The use of digital pitch correction software on vocal recordings


To my mind, this practice is fraught with dishonesty.

The most obvious issue is:
- with digital pitch correction software applied to it, a vocal recording presented to the listener is done so under the pretense that it presents the human voice singing, when in fact any number of moments therein are the result of a program shoehorning the human-produced tones into a “perfect” tone” (whether it may be a Bb, C, F#, Db, or whatever), thereby negating the human expression and negating the validity of the pretense.
Much like a photo portrait of a human body post-airbrushing ceases to be a “true” presentation of that body, the viewer is not being presented with a faithful representation of that human form.

The next issue is:
- rampant apologia within the industry.
I’ve even heard an industry insider say, “pitch manipulation software does nothing we couldn’t do in the ‘70s and ‘80s. It just lets us do it for a lot less money.”
That’s a cute thing to say, but incorrect.
The finished vocal recording that was changed by the implementation of pitch correction software is, by definition, different from the finished vocal recording featuring none.

I am welcoming the thoughts of Audiogon members regarding this practice.

tylermunns

As always, you rise above the fray and take the high road.  You are a true gentleman.  As tempting as it is to do otherwise, you force me to abstain from further showing the error in the ways of others 😊.

Notes of pitchyness? Has "American Idol Speak" invaded the lexicon? I'd say listen to any good singer and you will hear ZERO off pitch singing.

@wolf_garcia 

Just because you never heard someone use the word, “pitch-y” until you watched American Idol does it mean that some panelists on some 21st century Fox confection invented that term.  

I am really sorry if my comment had mute your opinion... It was not my goal... Only to put some humor.... Please feel free to speak anytime... I like reading your posts as much as i liked the OP arguments in his thread... I am not a distinguished musician then i learn reading your comment and the OP is a singer then for me it is interesting...

...

I am pretty sure the OP like also discussing ....And anyway if he is not ok with the answer he will give his arguments...

For sure it is a sensible matter that can engender hot tempers...but only arguments has weights...And we are all gentlemen...

My best to you...

Autotune has its place, witness what it has done for this masterpiece:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxTNhD5jTyQ

 

Now, think of what it would do if Yoko Ono had access to same:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsgMbxyDmCY