Tobybear Harmonisator: Create Harmonies with MIDI
Introducing Harmonisator by Tobybear – a unique VST plugin for Windows that unlocks new possibilities for sound experimentation. This plugin allows you to instantly harmonize any audio signal using MIDI notes as the basis for generating harmonies. Forget complex settings – just input the sound and play the desired chord!
How does Harmonisator work?
The principle of operation of Harmonisator is extremely simple and effective. You feed an audio signal (vocals, instrument, percussion, etc.) to the plugin’s input in your DAW. Simultaneously, using a MIDI keyboard or MIDI track, you send MIDI notes to Harmonisator. The plugin analyzes these notes and, based on them, creates copies of the input audio, changing their pitch according to the played chord or individual notes. As a result, you get an instantly generated harmonic accompaniment to your original sound.
This approach differs from traditional pitch shifters because it focuses on creating a harmonic structure driven by external MIDI data.
Features and Applications
Although the developer Tobybear honestly states that Harmonisator does not use “high-end” harmonization algorithms, its greatest value for creative musicians and sound designers lies precisely in its simplicity and unique approach. The plugin is ideal for:
- Quick creation of choral effects: From a single vocal track, you can easily get a multi-layered choir by playing the corresponding chord notes on MIDI. This significantly speeds up the arrangement process and adds volume to vocal parts.
- Experiments with drum loops: Applying Harmonisator to percussion or drum loops can produce completely unexpected and interesting results. Pitching individual elements of a loop according to harmony can create strange, futuristic, or even absurd soundscapes that are perfect for electronic music, ambient, or sound effects.
- Creating unique textures: Any sound can be transformed into a harmonic texture simply by playing on MIDI. This opens up endless possibilities for sound design and creating atmospheric parts.
It is important to remember that the quality of the result largely depends on the input audio and the chosen MIDI notes. The plugin performs best in situations where speed, flexibility, and an experimental approach are needed, rather than perfectly transparent or natural harmonization.
Technical Details
Harmonisator is developed by Tobybear and is available in VST format. The plugin is compatible with Windows operating systems, supporting 32-bit architecture (Win32). This means that to use Harmonisator, you will need a DAW that supports VST plugins and can work with 32-bit plugins on Windows (often this requires a bridge or the DAW itself has a 32-bit version).
Despite its age, Harmonisator remains a relevant tool for those seeking simple and effective ways to add harmonies to audio, as well as for bold sound experiments. It is a great example of how a non-standard approach to sound processing can lead to interesting and creative results.
If you are ready to add unusual harmonies to your tracks or just experiment with sound, Tobybear Harmonisator is worth your attention!
