[Melody Rap] If you are going to fix the pitch using the vocoder, do I need to NOT sing the melody?

If you plan to use a vocoder for pitch correction, you do not necessarily need to sing the melody precisely. Vocoders rely on a carrier signal (e.g., a MIDI input or synth) to define the pitch and harmonic structure, while your vocal input acts as the modulator shaping the texture and articulation of the sound. Here’s how it works:

• Singing Off-Melody: If your singing is off the intended melody, the vocoder can still follow the pitch defined by the carrier signal (e.g., MIDI notes). This allows you to focus more on rhythm and expression rather than precise pitch.
• Pitch Correction with Vocoder: Some advanced vocoders, like those integrated into systems such as KaraTuner, combine pitch correction with vocoding. These tools can adjust your vocal pitch to match a target melody while maintaining natural timbre and transitions.
• When Melody Matters: If you’re using a vocoder primarily for its robotic effect without external MIDI input, singing closer to the intended melody ensures better results because the vocoder will process your vocal’s inherent pitch.

In summary, if you’re relying on an external carrier signal or MIDI input for pitch, you don’t need to sing the exact melody. However, for purely vocoded effects without external pitch control, singing close to the desired melody is beneficial.