•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.
