Pitch 'n Time Frequently Asked Questions
- General Questions
- Known Issues/Workarounds
- Pitch 'n Time FE
- Pitch 'n Time LE
- Pitch 'n Time Pro
- Serato Intelligent Sound
General Questions
What are the minimum system requirements for Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro?
What are the minimum system requirements for running Serato Pitch 'n Time LE?
Supported Platforms:
Pro Tools 7 and 8: HD, LE, and M-Powered.
Logic Pro 7.2 or 8.
Logic Express 8.
Supported Operating Sytems:
Windows XP and Vista.
Mac OS X 10.3.9, 10.4, and 10.5 (PPC and Intel).
Please note that Mac 10.6 is not supported at this time
iLok key required for authorization.
What are the minimum system requirements for Serato Pitch 'n Time FE?
Do I get an extra license in case my iLok gets stolen?
Also discounted extra licenses are available from http://www.serato.com/purchase/
How complex can the sound file be to get a good result with Serato Pitch 'n Time?
How do I convert audio between different frame rates?
For example, from 25 FPS to 24 FPS you will use the following:
Source Rate: 25
Target Rate: 24
What are the flaws of other methods of pitch and time shifting?
Does Serato Pitch 'n Time work with MP3 files?
What is the range of pitch shifting?
What is the range of time stretching?
What is Serato Pitch 'n Time?
Why does Serato Pitch 'n Time work better than other time and pitch shifters?
It may seem obvious, but the perfect time stretch is one where the output sounds the same as the input, just faster or slower. The key word here is 'sounds', which means the problem isn't about waveforms or kilohertz - it's all about hearing.
Serato Audio Research has developed a sophisticated model of the human auditory system. In a sense, the software "listens" to the music, performing a sophisticated auditory scene analysis. Only by listening can it determine what 'sounds' the same, but faster or slower. Normally using such a sophisticated model of the human auditory system would be computationally prohibitive, so novel mathematical methods had to be developed by Serato to speed up this process in software.
Serato have US and international patents for this technique.
If you would like more specific information on the technology that makes Serato Pitch 'n Time work please visit http://www.serato.com/technology/faq/
How do I purchase Serato Pitch 'n Time?
How much does Serato Pitch 'n Time cost?
Pitch 'n Time Pro retails for $799 USD. An upgrade is also available for $99 USD to all users not currently authorized with an iLok. Pitch 'n Time 2.2 owners can use their current iLok license with this version.
Pitch 'n Time LE has an MSRP of $399 US.
Pitch 'n Time FE has an MSRP of $399 US.
What is an iLok?
Known Issues/Workarounds
Pitch 'n Time LE for Logic Pro 8 iLok issues
Problem
If you are using a Mac PPC without a valid iLok license, Logic Pro 8 may crash when processing and unsaved data may be lost.
If you are using a Mac Intel without a valid iLok license, Logic Pro 8 will not provide an indication that processing has failed.
Solution
Always use Pitch 'n Time LE with a valid iLok license. A 30 day demo license is available here:
http://serato.com/products/pntle/download
Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.5 version number displayed incorrectly in Pro Tools
Pitch 'n Time LE 1.2 version number displayed incorrectly in Pro Tools
Pitch 'n Time LE version number displayed incorrectly in logic
Problem
The version number of Pitch 'n Time LE displayed in Logic is always 1.0.0 despite which version of Pitch 'n Time LE is actually installed. '
Workaround
You can confirm which version of Pitch 'n Time LE is actually installed by getting info on the Pitch 'n Time LE.component file which can be found in Macintosh HD -> Library -> Audio -> Plug-Ins -> Components
This issue will be fixed in the next release of Pitch 'n Time LE.
Pitch 'n Time Pro window is cropped when starting Pro Tools with a low screen resolution
Logic Pro 8.0 can disable Pitch 'n Time LE
If, when launching Logic Pro 8.0 after installing Pitch 'n Time LE, you don't have an authorized iLok inserted Logic Pro will disable Pitch 'n Time LE. Pitch 'n Time LE will not be visible in the algorithm selections. Inserting your iLok and / or restarting Logic Pro will not help to make Pitch 'n Time LE available.
The Solution
Start Logic Pro 8.0.
Ensure your authorized iLok is inserted.
Select Preferences → Audio Unit Manager.
Check "Pitch 'n Time LE".
Pitch 'n Time LE will once again be available to you.
Finding Pitch 'n Time Pro and LE in the AudioSuite menu
Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4 required to use the Pro Tools 7.4 TC/E tool
Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.3.1 or earlier, with Pro Tools 7.4 or later.
Issue:
The TC/E tool does not work as expected.
Solution
Download and install an update to Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4: http://serato.com/products/pnt/download/
This is a FREE update for owners of Pitch 'n Time 2.2 and Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.3. Your current iLok license will work with Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4.
Pitch 'n Time Pro and LE open with Multi-channel processing as the default
Pitch 'n Time Pro and LE in Pro Tools both open with "Multi-channel mode" processing as the default, even when mono processing may be more suitable for your audio.
Workaround
Launch Pro Tools.
Launch Pitch 'n Time Pro or LE from the Audio Suite menu.
Change the processing from "Multi-channel mode" to "Mono mode".
Trouble deleting audio in the Pro Tools Edit Window with Pitch 'n Time open
After you type a value into a field in Pitch 'n Time Pro or LE you can press Enter or Return to send that value through to the plug-in.
When pressing Enter in a Pitch 'n Time text field the editor (or text field) remains active, therefore pressing Delete will delete the value in the text editor instead of your selected region in the Edit Window.
Workaround
Send your new value to Pitch 'n Time by pressing Return instead of Enter. Pressing Return will deselect the input field and you will then be able to delete a region of audio on the timeline in Edit Window using the Delete key.
Pitch 'n Time LE 1.1.3/1.1.4 crashes on Pro Tools 6.9.2 (or 6.9.1)
Some Pitch 'n Time Pro settings pre-2.4 are not compatible with 2.4 or later
Product:
Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4 or later
Issue:
When loading a setting saved with version 2.3.1 or earlier into version 2.4 or later, the algorithm selection may be wrong. Specifically, if you saved the setting with algorithm B selected, this will appear as algorithm V in version 2.4.
Workaround:
1. Open Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4 (or later :)
2. Load your setting
3. (If the Algorithm selection is wrong) Select the correct algorithm
4. Save the setting with the same name (overwrite the old one)
Prelisten using Pitch 'n Time LE for Logic Pro
Using Pitch 'n Time LE for Logic Pro, the Prelisten function in the Factory Time and Pitch Machine doesn't sound as good as Pitch 'n Time should.
Logic Pro doesn't currently support Prelisten using Pitch 'n Time LE, an internal algorithm is used instead. At this time it is unknown whether or when Apple might fix this.
Workaround
To hear the true sound of Pitch 'n Time LE when working with Logic Pro, Process the audio, have a listen and use the Undo function if you wish to make further adjustments.
Pitch 'n Time / Pitch 'n Time Pro settings folder name change
Pitch 'n Time 2
to
Pitch'nTime Pro
Please note that there is only one space (before Pro) in "Pitch'nTime Pro"
Your plug-in settings are found in the following locations:
PC: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-In Settings\
Mac: /Library/Application Support/Digidesign/Plug-In Settings/
Pitch 'n Time LE for Logic Pro - 800% warning in arrange window
The issue appears when Pitch 'n Time LE is selected as the Arrange window Time Machine algorithm, and you are using "Adjust Region Length to Nearest Bar" or "Adjust Region Length to Locators" on an audio region with length 1:00:21.60 or greater. The following message appears, regardless of whether the audio is being time-stretched or compressed, to whatever extent:
[quote]Time Expansion of Audio is limited to 800% of its original length.
Please set a smaller destination size and try again.[/quote]
A Fix
Apple will be fixing this in a future release of Logic Pro.
A Workaround
Manipulation of long audio material will work, if you open it in Sample Editor and use the Time & Pitch machine.
Pitch 'n Time Pro Vocal mode with the TC/E tool in Pro Tools 7.3 and lower
Product
Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4 (and probably future versions)
The Issue:
When using TC/E trimmer tool with anything other than the default mode, you must first select that mode (e.g. V mode) and save a "preset" (or otherwise known as a Setting). To use this preset with TC/E tool, you go to Setup->Preferences->Processing, select "Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro" for "TC/E Plugin" drop-down box, and your saved setting for "Default Settings". Now you would think you're ready to use that saved mode with the TC/E tool. However, doing this on Pro Tools 7.3 and lower does NOT work. You must execute a workaround.
A Fix:
This will be fixed with Pro Tools versions 7.4 (and higher). However if you have a lower version, you will still have to use the following workaround.
A Workaround:
For example to use V mode with TC/E tool on ProTools 7.3 or lower
1) Open PnT Pro.
2) Click on V.
3) Save a new setting using the drop down next to in the plug-in header.
4a) Call the new setting "V mode".
4b) Click on "Set As User Default" (also drop down next to
4c) Click "Settings Preferences->Set Plugin default to->User Setting"
4d) Close plugin
5) Go to Setup -> Preferences -> Processing.
6) Your TC/E Plug-In should be Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro
7) Choose "V mode" as the Default Setting.
8) Process using the TC/E tool.
Update:
Pro Tools 7.4 has now been released (see www.digidesign.com for more information).
The TC/E tool works as expected with Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4 and Pro Tools 7.4.
Pitch 'n Time FE
Is Pitch 'n Time FE available for purchase as a boxed version?
Can I try Pitch 'n Time FE before I buy?
What is Pitch 'n Time FE?
What platforms does it work on?
Pitch 'n Time FE works on the Fairlight CC-1 systems. For more information on the Fairlight CC-1 systems, please visit http://www.fairlightau.com/
Pitch 'n Time LE
Can I download a demo of Pitch 'n Time LE?
Do I need to have an iLok key to run Pitch 'n Time LE?
I already own Pitch 'n Time 2.4, can I crossgrade to Pitch 'n Time LE?
Alternatively, you can keep you Pitch 'n Time Pro license and purchase Pitch 'n Time LE at the discounted price of $199. You can only purchase one copy of Pitch 'n Time LE for each copy of Pitch 'n Time Pro owned.
To purchase a crossgrade or discounted Pitch 'n Time LE please email us at sales@serato.com with you serial number and iLok user ID.
Is the sound quality different between Pitch 'n Time Pro and Pitch 'n Time LE?
Do you get both the Logic version and the Pro Tools version of Pitch 'n Time LE in the same box?
Do I need Pro Tools hardware to run Pitch 'n Time LE with Logic Pro?
What version of Logic do I need to use Pitch 'n Time LE?
What is the main difference between Pitch 'n Time Pro and Pitch 'n Time LE?
Pitch 'n Time LE has been designed to do high quality, straight forward time and pitch adjustment. With Pitch 'n Time LE you affect the selected audio with a single set of parameters per process.
In comparison Pitch 'n Time Pro includes a number of panels designed to allow the user to make a series of changes in a single process. For each process you are able to set multiple parameters.
Specifically the Variable Pitch panel, Variable Tempo panel, Time Morph panel and Varispeed mode from Pitch 'n Time Pro are not included in Pitch 'n Time LE. (For more information about Pitch 'n Time Pro click here.)
Pitch 'n Time Pro
Help! Things are wandering across the stereo image!
Why doesn't the automation change when I time stretch a track?
Does Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro work with all bit depths?
Does Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro work with time code selection?
Can Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro accurately time stretch from one time code frame rate to another?
Is Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro phase coherent?
Can Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro analyze beats?
Will Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro be released as a TDM Plug-In? What about RTAS?
How can I use Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro in my sound and music production?
What are the system requirements for running Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro?
What are the features of Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro?
Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro offers the following features:
* Perfect Pro-Tools integration.
* Modify tempo from 12.5% to 800% of original and simultaneously pitch shift by ±36 semitones.
* Unrivalled and unprecedented processing quality.
* Unique patented time compression/expansion and pitch-shifting algorithm.
* No loss of timing accuracy.
* Process stereo tracks without phasing.
* Process Dolby matrix encoded tracks without losing surround information.
* Time stretch by tempo change, length change, target length, or target BPM.
* Select pitch shift by frequency change or semitone shift.
* Preview changes in real time.
* Fully Mac and Windows compatible
* Multi-Channel Mode - allows you to process up to 48 tracks together while maintaining their original phase coherency.
* Time-Morph - allows you to drop a marker at an event and move it anywhere; the audio flexes before and after to allow you to stretch out a single note, or even change the timing of a loop.
* Variable Pitch Mapping - allows you to pitch-correct individual notes, remove or create pitch slides, or even make a realistic record scratch sound.
* Variable Tempo Mapping - gives you the power to create variable tempo maps and changes over the length of your sample.
* Waveform Overview - means you can actually see the effects of your tempo map as it is applied directly to the waveform.
For full details of Pitch 'n Time Pro features you can download the manual here.
What's new to Pitch 'n Time Pro 2.4?
Please visit the upgrade section for more details at http://www.serato.com/products/pnt/upgrade/
How do I reauthorize my copy of Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro?
Serato products are no longer using Challenge Response authorization.
If you require a final Challenge Response authorization for your copy of Pitch 'n Time Pro please send us an email using our online support form at http://www.serato.com/support/
What software does Serato Pitch 'n Time Pro work with?
Serato Intelligent Sound
What platforms does Serato Intelligent Sound™ work with?
Is the timing of a sample effected by Serato Intelligent Sound™?
Does Serato Intelligent Sound™ work with all bit depths, and sample rates?
Is Serato Intelligent Sound™ phase coherent?
How complex can the sound file be to work with Serato Intelligent Sound™?
Why does Serato Intelligent Sound™ work better than other time compression and expansion algorithms?
It may seem obvious, but the perfect time stretch is one where the output sounds the same as the input, just faster or slower. The key word here is 'sounds', which means the problem isn't about waveforms or kilohertz - it's all about hearing.
Serato Audio Research has developed a sophisticated model of the human auditory system. In a sense, the software "listens" to the music, performing a sophisticated auditory scene analysis. Only by listening can it determine what 'sounds' the same, but faster or slower. Normally using such a sophisticated model of the human auditory system would be computationally prohibitive, so novel mathematical methods had to be developed by Serato to speed up this process in software.
Serato have US and international patents pending on this technique.
