Melodyne and Auto-Tune, Which Version Should You Buy?

When it comes to pitch correction software, two popular choices dominate the market: Melodyne and Auto-Tune. But which one is a more 'correct' pitch correction tool? Both of these software tools offer exceptional pitch correction capabilities and have gained a loyal user base among musicians, producers, and audio engineers. One aspect that can significantly influence a user's decision is the tiered pricing structure. In this article, we will delve into the different tier pricing options offered by Melodyne and Auto-Tune. This will help you make an informed decision for which version you should buy based on your specific requirements and budjet.

I do want to point out that though this article will be geared towards breaking down the different price points of each product, theses products are not necessarily equal in functionality. In my opinion these engines actually perform various tasks better than each other. I would keep a lookout for that blog post sometime soon but for now let's discuss pricing.

Melodyne, developed by Celemony, is known for its natural-sounding pitch correction and flexible editing capabilities. The software provides different pricing tiers, allowing users to choose the option that suits their needs and budget.

1. Melodyne Essential:

   • Melodyne Essential is the entry-level version of the software, providing basic pitch correction features.
   • This tier is an affordable option, suitable for casual users or those who require fundamental pitch editing functionality.
   • Melodyne Essential may have limitations compared to higher-tier versions but still offers a solid pitch correction foundation.
   • This version is also now free with the new versions of Pro Tools making it even easier for beginners to get their feet wet with manual pitch correction.

2. Melodyne Assistant:

   • Melodyne Assistant builds upon the features of Melodyne Essential, offering more advanced pitch correction tools.
   • This tier includes the entire Melodyne toolkit providing the finest of touches to any and every note parameter: intonation, vibrato, pitch drift, timing, duration, amplitude, fades, sibilants, formants, transients – even the timing within notes as well as the transition between them – and much else besides. You can take a vocal track as close to perfection as you choose to.
   • Melodyne assistant provides all you need for the professional editing of vocals. That’s where its main power is focused, but it can be used equally well, of course, to edit recordings of any monophonic sound source (trumpet, clarinet, etc.).

3. Melodyne Editor:

   • Melodyne Editor builds upon the features of Melodyne Assistant and offers the most extensive set of features among the Melodyne tiers.
   • This version enables polyphonic pitch editing, allowing you to correct pitch in complex arrangements and even manipulate individual notes within chords.
   • Melodyne Editor is geared towards professionals, professional studios, and producers who require sophisticated pitch correction capabilities.

4. Melodyne Studio:

   • Melodyne Studio is the top-tier version of Melodyne, offering all the features of the previous tiers along with additional advanced functionality.
   • This version allows for full integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs). Which allows for 'Multi-Tracking': You can access all your DAW’s Melodyne tracks in a single window and display as many tracks as you like simultaneously in the Note Editor. 
   • Melodyne Studio caters to high-end studios, engineers, and producers who demand the utmost control and flexibility in pitch correction and audio editing.

Auto-Tune:

Auto-Tune, developed by Antares Audio Technologies, is another widely used pitch correction software. It is primarily a real-time pitch correction tool, which means it auto corrects the pitch in real time, hence the name Auto-Tune. Auto-Tune offers different pricing options to accommodate various user needs.

1. Auto-Tune Access: (auto-key sold separately)

   • Auto-Tune Access is the basic version of Auto-Tune, providing basic auto mode. 
   • This tier is designed for entry-level users who require straightforward pitch correction capabilities without the need for advanced options.

2. Auto-Tune Artist: (auto-key included)

   • Auto-Tune Artist expands upon the features of Auto-Tune Access, offering additional tuning options.
   • It includes all of the advanced real-time pitch correction features of Auto-Tune Pro.

3. Auto-Tune Pro: (auto-key included)

   • Auto-Tune Pro is the flagship version of Auto-Tune, providing the most comprehensive set of features.
   • This tier includes all of the advanced real-time pitch correction features as well as graph mode. Graph mode is Auto-Tune's manual pitch correction tool.
   • Auto-Tune Pro is favored by professional studios, engineers.

Keep in mind that all of these products can be upgraded at any time for the difference of price that you already paid. So no need to splurge right away, start small an you can always upgrade.