Auto-Tune was a game changer that took off right from its start in 1997. A whole other world of possibilities was opened up for creators. It made demos and final projects easier than ever to make. Up until that point, producers and engineers thought a program such as this couldn’t be viable due to how much computer processing power would be required. Then Andy Hildebrand came into the scene and blew everyone away.
However, for one reason or another, people will either not be able to use or even not want to use Antares Auto-Tune. Or you could just be shopping around to see other options for Antares alternatives. It is a widely used plugin that many other companies have imitated and made their own. Each iteration of this concept has unique capabilities that set it apart from the rest all while staying similar to the original. Here we are taking a basic look at Antares Auto-Tune as well as similar products that can be great alternatives for you.
Quicklook at Antares Alternatives
- Antares Through Soundtrap
- Melodyne from Celemony
- Nectar 3 from iZotope
- Waves Tune Real-Time from Waves
Antares Quick Review
Why Users Like Antares Auto-Tune
Who doesn’t like innovators? Antares as a company came out with a cool plugin that completely revolutionized the way vocal production was approached. It is an easy to use plugin that can be subtle and unnoticeable or it could be open and obvious in its use. Antares has evolved its design and sound over the years and even though it has a cleaner and less noticeable sound now, people still want that old autotune sound which is still attainable with the “Classic” mode in the plugin itself.
Compatibility:
- Mac
- 10.11 – 10.15
- Windows
- 8.1 – 10
Price:
1. Antares Through Soundtrap
The easiest DAW to access is Soundtrap, and it has its own Auto-Tune which is powered by Antares. Everything you could need is included in Soundtrap especially when it comes to vocal production. Using the built-in Auto-Tune will work at the same level as Auto-Tune Pro.
Compatibility:
- All that is required is an up to date web browser.
Price:
- Music Makers Premium – $9.99 per month
- Music Makers Supreme – $14.99 per month
- Complete – $17.99 per month
2. Melodyne – Celemony
The biggest difference between Melodyne and Auto-Tune is the way it approaches the vocal correction. Antares has its primary method as automatic correction to the key, with a secondary method of going in and addressing the notes individually on a graph. Melodyne focuses on the graph side more than anything else. That being said, it is one of the best for pitch correction out there and a great fit as one of the Antares alternatives.
Features like Antares Auto-Tune:
- Correction Strength Control
- Key Detection (You can use the Scale Detective to determine the key, so it is a sort of key detection)
- Real-Time Correction
Compatibility:
- Mac
- 10.2 or Higher
- Windows
- 10 or higher
Price:
3. Nectar 3 – iZotope
So Nectar 3 is a plugin suite for vocals that includes a pitch correction tool. The Nectar 3 pitch correction is powered by Celemony, who makes Melodyne. However, the pitch correction in Nectar 3 works more similarly to Antares Auto-Tune, especially in its User Interface. It works extremely well for either smooth or obvious correction, and if you would like to learn how to get that Auto-Tune sound, check out this video tutorial.
Features like Antares Auto-Tune:
- Real-Time Correction
- Easy Interface
- Strength and Speed Controls
Compatibility:
- Mac
- 10.11.6 – 10.15
- Windows
- 7 – 10
Price:
- Elements –
- Plugin Boutique – $129
- Plus –
- Plugin Boutique – $249
- Splice – $9.99 a month for 25 months
4. Waves Tune Real-Time – Waves
I initially was going to include Waves Tune itself, however, upon further analysis, Waves Tune Real-Time was closer to Antares Auto-Tune. In the way it functions, Waves Tune Real-Time fits the bill. Like the title says it functions in real-time (Waves Tune does not). There are many videos showing how to use it but it’s super easy to attain sounds like Auto-Tune itself.
To see a direct comparison of Waves Tune Real Time and Antares Click Here.
Features like Antares Auto-Tune:
- Real-Time Correction
- Low Latency Response Time
- Corrects Vibrato
Compatibility:
- Mac
- 10.12.6 – 10.15
- Windows
- 10
Price:
- Waves – $199
Get it Right Eventually
I’ll be the first in line to push a vocalist to get the vocal take right in the recording itself to avoid correcting it after. However, it still can be super useful even when they get it right. Auto-Tune tightens up a vocal take and can add its own unique effect on top of the take. You can even layer it in underneath for depth. Sometimes a vocalist just isn’t getting it right and you need to end the session because everyone is frustrated. Maybe the next day you come back and the takes weren’t that bad and just needed a little help, and a quick plugin fixes everything. That’s your job as the engineer/producer to get the sound everyone is wanting to hear and sometimes it takes just a little Auto-Tune.
If you would like to learn more about each of these plugins we have more reviews and comparisons available for you here.
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Jarrett is a hardcore Lover-Jazz Lover-Rock Lover-Blues Lover-just a music lover. He has the hair to match — Jarrett and provides in-depth insight into all things guitar and music engineering.