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• The ATR-1a can be used to simulate other singing styles. Many ethnic
styles feature exceptional (almost unbelievable) intonation during fast,
melismatic passages. Setting the SPEED parameter faster than normal
(less than 5), and setting the SCALE to an appropriately exotic mode
(for example, G A A# C# D D# F#) can produce exactly this result (if the
singer improvises with sufficient global panache.)
• You can also create ‘impossible’ effects (like very fast octave leaps) by
creating a SCALE of only one note and setting the SPEED medium fast
(~5). Using a foot pedal, enter bypass mode before beginning the
performance, then engage the ATR-1a while singing an interval of a
fifth or more from the Scale note, and then re-enter Bypass Mode to
continue with the normal performance. This effect can sound quite like
the abruptly beautiful vocal ornaments of the Pygmies.
• Use the Vibrato function to introduce strange, synthetic mannerisms
to your performance. Try the SQUARE or SAW wave with DEPTH of 100,
a RATE which relates to the tempo of the music, and, if you don’t want
to sound constantly hysterical, sufficient DELAY time so that the effect
only happens when you hold out longer notes.
• If you perform with a MIDI sequencer, use the MIDI functions of the
ATR-1a to completely automate the Auto-Tune functions. There are
many ways to do this (all setup parameters are in the SYSTEM menu):
Use MIDI program changes to select the proper ATR-1a programs.
Use a continuous MIDI controller to adjust the SPEED parameter.
Use MIDI note data on a dedicated MIDI channel to dynamically
adjust the ATR-1a SCALE settings. The note durations should be
completely legato (no space between ‘chords’) or use the SUSTAIN
pedal to keep the current Scale engaged.
Program the melody with MIDI notes, Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel
data to sound exactly as you want and excercise complete control
over the performer to achieve the precise performance you
imagine. Don’t tell the performer. (Just kidding.)
• Karaoke! Create a Program with a chromatic scale and a Speed setting
of 10–15 to tune up sustained notes while letting everything else
through unaffected. This will work for singers who can manage to stay
within a half semitone of the correct pitch. (If they get farther off than
that, they will be tuned to the wrong note.) Prepare multiple versions
of this Program with different Vibrato settings to help out singers who
don’t use vibrato. Although it’s not always possible, allowing the singer
to monitor the unprocessed signal (maybe through headphones?) will
make things easier for them.
