Uhm!
Antares Auto-Tune isn't new to the game, in fact, it was introduced in 1997 by Antares Audio Technologies, which was developed for the correction of off-key inaccuracies, allowing vocal tracks to be perfectly tuned. It does more than that now, it can be used for instrumental music recording, performances, and more.
In this review guide, you would learn...
- The Features of Auto-Tune EFX+
- If it is worth using at all
- Prices
- and more, let's dive in...
Auto-Tune EFX+ shouldn't be confused with Auto-Tune Pro, while they are both developed by the same manufacturer, they are a bit different, EFX+ is the combination of the core features of Auto-Tune Pro with the extensive Auto-EFX multi-effects rack, and Auto-Motion pitch-shifting melodic pattern generator.
I'll get back to what the multi-effects racks and Auto-Motion pitch-shifting melodic pattern generator does in a moment, let's eat the snacks one after the order ;)
One of the issues I have with the auto-tuning plugin is the latency, and the fix I use is by recording the vocalist with no auto-tuning plugin right off the bat, and well, that's a little secret to record a perfect shot, I personally find it easy to start with no auto-tune on my fx channel, but what if you are recording a live band/performances?
This is where ultra-low latency is of utmost importance, with the Auto-Tune EFX+, you can assure yourself of a professional solution with low latency for live performance or if you so wish! - tracking in the studio.
It also has a fully adjustable Retune Speed and Humanizes parameters that let you fine-tune the desired effect for your tracks, from transparent pitch correction to the full Auto-Tune Effect.
I don't know if you've heard of Auto-Key, it is a software developed by the same manufacturer which automatically find the key of your track before tuning, the bad side is, it is sold separately, and the good side is, EFX+ is compatible with Auto-Key, it can detect the key and scale and sends that information to Auto-Tune EFX+ with a single click. Mind-blowing!
Back to the Multi-Effects Rack, and Auto-Motion Melodic Pattern Generator
Auto-Tune EFX+ Multi-Effects Rack
The Multi-Effects Rack opens a world of creative possibilities, it features six different effects modules, an XY Pad for real-time parameter control, and a library of multi-effects patches designed by industry-leading producers, composers, and sound designers: Mike Dean, Jeff Rona, and Richard Devine.
Whether you are planning to add subtle enhancements or extreme vocal mutation, Mr. Multi-Effects Rack is the dude you should call.
Multi-Effects Rack Features are as follows:
- Pitch and Throat: for real-time pitch and formant shifting
- Duet: for realistic doubling, with adjustable pitch and timing variation
- Vocode: for vintage analog vocoder emulations
- Tube Amp: for analog tube distortion modeling
- Mutate: for ring-modulated audio mutation
- Filter: a high-pass filter for EQ and special effects
Auto-Tune EFX+ Auto-Motion Melodic Pattern Generator
Auto-Motion melodic pattern generator lets you create new melodic patterns and hooks by automatically pitch-shifting your original vocal or instrumental tracks.
Auto-Motion features an extensive library of melodic patterns that intelligently adapt to match the key and tempo of your project.
Auto-Motion also includes three different Trigger Modes, so you can trigger patterns manually, toggle them on and off, or automatically trigger when an incoming pitch is detected.
Watch the video sneak peek and move on to the next section!
Video SneakPeek
Is Auto-Tune EFX+ Worth Using?
Depends!
I hate it when vocalist depends on autotune to automatically correct their damn pitch inaccuracies, tools are meant to assist us, and not meant to use us. Anyways, these are the group of users I think autotune EFX+ is recommended for:
- You have Auto-Tune Pro and want to benefit from the features of EFX+, e.g, the multi-effects rack and melodic pattern generator.
- You are a pretty good vocalist but have an issue taking vocal due to some minor pitch issue, you can use auto-tune to circumvent this.
- For Vocal Training, Auto-tuning can help you learn to sing better, auto-tune is created to correct pitch inaccuracy right? why not use it as an aid to singing better.
- For Live Performances
- To create an effect, think Hip-hop, or say T-Pain kinda vibes, you get the idea, all in all, you need to know what you are doing.
Auto-tune EFX+ is not recommended for:
- Users that are satisfied with the version of the AutoTune Pro, or don't want to benefit from the features of the EFX+
- Those that don't know how to sing in tune, seriously, it won't make you any better, oh, well, you still have the option to create an effect with it, think T-Pain, at this point, it is aggressively controlling the pitches
- If you can't afford it, here are some free ones: Free Autotune Plugin
- If you can sing in tune!
Auto-Tune EFX+ Pricing
It is reasonably priced at $199.00 at the time of writing this review, compared to Auto-Tune Pro which is priced at $399.00, of course, the features are different, but if you are already a user of Auto-Tune Pro, I'll recommend you stick to that as that would cover plentiful of features.
If you are just getting started, you can opt for EFX+ as it provides the core features of Autotune Pro, with some nice and newly added features that would cater you use cases, enjoy mate!
System Requirements:
Mac
AAX Native (64-bit only)
- Pro Tools 11.3.1 or later.
- Mac OS 10.10.5 to 10.14 as required by your version of Pro Tools.
VST3 (64-bit only)
- A compatible VST host program that supports the VST3 format.
- Mac OS 10.10.5 to 10.14 as required by your host.
VST2 (64-bit only)
- A compatible VST host program that supports the VST2 format.
- Mac OS 10.10.5 to 10.14 as required by your host.
Audio Units (64-bit only)
- A compatible host program that supports the AU format.
- Mac OS 10.10.5 to 10.14 as required by your host.
Windows
AAX Native (64-bit only)
- Pro Tools 11.3.1 or later.
- Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 as required by your version of Pro Tools.
VST3 (64-bit only)
- A compatible host program that supports the VST3 format.
- Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 as required by your host.
VST2 (64-bit only)
- A compatible host program that supports the VST3 format.
- Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 as required by your host.