I did go into Melodyne and simply chose 1 blob that had too much variation in pitch in it. Since, as I've said, I only have Melodyne Essentials, I simply then chose the automatic drift correction tool. When looking at it with just this 1 small blob chosen, I was able to clearly see the drift get less intense as I dragged the lever all the way to 100%. However, it only took care of what looked to be about 40% of the pitch drift--not enough of what I was hoping for. Thus, I guess I have to get the next model up, which is Assistant, for another, I believe, $150.
ONe other question: I had read that one could simply break up each "blob" into smaller ones, IN that way, I could just adjust the pitch or pitch drift in each smaller blob. However, I don't think I see any tool for that, suggesting Essentials can't do that either. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
LNovik

LENovik
ONe other question: I had read that one could simply break up each "blob" into smaller ones, IN that way, I could just adjust the pitch or pitch drift in each smaller blob. However, I don't think I see any tool for that, suggesting Essentials can't do that either. Any thoughts?

Hover over the top of the blob until you see the split tool icon appear. Then "Double Left click".

Thanks. I WAS able to split certain "blobs'. However, even so, I could not get enough to level off the pitch variation within that smaller "blob." Theoretically, if you could split the blob in enough smaller pieces, you could level off everything. My program would only  let me split it once, and only in one area. Perhaps because I had already tried to edit that part, or perhaps there IS a limit to how much splitting one can do.
I guess I have to spring for the  Melodyne Assistant upgrade, which will allow me to draw pitch lines when necessary.
 
LNovik

LENovik
...On the older brand of pitch correction 5-10 years ago, I could “write” the tone. If I recorded a tone that had too much variation. I would have a tool where I could just write a straight line to replace the wavy one. Then I thought that perhaps if I could dial in a higher resolution, perhaps those segments would be broken up already, making them more amenable to raising or lowering...

 
I'm guessing that you are referring to V-Vocal. If you would like to keep on using it, you can. Just install an older version of Sonar (X2 or earlier). V-Vocal with then show up alongside Melodyne in the menu of the current version. Some of us actually prefer it to Melodyne.

Wow, that's interesting. A few questions about that: 1)Do I need to install all of Sonar 8.5 (my earlier version) in order to get V Vocal, or can I just install the V Vocal program found somewhere in the 8.5 discs? I do have enough room on my hard drive, so I could do that if necessary. 2)I assume I can have both 8.5 and X3 (which I now use) installed on the same computer, and that installing 8.5 won't get rid of the X3 version. Is that true?
THanks.
LNovik

Actually, I just looked up V Vocal links and found the following from 2015:
"V-Vocal is a DirectX plug-in, pointing the VST scanner to the folder is not a good idea. VST reset/rescan also will not help for the same reason. If V-Vocal needs to be reinstalled, there is no separate check box for the plug-in in the advanced install checklist. Reinstalling V-Vocal is part of the SONAR executable installation, the first check box in the checklist." 
THus, I guess I would have to resinstall all of Sonar 8.5, but before I do, I would like to make sure that it will not get rid of my Sonar X3.
LNovik

I apologize for this in advance, since I'm shifting gears again, but as I change my thinking to see myself now working with V Vocal---which I do remember to be pretty intuitive and effective---I'm realizing that I was finally getting used to using Melodyne. When I say "used to," I have now used Melodyne for a week or two in the past 6 months. But at least I'm getting to be able to navigate thru it a little. NOw I would have to relearn V Vocal. Since I would save $150 (the upgrade to Melodyne Asst,)  that's certainly worth doing, unless people think Melodyne is definitely better. I realize you said the jury is out on  which one is better, though I'm thinking that V Vocal is not currently active--or, at least, when I've read a few threads, nobody seems to mention it anymore. 
LNovik

There is no jury. Melodyne is light years ahead of V Vocal.
Those who prefer V Vocal over Melodyne are those who just don't want to learn method of working which I totally understand. There are certain plug ins that I use which are dated and better, more intuitive methods are available, im just lazy. But V Vocal compared to Melodyne.. Its not even a close. Light years.
 
One was introduced 10 years ago, the other is being updated every few months.
Technology has changed quite a bit in 10 years. New algorithms are being introduced.
Melodyne is ARA, V Vocal is Direct X. <- That says it all really.  

Thanks. That's clear, mostly. Except the part: Melodyne is ARA, V Vocal is Direct X. <- That says it all really.
What says it to me is when you say  Melodyne is light years ahead of V Vocal and that it is a more current program that is being updated regularly.
For all I know, ARA could be the American Rabbit Association and Direct X could be a new video game.
LNovik

What it means is Melodyne is capable of turning Audio into Midi.
Melodyne has multiple algorithms. Melodyne is more detailed with more tools.