Changing Pitch on recording etc.

[Lazarus1140]

.... a couple of questions

How do you take a song that you have downloaded and get it into your DAW?
The real question is (specifically for Reaper users) is it possible to record a song and then change the key without changing the tempo?

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

For question #1:
I'm assuming you didn't download an mp3, but rather some system-specific format that only works with a specific software player?

If so, see if you can set your DAW to record whatever sound file is playing on your PC (iTunes, Zune, WinAmp, Amazon's player, etc). If so, do that.
If not, see if Windows Sound Recorder (Start/Programs/Accessories/Entertainment) will record it, though you may have to create a New File in it, then set the length to a few seconds longer than the track you want to record. Press Record on the SoundRecorder app then start playing the track in its player.

Might have to screw around with your Windows Mixer to find the right setting that allows you to record what's playing.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

I haven't downloaded anything yet so I don't know the format. I have a thread in the Off Topic room where I am seeking recommendations for downloading.

The purpose is that I want to get practice CDs out to some band members and some of the songs we will play in keys that are lower than the originals. I just think songs are substantially easier to learn when you listen to them in the key you will be playing them in.

 

[devastone]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

I use an old version of Sound Forge to shift the pitch when learning the P&W songs for church, I'm guessing that's what you are doing too.

It's easy in Sound Forge, my version is very old though and has a few hiccups in Win 7 but it's not worth the $ to upgrade for me right now. I just looked and they do have a "light" version that isn't that expensive, http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/audiostudio

As far as free software, I'm not sure if Audacity can shift pitch, but Reaper does. It "should" be as easy as importing the mp3 or wav file into a stereo audio track then using the Pitch Shift function (it's called ReaPitch in Reaper, I just looked up the manual).

FWIW, we use planning center online so the charts and mp3s are loaded on there. But, the mp3s are in the original keys so I shift the key at home to learn the melodic lines in the right key, quicker and easier since I can play along with the track, can make some songs sound like either the chipmunks or Lurch depending on how much and what direction the pitch is shifted.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

Thanks ..... I'll check on the ReaPitch!

My old band is getting together for a jam/barbeque/party in a month and we haven't played together in 44 years. Unfortunately, I've lost some upper vocal range .... hence the key changes. The keyboard player has not remained musically active so the correct keyed practice disc will be especially helpful to him.

 

[devastone]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

Here's the link to Reaper: http://www.reaper.fm/

Good luck with the key changes, that can be tough for alot of songs, I mean, can you imagine playing Rock and Roll in any key other than A?

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

Thanks, Devastone. I am actually a licensed Reaper user.... just not a skilled one!

 

[devastone]

Re: Changing Pitch on recording etc.

Ah, got it...