Hey guys! So, you're looking to dive into the world of Autotune in FL Studio 20? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Whether you're aiming for that hyper-realistic, pitch-perfect vocal or the super trendy, stylized Autotune effect, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover setting up Autotune, tweaking parameters, and getting that perfect sound you're after. Let's get started!

Understanding Autotune and Its Uses

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of using Autotune in FL Studio 20, let's take a moment to understand what Autotune actually is and why it's become such a staple in modern music production. At its core, Autotune is a pitch correction software. It analyzes incoming audio signals, typically vocals, and automatically corrects any deviations from the intended pitch. This can range from subtle adjustments that smooth out minor imperfections to dramatic transformations that create a robotic, almost synthesized vocal effect.

The use of Autotune is incredibly diverse. On one end of the spectrum, it's employed to gently refine vocal performances, ensuring that every note hits its mark without sounding artificial. In this scenario, the goal is transparency – listeners shouldn't even realize that Autotune is being used. On the other end, Autotune is deliberately used as a creative effect, pushing the boundaries of vocal manipulation to create unique and distinctive sounds. Think of artists like Travis Scott or T-Pain, who have popularized the use of Autotune as a signature element of their musical style. Their vocals are heavily processed to achieve that instantly recognizable, robotic quality.

Beyond its applications in music, Autotune has also found its way into other areas of audio production, such as podcasts and voiceovers. In these contexts, it can be used to clean up vocal tracks, remove unwanted pitch variations, and ensure a consistent and professional sound. Understanding the different ways Autotune can be used is crucial for effectively incorporating it into your own productions. Whether you're aiming for subtle enhancements or bold transformations, knowing the capabilities of Autotune will empower you to achieve your desired sonic results.

Choosing the Right Autotune Plugin

Okay, so you're ready to start tuning! The first thing you'll need is an Autotune plugin. Now, FL Studio doesn't come with Autotune built-in, so you'll need to grab a third-party plugin. Luckily, there are tons of options out there, both free and paid. Let's break down some popular choices:

• Antares Auto-Tune: This is the industry standard, guys. When people say "Autotune," this is often what they're talking about. It's packed with features and known for its high-quality pitch correction. It's a paid plugin, but many pros swear by it. Antares offers various versions, from Auto-Tune Access for basic tuning to Auto-Tune Pro for advanced control.
• Celemony Melodyne: While technically not just an Autotune plugin, Melodyne is a powerful tool for pitch correction and manipulation. It uses a different approach than Auto-Tune, allowing you to edit individual notes within a vocal performance. It's great for more surgical pitch correction and detailed adjustments. Like Auto-Tune, it's a paid plugin.
• Waves Tune Real-Time: If you're looking for a plugin that can handle live performances, Waves Tune Real-Time is a solid choice. It's designed for low-latency pitch correction, making it suitable for real-time vocal processing. It's also relatively easy to use, with a straightforward interface.
• Graillon 2 by Auburn Sounds (Free): On a budget? No problem! Graillon 2 is a fantastic free Autotune plugin that offers a range of features, including pitch correction, pitch shifting, and a formant shifter. It's a great option for experimenting with Autotune without breaking the bank.
• MAutoPitch by MeldaProduction (Free): Another excellent free option, MAutoPitch provides automatic pitch correction along with formant shift and stereo-expansion. It's part of MeldaProduction's free plugin bundle, which offers a wide array of useful effects.

When choosing a plugin, consider your budget, your needs, and the type of sound you're going for. If you're just starting out, a free plugin like Graillon 2 or MAutoPitch is a great way to learn the ropes. If you're serious about achieving professional-quality results, Antares Auto-Tune or Celemony Melodyne are worth the investment.

Setting Up Autotune in FL Studio 20

Alright, you've chosen your Autotune plugin. Now, let's get it set up in FL Studio 20. Here’s how you do it:

1. Install the Plugin: After downloading your chosen plugin, make sure to install it correctly. Most plugins come with an installer that will guide you through the process. Pay attention to where the plugin is being installed, as you'll need this information in the next step.
2. Scan for Plugins in FL Studio: Open FL Studio 20 and go to Options > Manage plugins. In the Plugin Manager window, click the "Find plugins" button. FL Studio will scan your system for new plugins. Make sure the plugin's installation folder is selected in the plugin search paths. If FL Studio doesn't automatically find your plugin, you may need to manually add the folder where the plugin is installed.
3. Add the Plugin to Your Mixer Track: Once FL Studio has found your plugin, you can add it to a mixer track. Select the mixer track that contains your vocal recording. Click on one of the empty effect slots and choose your Autotune plugin from the list. It will usually be located under the "VST" or "VST3" category.
4. Route Your Vocal Track: Ensure that your vocal track is routed to the mixer track where you've added the Autotune plugin. To do this, select your vocal track in the playlist and, in the channel settings, assign it to the desired mixer track. This will send the audio signal from your vocal track through the Autotune plugin.

With the plugin installed and routed correctly, you're now ready to start tweaking the settings and dialing in your desired Autotune effect. Make sure to test the setup by playing back your vocal track and listening to the processed audio. If you're not hearing any effect, double-check your routing and plugin settings to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Configuring Autotune Parameters

Now for the fun part: tweaking those parameters to get the exact sound you're after! Every Autotune plugin is a little different, but here are some common parameters you'll find and what they do:

• Key: This tells the plugin what key your song is in. Setting the correct key is crucial for accurate pitch correction. If you don't know the key, you can use a piano or a key detection plugin to figure it out.
• Scale: Similar to key, the scale tells the plugin which notes are "allowed." Common scales include major, minor, and chromatic. If you're using a more exotic scale, you may need to create a custom scale in the plugin.
• Retune Speed (or Attack Time): This controls how quickly the plugin snaps the vocal to the correct pitch. A faster retune speed will create a more robotic, obvious Autotune effect, while a slower speed will sound more natural. Experiment to find the sweet spot for your desired sound.
• Humanize: This parameter adds subtle variations to the pitch correction, making the vocal sound more natural. It prevents the Autotune from sounding too robotic or sterile. Adjust this setting to find the right balance between pitch accuracy and naturalness.
• Formant Correction: Formants are the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract. Adjusting the formant correction can change the perceived size and shape of the vocal. Experiment with this parameter to create unique vocal textures.
• Input Type (or Voice Type): This setting tells the plugin what type of vocal it's processing (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Choosing the correct input type can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the Autotune.

Experimenting with these parameters is key to finding the right Autotune settings for your vocal. Start with subtle adjustments and gradually increase the intensity until you achieve your desired effect. Remember to listen carefully to the processed audio and make adjustments as needed.

Advanced Autotune Techniques

Want to take your Autotune game to the next level? Here are a few advanced techniques to try out:

• Using Automation: Automate parameters like retune speed or formant correction to create dynamic and evolving vocal effects. For example, you could automate the retune speed to increase during certain sections of the song, creating a more intense Autotune effect.
• Layering Vocals: Try layering multiple vocal tracks with different Autotune settings. This can create a rich and complex vocal texture. For instance, you could have one vocal track with subtle Autotune for pitch correction and another track with more aggressive Autotune for a stylized effect.
• Using Autotune on Other Instruments: Don't limit yourself to just vocals! Autotune can be used on other instruments, like synths or guitars, to create unique and interesting effects. Experiment with different settings and see what you can come up with.
• Creating Custom Scales: Some Autotune plugins allow you to create custom scales. This is useful if you're working with a song that uses an unusual or non-traditional scale. Creating a custom scale will ensure that the Autotune plugin accurately corrects the pitch of the vocal.
• Combining Autotune with Other Effects: Autotune can be combined with other effects, such as reverb, delay, and chorus, to create even more complex and interesting vocal textures. Experiment with different combinations of effects to find your own signature sound.

By mastering these advanced techniques, you can unlock the full potential of Autotune and create truly unique and captivating vocal performances. Don't be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Common Autotune Mistakes to Avoid

Autotune is a powerful tool, but it's easy to misuse it. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Setting the Wrong Key or Scale: This is the most common mistake. If you set the wrong key or scale, the Autotune will try to correct the vocal to the wrong notes, resulting in a very unpleasant sound. Always double-check the key and scale before applying Autotune.
• Using Too Much Autotune: It's tempting to crank up the Autotune to the max, but this can result in a robotic and unnatural sound. Use Autotune sparingly, especially if you're going for a more natural sound. Subtlety is often key.
• Not Paying Attention to the Original Vocal Performance: Autotune can't fix a fundamentally bad vocal performance. It's important to start with a solid vocal take before applying Autotune. If the vocal is severely out of tune, Autotune may not be able to salvage it.
• Ignoring Formant Correction: Formant correction is an important part of the Autotune process. Ignoring it can result in vocals that sound unnatural or distorted. Experiment with the formant correction settings to find the right balance.
• Over-Reliance on Autotune: While Autotune can be a valuable tool, it's important not to become too reliant on it. Focus on improving your vocal technique and performance skills. Autotune should be used as a tool to enhance your vocals, not as a replacement for good vocal technique.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to using Autotune in FL Studio 20. We've covered everything from choosing the right plugin to advanced techniques and common mistakes to avoid. Now it's time to put what you've learned into practice. Experiment with different settings, try out new techniques, and most importantly, have fun! Autotune is a powerful tool that can help you create amazing vocal performances, so don't be afraid to explore its possibilities. Happy tuning!