Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Detailed Review
Audio Tools
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Product Overview
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP Overview
PITCHMAP is a groundbreaking audio processing plug-in that stands out in the AI-driven audio tools category for its innovative capabilities.Primary Function
PITCHMAP’s primary function is to process the pitch of individual sounds within mixed signals in real-time. This allows users to change the melodies and harmonies of any recording by playing their own melodies on a MIDI keyboard or creating a pitch map using the plug-in’s intuitive GUI. It also corrects tuning issues simultaneously, making it a versatile tool for both creative and corrective purposes.Target Audience
PITCHMAP is designed for a wide range of audio professionals and enthusiasts, including:Audio Engineers
Audio engineers who need to correct tuning inaccuracies in mixed recordings.Composers
Composers looking to experiment with different harmonies quickly and efficiently.Music Producers
Music producers working with sampled material, who can now sculpt the music within samples with ease.DJs
DJs who need to adapt the key or scale of their songs for seamless sets.Sound Designers
Sound designers seeking unique ways to create immersive sounds for films and games.Mash-Up Artists and Remixers
Mash-up artists and remixers who can quickly adapt components to fit each other.Key Features
Mixed-Signal Audio Processing (MAP) Technology
PITCHMAP uses MAP to de-mix the input signal into individual sounds, including their harmonics, transients, and noise components. This technology, based on artificial intelligence and perceptive modeling, mimics the human auditory system.Real-Time Processing
Allows for immediate pitch correction and mapping without the need for offline analysis or recording into a file.MIDI Control
Users can control the pitch grid in real-time using a MIDI keyboard, enabling dynamic and interactive pitch adjustments.Sound Transformations
PITCHMAP can apply advanced synthesizer-like sound transformations to the audio, creating unique synthesizer sounds from live inputs or existing recordings.Mix Element Suppression/Isolation
Users can suppress or isolate individual sounds within a mix, all under MIDI control.Snapshot Functionality
The plug-in includes comprehensive snapshot functionality, allowing users to compare multiple settings and automate parameters efficiently. Overall, PITCHMAP is an inspiring musical instrument, a precision corrective tool, and a powerful processor that lets users shape music with unprecedented flexibility and accuracy. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Zynaptiq PITCHMAP is designed to be intuitive and powerful, despite the advanced technology it employs.Main Interface
When you open PITCHMAP, you are presented with a central window that includes a spectrogram-style display. This visual representation helps you see the audio signal in detail, which is particularly useful for identifying and manipulating specific parts of the audio. The interface also features three piano keyboards: one for determining the pitch processing note range, one for bypassing or excluding individual notes, and one for retuning, which can also be controlled dynamically via MIDI.Controls and Adjustments
The interface includes a variety of controls to adjust the audio processing. There are four color-coded knobs labeled “Feel,” “Purify,” “Glide,” and “Electrify” that allow you to fine-tune the audio engine. These knobs, although cryptically labeled, provide significant control over the sound, and hovering over each parameter displays additional information to help you understand their functions.User-Friendly Features
While the underlying DSP code is complex, the process of using PITCHMAP is made relatively simple. You can change pitches by playing notes on a MIDI keyboard or by dragging sliders on the GUI to assign source pitches to target pitches. Macro controls enable quick changes from one key or scale to another with just a few clicks. This makes the process of pitch mapping and tuning correction as straightforward as possible.Snapshot Functionality
To enhance workflow efficiency, PITCHMAP includes comprehensive Snapshot functionality. This feature allows you to compare multiple settings, adapt the process to different parts of a recording, and create parameter automation without much hassle. There are 8 Snapshot slots available, which helps in managing and comparing different settings easily.Learning Curve
Although the interface is streamlined, PITCHMAP does require a reasonable degree of user intervention and practice to get the best results. The learning curve is notable, and it’s not a ‘set and forget’ processor. Users need to spend time learning what each control does and how to optimize the settings for their specific needs.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with PITCHMAP is one of flexibility and utility. It opens up a wide range of creative possibilities, especially for tasks like extreme sample manipulation, remixing, and film post-production. However, it is not a trivial investment, both in terms of cost and the time required to learn its capabilities. For those willing to invest the time, PITCHMAP can be an incredibly powerful tool that allows for real-time editing and advanced sound transformations. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Key Features and Functionality
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP Overview
PITCHMAP is a groundbreaking audio processing plug-in that leverages advanced AI-driven technologies to offer a range of innovative features for real-time pitch manipulation and audio transformation. Here are the main features and how they work:Real-Time Polyphonic Pitch Correction
PITCHMAP allows for the real-time correction of pitch inaccuracies within mixed signals, which includes polyphonic and mixed audio. This is achieved through Zynaptiq’s proprietary Mixed-Signal Audio Processing (MAP) technology, which de-mixes the input signal into individual sounds, including their harmonics and transients. This process is based on perceptive modeling and pattern recognition techniques similar to those used in artificial intelligence applications.Pitch Mapping
Users can change the melodies and harmonies of any recording by creating a pitch map using the GUI or by playing their own melodies on a MIDI keyboard. This feature enables the mapping of source pitches to destination pitches, allowing for the alteration of harmonies, chords, and melodies on the fly. The pitch mapping can be done via the GUI or in real-time using MIDI input.MIDI MAP Feature
The MIDI MAP feature allows users to force melodies or harmonies played via MIDI onto the signal being processed. This essentially lets users play the instruments contained within the signal via MIDI, enabling intuitive de-mixing by allowing only sounds corresponding to the MIDI notes to pass through. This feature respects the Edit modes (Repeat, Visible, Custom) and can be used to create complex and independent phrases.Suppression and Extraction of Mix Elements
PITCHMAP provides functions to suppress or isolate individual sounds within a mix based on their pitch. This can be done using Mute Filters via the GUI or MIDI control, allowing for precise control over which sounds are heard or muted. This is particularly useful for remixing, mash-up creation, and sound design.Advanced Sound Transformations
The plug-in includes parameters like Electrify and Purify, which allow for continuously variable synthetic coloration of the processed audio. These parameters can make the results sound more synthetic in a unique and evocative way, opening up creative possibilities for sound design and music production.Macro Controls and Snapshot Functionality
To enhance workflow efficiency, PITCHMAP offers macro controls for near-instant creation of harmony and key changes. Additionally, it includes Snapshot functionality with 8 slots, allowing users to compare multiple settings, adapt the process to different parts of a recording, and create parameter automation easily.Natural and Strict Modes
PITCHMAP features Natural and Strict modes for pitch correction. The Natural mode uses a perceptive model to discern voice components in the input signal, processing them independently to prevent unwanted coloration. The Strict mode removes more pitch variation but may reduce transient crispness. There is also an Intelligent rounding mode that avoids jumping between pitches as much as possible.Graphical Editor and Display
The plug-in includes a graphical editor area that displays the input signal in a manner similar to a spectrogram but with advanced features. It shows detected sounds, including their harmonics, transients, and noise components, with absolute pitch coded into color and amplitude displayed by the width of the symbols. This display helps users find and process specific pitches within the signal.Performance Optimization
PITCHMAP is optimized for high-speed workflow, allowing users to fine-tune parameters for best results. For example, increasing the Threshold parameter can help preserve drum transients, ensuring that the processing does not affect non-pitched signals like drums.Conclusion
In summary, PITCHMAP integrates AI through its MAP technology, which mimics the human auditory system to de-mix and process audio signals. This integration enables precise and real-time manipulation of pitch and other audio elements, making it a versatile tool for music production, sound design, and audio correction. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Performance and Accuracy
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP Overview
PITCHMAP is a groundbreaking audio processing plug-in that stands out in the Audio Tools AI-driven product category for its innovative capabilities and precision. Here’s a detailed evaluation of its performance, accuracy, and any notable limitations or areas for improvement.
Performance
PITCHMAP’s performance is highly commendable, particularly in its ability to process the pitch of individual sounds within mixed signals in real-time. This is achieved through Zynaptiq’s proprietary Mixed-Signal Audio Processing (MAP) technology, which de-mixes the input signal into individual sounds, including their harmonics, transients, and noise components. This technology, based on artificial intelligence and perceptive modeling, mimics the human auditory system, ensuring a natural and accurate sound processing.
The plug-in allows users to change melodies and harmonies of any recording by playing a MIDI keyboard or creating a pitch map using its user-friendly GUI. It also corrects tuning issues simultaneously, making it a versatile tool for engineers, composers, music producers, DJs, and sound designers.
Accuracy
The accuracy of PITCHMAP is one of its strongest features. It uses advanced AI techniques to separate and process individual sounds within a mix, enabling precise pitch correction and mapping. The MAP technology ensures that the processed sounds retain their natural quality, even when significant pitch modifications are applied. This is particularly important for processing human voices, which have a unique sonic topology; PITCHMAP includes a “Natural Mode” to handle voice elements separately, maintaining their natural sound.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While PITCHMAP is highly advanced, there are a few areas where it might face challenges or have room for improvement:
Voice Processing
Although PITCHMAP includes a Natural Mode for voice processing, the human voice is exceptionally sensitive to pitch modifications. Users may still encounter subtle issues, especially if the voice is processed simultaneously with other instruments. However, the current implementation is highly effective in most cases.
Complex Mixes
In extremely complex mixes with many overlapping frequencies, the MAP technology might face some challenges in accurately separating all individual sounds. However, the technology is highly sophisticated and generally handles such scenarios well.
User Learning Curve
While the GUI is streamlined, the depth of features and capabilities might require some time for users to fully master. The comprehensive Snapshot functionality helps in managing multiple settings, but there could be a learning curve for new users.
Real-Time Processing and Workflow Efficiency
PITCHMAP excels in real-time processing, allowing for immediate results and efficient workflow. The Snapshot functionality, with 8 slots, enables users to compare multiple settings, adapt the process to different parts of a recording, and create parameter automation without significant hassle. This feature significantly enhances workflow efficiency and creativity.
Conclusion
In summary, Zynaptiq PITCHMAP offers exceptional performance and accuracy in audio processing, particularly in its ability to handle polyphonic pitch correction and mapping in real-time. While it may have some minor limitations, especially with very complex mixes or voice processing, these are generally well-managed by the advanced MAP technology and the Natural Mode. Overall, PITCHMAP is a powerful and precise tool that significantly enhances the creative and corrective capabilities of audio professionals.
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure for Zynaptiq PITCHMAP
Main Product: PITCHMAP
Features
Free Trial
System Requirements and Compatibility
Additional Options: PITCHMAP::COLORS
Summary
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Integration and Compatibility
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP Overview
PITCHMAP is a highly versatile and advanced audio processing tool that integrates seamlessly with various audio production environments, ensuring broad compatibility across different platforms and devices.Platform Compatibility
PITCHMAP is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. For Mac users, it requires macOS 10.15.x or newer, a 64-bit system, and either an Apple Silicon CPU or an Intel CPU with at least 2 cores (with an i7 or better recommended). On Windows, it supports Windows 10 or newer, with an Intel CPU having at least 2 cores (again, an i7 or better is recommended).Plugin Formats
PITCHMAP supports multiple plugin formats to ensure compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs). It is available in Apple AU (AudioUnits), Steinberg VST 2.4, VST 3, and Avid AAX Native formats. This allows it to work with popular DAWs such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, and Pro Tools.MIDI Control
For users who want to control PITCHMAP using MIDI, the plugin can be inserted into the instrument slot of a software instrument track object in DAWs like Logic Pro. This setup enables MIDI control over the pitch mapping and other functions of PITCHMAP.System Requirements and Copy Protection
To run PITCHMAP, your system needs to process audio as 32-bit float. The plugin uses the latest PACE copy protection, which allows activation on your machine or on an iLok 2/3 device. An iLok account and internet connection are required for software activation, although an iLok dongle is not necessary if your machine has internet access.Integration with DAWs
PITCHMAP’s streamlined GUI and intuitive controls make it easy to integrate into your workflow within any compatible DAW. You can change melodies and harmonies of any recording by playing your own on a MIDI keyboard or creating a pitch map directly within the plugin. This makes it a versatile tool for both corrective tasks, such as tuning issues, and creative sound design.Conclusion
In summary, PITCHMAP’s compatibility with various platforms, plugin formats, and its ability to be controlled via MIDI make it a highly adaptable and powerful tool for audio professionals and musicians alike. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Zynaptiq provides several channels for customer support, although the responsiveness can vary. Here are a few observations:Response Challenges
Support Resources
Zynaptiq offers several resources to help users get the most out of PITCHMAP:FAQs and Troubleshooting
The official Zynaptiq support page includes a FAQ section that addresses common issues, such as error messages in Logic Pro, CPU load optimization, and how to control PITCHMAP using MIDI. This section also clarifies what PITCHMAP is and how it differs from other pitch correction software.User Guides and Manuals
Detailed user guides and manuals are available for PITCHMAP. These guides cover installation, activation, and comprehensive usage tutorials, including how to change the key/scale/melody of a recording using MIDI and how to optimize performance settings.Tutorials and Usage Scenarios
The quick start guide and overview pages provide step-by-step tutorials on various applications of PITCHMAP, such as fixing tuning inaccuracies, adapting recordings to fit another song, and creative sound design. These resources help users understand the full capabilities of the software.Community Feedback
User forums, such as the one on KVR Audio, can be a valuable resource where users share their experiences and tips. Some users have reported positive experiences with Zynaptiq support, while others have faced delays, providing a balanced view of what to expect. By leveraging these resources, users can effectively use PITCHMAP and resolve any issues that may arise during its use. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Zynaptiq PITCHMAP
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP offers several significant advantages that make it a unique and powerful tool in the audio processing field:Real-Time Polyphonic Pitch Processing
PITCHMAP is the first plug-in that allows real-time processing of the pitch of individual sounds within mixed signals. This capability enables users to change melodies and harmonies of any recording instantly.MIDI Control and Automation
The plug-in supports MIDI control, allowing for performance-oriented transpositions and harmony changes. Users can create and recall up to eight snapshots to make sweeping changes instantly, which can be automated using DAW automation.Versatile Applications
PITCHMAP is versatile and can be used by various professionals. Engineers can correct tuning inaccuracies in mixed recordings, composers can try different harmonies, music producers can sculpt sampled material, DJs can adapt song keys for seamless sets, and sound designers can create unique sounds for films and games.Advanced Sound Transformations
It provides functions to suppress individual sounds within a mix and apply advanced synthesizer-like sound transformations to the audio. This makes it an inspiring musical instrument and a precision corrective tool.MAP Technology
PITCHMAP uses proprietary MAP technology based on artificial intelligence that models the human auditory system. This technology allows for the de-mixing of signals into their constituent sounds, which can then be individually processed and tuned.Disadvantages of Zynaptiq PITCHMAP
Despite its powerful features, PITCHMAP also has some notable drawbacks:Audible Artifacts and Unpredictability
Pitch transposition can sometimes create audible artifacts, and the results can be unpredictable. Additionally, pitch correction and note removal do not always work reliably.Limited Compatibility
Currently, PITCHMAP is available only as an Apple AudioUnits (AU) plug-in, which means it is compatible only with Apple Mac computers running Mac OS X 10.6 and not with Windows or other DAW formats like VST or AAX, although future compatibility is planned.Steep Learning Curve
The software has a steep learning curve due to its advanced features and capabilities, which can make it challenging for new users to master.Snapshot Recall Limitations
While snapshots can be recalled via mouse clicks or DAW automation, they cannot be recalled using MIDI notes, which is a feature that Zynaptiq is working to implement. Overall, PITCHMAP is a groundbreaking tool with significant advantages, but it also comes with some limitations and challenges that users need to be aware of. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing Zynaptiq PITCHMAP to other AI-driven audio tools in its category, several unique features and distinctions become apparent.
Unique Features of PITCHMAP
Real-Time Polyphonic Pitch Correction and Mapping
PITCHMAP stands out for its ability to process the pitch of individual sounds within mixed signals in real-time, using Zynaptiq’s proprietary Mixed-Signal Audio Processing (MAP) technology. This allows for correcting tuning issues, changing keys, scales, chords, harmonies, and melodies of a mixed or polyphonic signal on-the-fly.
Internal De-mixing and Pitch Mapping
PITCHMAP can de-mix the input signal into individual sounds, including their harmonics and transients, and then individually tune-correct and map these sounds to other pitches. This is achieved through perceptive modeling and pattern recognition techniques similar to those used in artificial intelligence applications.
Comparison with Other Products
Celemony’s Melodyne Editor
Melodyne is better suited for fine-tuning or manipulating a single but polyphonic instrument or a section of instruments, typically using offline editing. It does not offer real-time processing like PITCHMAP.
Antares’ Auto Tune
Auto Tune is ideal for tuning a solo vocal take or other monophonic instruments. It lacks the polyphonic capabilities and real-time processing of PITCHMAP.
Potential Alternatives
LALAL.AI
While LALAL.AI is an AI audio tool, it specializes in stem splitting, allowing users to extract individual parts of an audio or video, such as vocals, instruments, and accompaniments. However, it does not offer real-time polyphonic pitch correction or mapping like PITCHMAP. Instead, it focuses on isolating and editing different elements of a track.
Key Differences
Real-Time Processing
PITCHMAP’s ability to process and correct pitches in real-time sets it apart from tools like Melodyne and Auto Tune, which are more suited for offline editing or monophonic signals.
Polyphonic Capability
Unlike other pitch processing tools, PITCHMAP can handle complex polyphonic signals, making it invaluable for altering the tonality, chords, harmonies, or melodies of a full mix.
In summary, PITCHMAP’s unique combination of real-time polyphonic pitch correction and mapping, along with its internal de-mixing capabilities, makes it a distinct and valuable tool in the audio processing landscape. While other tools like Melodyne and Auto Tune serve different purposes, PITCHMAP fills a specific niche that is particularly useful for real-time creative and corrective work on mixed signals.
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Zynaptiq PITCHMAP
How does PITCHMAP work?
PITCHMAP uses Zynaptiq’s proprietary MAP (Mixed-Signal Audio Processing) technology, which is based on artificial intelligence and models the human auditory system. This technology de-mixes the input signal into individual sounds, including their harmonics, transients, and noise components. These separated sounds can then be individually processed, tuning-corrected, and mapped to other pitches.Is PITCHMAP a real-time plug-in, and does it introduce latency?
Yes, PITCHMAP is a real-time plug-in, meaning you do not need to perform any off-line analysis or rendering before editing pitches. However, it does introduce some latency due to the use of a stream buffer. In a studio setting, this latency is compensated for on playback by the host.What are the key features of PITCHMAP?
PITCHMAP allows for several key functionalities:- Automatic correction of pitch inaccuracies in polyphonic/mixed signals.
- Pitch Mapping: Change harmonies and melodies on the fly using a MIDI keyboard or the GUI.
- Macro controls for quick creation of harmony and key changes.
- Snapshot functionality for efficient workflow and automation.
- Natural Mode for voice-adapted processing.
- Parameters like Purify and Electrify to make sounds more or less synthetic.
Can PITCHMAP process voice and other instruments differently?
Yes, PITCHMAP includes a Natural Mode that recognizes and processes voice elements separately from other instruments. This mode is based on a model of the human perceptive system, ensuring natural-sounding results, especially for voice processing.How user-friendly is PITCHMAP?
Despite the complex DSP code, PITCHMAP is designed to be user-friendly. You can change pitches by playing notes on a MIDI keyboard or by dragging sliders on the GUI to assign source pitches to target pitches. Macro controls also allow for quick changes between keys and scales with just a few clicks.What are some common uses of PITCHMAP?
PITCHMAP has various applications:- Engineers can correct tuning inaccuracies in mixed recordings.
- Composers can try different harmonies for their works.
- Music producers can sculpt music inside samples.
- DJs can adapt the key/scale of songs for seamless sets.
- Sound designers can create unique sounds for films and games.
- Mash-Up artists and Re-Mixers can quickly adapt components to fit each other.
Does PITCHMAP support multiple plugin formats?
Initially, PITCHMAP was released as a Mac AU (AudioUnits) plug-in, but support for VST and AAX formats for both Mac and Windows platforms was planned for later release.Can PITCHMAP be used to create synthesizer-like sounds?
Yes, PITCHMAP can be used to create unique synthesizer sounds based on a live input. The parameters like Electrify and the polyphonic Portamento option named Glide allow for advanced sound design and can turn PITCHMAP into a unique synthesizer.How does the Snapshot functionality work in PITCHMAP?
The Snapshot functionality in PITCHMAP provides 8 snapshot slots, allowing you to compare multiple settings, adapt the process to different parts of a recording, and create parameter automation without much hassle. This feature enhances workflow efficiency and allows for quick comparisons and adjustments.Is there a trial version available for PITCHMAP?
Yes, a free trial version of PITCHMAP was made available from the Zynaptiq website, allowing users to test the product before purchasing. Zynaptiq PITCHMAP - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Zynaptiq PITCHMAP
Zynaptiq PITCHMAP is a revolutionary audio processing tool that stands out in the AI-driven product category for its unique capabilities in real-time polyphonic pitch correction and pitch mapping. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its features, benefits, and who would most benefit from using it.
Key Features
- Real-Time Processing: PITCHMAP allows for real-time correction of pitch inaccuracies within mixed signals, enabling users to change the key, scale, chords, harmonies, and melodies of a musical signal on the fly.
- MIDI Control: Users can modify melodies and harmonies by playing their own on a MIDI keyboard or creating a pitch map using the GUI.
- Advanced Sound Transformations: It can suppress individual sounds within a mix and apply synthesizer-like sound transformations to the audio.
- MAP Technology: Utilizes Mixed-Signal Audio Processing (MAP) technology, which de-mixes the input signal into individual sounds, including their harmonics and transients, using perceptive modeling and pattern recognition techniques.
User Benefits
- Creative Freedom: PITCHMAP offers immense creative potential by allowing users to reshape music with unprecedented precision. It enables the creation of unique synthesizer sounds, instant remixes, and professional accompaniment tracks directly from favorite songs.
- Corrective Tool: It serves as a precision corrective tool for tuning issues, allowing users to correct pitch inaccuracies and adjust individual melodic lines within a full mix.
- Efficiency: The tool includes comprehensive Snapshot functionality, allowing users to compare multiple settings and adapt the process to different parts of a recording, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Music Producers and Sound Engineers: Those involved in professional audio production will find PITCHMAP invaluable for its ability to correct tuning issues, change key and scale, and manipulate melodies and harmonies in real-time.
- Musicians: Musicians looking to experiment with new sounds or correct pitch issues in their recordings will benefit greatly from PITCHMAP’s advanced features.
- Content Creators: Anyone creating music content, such as remixes or accompaniment tracks, can leverage PITCHMAP to achieve high-quality, professionally sounding results quickly.
Overall Recommendation
PITCHMAP is an exceptional tool for anyone needing advanced pitch correction and manipulation capabilities. While it requires a reasonable degree of user intervention to achieve the best results, the learning curve is manageable, and the rewards are significant.
However, it is important to note that PITCHMAP comes with a cost, and its full potential may be best realized by those with some experience in audio production. For those willing to invest the time and resources, PITCHMAP offers unparalleled flexibility and creative possibilities in real-time polyphonic pitch processing.