Pitch 'n Time Pro

Name: Pitch 'n Time Pro
Price: 799 USD
Author: Serato

by Serato · Pitch & Tuning · Time-stretch / pitch-shift (AudioSuite)

vst3s Score 8.3/10 · rated #9 of 10 pitch & tuning

An offline AudioSuite plugin for Pro Tools that time-stretches audio from 1/8 to 8x speed and pitch-shifts up to 36 semitones, each independent of the other.

Its tempo and pitch can change over time via maps and markers, and it has long been a post-production standard for high-quality stretching of dialogue, music and full mixes.

Best for: Vocals, Mix Bus, Sound Design, Mastering. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: AAX, pitch-shifting, full mix, dialogue, post-production, vocals, 90s, bus processing, downward expansion, extreme, film & game audio, live performance, mastering, mix bus, mixing, simple, sound design.

What it does

Pitch 'n Time Pro is Serato's "high quality time-stretching and pitch-shifting AudioSuite software plug-in for the Pro Tools platform." The underlying Pitch 'n Time technology dates back to 1998 and is also used in Serato's DJ and sampling software.

Wide range: time compression and expansion from 1/8 speed to 8x speed independent of pitch, and pitch shifting of up to ±36 semitones independent of tempo (Voice Mode is limited to 50%-200% and ±12 semitones).
Flexible stretch targets: stretch by tempo change, length change, target length or target BPM, and shift pitch by frequency change or semitones.
Varying maps: the tempo and pitch functions each have three interchangeable panels, from fixed ratios to alterations that vary over time; you can warp timing by placing and moving markers.
Pro Tools integration: works with the Pro Tools time trimmer tool and previews changes in real time before rendering; Thomann lists multichannel processing of up to 48 tracks with phase kept intact.
LE edition: Pitch 'n Time LE is a simpler version available as a Pro Tools plugin and as an algorithm inside Logic Pro's Time & Pitch Machine.

Version 3.1.1 is an AAX AudioSuite plugin for Pro Tools. It has a 30-day demo.

Source: Serato product page

When to use it

Unlike most pitch tools on the site, such as Melodyne 5 editor, Little AlterBoy and Eventide's H910 and MicroPitch, which work on notes or in real time, Pitch 'n Time Pro is an offline Pro Tools process aimed at changing the speed or key of whole regions, stems or mixes with as few artifacts as possible. Choose it for post-production and conform work in Pro Tools; choose Melodyne for note-level correction or RePitch 2 for vocal tuning.

Best for: changing the tempo or key of full mixes, stems, dialogue and sound effects in Pro Tools, including film and video speed conversions.
Genres: all; it is a utility for music and post-production rather than a creative effect.
Look elsewhere if: you don't use Pro Tools, need real-time processing, or want an affordable tool; it is priced for professional facilities.
Standout: time and pitch maps that vary over time, with an 8x stretch range and ±36-semitone shift.

What producers say

Reviewers and users praise its sound quality, but the high price and the long gap between major updates draw criticism.

Sound On Sound (2006) Mike Thornton found the tempo adjustment "nothing short of stunning" and called it "extremely powerful and sonically impressive."
Thomann user (2021) said that, unchanged for years, it is "still one of the best pitch plugins" and uses it on voices and sound effects.
Gripe: a KVR commenter (2019) balked at the price; SOS noted it is not real-time and the LE version lacked varispeed.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

Serato TDM Plug-ins: Stretch Pitch And Time In Your DAW

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