Pitchmap by Zynaptiq is a real-time audio processor that lets you re-pitch individual sounds inside mixed recordings via MIDI or graphical pitch maps, with optional tuning correction and mix element suppression.
Purpose and Core Technology
Pitchmap is a real-time plug-in designed to alter the pitch of specific sounds within a mixed audio signal. It uses Mixed-Signal Audio Processing (MAP) technology to internally separate incoming audio into individual sound elements, including harmonics and transients, based on perceptual modeling and pattern recognition.
Once separated, each sound can be pitch-mapped to a different target pitch, allowing you to change melodies and harmonies in a recording. The process is designed to sound natural, with an additional layer of intelligence for voice elements, which are processed separately to maintain realistic vocal character.
Key Capabilities and Controls
The plug-in offers multiple ways to control pitch mapping. You can play notes on a MIDI keyboard in real-time, draw pitch maps using the graphical interface, or use macro controls to shift between keys and scales with a few clicks. This makes re-harmonization intuitive and immediate.
Beyond pitch, Pitchmap includes parameters called Purify and Electrify to adjust the synthetic character of the output, and a polyphonic portamento option called Glide for smooth transitions. It also provides functions to suppress or isolate individual mix elements, all in real-time.
Workflow and Applications
Typical workflows include correcting tuning issues in mixed recordings, experimenting with different harmonies for compositions, and sculpting the musical content inside sampled material. DJs can adapt the key or scale of tracks for seamless sets, and sound designers can create unique textures from live input.
Mash-up artists and remixers can quickly adjust components to fit together, and rapid song prototyping is possible by transforming existing recordings on the fly. Mix element suppression can be controlled via MIDI, and the plug-in can act as a synthesizer-like instrument based on a live input.
Practical Considerations
Pitchmap is a CPU-intensive plug-in due to its complex processing. For optimal performance, it is recommended to set your audio buffer size to at least 512 samples, ideally 1024. The plug-in requires an iLok account for activation, either machine-based or with an iLok dongle (version 2 or newer).
It is compatible with macOS (10.15 or newer) and Windows (8 or newer), supporting AU, VST 2.4, VST 3, and AAX Native formats. A multi-core CPU is recommended. Given the unique features, reading the manual is advised to fully utilize the plug-in’s capabilities.
Key features
- Real-time pitch mapping of individual sounds within mixed audio
- MIDI keyboard control for playing new melodies and harmonies
- Graphical pitch map interface and macro key/scale shifting
- Optional tuning correction for mixed recordings
- Mix element suppression or isolation functions
- Purify, Electrify, and Glide parameters for sound shaping
- Natural Mode for realistic voice processing
Best for
Pitchmap is best for producers, engineers, DJs, and sound designers who need to re-pitch or re-harmonize elements inside already-mixed recordings in real-time, whether for creative sound design, quick remixes, tuning fixes, or live performance adaptation.