pitchshifted

Pitch shifting is an audio effect that alters the perceived pitch of a sound without changing its tempo. This is achieved by manipulating the audio signal's frequency content. When a sound is pitch shifted down, it sounds deeper, while a pitch shift up makes it sound higher.

Various methods exist for pitch shifting. One common technique involves time-stretching and re-sampling. In this approach, the audio is stretched in time, and then re-sampled at a different rate. This effectively changes the pitch. Another method uses granular synthesis, where the audio is broken down into tiny grains that are then manipulated and reassembled at a different pitch. More advanced algorithms utilize phase vocoders, which analyze the spectral content of the audio and shift the frequencies in the frequency domain.

Pitch shifting is widely used in music production and sound design. It can be employed to correct vocal performances, create artificial harmonies, or generate unique sonic textures. Electronic music producers frequently use pitch shifting to alter the character of synthesizers, drums, and vocal samples. In film and video game sound design, it can be used to create monster voices, alien sounds, or to add dramatic effect. While often subtle, pitch shifting can also be used for extreme, attention-grabbing effects. The quality of pitch shifting can vary, with artifacts sometimes appearing as warbling or metallic sounds, especially with significant shifts.