AutoKey 2

Name: AutoKey 2
Price: 30 USD
Author: Antares

by Antares · Utility · Key/scale/tempo detector

Not rated yet

Detects the key, scale and tempo of a track and sends the settings to AutoTune plugins in one click.

Best for: Vocals, Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: vocals, mixing, samples & loops, utility.

What it does

AutoKey 2 is a companion app from Antares that detects the key, scale and tempo of an audio file and passes them to AutoTune plugins.

Detection: key, scale and BPM from MP3, WAV, FLAC and AIFF files.
One-click transfer: sends the result to compatible AutoTune plugins, and can automate key changes within a DAW.
Works with: all major DAWs, alongside the AutoTune editions and EFX+.

Source: Antares product page

When to use it

Useful when you're tuning a vocal over a sampled or pre-made track and don't know its key. Its advantage over other key-detection tools is that it hands the result straight to AutoTune. It isn't much use without an AutoTune plugin.

Best for: quickly setting up AutoTune on vocals recorded over an existing beat or loop.

Where to buy

Sweetwater: $30 (regular $50)
PluginFox: $50
Antares: see store

Tutorials and reviews

Similar plugins

Key Detector by Waves · Key detection · $28.21
SCOUT by Echelon Audio · Key and tempo detector · $69
SongKey MK4 by HoRNet · Key, chord and tempo detector · $15.89
WHATTHEKEY 3 by Phil Speiser · Key detection and audio-to-MIDI · $29.99
Dimmer by Venn Audio · Sidechain monitor dimmer · $15

All metering & utility