Final Cut Flex Pitch Issue

Question

Level 1

4 points

Final Cut Flex Pitch Issue

Everytime I use or get flex pitch active on one of my vocal files (these files are usually mp3 or wav) the audio is then made staticky. It's mostly noticeable when someone takes a breath in, and it makes it sound robotic as well. I've tried changing to caf since I heard it helped, but it did nothing. I don't understand why it makes the audio file sound as staticky as it does. And I don't know how else to fix it. I tried searching up a fix, and found nothing. I also updated the app. Nothing. I had been asking a few of my friends who also have Logic to help out since my pitch flex isn't working and they're just as confused as I am. And they use plug-ins for their tuning, but they don't have that issue with their pitch flex. I cannot afford a plug-in, and I shouldn't have to get one just because my SOFTWARE is having an issue with a basic job in tuning. If someone could help me with this as soon as they're able, it would help a lot. I have a lot of songs to fix due to this issue.

Posted on Feb 25, 2025 9:53 AM

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Answer 1

EddieGrey

Level 4

1,156 points

Feb 25, 2025 10:22 AM in response to bethanyb01

Hi there,

Can you tell me which Flex Algorithm you are using? You can find this when you Show/Hide Flex (Cmd+F).

You might want to set it to "Flex Pitch".

Also, what is your buffer size set to and can you increase it to 1024?

This video will you understand "Flex Pitch": https://youtu.be/DVlL71pCU6I

Hope that helps,

~ThatLogicProGuy

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Answer 2

EddieGrey

Level 4

1,156 points

Feb 25, 2025 11:41 AM in response to bethanyb01

Sounds like your mic might have clipped when you initially recorded it. You might want to turn down the initial gain when recording for a cleaner recording. Can you run a test and see if this is relevant? Also, conide using a "Deesser" to reduce harsh "s" sounds.

~ThatLogicProGuy

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Answer 3

bethanyb01 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 25, 2025 1:17 PM in response to EddieGrey

I doubt its a clipping issue. This happens to most audio files I get sent from other people (I mix for them and they send in audio) but this is most other files I get sent. I'll try using the deesser though!

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Answer 4

EddieGrey

Level 4

1,156 points

Feb 25, 2025 6:06 PM in response to bethanyb01

If you are constantly receiving Audio files like this, ask your musicians/collaborators to take a step back when recording. Often standard or low quality microphones, cannot take the air that a singer sends to it and this clipping/distorted sound ensues. The Proximity effect is a real thing. Play with distance and perhaps angling the mic (along with gain staging) to get ideal levels. Changing the angle of the mic can really help reduce "s" sounds and change the tone of the signal.

Hope this helps,

~ThatLogicProGuy

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Answer 5

bethanyb01 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 25, 2025 6:53 PM in response to EddieGrey

Well, the audio, when they send it to me, doesn't sound at all like the way it sounds when pitch flex is activated on it. It's only until the pitch flex is turned on the audio itself that it starts to sound staticky and distorted. It does not sound like a clipping issue.

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Answer 6

bethanyb01 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 26, 2025 2:13 PM in response to EddieGrey

I recorded it for you. This is what I keep hearing. No matter the audio file or what effects I use, it always sounds like this distortion as soon as pitch flex is enabled.

https://youtu.be/aJI6UOvJjy8

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Answer 7

EddieGrey

Level 4

1,156 points

Feb 26, 2025 7:33 PM in response to bethanyb01

Sir,

After listening to your example, there is nothing wrong with the audio or Flex Pitch....you are simply compressing the signal too much. I would also insert the Pitch Correction and De-esser earlier on in the signal chain. Try reducing the Ratio of your compressor or better yet turning the auto-gain feature OFF and manually adjust your make-up gain.

Hope that helps,

~ThatLogicProGuy

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Answer 8

bethanyb01 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 26, 2025 9:32 PM in response to EddieGrey

I've done all of that. I turned my compressor off with pitch flex turned on- still there. I reorganized the signal chain of my track with pitch flex turned on- still there. I took off and on pitch correction to see if it was the issue keeping pitch flex turned on- still there both times. I adjusted my gain with pitch flex still on- still there. At the end of the day, it doesn't seem to matter what I turn off and on, what I keep off and on, what I change out. Even with absolutely nothing on my signal chain, no reverb, pitch settings, gain, eq, anything, and pitch flex turned on only, the distortion is still there. I turned off "Flex and Follow", and it stopped. Only, it turned off pitch flex as a whole. That is not what I'm trying to do.

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Answer 9

EddieGrey

Level 4

1,156 points

Feb 25, 2025 11:08 AM in response to bethanyb01

Buffer Size in your settings?

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Answer 10

bethanyb01 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 25, 2025 10:27 PM in response to EddieGrey

Here's the single channel strip, along with my full screen. Everything on here sounds completely fine with no static or distorting to the vocal track until pitch flex is applied.