Up close and personal with Auto-Tune 7's new Graphical Mode MIDI note functionality

Welcome to the latest in our more in-depth looks at the key new capabilities in Auto-Tune 7. Last time, we looked at Auto-Tune 7's context-sensitive time editing tools. This time we'll be taking a closer look at Auto-Tune 7's new Graphical Mode MIDI functions.

Notes Via MIDI

Ever since Auto-Tune 3, it's been possible to use MIDI information in Automatic Mode to specify target notes in real time. Now, with Auto-Tune 7, we've extended MIDI functionality to Graphical Mode with the ability to record a MIDI input and use the recorded MIDI notes to create Note Correction Objects.

So why, you might be asking yourself, would I want to use MIDI to create target notes in Graphical Mode? Here are a few good reasons:

• It's an extremely quick and easy way to set the target notes of a known melody line or create harmony parts from the original vocal (although, if you're often generating harmony parts, we highly recommend our Harmony Engine® Evo Vocal Modeling Harmony Generator as the most efficient solution).
• If you're going for the Auto-Tune Vocal Effect, you can use your MIDI sequencer to design exactly the melodic effect you want and then use the Notes Via MIDI function to force your vocal to those notes. (Make sure you've set all notes to a Retune Speed of "0".)
• If you're making one of those insanely popular YouTube videos where you create a melody out of someone's spoken words, you can create your melody as MIDI notes and use Auto-Tune 7's Graphical Mode time editing tools to match the spoken words to your melody.

Here's How

It's really easy. Simply route your MIDI source to Auto-Tune 7. Depending on your intent, the MIDI data could come from a pre-recorded MIDI sequencer track or in real time from a MIDI controller (typically a keyboard). Your MIDI data will be automatically recorded whenever you track pitch or pitch + time. Just click the "Show MIDI" button to display the MIDI information as red boxes on the Pitch Graph display as shown below. (In this case, we're using the MIDI function to create an entirely different melody.)

As mentioned above, you can use Auto-Tune 7's time editing tools to adjust the timing of your recorded audio track to match your MIDI melody. When you're satisfied that everything is as you want it, just click the "Make Notes From MIDI" button and all of your MIDI notes will be transformed into Note correction objects and will force your vocal track to those notes.

And that's all there is to it. Incredibly easy, but incredibly powerful.

Next time: Note-by-note throat length adjustment

In the meantime, learn all about Auto-Tune 7, then download a fully functional time-limited trial version (iLok smart key and ilok.com account required) and try it out on your own projects. Then head on over to your local Antares dealer or our online store and get a copy of your own.

Thanks,

- The Whole Antares Crew

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