Our verdict: Melodyne is the reference tool for natural-sounding vocal tuning: it shows every note as a blob you can move, stretch and reshape. The larger editions can even edit single notes inside chords. The trial unlocks the full studio edition for 30 days, but it needs an internet connection at every launch, and the cheapest edition covers only the basics.
About Melodyne
Melodyne is developed by Celemony in Munich. It analyzes audio and displays it as notes, so you can change pitch, timing, vibrato, formants and volume of each note. It runs as a standalone program or as a VST3 or AAX plugin, and with ARA-compatible DAWs it opens directly inside the track. Melodyne 5 comes in four editions: essential, assistant, editor and studio.
The trial is Melodyne 5 studio with every function unlocked for 30 days, and you can switch to the smaller editions to compare them. It can be used only once per computer and needs an internet connection to register and at each launch. After 30 days you need a license; the official shop lists Melodyne 5 essential at $99, and larger editions cost more.
What it does well
- Note-based editing. Shows audio as note blobs that you can move, lengthen and reshape with the mouse.
- Pitch and timing macros. Correct intonation and quantize timing automatically, with a slider for how strong the change is.
- Polyphonic editing. Direct Note Access edits single notes in piano or guitar chords (editor and studio editions).
- ARA integration. Opens inside ARA-compatible DAWs without transferring audio back and forth.
- Chord and tempo detection. Recognizes chords and tempo and shows them on the Chord Track and Chord Grid.
Who it is for
Good fit
Singers, producers and mixing engineers who need natural-sounding tuning and timing fixes.
Look elsewhere
Anyone looking for a free or real-time auto-tune effect, or users without a reliable internet connection.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very natural pitch and timing correction
- Full studio edition for 30 days
- Works inside DAWs via ARA
- Upgrade later by paying the price difference
Cons
- Trial stops after 30 days and runs once per PC
- Internet needed at each launch of the trial
- Essential edition lacks polyphonic editing
How to install Melodyne
The button downloads the official Melodyne 5 trial installer from Celemony's download server. An internet connection is needed to register the trial and every time it starts. If an older Melodyne is installed, the trial replaces its plugins; you can reinstall the old version from your Celemony account later.
Questions about Melodyne
Is Melodyne free?
No. Celemony offers a 30-day trial of Melodyne 5 studio with all functions, usable once per computer. After that you need a license; Melodyne 5 essential costs $99 one-time in the official shop.
Can Melodyne edit chords?
Yes, in the editor and studio editions. Direct Note Access lets you change single notes inside piano, guitar and other polyphonic recordings.
Does Melodyne work inside my DAW?
Yes. It runs as a VST3 or AAX plugin, and DAWs with ARA support open Melodyne directly on the track.
