Waves Audio Key Detector

Unpacking Waves' Key Detector: Does AI Key Detection Hit the Right Note?

Waves Audio announces its latest tool, the Key Detector, promising AI-powered key detection for any music sample. We delve into the features, system requirements, and how it integrates with other Waves plugins.

Recently, Waves Audio unveiled the Key Detector, a tool they claim can pinpoint the key of any music sample, track, or full mix using artificial intelligence. With the promise of time-saving processes, the product has sparked interest in the music production industry.

According to Waves, the Key Detector leverages their Neural Networks engine to identify the root note, provide a scale (major or minor), and offer two alternative keys. The AI engine purportedly scans the track, suggesting the key in a matter of seconds. However, it's unclear how the system verifies this initial detection or how accurate this prediction might be.

The Key Detector is also promoted as a companion to Waves' vocal tuning and harmonizing plugins: Waves Tune Real-Time, Waves Tune, Waves Harmony, and OVox. The "Transmit" button sends the detected key to all active instances of these plugins, which should, in theory, streamline the music creation process.

Examining the Process

Waves claims using the Key Detector is as simple as playing the track and allowing the AI to analyze it. They suggest this leads to a more efficient workflow and reduces manual labor. However, it remains to be seen how the Key Detector handles complex compositions, including full mixes and multi-instrument samples.

The system requirements for the Key Detector are similar to most audio software, compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Looking at the Competition

The Key Detector isn't the only AI key detection tool in the market. Antares Tech's Auto-Key also offers automated key and scale detection with a resizable UI. Unlike the Key Detector, the Auto-Key can also process audio files like MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and directly send key and scale changes to Auto-Tune.

The Key Detector's unique selling proposition is its integration with Waves' suite of vocal plugins and Neural Networks engine. Yet, it's yet to be proven how effective and efficient these innovations are in real-world usage.