Pitchproof
Key Features
- Pitch shifting up to one octave in either direction with fine-tune Detune control for subtle detuning effects
- Six intelligent harmony intervals (2nd through 7th) that follow a user-selected musical key and scale
- Blend control for mixing between fully pitch-shifted output and a parallel dry/wet harmony
- Transient Fix mode preserves percussive attack and dynamics during pitch shifting
- MIDI keyboard control with Keyboard-Modu and Keyboard-Force modes for real-time performance
- Built-in chromatic guitar tuner with repositionable display
- Mono and stereo processing modes with lower CPU usage in mono
Description
Pitchproof by Aegean Music is a pitch shifting and harmonizer plugin that emulates the character of classic guitar harmonizer pedals while maintaining modern signal quality. It shifts pitch up to an octave in either direction with six intelligent harmony modes that track a selected musical key and scale.
The harmony engine handles intervals from 2nds through 7ths, automatically generating musically correct pitch shifts when you set the root key. A Blend control mixes between the fully shifted output and a dry/wet harmony blend, while a Detune knob adds subtle pitch drift for a more organic, chorus-like thickness.
Pitchproof processes monophonic signals cleanly, preserving original transients through a dedicated Transient Fix mode that keeps percussive attacks intact during pitch shifting. Stereo input is also supported, though mono mode reduces CPU usage for simpler signal chains.
Version 1.1 introduced MIDI keyboard control with two modes: Keyboard-Modu for real-time modulation and Keyboard-Force for locking the pitch interval via MIDI input. This turns Pitchproof into a performance tool for live harmonizing.
A built-in chromatic guitar tuner displays the detected pitch of your input signal. It runs alongside the effect processing and can be tucked into the corner of the GUI when not needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the MIDI keyboard modes in Pitchproof?
Version 1.1 added two MIDI modes. Keyboard-Modu lets you modulate the pitch shift in real time from a MIDI keyboard, while Keyboard-Force locks the pitch interval to whatever MIDI note you press. Both modes turn Pitchproof into a live performance harmonizer.
Does Pitchproof work with polyphonic signals like chords?
Pitchproof is optimized for monophonic signals such as vocals, guitar leads, and single-note synth lines. Polyphonic input like full chords will produce artifacts because the pitch detection tracks a single fundamental frequency.
What is the Transient Fix setting for?
Transient Fix preserves the attack and dynamics of your input signal during pitch shifting. It is recommended to leave it on for percussive sources like plucked guitar or staccato vocals. Turn it off only if you experience unexpected glitches with fade-in sounds like sustained pads.
How do the harmony modes differ from standard pitch shifting?
Standard pitch settings like +7 or -5 shift by a fixed number of semitones regardless of musical context. The harmony modes (2nd through 7th) are scale-aware and shift notes by diatonic intervals within the selected key, producing musically correct harmonies instead of parallel movement.
