Autotune is a vocal processor that is used to create the impression of singing in perfect pitch. It works by analyzing the singer’s voice and correcting any errors in pitch or timing, making it sound like they are singing perfectly.
Can Autotune Be Used Live? I’m sure you’ve heard this question before; people want to know if auto-tune can be done live on stage, during performances.
The answer is yes! Many singers use auto-tunes live because it helps them sing more efficiently without worrying about pitch problems and focusing more on their performance.
Let’s get into the details on how exactly auto-tune is used live and its pros and cons.
Before we get into details, lets first look at what auto-tune is:
What is Autotune?
Autotune is a vocal processor created by sound engineers that can create the impression of singing in perfect pitch. It works by analyzing the singer’s voice and correcting any errors in pitch or timing, making it sound like they are singing perfectly.
Some singers use auto-tune for various reasons, and some do it because their voices just don’t fit the song. Auto-Tune software gives them an opportunity to have more control over how they sound in certain situations by pitching up or down as needed!
Many music producers used auto-tune in a recording studio after singers recorded the vocals. It is applied to recorded songs post-production.
It is now an essential part of pop music in the music industry and can be heard in over 50% of the popular music played on the radio.
It is so common that most listeners don’t even realize when songs are using auto-tune!
How Do Singers Use Autotune Live On Stage Then?
Most singers do not use processing directly during their live shows; instead, they’ll rely on pitch correction tools like vocal effects pedals to help them stay on the pitch while singing.
Effectively this means they’re still relying heavily on post-production techniques for live performances if they want to sound perfect.
Autotune is a bit more difficult to use in live shows than in a music studio. The singer would have to sing into a microphone and then run that signal through an auto-tune processor.
The big problem here is latency; when using tools like this in live settings, the vocal effects need to be in time with your singing.
If there’s too much delay between when you’re singing, and processing happens, it will sound awful!
Even though many may think that there’s no real difference between using auto-tune on stage or in a recording studio, there are some downsides to using it live.
Why Do Singers Use Auto-tune Live?
There may be different reasons why singers use auto-tune during a live performance:
To fix Their Pitch
Not all singers have the perfect pitch, especially during a live show. Some singers use auto-tune to correct the bad notes and create a better performance.
It is always hard to have the perfect pitch all the time during a live show, especially when you also need to perform to your fans.
Some singers might need to dance while singing, or some may need to run around the stage to make the show more entertaining.
You might be having a tour, and your voice can get tired. In this case, you cannot focus on singing all the time perfectly and will eventually have lots of flat notes.
So singers use auto-tune to make their performance better and sing in a better pitch. By using auto-tune, singers have more confidence and will have a better performance knowing there is a software which will help them sing better.
To Create an Auto-Tuned Effect on Their Voice
Some singers may also use auto-tune as their signature tone. Autotune can be used so that it gives out robotic effects and changes the human voice.
This effect can be used to give a unique tone and also create an effect on the voice. This is mainly done by pop singers who want their voices to have a different type of sound which will attract more fans.
For Making a Harmony
Many auto-tune software has the ability to give out a harmony or the ability to shift the octave up or down.
Singers may sometimes use this effect to create harmony and make the performance better.
What Are the Downsides Of Using Autotune?
Using auto-tune live means you are changing how your voice sounds on stage, which can distract the audience.
If it is noticeable that you’re using some sort of vocal processing, that takes away from what they came for; a great, pure performance from the singer!
It’s also important to mention that auto-tuning vocals will not fix all mistakes in pitch or timing. It only fixes minor issues, so if there are big problems with singing. It is best to stop and start over again rather than attempt to fix them through post-production techniques like this one.
Using too much auto-tuned effect in live performances will cause problems with how people perceive you as an artist.
When someone hears something that sounds perfectly tuned all the time, they’ll stop listening because their brain becomes bored quickly by this constant perfection.
They will know and suspect that you are using some kind of tools to control your voice which many fans don’t want.
This is why most artists, even the top ones like Ariana Grande, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Taylor Swift, and many more, never use full-on auto-tune or not at all during their shows, so it’s important not to overdo it either!
If you are using too much auto-tune, the sound can also get robotic and annoying to the audience.
In short, processing your voice with auto-tune live can be a great way to help you stay on pitch, but remember that it is not meant as a full-on replacement for learning how to sing properly!
As long as you’re using this tool in moderation and know when enough is enough, then it should actually make your performances sound better than ever before!
Conclusion
Many singers use auto-tune live. Music artists like Lady Gaga, Kayne West, Cher, Justine Bieber used auto-tune. They used it for styling the voice or to correct their pitch when they sing.
Using too much auto-tuned vocals in live performances will cause problems with how people perceive you as an artist.
As long as you’re using this tool in moderation and know when enough is enough, then it should actually make your performances sound better than ever before!
