Contents 2
Contents
Contents 2
Introducing Auto-Key 2 4
What is Auto-Key 2? 4
What Kind of Audio is Appropriate for Auto-Key? 5
Which Versions of Auto-Tune are Compatible with Auto-Key 5
Quick Start 6
Activation Instructions 6
Step 1: Install Auto-Tune Central 6
Step 2: Open Auto-Tune Central and Log In 6
Step 3: Navigate to the Redeem a License Tab 6
Step 4: You're all set! 7
Step 5: Open Auto-Key In Your DAW 7
Pro Tools 7
Logic Pro 7
Ableton Live 7
Cubase 7
Studio One 8
Reaper 8
Digital Performer 8
Overview of Detection Methods 9
Detection Methods 9
Listen Mode 10
Step 1: Open Auto-Tune 10
Step 2: Open Auto-Key 10
Step 3: Begin Playback 10
Step 4: Send to Auto-Tune 11
Step 5: Automate Key Changes (Optional) 11
File Mode 12
Step 1: Open Auto-Tune 12
Step 2: Open Auto-Key 12
Step 3: Analyze File 12
Step 4: Send to Auto-Tune 13
Step 5: Automate Key Changes (Optional) 13
Manual Mode 14
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Step 1: Open Auto-Tune 14
Step 2: Open Auto-Key 14
Step 3: Choose Scale 14
Step 4: Send to Auto-Tune 14
Step 5: Automate Key Changes (Optional) 15
Global Controls 16
Auto-Tune Central 16
Settings 16
Bypass 16
Send To Auto-Tune 16
Central Display 17
Key/Scale 17
Relative Key/Scale 17
Reference Frequency/Detune Display 17
Tempo Display 18
/2 Tempo Button 18
X2 Tempo Button 18
Keyboard 19
Automation Tutorial 20
Step 1: Start From the Top 20
Step 2: Set Automation to Write 20
Step 3: Set First Key 20
Step 4: Send the First Key 20
Step 5: Move to the Key Change 20
Step 6: Set the Next Key 20
Step 7: Send the Next Key 21
Step 8: Set Automation to Read 21
Settings and Preferences 22
Appearance 22
Use OpenGL 22
Save All Settings As Default 22
View Tooltips 22
View Help Topics 23
Reset Window Size 23
Version Number 23
Powered by zplane 23
Contents 4
Introducing Auto-Key 2
What is Auto-Key 2?
Auto-Key 2 is an automatic key, scale, and tempo detection plug-in, designed to enhance
your Auto-Tune workflow and save valuable time in the studio.
After automatically detecting the key, scale, and tempo of your music, Auto-Key will
send that information to one or more compatible instances of Auto-Tune.
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What Kind of Audio is Appropriate for Auto-Key?
Auto-Key 2 is designed to analyze polyphonic (multi-voice) audio to determine its key,
scale, and tempo information. For that reason, we don’t recommend using Auto-Key
directly on the vocal tracks you're planning to process with Auto-Tune, or on
monophonic (single-voice) instrument tracks.
Instead, we recommend placing Auto-Key on your project’s master output bus, mix bus,
or master stereo output only.
Which Versions of Auto-Tune are Compatible with Auto-Key
Some versions of Auto-Tune, which were released before Auto-Key was developed,
won’t respond to messages from Auto-Key.
However, if you’re using one of those versions, you can still use Auto-Key to detect the
key of your music, but you’ll need to manually set the Key and Scale parameters in that
version of Auto-Tune.
Please visit this knowledge base article for a full list of Auto-Key compatible plug-ins.
Contents 6
Quick Start
Activation Instructions
Before we can use Auto-Key, we need to activate our license first using the Auto-Tune
Central application. Please follow the steps below, or watch our instructional video to
get started:
Step 1: Install Auto-Tune Central
Visit our website here to download the latest installer for Auto-Tune Central. After
downloading, run the installer.
After installation is complete, you can find Auto-Tune Central in your computer’s
applications folder:
MacOS
/Applications
Windows
C:\Program Files\Antares Audio Technologies
Step 2: Open Auto-Tune Central and Log In
Enter your email address and password to log in.
If you purchased your plug-in or subscription through antarestech.com, navigate to the
"Plug-Ins" tab to install and manage your products.
If you purchased through a third party, please follow the steps below.
Step 3: Navigate to the Redeem a License Tab
In the top banner of Auto-Tune Central, select "Redeem a License." Enter your 25-digit
registration code, then select "Redeem and Activate."
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Step 4: You're all set!
Now you’re ready to use Auto-Key 2 in your DAW! Navigate to the "Plug-Ins" tab to install
and manage your products.
For the latest DAW Compatibility information, please visit this page on our website.
Step 5: Open Auto-Key In Your DAW
Below, you’ll find instructions on how to insert Auto-Key onto a track in various
compatible DAWs:
Pro Tools
Choose an empty insert slot on one of your audio tracks, instrument tracks, or buses.
Then select Auto-Key from the pop-up menu in either the “Effects” Category or Antares
Manufacturer list.
Logic Pro
Choose an empty insert slot on one of your audio tracks, instrument tracks or buses and
select Auto-Key from the pop-up menu. You will find Auto-Key in:
Audio Units > Antares section (named Auto-Key 2).
Ableton Live
In either Session or Arrangement View, select the track you would like to place Auto-Key
on by clicking the track name.
At the top left of Ableton's interface, click on the Plug-in Device Browser icon. From the
plug-ins list, double-click Auto-Key, or drag it onto the track.
Cubase
Choose an empty insert slot, for example in the Mixer, and select Auto-Key from the
menu that appears.
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Studio One
Click the '+' button next to the Inserts tab of an audio track, and select 'Auto-Key 2' from
the drop-down menu. Alternatively, drag and drop the plug-in from the Antares Effects
folder.
Reaper
Click the ‘FX’ button next to the track name of an audio track, and select ‘Auto-Key 2’
from the EQ or Dynamics category.
Digital Performer
In the Digital Performer Mixing Board, click an empty insert slot to open the Insert
Effects list. Select Auto-Key 2 from the list, or use the search bar to locate it quickly.
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Overview of Detection Methods
Auto-Key 2 features three detection methods visually laid out in individual columns.
After detection is complete, you can send key and scale information to all compatible
instances of Auto-Tune with the Send to Auto-Tune button.
In Listen Mode, Auto-Key will listen to incoming audio in real time, and is the default
mode upon instantiation. This is the default mode in Auto-Key 2.
File Mode analyzes audio from a pre-existing file that you navigate to after clicking the
‘Use File’ button, or by dragging and dropping a compatible audio file into the Auto-Key
plug-in window.
Manual Mode is for manually selecting the key and scale of your track from a dropdown
menu. This is useful for instances where you already know the key and scale of your
track, and want to quickly send that information to multiple instances of Auto-Tune at
once.
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Listen Mode
In Listen Mode, Auto-Key analyzes audio in real time. For best results,
play back a portion of audio that best represents your track's primary
chord progression.
Step 1: Open Auto-Tune
Open one or more instances of Auto-Tune in your project. Be sure that Auto-Key
detection is enabled for each instance.
Some plug-ins have an Auto-Key option in their Preferences, while others contain a
dedicated Auto-Key button in their GUI.
Step 2: Open Auto-Key
Open an instance of Auto-Key on the master output bus.
When Auto-Key is loaded and in Listen Mode, you will see the
plug-in display "waiting for transport" until you start playback.
While Auto-Key analyzes the audio, the plug-in will display a
message that says “Listening…”.
Once the detection is complete, the Central Display will be populated with the audio’s
key, scale, and tempo.
Step 3: Begin Playback
As the track plays, Auto-Key will analyze the audio, then display a variety of information
in the Central Display, including the track’s key, scale, tempo, and relative key.
Be sure to play back at least 5 seconds of audio to allow Auto-Key enough time to
detect the key and scale of the track. Once the key and scale have been detected, you
may click the Send to Auto-Tune button even if the tempo hasn’t finished being
detected.
Contents 11
To analyze the audio again, (on a different portion of the song, for example) you can
click the Listen button again to repeat the process.
Note: Tempo detection may take up to 10 seconds or longer to be detected.
Step 4: Send to Auto-Tune
Click the Send to Auto-Tune button. The Key and Scale parameters of compatible
Auto-Tune instances will be set to the key and scale that Auto-Key has detected.
Step 5: Automate Key Changes (Optional)
New in Auto-Key 2 is the ability to automate key changes! For more information, see the
Automation Tutorial.
Contents 12
File Mode
In addition to analyzing the audio on your tracks in real time, Auto-Key
can also analyze an audio file located elsewhere on your hard drive
using File Mode.
Step 1: Open Auto-Tune
Open one or more instances of Auto-Tune in your project. Be sure that Auto-Key
detection is enabled for each instance.
Some plug-ins have an Auto-Key option in their Preferences, while others contain a
dedicated Auto-Key button in their GUI.
Step 2: Open Auto-Key
Open an instance of Auto-Key on any track in your project.
Step 3: Analyze File
Click the ‘Use File’ button, navigate to the desired file, then click Open. Auto-Key will
analyze the entire audio file and display the detected key, scale, and tempo in the
Central Display.
Alternatively, you can drag and drop an audio file directly into the Auto-Key 2 interface.
File Mode is compatible with the following audio file formats:
● .mp3
● .flac
● .wav
● .aiff
After analyzing an audio file, Auto-Key will then display the name of the file you have
used underneath the ‘Use File’ icon.
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Step 4: Send to Auto-Tune
Click the Send to Auto-Tune button. The Key and Scale parameters of compatible
Auto-Tune instances will be set to the key and scale that Auto-Key has detected.
Step 5: Automate Key Changes (Optional)
New in Auto-Key 2 is the ability to automate key changes! For more information, see the
Automation Tutorial.
Contents 14
Manual Mode
If you already know the key and scale of your music, you can use
Auto-Key in Manual Mode to conveniently set the Key and Scale
parameters for all compatible instances of Auto-Tune in your project.
Note: Tempo and Reference Frequency will not be detected in Manual
Mode. In this case, these fields will be set to their default values of ---
BPM, and A=440 Hz respectively.
Step 1: Open Auto-Tune
Open one or more instances of Auto-Tune in your project. Be sure that Auto-Key
detection is enabled for each instance.
Some plug-ins have an Auto-Key option in their Preferences, while others contain a
dedicated Auto-Key button in their GUI.
Step 2: Open Auto-Key
Open an instance of Auto-Key on the master bus in your project.
Step 3: Choose Scale
Click on the Manual button set Auto-Key to Manual Mode and switch to a chromatic
scale by default. Alternatively, open the drop down menu and select a key/scale to
automatically switch to Manual Mode.
In addition to the 12 Major and 12 Minor keys, Auto-Key 2 now features a Chromatic
scale option.
Step 4: Send to Auto-Tune
Click the Send to Auto-Tune button. The Key and Scale parameters of the compatible
Auto-Tune instances will be set to what you’ve chosen from the Auto-Key Scale Menu.
Contents 15
Step 5: Automate Key Changes (Optional)
New in Auto-Key 2 is the ability to automate key changes! For more information, see the
Automation Tutorial.
Contents 16
Global Controls
Auto-Tune Central
Click on the Antares Logo to open Auto-Tune Central, a separate
application used for managing license activations, installing plug-ins,
and more.
Settings
The Settings button opens the Settings and Preferences menu.
Bypass
Click the Bypass button to disable Auto-Key in your DAW. When bypassed, the
Bypass button will appear de-illuminated.
After sending information to Auto-Tune, it is recommended to bypass Auto-Key to save
on CPU power. (You can leave Auto-Key on an insert slot in your DAW if you want to
make any adjustments later.)
Send To Auto-Tune
Clicking the Send to Auto-Tune button will update
the Key and Scale settings of all compatible
Auto-Tune instances in the project.
Some plug-ins have an Auto-Key option in their Preferences, while others contain a
dedicated Auto-Key button in their GUI.
Contents 17
Central Display
After successful detection using Listen Mode or
File Mode, the Central Display will display a
variety of information about your audio in a
single centralized location.
Key/Scale
This is the key/scale that was detected from audio or selected
manually. It is the key and scale that will be sent to Auto-Tune when
you click the Send to Auto-Tune button.
Relative Key/Scale
Note that in cases where two scales share the same set of notes,
known as relative major and relative minor scales, Auto-Key may
sometimes identify the ‘wrong’ key (e.g. C major instead of A minor).
In scenarios like this, use the Relative Key Swap button to switch to the key you
feel is most appropriate for your track, then you can send it to Auto-Tune.
Reference Frequency/Detune Display
In addition to detecting the key and scale of your track, Auto-Key also
analyzes the tuning of the track to determine its reference frequency.
Most modern music is tuned so that the A above middle C is equal to 440 Hz, but this is
not always the case.
If the detected tuning is not at the normal A = 440 Hz standard, the
color of the display will change to orange.
If you’re using a version of Auto-Tune that includes a Detune parameter, set it to match
the reference frequency that Auto-Key detects.
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Tempo Display
The Tempo Display shows the tempo (beats per minute) detected in the
live audio or audio file. Please keep the following workflow caveats in
mind:
● The tempo detection range is from 60 BPM to 240 BPM
● Tempo detection works best on audio files that are at least 10 seconds long
● ‘Half’ time and ‘double’ time tempos may be detected incorrectly
○ For example, a file at 40 BPM might still be detected as 80 BPM
● The tempo detection algorithm works best on tracks with well articulated
downbeats
● Arhythmic content, noise, and silence may decrease the accuracy of tempo
detection
Note: Tempo detection is “display only” in the sense that it is displayed in Auto-Key to aid
in a variety of workflows, but cannot be sent nor received by any existing Antares plug-ins.
/2 Tempo Button
Click the /2 button to halve the detected tempo. To return to the original
tempo readout, click the button again.
X2 Tempo Button
Click the X2 button to double the detected tempo. To return to the
original tempo readout, click the button again.
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Keyboard
The Keyboard shows the notes of the detected or selected scale by greying out the
notes outside of the scale.
Notes contained in the currently detected/selecting scale are all labeled, with the root
note marked in bold. This will help you learn the given scale’s root note, and which notes
it contains.
Click on any key on the Keyboard to highlight it in blue and play the note.
Note: For some hosts, the note will only be audible when the transport is currently playing
back.
Contents 20
Automation Tutorial
This tutorial will walk you through the steps required to automate key changes using
Auto-Key 2.
Note: This tutorial provides a general guideline of the steps needed to automate key
changes using Auto-Key 2. For DAW-specific automation instructions, please refer to your
DAW’s documentation.
Step 1: Start From the Top
Set the transport in your host to the beginning of your song.
Step 2: Set Automation to Write
Set the host channel containing Auto-Key 2 to automation “write” mode.
Step 3: Set First Key
With automation writing enabled within the host, adjust the key in Manual Mode to the
key of the song that is used at the beginning.
Step 4: Send the First Key
With automation writing enabled within the host, click the Send To Auto-Tune button.
Step 5: Move to the Key Change
Set transport to the spot in the song with the key change.
Step 6: Set the Next Key
With automation writing enabled within the host, adjust the key in Manual Mode to
match the new key of the song.
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Step 7: Send the Next Key
With automation writing within the host, click the Send To Auto-Tune button. If there is
another key change in your song, repeat Step 5 – Step 7. Once all key changes have
been automated, move on to Step 8.
Step 8: Set Automation to Read
Set the host to read back the automation moves you have recorded.
After completing the above actions, your Auto-Key plug-in will:
● Set itself to the song’s initial key at the beginning of the song, then send that key
to all compatible instances of Auto-Tune.
● Set itself to the new key at the appropriate time of the song, then send that key to
all compatible instances of Auto-Tune.
Contents 22
Settings and Preferences
The Settings and Preferences Menu allows you to customize your experience with
Auto-Key 2. After making your selections, you may save them as default for all future
instances of Auto-Key 2.
Appearance
Appearance determines the theme of the Auto-Key GUI. Options include:
● Light
● Dark
● System
If ‘System’ is selected, Auto-Key will follow the Appearance settings of your Mac or PC.
Use OpenGL
Auto-Key uses OpenGL for improved graphics on computers with compatible graphics
card hardware. Most modern computers support OpenGL, so we recommend leaving
this enabled for best performance.
To improve performance, OpenGL is disabled by default on Mac. On Windows, OpenGL
is enabled by default.
If you notice poor CPU or graphics performance when working with Auto-Key, try
disabling this preference.
Save All Settings As Default
Check this box to set the default settings for any new instances of Auto-Key.
View Tooltips
Tooltips are helpful hints that pop up when you hover over one of the controls in
Auto-Key. If you don’t want to see them, you can turn them off here.
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View Help Topics
Click to open the Auto-Key 2 Help Page in your web browser. This article contains
tutorial videos, answers frequently asked questions, and will direct you to other relevant
articles in the Antares Knowledge Base.
Reset Window Size
The Auto-Key plug-in window is completely resizable, and stays sharp at any size. Click
and drag the plug-in window from the bottom right corner to resize the GUI to your
liking.
Use this setting to reset the window size back to its default size.
Version Number
The version number of Auto-Key currently installed on your computer will be displayed
at the bottom of the Settings and Preferences menu. This can be helpful for
troubleshooting in case you run into any issues.
Powered by zplane
We’ve partnered with zplane.development to bring state-of-the-art Key, Scale, and
Tempo detection technology to Auto-Key 2.
Key and Scale detection 2 is powered by TONART v3.
Tempo detection is powered by AUFTAKT v4.
