Pitch Monster 1.2.1 Review: A Beast of a Plugin for Vocal Production and Sound Design
Devious Machines Pitch Monster 1.2.1: A Review
If you are If you are looking for a vocal effects plugin that can do it all, from subtle enhancement to extreme transformation, you might want to check out Pitch Monster by Devious Machines. Pitch Monster is a powerful and versatile plugin that allows you to manipulate the pitch, formant, and timbre of any vocal or audio signal in real time, using a combination of granular, formant-shifting and vocoder engines. Whether you want to create harmonies, chords, choirs, robotic melodies, gender-bending, animalistic, or alien-like vocal sounds, or modulate your vocals with other audio sources, Pitch Monster can help you achieve your creative vision with ease and flexibility.
Devious Machines Pitch Monster 1.2.1
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In this article, we will review Pitch Monster 1.2.1, the latest version of the plugin, and see what makes it unique and powerful. We will also explain the concept of pitch shifting and why it is important for vocal production, how Pitch Monster works and what it can do, how to use Pitch Monster in your vocal production workflow, and what are the pros and cons of Pitch Monster. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Pitch Monster's features and benefits, and whether it is the right plugin for you.
What is Pitch Shifting and Why is it Important for Vocal Production?
Pitch shifting is the process of changing the pitch (or frequency) of an audio signal without changing its duration (or speed). Pitch shifting can be used to create various vocal effects and transformations, such as pitch correction, tuning adjustment, harmonization, chord generation, robotization, gender swapping, animalization, alienization, or vocoding. Pitch shifting can also be used for sound design purposes, such as creating soundscapes, atmospheres, textures, risers, drops, or impacts from vocals or other sources.
There are different techniques and methods for pitch shifting, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common techniques are:
The Direct Technique
The direct technique is the simplest and oldest technique for pitch shifting. It works by changing the playback speed of the audio signal, which also changes its pitch. For example, if you play a recording faster than its original speed, it will sound higher in pitch; if you play it slower than its original speed, it will sound lower in pitch.
The advantage of the direct technique is that it is easy to implement and does not require complex algorithms or processing power. The disadvantage of the direct technique is that it also changes the duration and timbre of the audio signal, which can result in unnatural or distorted sounds. For example, if you use the direct technique to raise the pitch of a human voice by an octave (12 semitones), it will sound like a chipmunk; if you use it to lower the pitch by an octave, it will sound like a monster.
The Phase Vocoder Technique
The phase vocoder technique is a more advanced and sophisticated technique for pitch shifting. It works by using the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) to analyze the frequency and phase components of the audio signal in small segments (or windows), then manipulate them according to the desired pitch shift amount, and then synthesize them back into a new audio signal using the inverse STFT.
The advantage of the phase vocoder technique is that it preserves the duration and timbre of the audio signal better than the direct technique. The disadvantage of the phase vocoder technique is that it requires more complex algorithms and processing power than the direct technique. It also introduces some artifacts such as phasing issues or metallic sounds due to the windowing process and the phase manipulation.
The Time Stretching and Pitch Scaling Technique
The time stretching and pitch scaling technique is another advanced and sophisticated technique for pitch shifting. It works by using algorithms that can separate the pitch from the speed of the audio signal, and then change them independently. For example, if you want to raise the pitch of an audio signal by an octave without changing its duration, you can use an algorithm that doubles its frequency components while preserving its time components; if you want to double its duration without changing its pitch, you can use an algorithm that halves its frequency components while preserving its time components.
The advantage of the time stretching and pitch scaling technique is that it allows more flexibility and control over the pitch shifting process than the direct or phase vocoder techniques. The disadvantage of the time stretching and pitch scaling technique is that it requires more complex algorithms and processing power than the direct or phase vocoder techniques. It also introduces some artifacts such as transient smearing or spectral distortion due to the pitch scaling process.
As you can see, pitch shifting is a complex and challenging task that requires careful consideration of the trade-offs between quality, performance, and flexibility. That's why you need a plugin that can handle pitch shifting with ease and efficiency, while offering you a range of creative possibilities. That's where Pitch Monster comes in.
How Does Pitch Monster Work and What Can It Do?
Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that uses a combination of granular, formant-shifting and vocoder engines to achieve extreme pitch shifting effects. It has four main modes: Harmonise, Formant, MIDI, and Vocoder. Each mode has its own set of parameters that allow you to control and shape the pitch shifting process. Let's take a look at each mode and what it can do.
Harmonise Mode
Harmonise mode allows you to create up to 8 voices of polyphony with different pitch intervals. You can use the interval knobs to set the pitch shift amount for each voice, from -24 to +24 semitones. You can also use the chord memories to store and recall up to 8 different chord shapes, or use MIDI control to play the pitches from your MIDI keyboard or controller. You can also use the unison, jitter and spread functions to add more richness and variation to the harmonies.
Harmonise mode is great for creating harmonies, chords, choirs, or robotic melodies from a single vocal input. You can use it to enhance your vocal tracks with backing vocals, create lush pads or drones, or generate catchy hooks or leads. You can also use it to create interesting effects such as octave doubling, fifth harmony, or parallel harmony.
Formant Mode
Formant mode allows you to change the vocal timbre without affecting the pitch. You can use the formant knob to shift the formant frequencies of the vocal signal, from -12 to +12 semitones. You can also use the throat length knob to adjust the length of the virtual vocal tract, from 50% to 200%. You can also use the gender control knob to change the gender of the vocal signal, from male to female or vice versa. You can also use the vowel morphing knob to morph between different vowel sounds, such as A, E, I, O, U. You can also use the humanize function to add some random variation to the formant shifting process.
Formant mode is great for creating gender-bending, animalistic, or alien-like vocal sounds from any vocal input. You can use it to change the character or mood of your vocals, create funny or scary effects, or explore new sonic territories. You can also use it to correct or enhance the formant frequencies of your vocals, such as making them sound more natural or more expressive.
MIDI Mode
MIDI mode allows you to play Pitch Monster like an instrument with your MIDI keyboard or controller. You can use the glide time knob to adjust the glide time between notes, from 0 ms to 1000 ms. You can also use the legato mode button to enable or disable legato mode, which affects how Pitch Monster responds to overlapping notes. You can also use the key tracking button to enable or disable key tracking, which affects how Pitch Monster responds to different note velocities. You can also use the velocity sensitivity knob to adjust how much Pitch Monster changes its output level according to note velocities, from 0% to 100%. You can also use the pitch bend knob to adjust how much Pitch Monster changes its output pitch according to pitch bend messages, from 0 semitones to 24 semitones.
MIDI mode is great for creating expressive and dynamic vocal performances from any vocal input. You can use it to play melodies, chords, arpeggios, or scales with your vocals, create pitch bends, vibratos, or glissandos, or control the dynamics and expression of your vocals with your keyboard or controller. You can also use it to create realistic or synthetic vocal instruments, such as vocal synths, vocal pads, vocal leads, or vocal basses.
Vocoder Mode
Vocoder mode allows you to modulate your vocal signal with another audio source (carrier), such as a synth or a drum loop. You can use the carrier type knob to select the type of carrier signal, such as internal synth, external sidechain, or external MIDI. You can also use the carrier mix knob to adjust the balance between the carrier and the modulator signals, from 0% to 100%. You can also use the bands number knob to adjust the number of frequency bands used for the vocoder process, from 4 to 64. You can also use the bands width knob to adjust the width of each frequency band, from 0% to 100%. You can also use the bands tilt knob to adjust the tilt of the frequency bands, from -100% to 100%. You can also use the bands shift knob to adjust the shift of the frequency bands, from -24 semitones to 24 semitones.
Vocoder mode is great for creating classic or modern vocoder effects from any vocal input. You can use it to make your vocals sound like a robot, a computer, a radio, or a telephone. You can also use it to blend your vocals with other sounds, such as synths, drums, guitars, or pianos. You can also use it to create rhythmic or melodic patterns with your vocals, or add texture or movement to your vocals.
How to Use Pitch Monster in Your Vocal Production Workflow?
Now that you know how Pitch Monster works and what it can do, you might be wondering how to use it in your vocal production workflow. Here are some practical tips on how to use Pitch Monster effectively in different scenarios and genres.
How to Use Pitch Monster for Subtle Vocal Enhancement?
If you want to use Pitch Monster for subtle vocal enhancement, such as pitch correction, tuning adjustment, formant correction, or stereo widening of vocals, here are some steps you can follow:
Insert Pitch Monster as an insert effect on your vocal track.
Select Harmonise mode and set the interval knobs to zero for all voices except the first one.
Use the pitch knob to adjust the pitch of the first voice until it matches the desired tuning. You can also use MIDI control or chord memories to fine-tune the pitch according to the key and scale of your song.
Use the formant knob to adjust the formant of the first voice until it matches the desired timbre. You can also use the throat length knob or the gender control knob to fine-tune the formant according to the vocal characteristics of your singer.
Use the unison function to add some subtle detuning and stereo widening to the first voice. You can also use the jitter and spread functions to add some subtle variation and movement to the first voice.
Adjust the output level and mix knobs until you achieve a balanced and natural sound.
How to Use Pitch Monster for Creative Vocal Transformation?
If you want to use Pitch Monster for creative vocal transformation effects, such as harmonization, chord generation, robotization, gender swapping, animalization, alienization, or vocoding, here are some steps you can follow:
Insert Pitch Monster as an insert effect on your vocal track.
Select one of the four modes (Harmonise, Formant, MIDI, or Vocoder) according to the type of effect you want to create.
Use the mode-specific parameters (such as interval knobs in Harmonise mode, formant knob in Formant mode, glide time knob in MIDI mode, or carrier type knob in Vocoder mode) to shape and control the pitch shifting process.
Use the output level and mix knobs to adjust the level and balance of the effect.
Experiment with different settings and combinations until you find the effect that suits your creative vision.
How to Use Pitch Monster for Sound Design Purposes?
If you want to use Pitch Monster for sound design purposes, such as creating soundscapes, atmospheres, textures, risers, drops, or impacts from vocals or other sources, here are some steps you can follow:
Insert Pitch Monster as an insert or send effect on your source track.
Select one of the four modes (Harmonise, Formant, MIDI, or Vocoder) according to the type of sound you want to create.
Use the mode-specific parameters (such as interval knobs in Harmonise mode, formant knob in Formant mode, glide time knob in MIDI mode, or carrier type knob in Vocoder mode) to shape and control the pitch shifting process.
Use the modulation section to add some modulation to the pitch shifting parameters, such as LFOs, envelopes, or randomizers. You can also use MIDI control or automation to modulate the parameters over time.
Use the effects section to add some effects to the pitch shifted signal, such as distortion, chorus, delay, or reverb. You can also use external effects plugins to further process the signal.
Adjust the output level and mix knobs until you achieve a balanced and interesting sound.
What are the Pros and Cons of Pitch Monster?
Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that offers a lot of features and benefits for vocal production and sound design. However, it also has some drawbacks and limitations that you should be aware of. Here are some of the pros and cons of Pitch Monster:
Pros
Pitch Monster is a powerful and versatile plugin that can achieve extreme pitch shifting effects with ease and flexibility.
Pitch Monster has four main modes (Harmonise, Formant, MIDI, and Vocoder) that allow you to create different types of vocal effects and transformations.
Pitch Monster has a lot of parameters and functions that allow you to control and shape the pitch shifting process in detail.
Pitch Monster has a modulation section that allows you to add some modulation to the pitch shifting parameters, such as LFOs, envelopes, or randomizers.
Pitch Monster has an effects section that allows you to add some effects to the pitch shifted signal, such as distortion, chorus, delay, or reverb.
Pitch Monster has a simple and intuitive user interface that makes it easy to use and navigate.
Pitch Monster has a low CPU usage and latency that makes it suitable for live performance and real-time processing.
Pitch Monster has a reasonable price tag that makes it affordable for most users.
Cons
Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that is specialized for pitch shifting effects. It does not offer other types of vocal effects such as compression, EQ, de-essing, or reverb. You might need to use other plugins or tools to complement Pitch Monster's features.
Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that is designed for extreme pitch shifting effects. It might not be suitable for subtle or natural vocal enhancement or correction. You might need to use other plugins or tools to achieve more realistic or transparent results.
Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that requires some learning curve and experimentation to master its features and functions. It might not be very user-friendly or intuitive for beginners or casual users. You might need to spend some time and effort to understand how Pitch Monster works and what it can do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that can do it all, from subtle enhancement to extreme transformation. It is a powerful and versatile plugin that allows you to manipulate the pitch, formant, and timbre of any vocal or audio signal in real time, using a combination of granular, formant-shifting and vocoder engines. Whether you want to create harmonies, chords, choirs, robotic melodies, gender-bending, animalistic, or alien-like vocal sounds, or modulate your vocals with other audio sources, Pitch Monster can help you achieve your creative vision with ease and flexibility.
If you are interested in Pitch Monster and want to try it out for yourself, you can download a demo version from the Devious Machines website. The demo version has all the features of the full version except for saving presets and automation. If you like Pitch Monster and want to buy it, you can you can buy it for $99 from the Devious Machines website or from other online retailers. Pitch Monster is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Pitch Monster is a vocal effects plugin that can take your vocal production and sound design to the next level. It is a plugin that can unleash your creativity and imagination, and help you create amazing vocal sounds that you never thought possible. If you are looking for a plugin that can do it all, Pitch Monster might be the one for you.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pitch Monster:
What are the system requirements for Pitch Monster?
Pitch Monster requires a 64-bit Windows or Mac OS system with at least 4 GB of RAM and a compatible host application that supports VST, VST3, AU, or AAX formats.
How do I install and activate Pitch Monster?
To install Pitch Monster, you need to download the installer file from the Devious Machines website or from your online retailer. Then, you need to run the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen. To activate Pitch Monster, you need to enter your license key that you received via email after purchasing the plugin. You can also activate Pitch Monster offline by using a challenge-response system.
How do I update Pitch Monster?
To update Pitch Monster, you need to download the latest installer file from the Devious Machines website or from your online retailer. Then, you need to run the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen. The installer will overwrite the previous version of Pitch Monster with the new one.
How do I get support for Pitch Monster?
If you need support for Pitch Monster, you can contact Devious Machines via email at support@deviousmachines.com or via their online contact form. You can also visit their website for more information, tutorials, videos, and user manuals.
How do I get more presets for Pitch Monster?
Pitch Monster comes with over 200 presets that cover a wide range of vocal effects and transformations. You can also create your own presets by using the save and load functions in the plugin interface. You can also share your presets with other users by using the export and import functions in the plugin interface.
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