How to Install and Set Up Auto-Tune Hybrid on Avid VENUE | S6L Systems

AutoTune Hybrid runs natively on the Avid VENUE | S6L as an AAX DSP plug-in, giving you real-time Auto-Tune on stage without an external computer. This article walks you through the license activation and plug-in installation processes, as well as how to set up AutoTune Hybrid on your VENUE | S6L system.

Before you begin

Make sure you have the following ready:

• Your AutoTune Hybrid activation code. After purchasing AutoTune Hybrid on the Avid Marketplace, your activation code will be listed under My Products in your Avid account. You can also find your activation code in your order confirmation email.
• An Antares account. You can create one when you first sign in to Auto-Tune Central to activate your license.
• A physical iLok USB (iLok 2 or later). The VENUE | S6L is not compatible with iLok Cloud or computer-based licenses, so your AutoTune Hybrid license must live on a physical iLok USB. Avid recommends using a dedicated iLok for your S6L plug-ins.
• A Mac or Windows computer with an internet connection to run Auto-Tune Central and download the VENUE | S6L-specific installer for AutoTune Hybrid.
• A USB flash drive formatted as exFAT, FAT32, or NTFS. Don't use your VENUE System Restore USB drive.
• VENUE software version 8.2 or later on your VENUE | S6L control surface and E6LX/E6L engine. AutoTune Hybrid is officially supported starting with VENUE 8.2.

Note: You don't need to connect your S6L to the internet. An internet connection is only required for the license activation process in Auto-Tune Central. The S6L only reads the license from the iLok key.

Existing AutoTune Unlimited subscribers: Your AutoTune Hybrid license is already in Auto-Tune Central, so you don't need a separate activation code. Skip Step 1, and skip item 3 in Step 2 (redeeming an activation code). Follow the rest of Step 2 to activate your AutoTune Hybrid license onto your physical iLok USB, then continue with Step 3.

Step 1: Find your activation code

1. Sign in to your Avid account and go to My Products, or open your Avid order confirmation email.
2. Find AutoTune Hybrid and note the Activation Code.
3. Select the Redemption URL next to it. This opens the Antares AutoTune Hybrid page, where you'll download Auto-Tune Central and, later, the VENUE installer. 

Step 2: Activate AutoTune Hybrid and deposit the license to your iLok

Your iLok license is created during this step, so make sure your S6L iLok key is plugged into your computer before you start.

1. From the AutoTune Hybrid page, download and install Auto-Tune Central.
2. Open Auto-Tune Central and sign in to your Antares account, or select Create Account.
3. Select Redeem a License and enter your activation code from Step 1.
4. Find AutoTune Hybrid on the Plugins tab, then select Activate.
5. Choose the physical iLok key you use with your S6L, then select Activate.
6. Confirm that the activation process has been completed. 

Step 3: Download the VENUE installer and copy it to a USB drive

1. Return to the AutoTune Hybrid page (the Redemption URL from Step 1) and download the VENUE installer ZIP file.
2. Unzip the file. On Mac, double-click it. On Windows, right-click it and select Extract All.
3. Create a folder named AAX Plug-Ins at the top (root) level of your USB drive, if one isn't already there.
4. Copy the Auto-Tune Hybrid.aaxplugin folder from the unzipped files into that AAX Plug-Ins folder.
5. Safely eject the USB drive.

Important: The S6L only looks for plug-ins inside an AAX Plug-Ins folder at the root of the drive. If the plug-in sits loose on the drive or inside another folder, it won't show up during installation.

Step 4: Install AutoTune Hybrid on the S6L

1. Power on your S6L system and wait for VENUE software to finish loading.
2. Insert the iLok USB with your AutoTune Hybrid license into a USB port on the S6L control surface. Leave it connected whenever you use the system.
3. Insert the USB drive with the installer into another USB port on the S6L control surface.
   • Note: Plug-ins can only be installed from the control surface's USB ports, not the engine's.
4. Press the Config switch on the control surface so it's lit (or double-click the Mode indicator on screen so it reads Config).
5. In VENUE software, go to Options, then select the Plug-Ins tab.
6. In the Plug-Ins to Install list, open the Device selector menu and choose your USB drive.
7. Select AutoTune Hybrid in the Plug-Ins to Install list on the left, then select Install. VENUE software handles the rest of the installation.
8. When prompted, select Accept to agree to the End User License Agreement.
9. Confirm that AutoTune Hybrid now appears in the Installed Plug-Ins list on the right.

Tip: The S6L control surface has an extra internal USB port for keeping an iLok secure during shows. See the VENUE | S6L System Guide for how to access it.

Step 5: Insert AutoTune Hybrid on a vocal channel

1. Press the Config switch again so it's unlit, returning the system to Show mode.
2. Go to the Plug-Ins page.
3. Open the plug-in list on an empty slot and choose Mono or Stereo. Go to the Pitch Shift category and select AutoTune Hybrid. The plug-in loads in that slot.
4. Assign AutoTune Hybrid to your vocal channel. Select the vocal input channel, then in the channel's Inserts section, choose an empty insert and select AutoTune Hybrid.
5. Open the plug-in window and set the Key and Scale to match the song.
6. Have the vocalist sing and adjust Retune Speed and Humanize to taste. Lower Retune Speed values give a faster, more noticeable effect.
7. Save your Show file so the plug-in and its settings load with the show.

For more information about using AutoTune Hybrid, please refer to the User Guide.

Troubleshooting

Q: I can't find my AutoTune Hybrid activation code. Where is it?

A: Your activation code will be listed on the "My Products" page in your Avid account, as well as in your Avid order confirmation email. AutoTune Hybrid purchases are handled by Avid, so contact the Avid support team if you're having trouble finding it.

Q: I don't see an AutoTune Hybrid license in iLok License Manager. What should I do?

A: Double check that you've redeemed your activation code, and have activated your license in Auto-Tune Central first. The iLok license isn't created until you've activated your license.

Q: AutoTune Hybrid doesn't appear in the "Plug-Ins to Install" list. How do I fix this?

A: Check that the plug-in is inside an "AAX Plug-Ins" folder at the root of the USB drive, the drive is FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, and the correct drive is chosen in the "Device" selector.

Q: The "Install" button is grayed out. What should I do?

A: Make sure the S6L is in "Config" mode.

Q: AutoTune Hybrid installs but shows as unlicensed or deactivated. How do I fix this?

A: Make sure the iLok USB holding your license is plugged into the S6L control surface, not the engine. In Auto-Tune Central or the iLok License Manager, confirm that the license is activated on your dedicated S6L USB key, not on a computer.

Q: I can't find AutoTune Hybrid in the insert list. What should I do?

A: Confirm AutoTune Hybrid is listed under "Installed Plug-Ins." If it is, restart the S6L system and check again.

Q: AutoTune Hybrid stopped working after a VENUE update or System Restore. How do I fix this?

A: Third-party plug-ins may need to be reinstalled after a System Restore. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Still stuck? Contact Avid Support and include your VENUE software version, S6L model, and engine model.