PitchFunk

Name: PitchFunk
Price: 99.34 USD
Author: DMG Audio

by DMG Audio · Multi-FX · Pitch-shift, delay and filter multi-effect

Not rated yet

PitchFunk is a creative multi-effect from DMG Audio that combines pitch shifting with delays, filters and a modulation matrix.

It has 10 pitch-shifting algorithms, 3 delay types and drawable LFOs, and costs about $99 (£74.99).

Best for: Sound Design, Vocals, Keys & Synths, Guitars. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Hip-Hop & Trap.

Keywords: pitch-shifting, creative, modulation matrix, granular, sound design, tempo-synced, cinematic, classic, CPU-light, destructive, evolving, mid/side, mixing, modern, shimmer, sidechain input, steep learning curve, stutter, surgical, vintage, vocals.

What it does

PitchFunk is DMG Audio's sound-mangling multi-effect, built around a pitch shifter, a delay line and a filter that can feed into each other. DMG calls it "an audio manipulating colossus" for sound designers and electronic producers.

Pitch shifting: 10 pitch-shifting algorithms based on classic hardware units, tuned to stay light on CPU, with a Splice function that slices audio in a granular style.
Delay lines: 3 delay algorithms covering vintage and modern sounds (Computer Music lists them as Modern, Crunchy and Bit), with tempo sync and feedback.
Filter: nine filter types (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch at different slopes) that interact with the feedback path.
Routing: a configurable topology for the order of the effects, plus a movable modulated gain stage for pan and gain effects.
Stereo modes: stereo, independent Mid/Side and independent Left/Right processing, plus a dual mode.
Modulation: 3 Bezier-drawable LFOs with swing, tempo sync, free-run and retrigger options and unipolar or bipolar modes, plus a sidechain-able envelope follower.
Mod matrix and MIDI: a full matrix that sends any source to any control; pitch can be played from MIDI and pitch bend.

The current version is 1.24 (October 2023). It ships with a large preset library. A demo is available; KVR lists it as a 30-day fully working demo.

Source: DMG Audio product page

When to use it

PitchFunk is the better pick when pitch is the centre of the sound: it builds weird textures from a pitch shifter, delay and filter that feed into each other, with a deep mod matrix on top. Compared with Infiltrator 2 and Multipass, it has far fewer effect types and no modular rack, but its feedback loop between pitch, delay and filter gives results those general-purpose racks don't easily reach. Unlike Effectrix2, it is not a step-sequenced glitch tool; its movement comes from drawn LFOs and an envelope follower. It is also much less suited to vocal work than Little AlterBoy, which keeps formants and sounds natural. It costs less than most of the rated multi-effects.

Best for: pitch-based sound design, detuned and shimmering delays, granular-style slicing and evolving modulated textures.
Genres: electronic, ambient and cinematic, and experimental production.
Look elsewhere if: you want natural vocal pitch or formant changes (Little AlterBoy) or a broad rack of effects in one plugin (Infiltrator 2 or Multipass).
Tip: Computer Music suggests recording the output while you experiment, since happy accidents are common and can be cut up afterwards.

What producers say

Reviewers see it as a powerful tool for experienced sound designers, with a steep learning curve.

Computer Music (2012) called it "a veritable gift for sound designers and electronic producers", praising the modulation, the "gorgeous" filter, the feedback and filter interaction and the large preset library.
Criticisms: limited MIDI control (pitch wheel only, no CC assignments for common parameters), and it can easily sound bad or feel unwieldy without deliberate sound design.