I did find that claim odd given that Brian and band don't use the extensive vocal processing that Mike's band has appeared to use recently. I thought maybe it was just the recordings I was hearing until Stephen Desper confirmed the fact that it was used live at one of Mike's recent shows on this MB. At Brian's shows over the past years, I didn't have any sense that Brian's voice was altered in any way, nor anyone else's. But Melinda was the one dying for "auto-tune?" Another thing that's difficult to integrate.
Debbie, do you refer to this post from Stephen?
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,24128.msg584236.html#msg584236
He doesn't seem to say for certain that auto-tune or pitch correction was present at the Mike show, only that it could have been for all he knew.
What he does talk about in more detail is the use of digital EQ and compression/limiting. I have been to recent shows by both bands, and to me such processing was quite obviously present at each of them. I would imagine that concerts by the vast majority of major acts are mixed and processed through a digital signal chain in this day and age.
I'm quite confident that specifically auto-tune or something similar is not used at Brian shows. I don't know about Mike's shows, though if they do it is not that obvious to me.
I enjoyed both shows.
I'm talking about the comments of Stephen's and what I heard in recordings of Mike's shows. Is there a difference? The vocals all seemed altered. When I'm sitting live at Brian's shows, I don't have a sense I'm hearing Brian's, or Al's or anyone else's vocals being altered (well, amplified, obviously). They are real with the occasional "flaw." Stephen seemed to object to what was being done at Mike's shows enough to consider not going back.
One of my favorite things in the late 60's was watching Stephen work the boards at the shows and at the studios when I got the privilege. The voices weren't in some weird, processed form. I'm certain he'd know the difference.
He didn't seem to know the difference when Mike and Co lip synced through the Memorial Day show that was broadcast 'live' a few months back. He was adamant there was no need for them to do that. To his credit he then realised they were lip syncing. Stephen's work with the group was always top notch and he was as much an innovator in his field as the group were in theirs. A great combination that has stood the test of time.
Here's the thread:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,23977.0.html
Back on topic and I have just received Mike's book. The parts I read were full of inconsistencies and offensive comments towards Brian and Melinda. Nothing I didn't expect unfortunately.