Hey guys! Are you looking to get that polished, professional vocal sound in your tracks? One of the most crucial tools in modern music production is autotune. Whether you're aiming for subtle pitch correction or that signature autotune effect, knowing how to use autotune in FL Studio 20 is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started. Let's dive in!

Understanding Autotune and Its Uses

Autotune, at its core, is a pitch correction software. It analyzes the pitch of an incoming audio signal (typically a vocal) and adjusts it to the nearest correct pitch within a specified scale. This can be used in various ways, from gently smoothing out minor imperfections to creating the robotic, hyper-processed sound that's become a staple in genres like trap and pop. Before we get into the specifics of using autotune in FL Studio 20, it’s important to understand the different ways you can utilize this powerful tool. The main goal is usually to enhance the vocal performance, making it sound more polished and professional. However, it's not just about fixing mistakes; autotune can also be a creative effect in its own right. Many artists intentionally use autotune to create a unique vocal style, adding a distinctive flavor to their music. Some producers prefer a more transparent approach, subtly correcting pitch inaccuracies without the listener even realizing autotune is in use. This technique helps to maintain the natural character of the voice while ensuring it sits perfectly in tune with the instrumental. On the other hand, some artists aim for a more pronounced autotune effect, where the pitch correction is clearly audible. This can create a robotic or synthesized vocal sound that can be very effective in certain genres. Experimenting with different settings and plugins is key to finding the right balance for your music. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle enhancement or a bold effect, understanding the capabilities of autotune is the first step towards achieving your desired vocal sound. Autotune plugins offer a range of parameters that allow you to fine-tune the pitch correction process. These include settings for the retune speed, which determines how quickly the plugin corrects the pitch, and the scale, which defines the set of notes that the plugin will snap the vocal to. By adjusting these settings, you can achieve a wide variety of effects, from natural-sounding pitch correction to extreme, robotic transformations. The possibilities are truly endless, and the best way to discover what works for you is to experiment and explore the different sounds you can create. Ultimately, autotune is a versatile tool that can be used to enhance and transform vocal performances in countless ways. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, mastering the art of autotune can significantly improve the quality and impact of your music.

Choosing the Right Autotune Plugin for FL Studio 20

FL Studio 20 doesn't come with a built-in autotune plugin, so you'll need to choose a third-party option. Luckily, there are several fantastic choices available! Some of the most popular autotune plugins include:

• Antares Auto-Tune: This is the industry standard and the plugin most people think of when they hear "autotune." It's known for its high-quality pitch correction and its ability to create both subtle and extreme effects.
• Celemony Melodyne: While technically not just an autotune plugin, Melodyne offers incredibly detailed pitch editing capabilities. It allows you to manipulate individual notes within a vocal performance with unparalleled precision.
• Waves Tune Real-Time: This plugin is designed for live performance and real-time pitch correction. It's great for singers who want to hear themselves with autotune while they're singing.
• iZotope Nectar: Nectar is a comprehensive vocal processing suite that includes a powerful autotune module. It's a great option if you're looking for an all-in-one solution for vocal production.

When selecting an autotune plugin, consider your budget, the features you need, and the type of sound you're going for. Each plugin has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth trying out a few different options to see which one works best for you. Antares Auto-Tune is often considered the gold standard, offering a wide range of features and a sound that is instantly recognizable. Its versatility makes it suitable for various genres, from pop and hip-hop to electronic music. However, it can be a bit pricey, so it’s important to weigh the cost against your budget. Celemony Melodyne, on the other hand, takes a more surgical approach to pitch correction. It allows you to edit individual notes with incredible precision, making it ideal for fixing specific problem areas in a vocal performance. While it may require a bit more time and effort to learn, the results can be truly exceptional. Waves Tune Real-Time is designed for live performance, providing real-time pitch correction with minimal latency. This makes it a great choice for singers who want to hear themselves with autotune while they’re performing on stage or recording in the studio. iZotope Nectar is a comprehensive vocal processing suite that includes a powerful autotune module, along with a range of other effects like EQ, compression, and reverb. This makes it a great option for producers who are looking for an all-in-one solution for vocal production. Ultimately, the best autotune plugin for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the features you need, and the type of sound you’re going for. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options to see which one works best for you. With the right plugin, you can take your vocal tracks to the next level and achieve a professional, polished sound.

Installing Your Autotune Plugin in FL Studio 20

Once you've chosen your plugin, you'll need to install it in FL Studio 20. The process is generally the same for most VST plugins. Here’s how to install your autotune plugin:

1. Download the plugin: Download the plugin installer from the developer's website.
2. Run the installer: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to install the plugin to a VST folder that FL Studio recognizes. A common location is C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins.
3. Open FL Studio 20: Launch FL Studio 20.
4. Go to Plugin Manager: Go to Options > Manage plugins.
5. Scan for plugins: In the Plugin Manager, click "Find plugins." Make sure the "Verify plugins" option is enabled.
6. Locate your plugin: FL Studio will scan your VST folders and list the plugins it finds. Locate your autotune plugin in the list.
7. Favorite the plugin: Click the "F" icon next to the plugin name to favorite it. This will make it easier to find in the future.
8. Close the Plugin Manager: Close the Plugin Manager.

Now your autotune plugin is installed and ready to use in FL Studio 20! If you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the plugin's documentation or the FL Studio help files for troubleshooting tips. Sometimes, plugins may not be detected automatically. In such cases, you may need to manually specify the VST folder in the FL Studio settings. Go to Options > File Settings and ensure that the VST plugin folders are correctly listed. You can add or remove folders as needed. After making any changes, rescan for plugins in the Plugin Manager to ensure that FL Studio recognizes the new plugins. It’s also worth checking the plugin’s website or documentation for any specific installation instructions or compatibility requirements. Some plugins may require additional steps, such as activating a license or installing supporting software. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your autotune plugin is properly installed and ready to use in FL Studio 20. Once the plugin is installed, it will appear in the list of available plugins when you add a new effect to a track. You can then select it and start experimenting with its settings to achieve your desired vocal sound. Remember to save your project regularly to avoid losing any progress. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be up and running with your autotune plugin in no time.

Setting Up Your Vocal Track in FL Studio 20

Before you can start using autotune, you need to set up your vocal track properly in FL Studio 20. This involves importing your vocal recording, routing it to a mixer track, and adding any necessary pre-processing effects. First, drag and drop your vocal recording into the FL Studio playlist. This will create a new audio clip in the arrangement view. Next, assign the audio clip to a mixer track by selecting the clip and clicking on an empty mixer track. This will route the audio signal from the clip to the selected mixer track, allowing you to apply effects and processing. Before adding autotune, it's often helpful to apply some basic pre-processing to the vocal track. This may include EQ, compression, and de-essing. EQ can be used to shape the tonal balance of the vocal, removing any unwanted frequencies and enhancing the clarity. Compression can help to even out the dynamic range, making the vocal sound more consistent and present. De-essing can reduce harsh sibilance, making the vocal sound smoother and more polished. These pre-processing steps can significantly improve the overall quality of the vocal and make the autotune process more effective. Once you've applied the necessary pre-processing, you're ready to add the autotune plugin to the mixer track. Click on an empty effect slot in the mixer track and select your autotune plugin from the list. The plugin will then be inserted into the signal chain, allowing you to start adjusting its settings and applying pitch correction. It's important to experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your vocal. Start with a subtle amount of autotune and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect. Pay attention to the retune speed, scale, and key settings, as these will have a significant impact on the final sound. By setting up your vocal track properly and applying the necessary pre-processing, you can ensure that the autotune process is as effective as possible. This will help you achieve a professional, polished vocal sound that sits perfectly in the mix. Remember to save your project regularly to avoid losing any progress, and don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and techniques to find what works best for you.

Using Autotune in FL Studio 20: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, let's get to the fun part! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use autotune in FL Studio 20:

1. Add the autotune plugin: In the mixer track for your vocal, click on an empty effect slot and select your autotune plugin.
2. Set the key and scale: This is crucial! The autotune plugin needs to know what key and scale your song is in to correct the pitch accurately. Most autotune plugins have a key detection feature that can help you determine the key of your song. Alternatively, you can use a piano or keyboard to figure it out manually. Common scales include major, minor, and chromatic.
3. Adjust the retune speed: The retune speed determines how quickly the autotune plugin corrects the pitch. A faster retune speed will result in a more robotic sound, while a slower retune speed will sound more natural. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your vocal style.
4. Adjust the humanize setting: Some autotune plugins have a humanize setting that adds slight variations to the pitch correction to make it sound more natural. This can be helpful if you want to avoid the robotic sound altogether.
5. Monitor and adjust: Listen carefully to your vocal with the autotune plugin enabled. Adjust the settings as needed to achieve the desired effect. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things until you find what works best for your song.

Remember, less is often more! Start with subtle settings and gradually increase the intensity until you reach the desired effect. Overdoing it can lead to an unnatural and artificial sound. Pay attention to the nuances of your vocal performance and adjust the autotune settings accordingly. If you're working with a particularly challenging vocal, you may need to use a more advanced autotune plugin like Melodyne, which allows for detailed pitch editing on a note-by-note basis. With practice and experimentation, you'll develop a feel for how to use autotune effectively and create professional-sounding vocal tracks. Always remember to save your project regularly to avoid losing any progress, and don't be afraid to seek out tutorials and online resources to learn new techniques and tricks. The world of autotune is vast and ever-evolving, so there's always something new to discover.

Advanced Autotune Techniques in FL Studio 20

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start exploring some advanced autotune techniques to take your vocal production to the next level. Here are a few ideas:

• Automation: Automate the retune speed or other parameters to create dynamic and interesting effects. For example, you could automate the retune speed to increase during certain sections of the song to create a more robotic sound.
• Parallel processing: Create a duplicate of your vocal track and apply a different autotune setting to each track. Then, blend the two tracks together to create a unique and layered sound.
• Creative effects: Experiment with extreme autotune settings to create unusual and experimental vocal effects. This can be a great way to add a unique and memorable element to your music.
• Using EQ and Compression with Autotune: Experimenting with EQ and compression before and after autotune can drastically shape the final vocal. For example, using a high-pass filter before autotune can clean up the low frequencies, making the pitch detection more accurate. Compression after autotune can help to smooth out any inconsistencies and make the vocal sit better in the mix.

By experimenting with these advanced techniques, you can push the boundaries of autotune and create truly unique and innovative vocal sounds. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what happens. The possibilities are endless! Remember to always listen critically and adjust the settings to suit your specific needs. What works well for one vocal may not work as well for another. The key is to develop a good ear and a keen sense of what sounds good. With practice and experimentation, you'll become a master of autotune and be able to create professional-sounding vocal tracks that stand out from the crowd. Always remember to save your project regularly to avoid losing any progress, and don't be afraid to seek out feedback from other producers and musicians. Collaboration and constructive criticism can be invaluable in helping you to improve your skills and refine your techniques.

Common Autotune Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best tools and techniques, it's easy to make mistakes when using autotune. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Setting the wrong key and scale: This is the most common mistake and can result in a very unnatural and dissonant sound. Double-check the key and scale of your song before applying autotune.
• Using too much autotune: Overdoing it can lead to an artificial and robotic sound that detracts from the emotion and expressiveness of the vocal. Start with subtle settings and gradually increase the intensity until you reach the desired effect.
• Ignoring the original performance: Autotune is not a substitute for a good vocal performance. If the original performance is fundamentally flawed, autotune may not be able to fix it. It's always better to re-record the vocal if possible.
• Not using pre-processing: Applying EQ, compression, and de-essing before autotune can significantly improve the overall quality of the vocal and make the autotune process more effective.
• Forgetting to humanize: Most autotune plugins have a humanize setting that adds slight variations to the pitch correction to make it sound more natural. Don't forget to use this setting to avoid the robotic sound altogether.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you're using autotune effectively and creating professional-sounding vocal tracks. Always remember to listen critically and adjust the settings to suit your specific needs. What works well for one vocal may not work as well for another. The key is to develop a good ear and a keen sense of what sounds good. With practice and experimentation, you'll become a master of autotune and be able to create vocal tracks that are both polished and expressive. Always remember to save your project regularly to avoid losing any progress, and don't be afraid to seek out feedback from other producers and musicians. Collaboration and constructive criticism can be invaluable in helping you to improve your skills and refine your techniques.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A complete guide on how to use autotune in FL Studio 20. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to create professional-sounding vocal tracks that are both polished and expressive. Remember to always listen critically, adjust the settings to suit your specific needs, and don't be afraid to try new things. The world of autotune is vast and ever-evolving, so there's always something new to discover. Now go forth and create some amazing music! Happy producing!