Alter the pitch

These subtle yet effective pitchmanipulation tips will help add an organic edge to your mixes

HAVE A FLUTTER

If you’re using a tape-emulation plugin, have a go at subtly automating the amount of wow and flutter that the plugin applies to your signal. A gentle 5% or so should do the trick. This’ll emulate the subtle variations that a real tape machine suffers from due to changing temperature and moisture levels.

TUNE OUT

Classic analogue synths can drift in and out of tune due to the temperature intolerances and age of the internal components used. When working in the digital realm, mimic these pitch fluctuations by subtly detuning any softsynth via automation – try a gentle 3-4 cents as the track progresses.

BREAK IT DOWN

Ever used a circuit-bent or ‘broken’ piece of analogue kit? If so, you’ll be used to the utter randomness that ensues. Replicate this in the computer by using a synth that allows you to gradually mix the effect of ‘broken’ components into the signal path, such as u-he’s Ace or our own Phonec CM.