How to Control the Pitch of a Voice Using a Knob | Club Cubase January 21st 2022

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of controlling the pitch of a voice using a knob in Cubase. Whether you are a beginner looking to enhance your audio projects or an experienced user wanting to refine your techniques, this step-by-step guide will help you manipulate vocal pitch effectively.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Project

• Open Cubase and create a new project or open an existing one.
• Import the vocal track that you want to adjust.
• Make sure your audio interface is set up correctly, and your audio settings are optimized for playback.

Step 2: Inserting a Pitch Control Plugin

• Navigate to the MixConsole by clicking on the MixConsole tab.
• Locate the track containing your vocal.
• Click on an empty insert slot on the effects rack of your vocal track.
• Select a pitch-shifting plugin. Common options include:
  • Cubase's VariAudio
  • Pitch Shift
• Load the selected plugin by clicking on it.

Step 3: Adjusting the Pitch with the Knob

• Open the pitch control plugin interface.
• Look for the pitch knob or fader in the plugin window.
• Use the knob to adjust the pitch:
  • Turn it clockwise to raise the pitch.
  • Turn it counterclockwise to lower the pitch.
• Listen to the changes in real-time as you adjust the knob to ensure the pitch fits your musical context.

Step 4: Fine-Tuning the Settings

• Explore additional parameters in the plugin:
  • Formant Control: Adjust to maintain vocal character while changing pitch.
  • Mix Level: Blend the processed and original signals for a natural sound.
• Experiment with these settings to achieve the desired vocal tone.

Step 5: Automating Pitch Changes

• If you want to create dynamic changes in pitch throughout your track:
  • Right-click on the pitch knob in the plugin interface and select "Add Automation Track."
  • Draw automation curves in the project window to control the pitch over time.
• Use the pencil tool to create points and curves that represent pitch adjustments.

Conclusion

Controlling the pitch of a voice using a knob in Cubase is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your audio productions. By following these steps, you can effectively manipulate vocal pitch, create unique sounds, and automate changes for dynamic performances. Experiment with different plugins and settings to find what works best for your project, and don't hesitate to revisit the process as you develop your skills. Happy mixing!