The Timbral and Quality Affect from Pitch Correction Software on a Recorded Vocal Performance

Abstract: Pitch correction has been a part of music production ever since the introduction of AutoTune, back in 1997. Previous research regarding the topic has not found any significant differences when comparing pitch correctors to one another, in terms of how they correct pitch, however little to no research has been done on pitch correctors introduction of timbral and quality differences, when compared to an un-processed original. This study aims to test the notion that the usage of pitch correction software affects the timbre and quality of a vocal performance. The two pitch correctors chosen for this study was Antares Auto-Tune and Celemony Melodyne. 17 experienced listeners participated in an ABX-style listening test during which pitch corrected stimuli were compared to one another, and to un-tuned stimuli to find if subjects could differentiate between the different excerpts. The subjects also gave qualitative motivations for the perceived difference between the excerpts. The result of the listening test verifies the notion that pitch correction signal processing affects the timbre and quality, as it was found that subjects could, with statistical significance, differentiate the different excerpts. The result also shows that the most prevalent differentiating factor was the treble of the material.