Well in this blog, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about.
Firstly, let me say that I’ve been wanting to write this blog for years!
I’m a huge fan of using live autotune pedals, autotune hardware & autotune machines (whatever you decide to call them) because I believe they give a polished studio sounding live performance, which is exactly what a live audience wants to hear…
Fantastic vocals and stage performance to be captivated by.
Firstly, for those who aren’t familiar with the concept of pitch correction & autotune, they are essentially the same thing.
Autotune is a vocal effect, used to enhance the pitch accuracy of a singer’s vocal take.
This was initially achieved in-studio by the studio engineer, to clean up a vocal take for professional singers who needed that slight nudge in the sharp or flat direction.
However, with the likes of T-Pain and other artists taking advantage of high velocity, turn up the volume, pitch correction. This extreme robotic sound became what people formally know as autotune.
In recent years, autotune has been more widely used in live performances through the integration of vocal effects pedals.
All kinds of music artists/bands use the autotune effect including, Taylor Swift, 30 Seconds To Mars, Boys Like Girls, 5 Seconds of Summer… you get the idea.
So, what are you waiting for, if the best artists in the music industry are using them, maybe you should too?
Now, you may be thinking, I just want this pedal for slight pitch correction, or I want this pedal for the extreme robotic-sounding effect.
Whether or not you are looking for the best pitch correction pedal or best autotune pedal…
Each of the pedals I have reviewed offer both functionalities, as the primary difference between the two functions is the speed to which the effect takes place, and the level to which it is heard.
So, without further ado, buckle up and get ready to see the best autotune microphone pedals in 2020, we also have a review of the best autotune microphone controllers, I.E Microphones that are able to control and switch between pedal presets, directly on the microphone.
Top autotune pedals & pitch correction processors
Best Live Autotune Hardware
Boss VE-500 Vocal Performer
Main Features/Benefits
- All-in-one Vocal Effects Unit, with multiple vocal effects to choose from
- Vocal Harmony, Pitch Correction, Vocoder, Looper, Compressor, De-Esser, EQ, Reverb, Delay, Filtering, etc
- Specify the type of pitch correction (chromatic, scale) and other parameters in the Boss VE-500 editor (for Mac/PC)
- 99 User Programmable preset patches
- Boss DSP Engine for processing up to 9 effects simultaneously
- Released in late 2018, so it has new brand hardware
Disadvantages
- The screen is a little small, so they have supplied a PC/Mac compatible editor for patch programming
Technical Specs of Boss VE-500
Take a look at our full Boss VE-500 Review here.
The Boss VE-500 is not primarily a pitch correction pedal, it is instead an all-in-one vocal solution.
However, unlike all of the other units that we’ve featured in the list, the Boss VE-500 is the newest unit, being released in late 2018.
Therefore it’s got new hardware, and newer algorithmic software, as far as the effects are concerned.
We advise that you use the downloadable editor (compatible with Mac & PC) to control the pitch-correction settings, as there are a lot of parameters that you can control.
Not only are you able to adjust the type of autotune, from Soft, Hard, Electric to Robotic…
But you can also either use Chromatic tuning (pitch correction to the nearest semi-tone), or Key tuning (where you specify the particular key you want to keep your notes in).
The unit includes 48v phantom power and also has microphone sensitivity adjustment settings.
For a look at the Boss VE-500 in action, take a look at the video demonstration below.
Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer
Main Features/Benefits
- All-in-one Vocal Solution (Harmonies, Delay, Doubler, Creative Effects, Phantom Power )
- A great solution for someone after a single pedal (less gear to carry) for live shows
- Battery Operated
- Real-time pitch correction
- 38-second (mono) loop recording
Disadvantages
- Been around for nearly 10 years, some might say the hardware is outdated.
- Doesn’t include the AC Power Adapter (Purchased separately)
- Doesn’t automatically detect musical key changes
Technical Specs of Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer
The BOSS VE 20 Vocal Performer is not primarily a vocal pitch correction pedal, it’s essentially an All-in-One vocal effects processor solution, and is designed and produced by Boss, you know it’s high quality.
Being 1.6kg it’s not the lightest pedal in the world, but it more than makes up for it in its ability to add layers of vocal harmonies, whilst adding creative vocal effects such as radio effect, strobe and distortion effect.
It allows singers to also use real-time pitch-correction, which is highly important, to make sure the vocal harmonies are in tune with the lead vocal.
Also allowing 38 seconds (mono) of looped recording, which is useful for singer-songwriters looking for a creative, innovative way to build up their song’s live instrumentation, layer by layer, directly in front of their crowd.
The pedal also includes Phantom Power, so it is able to power condenser microphones, such as the Rode NT2A Dual Condenser Microphone.
For a real look, please refer to the demonstration video below.
TC Helicon VoiceLive Play
Main Features/Benefits
- All-in-one Vocal Solution (Reverb, Tone, Harmony, Real-Time Pitch Correction, Doubler, Compressor, De-Esser, Gate and Looper )
- A great solution for someone after a single pedal (less gear to carry) for live shows
- Includes Vocal Diagnosis stats (pointing out areas of vocal strength + weakness)
- Over 200 Vocal Presets
- ‘Room-sense’ in-built microphone, to detect/monitor musical key, for Pitch Correction + Harmony purposes
- Integration with Behringer Dynamic Microphone (MP-65)
Disadvantages
- Not Battery Operated. But it shouldn’t be because it offers so much functionality. Batteries just wouldn’t cut it.
The TC Helicon VoiceLive Play is a multi-effects pedal, combining multiple vocal effects/tools in a medium-sized device. In my opinion, this device offers a singer everything they need within a vocal pedal. Let’s go more into detail!
Technical Specs of TC Helicon VoiceLive Play
This pedal is truly an all-in-one vocal solution in every way.
It not only includes Live Pitch Correction, but it includes many other vocal effects including Delay, Reverb, Harmony, Doubler, Tone, Transducer.
These vocal effects will keep you occupied for a good long while.
The processor offers 200+ Artist and Song inspired presets, to give you iconic sounds that you can adopt for your live performances.
The pedal includes a great, built-in microphone, which constantly monitors the key of the song in order to provide accurate pitch correction/harmonies.
Unique Selling Point
The VoicePlay offers users the ability to access and monitor several vocal aspects, including the longest note, trouble notes and pitch accuracy.
This consistent monitoring can help you improve your ability as a singer, identifying the areas/notes that you need to improve on.
This is a fantastic function that we wish all of the vocal pedals featured.
Similarly to the next pedal, this processor synchronizes with the Behringer Dynamic Microphone (MP-65).
To get an idea of the range of effects the TC-Helicon Voiceplay Live has, take a look at the demonstration video below.
TC Helicon VoiceTone C1 – Hard tune and Correction
Main Features/Benefits
- Entirely dedicated to Pitch Correction/Autotune
- Quick On/Off footswitch
- CH option to follow guitar/piano chords (Useful for songs with key changes)
- Can choose the specific key
- Can be integrated with Behringer Dynamic Microphone (MP-65)
Disadvantages
- Cannot save specific presets
Technical Specs of VoiceTone C1
The TC Helicon VoiceTone C1 is part of the voice tone range, which consists of Vocal Harmonizer Pedals such as the VoiceTone H1 and Vocal Reverb Pedals such as the Voicetone R1.
The VoiceTone C1 is dedicated entirely to vocal pitch correction. The TC Helicon live autotune pedal has three rotary knobs on the front, controlling the ‘key’, ‘severity of tuning’ and ‘gender’.
The key refers to the musical key that the song is being performed in.
The VoiceTone C1 also provides a CH option, which allows the user to plug a guitar/piano in (via 1/4” jack) and dictate the vocal key from the secondary input.
This is especially useful for songs which include key changes, since a song may change from key C to D, this means that the C1 would pick up the key change from the chords of the secondary instrument and make the appropriate pitch correction adjustments.
Unique Selling Point
Finally, the C1 can be integrated with the Behringer Dynamic Microphone (MP-65).
This means that you’re not restricted to one area of the stage, which is excellent for singers who are playing without an instrument.
For a real look at what you can do with the TC-Helicon C1, take a look at the demonstration video below.
Tascam TA-1VP
Main Features/Benefits
- Co-Designed and Developed by Autotune Sofware leaders ‘Antares Audio Technologies’
- High Quality – Rackmount processor, including a microphone pre-amp, de-essing, eq, mono and stereo double-tracking, microphone/tube modeling, gating, compression, and Antares Auto-Tune™ pitch-correction.
- Real-Time, Live pitch correction
- Saveable presets for quick switching between autotune effect combinations.
- Full range – From gentle, minor correction to full-strength autotuned effect
- Built for live & studio use
- Tube Modelling gives functionality to emulate other microphone characteristics.
- 48V Phantom Power
Disadvantages
- Although this can be quite easily transported, it’s not as small as other autotune processors.
Technical Specs of TASCAM TA-1VP
The Tascam TA-1VP as co-created by Antares Audio Technologies and features the most successful ‘Auto-Tune™’ software.
This processor is the ideal autotune/pitch correction solution for any singer who’s looking for a high quality autotune device for live performances, as well as in the studio.
After all, this is a rack-mountable autotune processor and has a range of different functions available, including the ability to save different vocal presets, which can be switched between on the front of the unit.
The device has a range of additional functions, including Microphone Modelling, Compressing, Gating, De-essing and Equalisation (EQ).
- XLR Input for Microphones
- 48V Phantom Power Available
- Balanced TRS Input and Outputs (back panel)
- S/PDIF Digital output
Unique Selling Point
This is the only rack-mountable autotune machine, that has the integrated ‘Antares Autotune’ effect, which is able to provide realistic live pitch correction and correction for studio use.
For a real look, please refer to the demonstration video below.
Zoom V3 Vocal Processor
Main Features/Benefits
- Multi-effects voice processor with 16 voice effects, including pitch correction options plus compression, reverb, delay and enhance
- The ability to add up to two voices to create 3-part harmonies across a full octave
- Dedicated effect buttons make it easy to switch between effects
- Can fully adjust effect correction level, ranging from mild to powerful effects
- 48V Phantom Power
Disadvantages
- This is not a pedal and needs to be mounted to a mic stand (sold separately), although you can add an optional Foot Switch or Expression Pedal.
- Not fully dedicated to autotune
- Not as small as some of the other autotune processors, although the ability to run on battery power helps with portability
- Slightly audible background noise (unnoticeable in live performance)
- Need to purchase a foot-switch to use effectively on stage
The Zoom V3 is a full-featured vocal effects processor, with more than just autotune capability. The ability to control so many aspects of the effects makes the V3 a versatile component of a vocalist’s performance and recording gear. Let’s dig deeper into the technical specs.
Technical Specs of Zoom V3
The processor is a great solution for someone looking for more than just autotune or pitch correction. The 16 effects, combined with several ways to control the way each effect sounds, make this a versatile piece of gear for vocalists that are into recording or performing or both.
The device has a range of additional functions, including:
- Five Harmony Selection Options
- Independent Compression, Reverb and Delay Controls
- Built-in Enhancer For Increased Sound Clarity
- XLR Input for Microphones
- 48V Phantom Power Available
- 1/4″ Outputs (back panel)
- Optional Foot Switch or Expression Pedal
Unique Selling Point
The V3 is created by Zoom, which has been dedicated to building musical equipment for 37 years. This longevity and focus on musical equipment has made Zoom a trusted brand used by a variety of people in the music industry.
The V3 has a versatile vocal effect toolset, with a high level of control over each effect, allowing you to shape your voice in many different ways.
If having a wide range of vocal effects at your fingertips is what you are after, whether it’s for the studio or for the stage, than the V3 deserves your consideration.
For a good idea of what the V3 can do, take a look at the demonstration video below.
Verdict – The best live pitch correction/autotune machine pedal for vocals is…
In our opinion, it isn’t so much about finding the best autotune pedal, but the most suited autotune pedal for you.
As we’ve discussed in the article, each one has their own advantages and disadvantages which need to be considered before making the final purchase.