How to Autotune Using GSnap in Audacity

Autotune has become an essential tool in modern music production, allowing vocalists to correct pitch or create stylized effects. While many expensive software options are available, there’s a free and effective solution for autotuning your vocals in Audacity—a plugin called GSnap.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of downloading, installing, and using GSnap to autotune your voice in Audacity.

What is GSnap?

GSnap is a free autotune VST plugin developed by GVST. It allows users to correct pitch errors or apply the distinctive autotune effect that has become popular in genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. It offers a wide range of controls to customize the autotune effect to your liking, from subtle pitch correction to full robotic vocal modulation.

Step 1: Download and Install GSnap

Before we begin, you’ll need to download the GSnap plugin and install it into Audacity.

1. Download GSnap:
   • Visit the official GVST website: https://www.gvst.co.uk/Downloads/Get/GSnapWin64.zip.
   • Choose the version that corresponds to your operating system (Windows or Mac).
2. Install GSnap:
   • Windows: After downloading, extract the .zip file and copy the GSnap .dll file into your VST Plugins folder (typically located in C:/Program Files/VSTPlugins).
   • Mac: Move the .vst file into the Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST folder.

Step 2: Enable GSnap in Audacity

Once GSnap is installed, you need to ensure that Audacity recognizes the plugin.

1. Open Audacity.
2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Effects.
3. Under the VST Effects section, check the box for “Rescan VST effects next time Audacity is restarted.”
4. Restart Audacity.
5. After reopening Audacity, navigate to Effect > Add/Remove Plugins. Locate GSnap in the list and click Enable, then OK.

Step 3: Record or Import Your Audio

Now that GSnap is enabled, you can start autotuning your audio.

1. Record: If you want to autotune vocals, simply click the Record button and sing your part. Alternatively, you can import an existing audio file by going to File > Import > Audio.
2. Prepare Your Audio: Ensure the vocals are clear and free from excessive noise. You can use Audacity’s Noise Reduction feature to clean up the recording if necessary.

Step 4: Apply GSnap Autotune

Once your audio is ready, it’s time to apply the GSnap autotune effect.

1. Select the portion of the audio you want to autotune (or press Ctrl + A to select the entire track).
2. Go to Effect > GSnap to open the plugin’s interface.

Step 5: Configure GSnap Settings

GSnap provides a variety of settings that allow you to control how the autotune effect behaves. Here are some key parameters:

• Min Freq / Max Freq: Set the frequency range of the vocals you want to autotune. For male vocals, a range of 80Hz to 300Hz works well, while for female vocals, a range of 150Hz to 500Hz is usually appropriate.
• Gate: Determines the minimum level of input for the autotune to engage. A higher value will cause only the loudest parts of the audio to be autotuned.
• Speed: Controls how quickly the autotune effect adjusts pitch. For a robotic, T-Pain style effect, set the Speed to a low value (e.g., 1-5). For more natural pitch correction, use a higher value (e.g., 15-30).
• Threshold: Adjusts the sensitivity of pitch detection. A lower threshold will affect more of the audio, while a higher threshold will only autotune more obvious pitch issues.
• Scale / Key: Set the scale and key of your song here. This is important for accurate pitch correction. If you’re unsure of your song’s key, you can use an online tool to find it.

Step 6: Fine-Tune Your Effect

Once you’ve set up the initial parameters, play your track and listen to how the autotune sounds. You can continue adjusting the Speed, Threshold, and Gate until you’re satisfied with the results. GSnap also allows you to fine-tune specific notes using the MIDI input option if you’re looking for even more control.

Step 7: Export Your Track

When you’re happy with your autotuned vocals, it’s time to export your track.

1. Go to File > Export and choose your desired format (e.g., WAV, MP3).
2. Name your file, choose the export location, and click Save.

Tips for Using GSnap in Audacity

• Subtlety is key: If you’re using GSnap for pitch correction rather than for a robotic effect, be sure to adjust the Speed and Threshold carefully to maintain a natural sound.
• Experiment with scales: Sometimes using a different scale can give interesting results, especially if you’re going for a more creative or experimental sound.
• Layer your vocals: To add depth and richness to your autotuned vocals, consider duplicating your track and applying slightly different settings to each layer.