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Whether you’re a home producer or work at a major recording studio, Autotune and other pitch correction software can help deal with a weak vocal performance.

In a hurry? I love Melodyne 4 Studio from Celemony. It’s sounds incredible, leaving little to no artifacts on vocals recorded in a treated space, but are in need of a little fixing.

But Autotune isn’t reserved exclusively for pitch correction. T-Pain popularized the hard-straightened pitch, even going as far as releasing an iOS app called “I Am T-Pain.”

Pitch correction software can also be utilized for other instruments as well. I’ve even used VariAudio (the “Autotune” built into Cubase) on bass guitar parts that were slightly out of tune. The result was surprisingly excellent, with little to no audio artifacts.

After exploring thousands of great plugins for hours, we bring you a minimized list of best vst plugins out there. It includes a little over 100 plugins. As the cherry on the top, the below list also mention the top 100 vst plugins that are entirely free of cost and paid.

There’s a lot you can do with Autotune and similar software.

• Vocodex by Image-Line 99 USD From the creators of Fruity Loops Studio comes Vocodex, a.
• GUITAR RIG 5 PLAYER Audio Effects Suit. GUITAR RIG 5 PLAYER is a multiple effects processor.

With so many options for producers, how can you decide on which one to use? Fortunately, I’ve had the experience working with many pitch correction plugins to weed out the good from the bad.

I’m going to include both free and paid options, so please read on!

Have an interest in virtual instruments? Don’t miss my other roundups!

Table of Contents

1) Antares Auto-Tune Pro (Paid)

Auto-Tune is the original pitch correction software. It’s so popular that its name is synonymous and is more of a colloquial term.

Antares gives you a couple of options to pick from depending on your needs — Pro, Artist, Access, or EFX+. As you’d guess, the price moves up the more features there are.

Auto-Tune is very hands-off. I’d even go as far as to say that it’s the most straightforward plugin for correcting pitch.

Pros

• Easy to use for beginners
• Lightweight on memory
• Great-looking user interface

Cons

• AUTO mode is limited
• Difficult for beginners to use GRAPH
• A little outdated compared

When using Auto-Tune on a vocal track in AUTO mode, set the key, the retune speed, and the amount of humanization. You should be able to hit the playback button now and hear hopefully great results.

Because it’s simplicity, I find that it doesn’t perform as well as others (when using the quick settings) that require more fine-tune vocal editing.

To fix an abysmal vocal performance, use the graph mode and hand tune each note to your liking. This process is much more complicated but yields a far better result.

I am not huge on Auto-Tune (I know many are), but it can deliver exceptional results. If you take the time to learn how to use it properly, you’ll have great-sounding vocals with ease.

Auto-Tune from Antares is available at Plugin Boutique.

2) Steinberg VariAudio — Cubase Pro (Paid)

Steinberg’s VariAudio is a pitch correction software included in Cubase Pro. It’s not a standalone plugin, so you won’t be able to use it if you don’t own Cubase Pro.

But, for those of you with Cubase who didn’t realize your DAW has pitch correction, rejoice!

I love VariAudio — so much so that I couldn’t imagine switching DAWs. I’ve been on Cubase for ten years, so I know my way around, but VariAudio is the one thing that will keep me as a forever customer.

Pros

• Integrated into Cubase
• Quick to edit any clip
• Very fast and no CPU

Cons

• Audio artifacts are very noticeable if not careful
• Limited cutting resolution
• Not intuitive at first

VariAudio functions similar to Melodyne and Auto-Tune’s graph mode. Double-clicking on a clip opens up the editor, where you can choose to enable VariAudio — no plugin required.

From here, it’s simple as using Pitch Quantize and Straighten Pitch on each clip. Cutting clips also helps pitch only individual sections of a waveform.

The newest version of VariAudio introduced some incredible options for adjusting pitch that make the software even more valuable.

I highly recommend considering Cubase Pro if you plan to switch DAWs — for VariAudio exclusively!

Steinberg’s Cubase Pro is available from Plugin Fox.

3) Celemony Melodyne (Paid)

We’re moving up the price ladder, but for a good reason. Melodyne from Celemony is one of the most utilized pitch correction plugins used by professional vocal editors and producers.

Melodyne offers (to my ears) the most accurate and musical sounding algorithm, leaving no tuning artifacts that are easily recognizable to the untrained ear.

Pros

• Incredible-sounding algorithm
• Tons of flexibility when vocals sound poor
• Zero audio artifacts in most cases

Cons

• Difficult for new users
• Rather expensive

The software has incredible note detection allowing for more accurate tuning. I find that in VariAudio, there are times that the software cannot understand individual notes, so they are omitted. It’s not too often this occurs, but Melodyne does it better.

Melodyne is available at Plugin Boutique.

4) Waves Tune (Paid)

Waves Tune operates similarly to Auto-Tune and Melodyne. Before you begin tuning, the software scans the audio track and displays audio waveforms.

The process of editing is quite similar as well, though the interface is slightly dated.

Pros

• Included in many of Wave’s plugin bundles
• Relatively lightweight on CPU

Cons

• Outdated
• Difficult to use

I have never enjoyed using Waves Tune but figured it needed a mention since Waves is one of the most popular audio plugin companies.

5) Waves Tune Real-Time (Paid)

While cheaper than the regular version of Tune, Tune Real-Time offers a quick and user-friendly experience for tuning vocals. I’d compare this plugin to using Auto-Tune on AUTO mode.

Note transition is iffy at best and artifacts are present throughout (at least when I used it). The plugin isn’t smooth sounding at all, and there aren’t many parameter changes available.

I’d recommend Real-Time for two different scenarios. The first being someone new to audio production looking to fix a vocal without technical knowledge of tuning vocals. You won’t get the most professional sound, but it will be acceptable.

The second scenario is for producers working with singers in the studio who struggle to sing on pitch.

Using a pitch-correction software can boost the confidence of the singer in the booth, though I can’t say for sure if this will lead to a better sounding vocal take. How to install vst plugins in cubase 10.

Despite the marketing of Waves Tune Real-Time, claiming instant vocal tuning, I could envision latency becoming an issue in some home studio settings.

Free Auto-Tune VST Plugins

If you’re on the fence about which one to get or want to save a little cash, try some of these free pitch correction plugins I’ve listed below.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Pitch Correction Software Plugin

Despite all the choices I’ve laid out, you still may be confused on the correct option. Here are some things to consider before making a decision.

Does the software maker provide a trial?

If so, take the trial and check out the software! There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a plugin only to find out that it’s non-refundable.

Do you need graph editing functionality?

Graph editing, like seen in Melodyne and VariAudio, is for advanced vocal editors. If you need a quick tuning for a little enhancement of a track, you may not need to edit each note.

If you want to draw in the notes physically, a more advanced pitch correction software will be necessary.

Further features you may desire are formant control, MIDI input (for vocoder), and note straightness. These types of effects are often essential in a lot of today’s popular music.

Does your DAW already have pitch processing?

Mine does — that’s why I’ve included VariAudio in this list. Digital audio workstations like Propellerhead’s Reason and MOTU Digital Performer also come with their native pitch correction software.

Wrapping Up

Which one do I like most? If I didn’t have VariAudio included in Cubase, I’d most likely be using Melodyne exclusively. It sounds incredible, and the workflow is so intuitive.

So there you have it — my list of the best Auto-Tune/pitch correction VST plugins. Which one do you currently use in the studio? I’d love to hear from you down below in the comments. Thanks for reading!

When it comes to vocal processing, one of the most interesting effects you can use is any kind of vocoder VST plugin.
Simply put, a vocoder is a device that is used to synthesize the human voice. This has the effect of making vocals sound robotic and inhuman. It can be the perfect way to add some flare to a dull performance.
One of the most well known examples of a vocoder would be Daft Punk’s “Harder Better Stronger Faster.” In fact, the vocoder used by the French house duo is a big part of what made that song so iconic.
While vocoders are best known for making robots sing, there are plenty of other ways you can make use of them in your productions.
For bass music producers, they can be a great way to add vowel sounds to your bass patches. You can even use them to create experimental sounds like tuned percussion, or you can add otherworldly textures to any piece of audio.
There are a lot of vocoder VST plugins floating around the internet, but it can be tough to figure out which ones are worth using.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 11 best vocoder VST plugins to use in 2017.
But first, let’s break down the different elements of a vocoder first.

How Vocoders Work

A vocoder consists of two main elements: the carrier and the modulator.
The modulator can be any audio source, though the most popular choice is to use a vocal. The carrier is the synthesized element of the vocoder.
The modulator is run through a series of filter bands that are used to create an amplitude mapping of its most important characteristics. The higher the number of filter bands, the more detailed the carrier will sound.
This map is then used to remove all the unwanted frequencies from the carrier, resulting in a seamless mixture of the two sounds.
To put that in simpler terms, we can compare this process to sketching over a penny onto a piece of paper. By placing a penny under a sheet of paper, you can create an impression of the penny’s image by shading over it with a pencil.
In this metaphor, the penny is the modulator, the paper is the carrier, and the pencil is the filter band.
The resulting sketch retains the image of the penny but transfers its material from copper to paper.
Now that we understand how vocoders work, let’s dive into our list of the best vocoder plugins.

Best Commercial Vocoder VST Plugins

If you are serious about using vocoders in your workflow, your best bet is to go with a commercial plugin. This means investing more money into your plugin collection, but you’ll have access to higher quality vocoders than if you stick with the free selection.
As with any other piece of gear, you get what you pay for. Luckily, there are lots of great options on the market and not all of them will break the bank!

1. Vocodex by Image-Line [99 USD]

From the creators of Fruity Loops Studio comes Vocodex, a relatively inexpensive and easy to use vocoder.
The interface for Vocodex is very straight forward, which is great because it won’t overwhelm beginners. There are only a handful of controls available, and there is an info bar that will display each control’s function when you hover over it.
Vocodex features up to 100 filters bands, so you’ll be able to get some very precise sounds from it. You also get a number of carrier options to choose from and a few other basic functions. Some would include an envelope follower and controls for the filter bands.

2. VocalSynth by iZotope [199 USD]

VocalSynth is a powerful vocoder plugin from iZotope, and it comes packed with tons of other great features for creating futuristic vocal effects.
VocalSynth’s interface features four main panels: Vocoder, talkbox, polyvox, and compuvox.
True to its name, the vocoder panel can be used to create classic robotic voice effects. You can choose from a variety of different vocoder modes to use, ranging from vintage hardware sounds to more modern digital ones.
Similarly, the talkbox panel emulates the iconic sound of the talkbox. A talkbox is similar to a vocoder, but has its own unique sound. It’s most famously been used by Peter Frampton when he makes his guitar talk.
With a hardware talkbox like Peter Frampton’s, a PVC tube is inserted into the player’s mouth to provide the vowel sounds of the effect. But since we’re dealing with software, there’s no need for this.
The polyvox section can be used to create rich vocal harmonies using a polyphonic pitch shifter. This tool can produce a range of effects, from organic backing vocals to artificial sounds.
Lastly, the compuvox panel can be used to add a computerized quality to your sounds. From old school speech synthesis to glitchy vocal effects, there are a lot of possibilities at your disposal.
In addition to the four main panels, there are also a ton of other useful features in VocalSynth. These include pitch correction, filters, distortion, and delay.
VocalSynth is a premium vocoder with a premium price tag, but it's definitely worth the investment when you consider how versatile its functions are.

3. Morphoder by Waves [79 USD]

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With Morphoder, Waves has delivered a powerful yet streamlined vocoder.
Morphoder includes a built-in synth that can be used as the carrier. The controls for this carrier are limited, giving you the option to choose from ten pre-programmed patches.
If you aren’t satisfied with the ten presets, you can also sidechain your own sound sources.
A five band EQ is used to process the output of the vocoder, while the sound can be further tweaked with formant, pressure, smoothing and release controls.
A final output section is used as a mixer for the four main parameters of morphoder. You get a slider for mixing in the carrier, the modulator, and noise. Lastly, there is a slider to control the balance for each of these elements.
While Morphoder’s controls are more limited than other plugins, there’s no denying that it’s a great sounding vocoder. The simple interface makes it easy to dial in a nice tone, which is more than can be said about a lot of other vocoders.

4. Vocalizer Pro by SONiVOX [49.99 USD]

SONiVOX is another top notch vocoder VST with some unique capabilities.
The main feature of Vocalizer Pro is its four module system. Each of these four modules can be routed in a number of creative ways, making the possibilities endless.
Each module features options for pitch shifting, filtering, and modulation using LFOs. You can mix and match how the four modules interact with each other, which will allow you to create very complex patches.
Not only is Vocalizer Pro a great studio tool, but it has been optimized for performance as well. Two rows of eight MIDI-mappable pads are included on the interface.
The top row can be used to save different presets and parameters for quick recall. The bottom row can be used for mapping chords so they can easily be sequenced from a MIDI controller.

5. Waldorf Lector [183.68 USD]

Just take one glance at Waldorf’s Lector and it will be clear that it’s a very comprehensive vocoder.
Lector’s interface is jam packed with control knobs and functions. This plugin features a two oscillator synthesizer, a dynamic filter, and a wide range of effects such as distortion, delay, and reverb.
The Lector also features 100 filter bands, meaning that you can get as detailed with your carrier as you want to.

6. Razor by Native Instruments [99 USD]

Native Instruments’ Razor is technically a soft synth, but it has a great vocoder function that comes included.
Razor’s vocoder is a feature that is easily overlooked, but it's a powerful tool once you know how to use it. After loading the vocoder into oscillator one, you can then route Razor to an audio track to use it as a sidechain carrier.
Razor is capable of creating classic vocoder sounds, but you can also get some more experimental textures out of it.
Because Razor is an additive synthesizer, it is capable of creating otherworldly sounds that sound unlike other vocoders. Everything from metallic bass to morphing atmospheres can be created with it.
Not only do you get a great vocoder when selecting Razor, but you also get a full fledged synthesizer as well. This makes the initial investment even easier to justify.

Best Free Vocoder VST Plugins

Free vocoder VSTs can be a mixed bag, so don’t waste your time downloading any duds. The following plugins are great options for producers who don’t have a large budget.

7. TAL Vocoder

Togu Audio Line (TAL) is known for producing top notch VSTs for free and their vocoder is no exception. This plugin is designed to replicate vintage vocoder sounds that were popular in the ‘80s.
TAL Vocoder features an 11 band filter as well as a built-in carrier synth. The carrier synth features a few different waveforms such as saw, pulse, and noise. It is also possible to use external sounds as the carrier.
All in all, TAL Vocoder is a simple plugin with a decent sound, especially since it won’t cost you a dime.

8. Vocovee by g200kg

Vocovee by g200kg is another free vocoder worth checking out. Its features are pretty limited, but it boasts low latency, making it ideal for performances.
The interface is fairly appealing for a free VST as well. Features include three oscillators, two LFOs, a five band EQ, and a chorus effect.

9. Vintage Vocoder by Sonicism

Sonicism’s Vintage Vocoder plugin is based off of classic analog vocoders. The interface is simple, but there are still plenty of features to mess around with.
Included is an analog style filter, a powerful filterbank for processing the modulator, and a carrier that can use up to eight oscillators.

10. 4ormulator Vocoder Extreme

Don’t let the basic graphical interface fool you, 4orumulator’s Vocoder Extreme comes packed with multiple features.
Included are up to 520 bandpass filters, a resonance control, different vocoder modes, glide control, stereo harmonic effects, LFOs, a sequencer, and much more.
For a free VST, you’d be hard pressed to find a vocoder packed with more features.

11. Cannabis Vocoder by Bitsonic

As its name suggests, Bitsonic’s Cannabis Vocoder is an odd plugin. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t have an interesting sound.
The Cannabis Vocoder excels at grungy, distorted effects. It’s parameters are limited, with just a handful of controls available on the interface. However, there are a number of built-in presets that you can explore. Each of the stock sounds feature a rather hoarse sound, hence the name.
Not many vocoders can sound like they’re hacking up a lung, but Bitsonic seems to have mastered this effect.

Conclusion

Best Free Vst Plugins

At the end of the day, you’ll have to decide what is most important to you in a vocoder. If you only intend to use them occasionally, you would do fine grabbing one or more of the excellent free plugins that are available.

Buy Vst Plugins

However, if you’re looking to revolutionize the Daft Punk sound, you should probably invest in one of the premium VSTs.
The good news is that most of the plugins on this list can be sampled before you hand over your hard earned cash. Make sure you try a few out before settling on the right one.
Have you used any of these vocoders before?
Let us know in the comments!

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