“My Autotune Kazoo” is a DIY electronics project by Guy Dupont, not a finished consumer product. It puts a microphone, microcontroller, amplifier, speaker and battery inside an 8-inch jumbo kazoo body, then corrects the pitch of a player’s hum and produces a synthesized sound. The build can also send and receive MIDI over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Make:’s project article was published in September 2025.
What the project does
The instrument listens to the player’s hum, estimates its fundamental frequency and moves that pitch to a nearby note in a selected musical scale. In practical terms, it is a small, self-contained pitch-correction experiment shaped like a kazoo—not a conventional kazoo with a special mouthpiece.
Dupont describes the aim as making it easier to sound good on an accessible plastic instrument. But the result changes the character of the sound: the microphone signal is not simply amplified and played back. The device generates a new tone at the corrected pitch.
How pitch correction and sound generation work
Finding a pitch and choosing a note
The firmware uses an implementation of the Yin algorithm to estimate the incoming sound’s fundamental frequency. It then selects a nearby note allowed by the chosen musical scale. This is the project’s meaning of “autotune” in the broad sense of real-time pitch correction.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why the output is a synthesized tone
Rather than route the captured voice directly to the speaker, the code generates a sawtooth waveform at the corrected frequency. Dupont says that choice makes the output sound more kazoo-like. He also notes a twist: putting a microphone in the mouth and sending corrected sound through a tiny speaker embedded in a kazoo can mean the result no longer sounds much like a kazoo.
BLE MIDI input and output
The device can transmit MIDI note messages over Bluetooth Low Energy and accept incoming MIDI notes. When incoming MIDI notes are present, they take precedence over microphone input. That gives the build a role beyond correcting a hum: it can act as a small wireless MIDI instrument or sound source, subject to the project’s firmware and hardware setup.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
It is not Antares Auto-Tune
Make: distinguishes the proprietary Auto-Tune audio plugin developed by Antares from the broader idea of “autotune,” or real-time pitch correction. Dupont’s project is not made by Antares and does not run the Auto-Tune plugin; it is a separate microcontroller-based build using pitch estimation, scale mapping and synthesized output.
Parts and tools in the Make: build
Make: lists the following parts and tools for the project. The listed components describe the published build; they are not a guarantee of current availability or compatibility across substitute parts.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Category | Items specified |
|---|---|
| Instrument body | 8-inch jumbo kazoo |
| Controller | Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32-S3 |
| Audio output | MAX98357-based I2S amplifier and 8Ω, 1W mini oval speaker |
| Audio input | INMP441 I2S MEMS microphone module |
| Power | 3.7V, 2200mAh lithium-ion battery and SparkFun LiPo Charger/Booster board |
| Optional connection | USB-C connector breakout |
| Assembly materials | Hookup wire, soft foam and a 3D-printed microphone enclosure |
| Tools | Computer with internet access, wire cutters/strippers, soldering iron and solder, hot glue gun, and small screwdriver |
The article names Amazon ASIN B0BZQKDW9F for the jumbo kazoo and B092HWW4RS for the INMP441 module. Those identifiers refer to components, not a complete autotune kazoo product. Check that listings remain available and that any replacement parts match the project before buying.
Build time, cost and assembly considerations
Make: estimates the project at $50–$60 and one day to build. These are the article’s 2025 estimates, not a current shopping quote; actual cost and time can change with component availability, shipping, tools already on hand and the builder’s experience. The article says the Xiao ESP32-S3 can be clocked at 240MHz; treat that as the project’s stated figure rather than an independently verified specification for every board or configuration.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The build involves wiring and soldering audio, power and controller components, as well as fitting them into a small body. The enclosure and placement matter: the article describes a PETG microphone enclosure and hot glue, but explicitly does not recommend putting either material in the mouth. Do not treat them as mouth-safe materials or assume the assembly is safe for oral contact.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the project article establishes—and what it does not
Make:’s project article, dated September 22, 2025, also displays September 18, 2025. The project appears in the context of Make: Vol. 91; O’Reilly’s issue page and an OverDrive/Bibliomation listing provide issue metadata. O’Reilly’s Make: Volume 91 page identifies the article context, while the OverDrive/Bibliomation listing provides publication information.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The published account is a build description, not an independent validation of the circuit, firmware, component substitutions, mouth-contact safety, current prices or stock. It also does not provide a tested comparison with commercial instruments or other pitch-correction approaches. The project is best understood as a maker build for readers interested in embedded audio, pitch detection and BLE MIDI.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
