AutoKey 2 by Antares automatically detects key, scale, and tempo from audio, then syncs compatible Auto-Tune plug-ins for a faster pitch-correction workflow.
Purpose
AutoKey 2 identifies the musical key, scale, and tempo of any audio track in real time. This saves you from manual listening and trial-and-error when setting up pitch correction. The plug-in uses TONART V3 by zplane as its detection engine, providing reliable results from live input or a loaded file.
It addresses a common bottleneck: keeping multiple Auto-Tune instances in the correct key. Without AutoKey, each Auto-Tune may default to C chromatic, which can cause incorrect pitch shifting. AutoKey acts as a central key detector that updates your session’s Auto-Tune settings to match the song’s actual tonality.
Key Capabilities
AutoKey 2 works with audio played in real time or through drag-and-drop of MP3, WAV, FLAC, or AIFF files. Detection happens in seconds, showing you the key, scale, and tempo. The interface is resizable and offers light and dark modes, making it easy to fit into your working environment.
A dedicated pitch reference display and Detune control let you adjust the tuning reference away from the standard A440. This is useful for tracks recorded with non-standard tuning. The plug-in can also automate key changes to compatible Auto-Tune plug-ins, helping ensure that all instances stay in key as the song progresses.
Workflow
A typical workflow starts with placing AutoKey on the track that contains the original vocal or instrument. Play the track for a few seconds while AutoKey analyzes the audio. The detected key and scale appear on screen, ready for you to review.
After confirming the detection, click the ‘Send to Auto-Tune’ button. AutoKey then communicates the correct key and scale to all compatible Auto-Tune instances in your session, updating their settings automatically. This removes the need to manually set each plug-in, which is a major time-saver in sessions with many tracks.
Practical Applications
Music producers working with vocal tracks will find AutoKey 2 invaluable for quickly matching Auto-Tune settings to the song’s key. It also helps when remixing or working with external audio files where the original key is unknown or not documented.
DJs can use AutoKey outside a DAW session to check the key of a track before mixing. Because it detects key and scale in seconds, you can quickly group tracks by key for harmonic mixing. Also, the detune feature helps when a track is slightly off-pitch from standard tuning.
Key features
- Automatic key, scale, and tempo detection
- Drag-and-drop audio files (MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF)
- Send detected key and scale to compatible Auto-Tune plug-ins
- Automate key changes for Auto-Tune instances
- Resizable UI with light and dark modes
- Pitch reference display and Detune control
- Uses TONART V3 by zplane for detection
Best for
Music producers and DJs who need fast, accurate key and scale detection to streamline Auto-Tune setup, maintain consistent pitch correction across multiple tracks, or prepare harmonic mixes.