Which Melodyne Version Do I Need? (2020)

There are 4 versions of Celemony Melodyne.

Let's sort out all the differences - plain and simple!

Melodyne Essential

Limited — $99

OK for light editing, but too limited for precise editing— too many tools are missing.

Only includes main tool, which allows changing the pitch center, timing and separating notes.

Melodyne Assistant

Good — $249

Good bang for buck — includes all main edit tools plus audio to MIDI function.

It does not include polyphonic audio editing and scale detection/editing.



Includes individual tools for:



- Pitch Transitions

- Vibrato

- Pitch Drift

- Formants

- Amplitude

- Timing

- Time Handles

- Attack Speed

- Note Separation

Having these dedicated tools dramatically improves the capabilities for both pitch correction and developing workflows.

Melodyne Editor

Better — $499

Very similar to Assistant — plus polyphonic audio editing and scale detection/editing.

Only recommended if you’re interested in tuning polyphonic material (guitar, piano, etc.). 



The upgrade is steep considering how little functionality is added.

What makes it better:

- Polyphonic (DNA Direct Note Access™)

- Piano, guitar, string quartet, etc.

- Edit scales

– Alter scales or create your own

- Scale Detective

– Extract scales from audio

Studio

Best — $849

The most powerful version. 

It includes functions for



This version will certainly save time for recordings with several layered vocals.




What makes it the best:

- view and edit multiple tracks in a single window

- “Sound editor” extra timbre shaping capabilities

- “Quantize to reference” - the ability to quantize timing from one track to another

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As of writing, the upgrades / cross-grades from one version of Melodyne to another simply make you pay the difference between the two. 



No risk for starting with low tier versions!

There is a 30 day free trial available.

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Want to get up and running with Melodyne - FAST?

Check out my FREE mini course:

Auto-Tune & Melodyne: Quick-Start

It walks you through all the main features, plus tips and tricks.

Thanks for you reading and Happy Tuning

- Roy