Sorry if this kind of post isn't allow in this forum, but I was wondering if anyone knew how to reset the trial period for Auto Tune 4? I know, I should buy it, and I will once I have $400 lying around to drop on a single piece of software. On a side note: Honestly, I think the reason Auto Tune is used on so many recordings today isn't because of a lower standard for vocal performances, but rather because all the engineers who bought the damn thing need to use it every chance they get to justify the arm and leg they paid for it .

you're right, this isn't the kind of post allowed---that said, you can buy a new computer where you'll install the trial - that should work.

good call. maybe i can get a subscription to a computer so I get a new one in the mail every time my trial runs out.

Why don't you search for a freeware version.
Other than that, the only way I know to continue abusing the trial period is the reformat your hard drive. Then again, I'm far from a hack......and plan to keep it that way.

Hey, I have an idea: Why not go to GC and just steal a copy? Grab a guitar or two on the way out!

quote:

Originally posted by Madguitrst:
Hey, I have an idea: Why not go to GC and just steal a copy? Grab a guitar or two on the way out!

there is a freeware version I found but only compatible with windows (i'm running os x). i'm not a petty thief who would steal a guitar from a store, or even a pack of gum (i know you were joking), but some software plugins are hard to afford initially. once i've made back my intial investments on other gear like my monitors and microphones, i'll buy the software. for now i just wish the trial was longer....lol. I'm all for supporting software developers. Thanks for the humor =).

If you need to use Antares autotune v4 and its trial period is over then try to change system's date

haha good call. that could fuck with my iCal though....

Learn to use your instrument. Or tell your clients they should. Then you don't need to spend money for such plugins.

i can use my instrument, very well in fact. however, that instrument is guitar. also, when im not recording myself, my clients pay me to make their recording sound good. they dont pay me to make them realize how much they need work. i dont grab for autotune unless the singer really needs the extra push, since a great vocalist's signal path shouldn't be tainted by AT. however, some people can use the nudge it provides (note that a person with absolutey no singing ability is hopeless, and not even autotune can help them. im fact, autotune will make a really terrible vocalist even more obviously terrible). i'm an engineer, not a vocal coach.

i just found out my school can get me 50% off of antares products so I may just bite the bullet and buy autotune.

Buy Melodyne instead!!!
Larrye

I tried some sort of light version of Melodyne, and didn't like the way it interfaced with Pro Tools. It used rewire and required that I load the audio to be pitch corrected in as a sample, versus the "insert" plugin style of processing that Autotune uses (which I find to be much easier). Do higher end versions of Melodyne work more like Autotune? Why do you like it better than Autotune?

It sounds better, has tons more features. I run it in standalone and then export the file into recording app.

the idea of having to work with the audio outside the context of the recording session and the rest of the arrangement seems unnatural to me though. i'll have to give it a try sometime though.

inport all of the tracks and you don't have to. Then you can change tempo,sync or whatever.

Not trying to be holier than the pope, but I really don't get this...

You would never ever think of stealing your mbox or 002, no?
You would never think of stealing a BMW or Mercedes because you like driving in it, but it is so damn expensive right now...

But software... free target...

Again, not wanting to be an ass, but man, I am just fed up with guys thinking it is cool to steal soft.

I wonder...all the people who claim plug ins are "so expensive"...compared to what? I mean, I have several thousand dollars tied up in compressors in my studio...and I'm just a little project studio. Add to that my external FX...well, suffice to say plug ins are cheap.

So...what are they expensive compared to?

I don't buy much software because I f'n hate mixing computers and my art. It's my day job(computer support)--i don't want to take it home. How many times have my Urei comps stopped working when I needed them? Zero. But, I often find that the very people who are all about how flexible and powerful software is are the ones who think it's "overpriced".

quote:

Originally posted by Popmann:
I wonder...all the people who claim plug ins are "so expensive"...compared to what? I mean, I have several thousand dollars tied up in compressors in my studio...and I'm just a little project studio. Add to that my external FX...well, suffice to say plug ins are cheap.

So...what are they expensive compared to?

I don't buy much software because I f'n hate mixing computers and my art. It's my day job(computer support)--i don't want to take it home. How many times have my Urei comps stopped working when I needed them? Zero. But, I often find that the very people who are all about how flexible and powerful software is are the ones who think it's "overpriced".

Pop, you make a good point, but many people who first come to plugins are not familiar with the comparably high price of hardware. Just isn't part of their experience.

Also, I love mixing my computer with my art. No probs here on that...well, some probs, but no deal breakers.

quote:

Originally posted by Arthur:
Not trying to be holier than the pope, but I really don't get this...

You would never ever think of stealing your mbox or 002, no?
You would never think of stealing a BMW or Mercedes because you like driving in it, but it is so damn expensive right now...

But software... free target...

Again, not wanting to be an ass, but man, I am just fed up with guys thinking it is cool to steal soft.

Being completely serious, I agree with you 100%. Your analogy to stealing "material goods" is the exact same point I make to friends of mine who refuse to purchase music legally. I realize that my post certainly makes me sound like I hold a double standard when it comes to the pirating of software. However, there is a difference between being too cheap to buy an tool for the studio and simply not being able to afford it at the moment. I agree, I should save and get it. I am. I was really just looking for a temporary solution until then. This past week I legally obtained a copy of Melodyne, and Autotune will be an investment I make in the (hopefully near) future.

Stealing is stealing, regardless of what the item is. I agree 100%. I'm a student, studying engineering, and I want to support the trade that provides us with such awesome tools that help us do what we do. Its a shame for students like me, who haven't broken into the industry yet, that some of the tools we'd love to utilize dont fit into our limited budget. My school helps out by facilitating discounts from developers and by providing us with some software, so I dont have too much to complain about. I think some of you see where I'm coming from though.

Summary of this thread: Stealing is bad. Some people hate autotune, but its necessity is a reality for many engineers and producers.

Hopefully I haven't caused too many members of this forum to look down on me in disgust because of this thread.

quote:

I'm a student, studying engineering, and I want to support the trade that provides us with such awesome tools that help us do what we do.

Hey Brian, why don't see if there is a student discount for the software. Some companies do that.

The only other thing I would suggest, and maybe you've thought of this already, but budget these things into your client billing. If you have several clients in a row, raise your rates some (spread out across all of them) to cover whatever new gear or software you feel you need.

Is the software cheaper than buying a used Antares or Eventide rack? Forgive me, I haven't looked on ebay in a while - so this may be totally out to lunch.

Any upgrades you make to your system (in the box or in the rack) though should be reflected in slightly higher rates to your customers, because you're providing more to them. Think of the expanse annualized as well, not one lump some. Spread the cost out over 12 months and adjust your rates accordingly, an extra $5, $10, $20 per job, etc. Whatever is fair and your market will bear. Hey I made a rhyme!! Whoo Hoo

My 2 cents from a business angle.