Plugin Botique Auto Tune

Disclaimer: Links throughout the article may be affiliated. If you click and make a purchase, I get a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

At NAMM 2019 Itamar Gov-Ari from Antares shows Plugin Boutique the power of Auto-Tune Access. Auto-Tune Access is the easiest and most affordable way to start using Auto-Tune. It delivers the core Auto-Tune features with a simple and intuitive interface. Auto-Tune Pro adds automatic key and scale detection with the new Auto-Key plugin (included with your Auto-Tune Pro purchase), a Classic Mode algorithm which brings back the celebrated “Auto-Tune 5 sound,” real-time MIDI Parameter Control, and ARA (Audio Random Access) functionality for closer integration with supported host applications. Valhalla makes creative tools for audio workers. We specialize in digital reverb and analog-inspired delay plugins for musicians, engineers, and other creative audio artists. Torrent source for audio samples and plugins.

Whether you’re a home producer or work at a major recording studio, Autotune and other pitch correction software can help deal with a weak vocal performance.

MAutoPitch is a simple but great sounding automatic pitch correction plugin designed for vocals and other monophonic instruments. Besides making the audio more in-tune, MAutoPitch also provides creative features such as format shift and stereo-expansion. Freeware effects in VST plugin format: Auto-Tune (Pitch Correction) – Free alternatives to Auto-Tune by Antares. Bitcrusher – An extensive collection of freeware bitcrushers. Chorus – A selection of the best free chorus effects. Compressor (Bus/Channel) – Compressor effects for bus and channel use.

In a hurry? I love Melodyne 4 Studio from Celemony. It’s sounds incredible, leaving little to no artifacts on vocals recorded in a treated space, but are in need of a little fixing.

But Autotune isn’t reserved exclusively for pitch correction. T-Pain popularized the hard-straightened pitch, even going as far as releasing an iOS app called “I Am T-Pain.”

Plugin Botique Auto Tune

Pitch correction software can also be utilized for other instruments as well. I’ve even used VariAudio (the “Autotune” built into Cubase) on bass guitar parts that were slightly out of tune. The result was surprisingly excellent, with little to no audio artifacts.

There’s a lot you can do with Autotune and similar software.

With so many options for producers, how can you decide on which one to use? Fortunately, I’ve had the experience working with many pitch correction plugins to weed out the good from the bad.

I’m going to include both free and paid options, so please read on!

Have an interest in virtual instruments? Don’t miss my other roundups!

Table of Contents

1) Antares Auto-Tune Pro (Paid)

Auto-Tune is the original pitch correction software. It’s so popular that its name is synonymous and is more of a colloquial term.

Autotune Free Download

Antares gives you a couple of options to pick from depending on your needs — Pro, Artist, Access, or EFX+. As you’d guess, the price moves up the more features there are.

Auto-Tune is very hands-off. I’d even go as far as to say that it’s the most straightforward plugin for correcting pitch.

Pros

  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Lightweight on memory
  • Great-looking user interface

Cons

  • AUTO mode is limited
  • Difficult for beginners to use GRAPH
  • A little outdated compared

When using Auto-Tune on a vocal track in AUTO mode, set the key, the retune speed, and the amount of humanization. You should be able to hit the playback button now and hear hopefully great results.

Because it’s simplicity, I find that it doesn’t perform as well as others (when using the quick settings) that require more fine-tune vocal editing.

To fix an abysmal vocal performance, use the graph mode and hand tune each note to your liking. This process is much more complicated but yields a far better result.

I am not huge on Auto-Tune (I know many are), but it can deliver exceptional results. If you take the time to learn how to use it properly, you’ll have great-sounding vocals with ease.

Auto-Tune from Antares is available at Plugin Boutique.

2) Steinberg VariAudio — Cubase Pro (Paid)

Steinberg’s VariAudio is a pitch correction software included in Cubase Pro. It’s not a standalone plugin, so you won’t be able to use it if you don’t own Cubase Pro.

But, for those of you with Cubase who didn’t realize your DAW has pitch correction, rejoice!

I love VariAudio — so much so that I couldn’t imagine switching DAWs. I’ve been on Cubase for ten years, so I know my way around, but VariAudio is the one thing that will keep me as a forever customer.

Pros

  • Integrated into Cubase
  • Quick to edit any clip
  • Very fast and no CPU

Cons

  • Audio artifacts are very noticeable if not careful
  • Limited cutting resolution
  • Not intuitive at first

VariAudio functions similar to Melodyne and Auto-Tune’s graph mode. Double-clicking on a clip opens up the editor, where you can choose to enable VariAudio — no plugin required.

From here, it’s simple as using Pitch Quantize and Straighten Pitch on each clip. Cutting clips also helps pitch only individual sections of a waveform.

The newest version of VariAudio introduced some incredible options for adjusting pitch that make the software even more valuable.

Plugin

I highly recommend considering Cubase Pro if you plan to switch DAWs — for VariAudio exclusively!

Steinberg’s Cubase Pro is available from Plugin Fox.

3) Celemony Melodyne (Paid)

We’re moving up the price ladder, but for a good reason. Melodyne from Celemony is one of the most utilized pitch correction plugins used by professional vocal editors and producers.

Melodyne offers (to my ears) the most accurate and musical sounding algorithm, leaving no tuning artifacts that are easily recognizable to the untrained ear.

Pros

  • Incredible-sounding algorithm
  • Tons of flexibility when vocals sound poor
  • Zero audio artifacts in most cases

Cons

  • Difficult for new users
  • Rather expensive

The software has incredible note detection allowing for more accurate tuning. I find that in VariAudio, there are times that the software cannot understand individual notes, so they are omitted. It’s not too often this occurs, but Melodyne does it better.

Melodyne is available at Plugin Boutique.

4) Waves Tune (Paid)

Waves Tune operates similarly to Auto-Tune and Melodyne. Before you begin tuning, the software scans the audio track and displays audio waveforms.

The process of editing is quite similar as well, though the interface is slightly dated.

Pros

  • Included in many of Wave’s plugin bundles
  • Relatively lightweight on CPU

Cons

  • Outdated
  • Difficult to use

I have never enjoyed using Waves Tune but figured it needed a mention since Waves is one of the most popular audio plugin companies.

5) Waves Tune Real-Time (Paid)

While cheaper than the regular version of Tune, Tune Real-Time offers a quick and user-friendly experience for tuning vocals. I’d compare this plugin to using Auto-Tune on AUTO mode.

Note transition is iffy at best and artifacts are present throughout (at least when I used it). The plugin isn’t smooth sounding at all, and there aren’t many parameter changes available.

I’d recommend Real-Time for two different scenarios. The first being someone new to audio production looking to fix a vocal without technical knowledge of tuning vocals. You won’t get the most professional sound, but it will be acceptable.

The second scenario is for producers working with singers in the studio who struggle to sing on pitch.

Using a pitch-correction software can boost the confidence of the singer in the booth, though I can’t say for sure if this will lead to a better sounding vocal take.

Despite the marketing of Waves Tune Real-Time, claiming instant vocal tuning, I could envision latency becoming an issue in some home studio settings.

Free Auto-Tune VST Plugins

If you’re on the fence about which one to get or want to save a little cash, try some of these free pitch correction plugins I’ve listed below.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Pitch Correction Software Plugin

Despite all the choices I’ve laid out, you still may be confused on the correct option. Here are some things to consider before making a decision.

Does the software maker provide a trial?

If so, take the trial and check out the software! There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a plugin only to find out that it’s non-refundable.

Do you need graph editing functionality?

Graph editing, like seen in Melodyne and VariAudio, is for advanced vocal editors. If you need a quick tuning for a little enhancement of a track, you may not need to edit each note.

If you want to draw in the notes physically, a more advanced pitch correction software will be necessary.

Further features you may desire are formant control, MIDI input (for vocoder), and note straightness. These types of effects are often essential in a lot of today’s popular music.

Does your DAW already have pitch processing?

Mine does — that’s why I’ve included VariAudio in this list. Digital audio workstations like Propellerhead’s Reason and MOTU Digital Performer also come with their native pitch correction software.

Wrapping Up

Which one do I like most? If I didn’t have VariAudio included in Cubase, I’d most likely be using Melodyne exclusively. It sounds incredible, and the workflow is so intuitive.

So there you have it — my list of the best Auto-Tune/pitch correction VST plugins. Which one do you currently use in the studio? I’d love to hear from you down below in the comments. Thanks for reading!

*This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check our full disclosure policy for more details. Thanks for stopping by!

VST plugins are virtual instruments and effects for a digital audio workstation. These are the best free VST plugins to use in your music production studio.

Scroll down to browse the VST plugins based on their category. Each category page features the best free virtual instruments and effects for a specific music production task. Welcome to the internet’s most up-to-date directory of freeware VST plugins.

Free VST Plugins Directory

Autotune Download

Free VST Effects

Plugin Boutique Auto Tune Free

Freeware effects in VST plugin format:

  • Autotune – Free alternatives to Antares Auto-Tune.
  • Bitcrusher – An extensive collection of freeware bitcrushers.
  • Chorus – A selection of the best free chorus effects.
  • Compressor – Dynamic range compressor VST plugins.
  • Compressor (Multiband) – A collection of multi-band compressor effects.
  • Compressor (Sidechain) – A collection of compressor effects with side-chain input.
  • Delay/Echo – Add depth to your mix with these excellent freeware delay effects.
  • Distortion – Distort and saturate your audio with these freeware plugins.
  • EQ (Graphic) – Free graphic equalizers in VST format.
  • EQ (Linear-Phase) – Linear-phase equalizers in the VST plugin format.
  • EQ (Parametric) – Standard parametric equalizers for mixing and mastering purposes.
  • Filter – A collection of filtering effects.
  • Flanger – Free flanger VST effects.
  • Gate (Noise Gate) – Freeware VST plugins for removing noise from recordings.
  • Granulator – A collection of granular effects to really mess up your audio.
  • Guitar Amp – Large collection of virtual guitar amplifier VST plugins.
  • Guitar Cab (coming soon)
  • Limiter – Free limiter effects for mastering and mixing.
  • Phaser – The best free phaser plugins.
  • Reverb – Algorithmic reverb VST plugins.
  • Reverb (Convolution) – Convolution reverb VST plugins.
  • Saturation (Console/Tape/Tube) – Get a warmer sound using free saturation tools.
  • Stereo Enhancer – Enhance the stereo separation in your mix with these freeware effects.
  • Transient Shaper – Make the drums more prominent in a mix with these free transient shapers.
  • Vocoder – Become the next Daft Punk with these vocoder free VST plugins.

Free VST Instruments

A selection of free virtual instruments in VST plugin format:

  • Drum Machine/Synth – Instruments for synthesizing and sequencing drum sounds.
  • Organ – A collection of free organ instruments in VSTi plugin format.
  • Piano (Acoustic) – Free VST plugins that emulate acoustic pianos.
  • Piano (Electric) – Virtual instruments that emulate electric keyboards.
  • Sampler – The best freeware VST plugins for audio samples.
  • Sound Module/Workstation – A round-up of virtual instruments that function as romplers.
  • SoundFont Player – If you’re feeling old school, load your old SF2 files with these free plugins.
  • String Machine – A collection of string ensemble instruments. Jean Michel Jarre will love these!
  • Synthesizer – Best free synthesizer VST plugins.

Free VST Utilities

Other useful freeware VST plugins:

  • Arpeggiator – A collection of freeware arpeggiator VST plugins.
  • Oscilloscope – Free oscilloscope tools.
  • Spectrum Analyzer – Visualize your mix with these freeware spectrum analyzers.
  • Step Sequencer – Sequence your virtual instruments with these freeware step sequencers.

VST Host Applications

A selection of free audio editors, digital audio workstations, and other applications that host VST plugins:

  • Audio Editing Software – Audio editing programs that can host VST plugins.
  • Digital Audio Workstations – The best free DAW software.
  • Free Mastering Software – Freely downloadable VST plugins for mastering.
  • Free Music Production Software – The best free music-making tools for beginners.
  • Free Video Editing Software – Edit your music videos for free.
  • VST Host Applications – Directory of VST plugin hosts for music production and live performance.
Plugin boutique auto tuners

Free VST Plugins From Each Year

For quick access to the best VST plugins from each year, check out the articles listed below:

Find more music production tools in the Free Software Archive. The archive includes VST plugins, mobile apps, DAW software, audio editing software, and more. Browse our articles all the way back to 2009 when BPB was launched.

Developer Archives

An archive of free VST plugins that are not supported anymore. These freeware plugins are hosted on BPB with the permission of their developers.

Antares Autotune Plugin Boutique

If you’re a software developer interested in hosting your VST plugins on Bedroom Producers Blog’s servers, feel free to get in touch!

What Is A VST Plugin?

In case you’ve never used free VST plugins before, here’s a brief introduction. The acronym VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology. The technology allows music producers to load third-party audio effects and virtual instruments in their digital audio workstation. Virtual Studio Technology was introduced by Steinberg in 1996 and has made a massive impact on the way we produce music today.

A VST plugin is a software effect or a virtual instrument intended for use in a host program that supports Virtual Studio Technology. VST plugins are used to expand a digital music studio, in the same way hardware effects and instruments are utilized in a real studio. There are literally thousands of VST plugins available for free download on the internet. As a result, we have created this free VST directory to help music producers find the right tools.

Using VST Plugins

Choosing the right audio software and learning to use it properly will ensure an efficient workflow when producing music. Therefore, make sure to familiarize yourself with the software available in your VST plugin folder. No one wants to use a complex plugin for the first time during a critical mixing session.

Step 1: The DAW

First of all, you need to choose the right digital audio workstation. The decision to use freeware or commercial music production software is up to you and your budget. The first thing to keep in mind when choosing your DAW is the workflow. Is the interface intuitive? Does the control layout seem logical to you? Does the application provide all the recording and mixing features you’ll require? And most importantly, can it host VST plugins?

The best free digital audio workstations right now are Tracktion 7 and Cakewalk by BandLab. Both applications can load VST plugins.

Step 2: Downloading Free VST plugins

Now that you’ve picked your DAW, you’re all set to start building your collection of free VST plugins. Remember to always go for quality instead of quantity. The biggest mistake people make when discovering Virtual Studio Technology and the world of free VST plugins is to download hundreds of freebies and to hoard them on the hard drive. This is bad for your workflow and productivity. Imagine all the clutter and chaos in a real-world studio stacked with hundreds of hardware instruments and effects that no one will ever use. You don’t want such a mess in your virtual studio, either.

Stay organized when choosing your virtual instruments and effects. This page is a great place to start because we’ve listed only the best freeware VST plugins in each category.

What you need is a small but mighty collection of audio software that will cover all of your music production needs. Take the time to examine the plugins on offer and keep only the ones that you really need. Keep your mixing toolbox lightweight and efficient. Limit yourself to no more than three virtual compressors, equalizers, synthesizers, etc. Install only the tools that best suit your workflow and learn how to use them. Read the manuals, watch the video tutorials, and spend some time experimenting with your free VST plugins.

Step 3: Staying up to date

Finally, keep your plugins up to date. Developers often release updated versions of their freeware plugins, which include essential bug fixes and additional features. Keep an eye on our news section to stay informed about the latest updates of popular VST plugins. Also, consider subscribing to our email newsletter to receive the latest freeware news straight to your email inbox.

If you’re looking for even more freeware plugins for your DAW, check out the huge database over at KVR Audio.

Updated on February 21st, 2020.