Auto-Tune is an audio processor created by Antares Audio Technologies utilizing a proprietary device to measure and alter pitch in vocal and instrumental music recording and performances. Released in 1997, the processor bends pitches to the nearest semitone of the selected scale.
Originally intended to tune or correct performances that were out-of-tune, Auto-Tune has also been used to create a robot-like vocal effect by suddenly shifting between pitches in a step-wise fashion. The most notable, early use of this effect was in 1998 in the song,” Believe” by Cher, in which the producers discovered that using Auto-Tune on it’s most aggressive setting created this effect. Available as either a plug-in for audio multi-tracking suites or as a stand-alone hardware unit, Auto-Tune’s use is wide-spread and it is considered standard equipment in professional recording studios. Its popularity urged other manufacturers to release similar products, creating a generic use of the term “auto-tune.”