Antares ATR-1a - Manual (Page 12)

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How the ATR-1a corrects pitch
The ATR-1a works by continuously tracking the pitch of an input sound
and comparing it to a user-defined scale. The scale tone closest to the
input is continuously identified. If the input pitch exactly matches the scale
tone, no correction is applied. If the input pitch varies from the desired
scale pitch, an output pitch is generated which is closer to the scale tone
than the input pitch. (The exact amount of correction is controlled by the
Speed parameter, described below and in Chapter 4.)
Scales
The heart of the ATR-1a’s pitch correction is the Scale. The ATR-1a allows
you to program 50 different Scales. For each Scale you can define which
notes will sound and which won’t. And for each note that will sound, you
can decide whether the ATR-1a will apply pitch correction to input pitches
near that note or leave those pitches uncorrected.
Speed
You also have control over how rapidly, in time, the pitch adjustment is
made toward the scale tone. This is set with the SPEED control (see
Chapter 4 for more details).
• Fast SPEED settings are more appropriate for short duration notes and
for mechanical instruments, like an oboe or clarinet, whose pitch
typically changes almost instantly. A fast enough setting will also
minimize or completely remove a vibrato.
• Slow SPEED settings, on the other hand, are appropriate for longer
notes where you want expressive pitch gestures (like vibrato) to come
through at the output and for vocal and instrumental styles that are
typified by gradual slides (portamento) between pitches. An appropri-
ately selected slow setting can leave a vibrato unmodified while the
average pitch is accurately adjusted to be in-tune.
Vibrato
The ATR-1a can also apply a vibrato to the input sound. You can program
the vibrato depth, vibrato rate and the onset delay of the vibrato (or even
control it in real time via MIDI). You can also choose the shape of the pitch
variation in the vibrato (sine, ramp or square). By combining a fast Speed
setting with the ATR-1a Vibrato settings, you can even remove a
performer’s own vibrato and replace it with the ATR-1a’s programmed
vibrato, all in real time. Also, unusual combinations of Vibrato Waveform,
Rate and Depth settings can be used for some interesting special effects.