Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ Recording _ Change Bpm Afterwards In Cubase 4

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Nov 9 2009, 04:08 PM

Hi guys!

As some of you might have noticed I am working on new track with Trond. I have an annoying problem which I don't really know how to solve...

I imported Trond's backing into the new cubase project with a bpm set to 150 - I have now recorded a bunch of takes but I need to change the project to the backing's original tempo (140 bpm) to be able to do edits (etc) more effectively.

If I simply change the bpm in the project all my recorded audio events become unsynchronized with Tronds backing.

Does anyone know the correct way of doing this kind of tempo change "afterwards"? Thanks!

Posted by: maharzan Nov 9 2009, 04:42 PM

I think there is a program which can change the tempo of audio track as well.. not sure which one though.

http://www.audiocourses.com/article1700.html

Posted by: tonymiro Nov 9 2009, 04:58 PM

Long time since I used Cubase but assuming yiou're on SX2 or higher...

Think you may need to disable the Tempo Track button on the transport panel and then double click and enter the tempo bpm that you want to use Kris. If it's disabled it should read 'fixed'. If you don't disable then it will follow the tempo track...

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Nov 9 2009, 05:12 PM

QUOTE (tonymiro @ Nov 9 2009, 04:58 PM) *
Long time since I used Cubase but assuming yiou're on SX2 or higher...

Think you may need to disable the Tempo Track button on the transport panel and then double click and enter the tempo bpm that you want to use Kris. If it's disabled it should read 'fixed'. If you don't disable then it will follow the tempo track...


That's exactly how I do it...but it moves everything so it becomes unsynchronized.

Posted by: tonymiro Nov 9 2009, 05:54 PM

Just an idea - did you untick the tempo option when you imported Trond's file? If you don't when you import I think it l;ocks the file's tempo...

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Nov 9 2009, 06:53 PM

QUOTE (tonymiro @ Nov 9 2009, 05:54 PM) *
Just an idea - did you untick the tempo option when you imported Trond's file? If you don't when you import I think it l;ocks the file's tempo...

hmm no I just dragged and dropped the mp3 when importing... Do you mean that it might be too late to fix?

Posted by: Artemus Nov 9 2009, 09:32 PM

If it's an audio track you'll have to use the Time Stretch feature which compresses or expands the audio file to the desired speed/length, much the same as programs like the Great/Amazing Slow downer slow down or speed up tracks.
Go to Audio > Process > Time Stretch

Posted by: tonymiro Nov 9 2009, 09:39 PM

As Artemus says try time stretching it Kris - think Maharzan's post no 2 has a link to how to do it.

If that doesn't work I think you can pull up the tempo edl (or whatever Cubase call it) and change the edl directly.

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Nov 9 2009, 10:14 PM

QUOTE (Kristofer Dahl @ Nov 9 2009, 04:08 PM) *
Hi guys!

As some of you might have noticed I am working on new track with Trond. I have an annoying problem which I don't really know how to solve...

I imported Trond's backing into the new cubase project with a bpm set to 150 - I have now recorded a bunch of takes but I need to change the project to the backing's original tempo (140 bpm) to be able to do edits (etc) more effectively.

If I simply change the bpm in the project all my recorded audio events become unsynchronized with Tronds backing.

Does anyone know the correct way of doing this kind of tempo change "afterwards"? Thanks!


I think one way is to time stretch the files. Or you could bounce your recording with a count-in pulse at the beginning of the track and put the same count-in in the backing track, and then put them perfectly in sync.



Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Nov 9 2009, 10:43 PM

I'm not sure what you exactly need to do. Do you have two files that are recorded in "wrong" tempo that need slowing down? You could do that with an option "resizing applies time stretch" its located where tool icons are for choosing "cursor/cut tool etc". Then you would change the tempo (and remember from which to which bar your take goes and then re-size the actual track to fit that "length". I also wondered is there an option just to enter new bpm and the DAW to automatically resize the track in question to the new bpm/length?

Posted by: Artemus Nov 9 2009, 11:16 PM

QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Nov 9 2009, 09:43 PM) *
I'm not sure what you exactly need to do. Do you have two files that are recorded in "wrong" tempo that need slowing down? You could do that with an option "resizing applies time stretch" its located where tool icons are for choosing "cursor/cut tool etc". Then you would change the tempo (and remember from which to which bar your take goes and then re-size the actual track to fit that "length". I also wondered is there an option just to enter new bpm and the DAW to automatically resize the track in question to the new bpm/length?


Yes this is the method with audio files; time stretching. Perhaps the simplest way I know is to set the original tempo and drop the audio track in, then set your locators either side of track checking that it's synced correctly. Then adjust the tempo to what you want and open the Time Stretch window (see my previous comment). Clicking on "Set To Locators Range" should automatically adjust the audio track to the adjusted tempo. There are a few other little tools and options to play with within the Time Stretch function but the method described usually works.
However, a work of warning: in my experience time stretching an audio track can work well when it's only a very small adjustment and when there are no effects present in the track. The entire audio track/waveform is altered so effects become exaggerated either way and notes can become choppy and sound unnatural if stretched or compressed too much.

Posted by: MickeM Nov 9 2009, 11:38 PM

Maybe a "bonnlösning" will work? If you remove Tronds backing, change the tempo on the project to 140 and then import the backing again? unsure.gif

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Nov 10 2009, 02:13 AM

I'm using Nuendo SX3, so I hope it functions the same. The procedure is a bit complicated but it is possible:

1. Double click the audio event you want to be able to stretch as you adjust general tempo
2. Choose the audio tempo definition tool
3. Place the first beat of the bar (downbeat) on the beginning of your audio amplitude
4. To the right toggle "Musical Mode" on


Now this event is able to stretch along with your general project tempo changes. Bare in mind that the musical mode will work only with static tempo and with tempo track turned on (ctrl+t for entering tempo editor)

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Nov 10 2009, 09:30 AM

Thanks for all the input guys!

If I wanted to change the actual speed of the recorded material I would do like you suggested - but I just want to change one single digit in the bpm setting. I just forgot to set the right bpm in the beginning and since I don't use any midi or metronome - it didn't bother me until now... sad.gif

I'll see if Mickes method might work, if not no biggie - I'll just need to think about it before recording my takes next time (I guess I was a little too excited when opening the project)

Posted by: Staffy Nov 10 2009, 10:00 AM

Since there is a tempo in the core wav-file, it can be edited with ACID, just open it in ACID set a new tempo and save it, then import into cubase again... that worked for me at least....


//Staffay

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)