Want to jump straight to the answer? Our choice for the pitch shift plugin is the iZotope RX8 Variable Pitch!
The best detune and pitch shift plugins are superior tools that allow for the modification of tracks — whether it be vocals, synth, guitar, bass, or anything you choose. You can even use it to add more depth to your drums by lowering the pitch of the toms or kick.
To see how different harmonies work, you can’t always bring the vocalist or instrumentalist into a session. This is where detune plugins that shift pitch come in.
Detune & Pitch Shift Plugins
8 Best Detune and Pitch Shift Plugins
- iZotope RX8 Variable Pitch – Stretching guitar notes & detuning vocals
- Doubler – Provides multiple pitches of a track in one space
- Microshift – Add stereo effects for instruments and vocals
- Little AlterBoy – Dramatic voice alteration
- OVox Vocal Resynthesis – Making harmonies, melodies, beats
- Auto-Tune Pro – Industry-standard for Auto-tune
- Simple Monsters Dehumaniser – Extreme vocal manipulation
- Nectar 3 – Pitch shifter for vocals
What To Look For When Choosing a Pitch Shift or Detune Plugin
To find the best pitch shifting plugins for you, we combed through Waves, Splice, and looked into what the industry standard is for many engineers. We found the best options for you and here are the reasons.
Pricing
Detune and pitch shift plugins will probably be some of the most expensive plugins you will own. This is due to how in-depth these programs have to delve into the audio. They were made with perfection in mind, and unfortunately, perfection and detail aren’t always cheap.
Compatibility – System Requirements
All of these programs will be compatible with both macOS and Windows systems. There is always the free options like Logic’s built-in pitch shift, however, you cannot use that outside of Logic so it didn’t fit into what we were looking at on this list.
DAW Compatibility
The plugins we found and compiled will be compatible with some of the most popular DAWs in the business. And honestly, if it wasn’t able to be used by a lot of workstations, it would not make it in the industry.
Frequency of Use
The whole point of recording is to not have to use a pitch shift often because you don’t want to have to fix the vocals. However, it is unavoidable in some cases. But there are the options to use a pitch shift for harmonies and other sounds to enhance the overall sound of the song itself.
Skill Level
Most pitch shift plugins will require a bit of experience as well as skill to master. However, there are a few that work on minimum dials and buttons. But alongside that, the plugins cannot do much to shape the sound.
Table of Contents
- iZotope RX8
- Waves Doubler
- Soundtoys Microshift
- Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
- Waves OVox Vocal Resynthesis
- Antares Auto-Tune Pro
- Krotos Simple Monsters Dehumaniser
- iZotope Nectar 3
8 Best Detune and Pitch Shift Plugins
Below you will find what we think are the best pitch shift plugins on the market right now (in no specific order).
1. iZotope RX8 Variable Pitch
The must-have RX8 plugin by iZotope offers a number of sound design features including adjustment of pitch. Their variable pitch tool can be applied to any instrument or any non-musical audio track. Commonly used to stretch guitar notes, or detune vocals. The Variable Pitch function is available on both the advanced and standard versions.
- Who’s it for? Intermediate and Experienced
- Price:
- Plugin Boutique
- Splice
- Manufacturer: iZotope
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported.
| | Mac | Windows |
| Memory | 4 GB Ram 8 or more recommended | 4 GB Ram 8 or more recommended |
| Operating System | 10.8.5 – 10.15 | Windows 7 and above |
Where to find RX 8?
2. Doubler
Waves Doubler works to provide multiple pitches of a track in one space rather than layering 4 different tracks all with the same plugin, slowing down your CPU.
- Who’s it for? Intermediate and Experienced
- Price: $99
- Manufacturer: Waves
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Garageband.
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM 8 GB free disk space on the system drive | 8 GB RAM 8 GB free disk space on the system drive |
| Operating System | 10.12.6-10.15 | Windows 10 64 bit |
Where to find Doubler?
3. Microshift
Microshift is a product created by Soundtoys. It has a fantastic detune option that in combination with the rest of the plugin, provides amazing stereo effects for instruments and vocals alike. To learn more, check out this video.
- Who’s it for? Beginners and advanced
- Price: $79.99
- Manufacturer: Soundtoys
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Cubase.
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Operating System | 10.10 or later | Windows 7 or later |
Where to find Microshift?
4. Little AlterBoy
Little AlterBoy is one of the more unique options on our list. It is geared more as a tool for dramatic voice alteration. This would be the best option for creating new and interesting combinations on your tracks.
- Who’s it for? Any Skill Level
- Price: $99
- Manufacturer: Soundtoys
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Fl Studio.
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Operating System | 10.10 or later | Windows 7 or later |
Where to Find Little Alter Boy?
5. OVox Vocal Resynthesis
OVox adds a whole new method of shaping songs and tracks through combinations with both MIDI and audio. It’s a wonderful link up for creating interesting harmonies, melodies, beats, and much more.
- Who’s it for? Advanced Editors
- Price: $149
- Manufacturer: Waves
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Logic.
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive | 8 GB RAM8 GB free disk space on the system drive |
| Operating System | 10.12.6-10.15 | Windows 10 64 bit |
Where to Find OVox Vocal Resynthesis?
6. Auto-Tune Pro
Auto-Tune is one of the programs to set the standard for the industry when it comes to vocal editing. If you have any previous versions or a possible compatible replacement, look here to see if you qualify for a discount on your upgrade.
- Who’s it for? Experienced Engineers
- Price: $399
- Manufacturer: Antares
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Reason.
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Operating System | 10.11- 10.15 | Windows 8.1-10 |
Where to Find Auto-Tune Pro?
7. Simple Monsters Dehumaniser
The Dehumaniser was created by Krotos, and while it isn’t specifically a pitch shifter, it can be used to warp your vocals in unique ways. Whether you are looking for some trippy psychedelic effects or just a simple growl, this plugin has you covered.
- Who’s it for? Advanced Editors
- Price: $99
- Manufacturer: Krotos
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Studio One
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 4 GB Ram | 4 GB Ram |
| Operating System | 10.8 or later | Windows 7 or above |
Where to Find Simple Monsters Dehumaniser?
8. Nectar 3
Nectar 3 is a fantastic program created by iZotope that goes above and beyond. In its third iteration, Nectar brings the professional sound you expect from a pitch shifter while also containing many other vocal chain components.
- Who’s it for? Intermediate
- Price:
- Plugin Boutique
- Splice – $9.99/mo
- Manufacturer: iZotope
- DAW Support: All popular DAWs supported, good for Pro Tools
System Requirements:
| Mac | Windows | |
| Memory | 4 GB Ram 8 or more recommended | 4 GB Ram 8 or more recommended |
| Operating System | 10.8.5- 10.15 | Windows 7-10 |
Where to Find Nectar 3?
Tune Your Workflow
To better learn all of these products, check out their tutorials and material on each company’s website. We want you to get the best possible experience out of each product you work with and hope that you are satisfied with your upgrades.
Take the opportunity with each one to experiment with your existing tracks. I know one of the best ways to learn and find new ideas is to mess around with your pre-existing tracks and see what else you can add or change about it.
Compare Detune Plugin Pricing
| Plugin | Manufacturer | Price |
| iZotope RX7 Variable Pitch | iZotope | $15.99/mo |
| Doubler | Waves | $99 |
| Microshift | Soundtoys | $79.99 |
| Little AlterBoy | Soundtoys | $99 |
| OVox Vocal Resynthesis | Waves | $149 — Often on sale |
| Auto-Tune Pro | Antares | $99 |
| Nectar 3 | iZotope | $9.99/mo |
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.