Why Do Many Singers Use Autotune Even Though It's Easily Detectable?

Many question the widespread use of autotune in modern music, particularly given its detectability. Despite its controversial nature, autotune remains a preferred tool for many singers and producers. This article explores the reasons behind the continued use of autotune, shedding light on the benefits and the role of vocal engineers in the recording process.

The Benefits of Autotune for Singers

To Enhance the Song

Autotune stands as a powerful ally in the quest for a better song. By correcting pitch issues, autotune enhances the overall quality of a recording, ensuring that each note is in perfect harmony with the others. This refinement can elevate the emotional impact of the music, making it more engaging for listeners.

Efficiency and Vocal Care

One of the key reasons singers opt for autotune is to make the recording process more efficient. In the past, a take might need to be repeated multiple times to get a single note just right, which could be taxing on a singer's vocal cords. Autotune makes this process quicker and more straightforward, allowing artists to record with less strain and more confidence. This, in turn, leads to a final product that showcases the singer's true talent without the detrimental effects of unnecessary vocal strain.

The Role of Vocal Engineers in Modern Recording

Post-Recording Adjustments

It is a common misconception that singers are the ones using autotune during the recording process. In reality, the bulk of the autotune work is done by vocal engineers. These professionals play a crucial role in post-recording adjustments, ensuring that every aspect of the vocal performance is perfect. Once the session is complete and everyone has gone home, the engineer might encounter a small mistake or a fluff on the lead vocal track.

History and Reality

Back in the 1970s, when the author of this article did most of their chart work, the process involved going through numerous alternate takes to find the best phrase of a particular line. If a good line was found, a technician would painstakingly cut it out with a razor blade and paste it onto the master track using splicing tape. This process could take hours and was a costly endeavor. Alternatively, the singer could return for another expensive recording session.

Today, with the advent of advanced pitch manipulation software, the process is much more efficient. An engineer can apply autotune with minimal effort, often within just five minutes. This modern approach allows for near-perfect vocal tracks without the huge financial and time commitments of the past.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the use of autotune in modern music serves a greater purpose. It ensures that the final product is of the highest quality, something that both the artists and the audience appreciate. Whether through enhancing the song, ensuring the comfort of the singer, or simply making the recording process more efficient, autotune plays an undeniable role in the creation of contemporary music.

To sum it up, autotune results in a better product that people prefer more than those without it. This trend is likely to continue as technology advances and becomes even more accessible.