it an innovative tool based on the concept of pitch-shifting rather than another modulation plugin.

Key Features:

• Zero-latency
  The Torque Live component lets you process your audio with no latency. It is a convenient feat to have in the studio situation, but it’s most needed if you are in a live scenario. You can use it to retune your drum set without spending time during the show or switching the kit. However, I suggest using the normal component with latency for studio use as that will generally result in higher quality sound.
• Torque focus
  Zero in on your desired resonant peak, and address it specifically without processing the rest of the sound. The focus control and its precise alteration operating allow you to achieve the desired result while keeping the drums sounding as natural as possible. Furthermore, it lets you target a single component of your drums (like snare or a tom) even if you’re using an overhead mic.
• Output level
  You can choose to lower your output signal if it’s peaking or turning it up. In this way, you can adjust the levels in yet another gain stage, thus increasing your chances of avoiding getting into digital distortion.
• Organic ReSynthesis
  This patented technology patented by Waves is responsible for this plugin’s amazing sound. The plugin separates and analyzes each drum’s soundwaves’ characteristics to reassemble them with the new pitch information later. And since the new sound is based on your drum recording, the result is never as drastic as a drum replacing plugin.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.14.6 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary: 

Torque can be equally effective with both well-recorded and poorly recorded drums. The sum of all the main features makes this plugin equally adept for live and studio scenarios.

Furthermore, the zero-latency feat can be of great use for mid-song front-of-house mixing interventions.

However, the most significant advantage is the artifact-free pitch-shifted sound which minimizes the need for any triggering. The advanced Waves ReSynthesis Technology ensures precise deconstruction and manipulation, which makes the reassembled track sound organic.

3. zplane ElastiquePitch 2

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

ElastiquePitch 2 by zplane supports up to eight channels of synchronized pitch-shifting.

You might recognize the name Elastique from your DAWs. Almost every major DAW has employed this pitch-shifting algorithm to provide smooth and artifact-free pitch changes that were once thought impossible. So, it’s no surprise that zplane decided to create this plugin with their proprietary élastiquePro engine.

The developer designed this plugin for use in film and video production, sound design, and music production. Its versatile and real-time nature lets you automate its action with the Pitch/Timbre graph, unleashing your creativity.

Key Features:

• Pitch and Timbre
  The timbre control is on the X-axis, while the pitch control is on the Y-axis. Timbre refers to the formant of the voice. So, it controls the frequencies other than the fundamental frequency, which is useful for deepening or tightening the voice into a “chipmunk” effect. Furthermore, you can choose to modulate these parameters at the same time or separately using the Link switch. Modulating them together gives the most authentic-sounding pitch shift.
• Delay
  The plugin features a delay effect that works like a typical delay, except its feedback signal path includes the pitch-shift algorithm. So, you can change the pitch of the feedback loop with each tap/echo as if it’s a delay having its rate changed. However, in our case, the rate remains the same but the pitch changes.
• Freeze
  You can activate the Freeze button above the delay controls. It prolongs the plugin’s input signal infinitely. However, when you enable Freeze, the delay effect’s feedback path disconnects to avoid feedback noise. So, the Delay and Feedback parameters will not take effect.
• Voicing
  The Voicing slider is crucial if you want to tailor your plugin’s processing to the sound source. It changes the dominant frequency region of your input signal, ensuring the best timbre-shifting quality. Hence, this feature helps you avoid any added distortion, unwanted notes, and other artifacts.

Compatibility:

Elastique Pitch is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.6.8 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

Elastique Pitch is a straightforward pitch-shifting plugin with a built-in delay. You can pitch-shift the delay’s feedback for creative usages.

Furthermore, the sound is pristine, and various options allow you to create artifact-free results. Hence, it’s ideal for all instruments.

It might be pricy for some, but the expense is completely proportionate to the quality you are getting. If you are looking for a real-time pitch shifter with automatable parameters, this one is a good choice for you.

4. Freakshow Industries DUMPSTER FIRE (For Sound Design)

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

With the distinctive design and cryptic control names aside, this plugin offers arbitrary pitch rotation options.

Also called “The Nightmare Shifter,” this plugin is not a pitch-shifter per se. Instead, it aims at creating horror landscapes for sound design applications.

So, as you can probably imagine, it’s very useful for film sound designers and composers to create unsettling atmospheres and sonic madness.

You can use just about any sound, such as a voice, a scream, a crying sound, a synth, etc., as the input, and the result will be equally disturbing.

Key Features:

• Pitch Rotation
  Since the plugin works “arbitrarily,” you can’t really describe what it does. The only way I can try to express it is that pitch rotation creates strange waves of pitch modulations. This feature is what makes Dumpster Fire sound strange and disturbing; there’s no telling what it’ll do next.
• Band selection
  The plugin selects bands of frequencies to process in various ways. However, it selects them at random. So, the band selection parameter essentially generates a new random seed that you can select if you like what you’re hearing. Again, it’s arbitrary, and that’s the beauty of it.
• Aether
  The aether parameter lets you create horror soundscapes with time and pitch spread. It adds strange textures that sound very disturbing and random (because it is).

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10.5 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary: 

Dumpster Fire’s central purpose is sound design. So, it is not really in the same category as the other plugins on this list. However, the plugin can be a lot of fun if random sounds are your thing.

As a composer for films and media, I can see plenty of uses for such an effect. Furthermore, you could use it to create dark intros or outros for pop, hip-hop, and experimental music.

How Does A Pitch Shifter Work?

A pitch shifter repositions the frequency spectrum of the entire waveform to change its pitch. Similarly, it might also move the audio’s fundamental frequency and the additional harmonics separately to have control over the formant, which modifies the vowel type or an instrument’s timbre.

However, both traditional hardware and software versions of this effect used to function by slicing the audio into many snippets and adjusting the playback rate. Extending the sliced audio lowers the pitch, whereas shortening it increases the pitch.

So, you can hear this phenomenon when using a tape machine and changing its playback speed.

Moving on to the modern plugins, you’ll find those that can identify individual notes and let you adjust the pitch of each. There are two types of such plugins: monophonic and polyphonic.

The monophonic design can only detect, identify, and adjust a single note at once. Conversely, the polyphonic type can identify multiple notes playing together and let you adjust each individually. This feature allows you to alter chords or harmonies from one type to another.

Where does a pitch shifter go in a chain?

Pitch shifters typically go at the beginning of the signal chain. The reason for that is you want all the other added effects to process your pitch-altered signal. However, you should not take this as an unbreakable rule. There are many creative ways of using your pitch shifter by changing its position in the signal chain.

Conclusion & Verdict

Pitch-shifting is a powerful music production tool that’s been around for decades and still hasn’t been dethroned. We put this list together to help you pick the best for your needs, as well as helping you identify the best bang for your buck.

Plugins like the ElastiquePitch 2 and Micropitch are great for most pitch-shifting situations, while focused efforts like Torque and Little Alterboy aim at solving specific creative necessities. Whatever you need to pitch-shift, there are several tools out there capable of getting you closer to the sound you want to achieve.

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