Does pitch shifting change the audio tempo?
Not in the exported file. SonicLab uses a two-pass OfflineAudioContext pipeline that shifts pitch and then time-stretches the result back to the original duration. The preview may slightly change speed, but the download always preserves your original timing.
What is the difference between pitch shifting and formant shifting?
Pitch shifting changes the fundamental frequency — making a voice sound higher or lower. Formant shifting changes the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract, altering the perceived "size" or gender of the voice without changing pitch. SonicLab adjusts pitch; formant shifting requires more advanced DSP.
How many semitones can I shift?
Up to ±12 semitones — one full octave up or down. For the best quality, keep shifts under 5 semitones. Larger shifts will introduce more artifacts.
Is my audio uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. Your files never leave your device.
What audio formats are supported?
MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, and OGG. Maximum file size is 100 MB. You can export as WAV (lossless) or MP3 at 192 kbps.
Will the output sound robotic or artificial?
For small shifts (1–5 semitones), quality is generally very good. Larger shifts will sound less natural with any browser-based tool. For professional-grade formant-preserving results, dedicated desktop software like Melodyne offers higher quality.
