Voice Software

[davidmonks]

Having been forced to lead a much quieter life for the past while, my recuperation is progressing very nicely. However, I am still somewhat limited in what I can undertake, and I don't see myself getting back in front of the choir until about the end of October. Even so, I now am able to take on some work, provided I don't overdo things.

Something that has occurred to me that I would enjoy doing, and that I could pick up an put down without breaking a creative flow, is singing through the voice parts of pieces I have already composed. However, in order to put the SATB lines (and divisi) together I would need some software to alter the pitch and timbre of my voice, which is a lowish baritone. So, can anyone suggest some software that would enable me to get going on this, please?

There are a couple of things that I should mention. I am the world's worst at understanding computers and their jargon. Also, I would hope that there is some freeware that would be accessible to enable me to build up some knowledge about what is involved before launching out any money on something that might be completely beyond my capability.

Can anyone help with advice?

[Joseph]

David, for free you can download Audacity. It has a ton of effects with some pitch altering ones (not many). But, it is free and immediately available. There are other low cost options. I've used some older ones. The results are not great but then I'm not sure how much digital processor squalor you will accept :-) I'm sure by now there are more and better options. Joseph

[Deleted]

Well,David, many (most?) sequencers have easy tools for transposing and playback or muting of individual voices. So if you have only once voice per staff, transpose to suit your needs, mute the part you wish to sing, and go at it.
You can easily transpose the soprano part (or any other individual part) down/up an octave.

I consider Sonar top of the line, but it is rather expensive. If you decide to acquire a sequencer, be sure to check system requirements. My ancient desk top will not work with many newer applications.

Richard

Richard

[davidmonks]

Hello Joe and Richard,

Thank you both for your kind responses.

I will have a look at Audacity and see what I can do with that. It may be that I can manage to understand it with some work; although I imagine there may be some help on youtube...must check that out.

Richard, I will proceed as above for the present, but am bearing in mind the advice that you have given. If Audacity does the trick, fine. If not, I will consider spending some cash on Sonar, or something like it.

As the summer has arrived, I will have a new indoor toy to keep me amused during the heat of the day.

I appreciate your advice and help.


David.

[Joseph]

Jul 5, 2014 11:54:11 GMT davidmonks said:

". . . . If Audacity does the trick, fine. If not, I will consider spending some cash on Sonar, or something like it . . ."

while nowhere near as powerful as the typical DAW discussed here you might have a look at PowerTracks Pro Audio (pgmusic.com).  Infinitely less expensive and it does come with among other plugins a very easy to use harmonizing software (which you can use to shift octaves).  The screenshot in the attached is not easy to see but if you magnify it you can make our in the lower right corner of the harmonizer window the tool which will do what you wish to do.  kast time I looked this software was $49.00 USPTPA screenshot.pdf (105.64 KB)

[davidmonks]

Thanks Joe,

That looks very interesting.

I've downloaded Audacity and will have a look at it. Power Tracks does look more comprehensible to me, but I have to watch my budget as some medical bills are due - hopefully all will be covered by insurance. But just in case, I will hold my hand for the moment. The $49 might mean eating or starving LOL. Joking. But I will give Audacity a whirl first.

Many thanks.

[Joseph]

best part of SOS, David, is everyone's willingness to share whatever "knowledge" one might have . . .