The Reaper Experience

[trg007]

Thanks guys, I've got the MIDI editor somewhat figured out now. My next question is, how do you set the proper BPM so that the gridlines match up with the song (as they do on the charts in RB)?

I tried doing it by "trial & error", changing the BPM and playing the song with a click track over it to see if the clicks are in time with the song. While it may start out that way, it gradually gets off-time as the song goes on. I know that some songs intentionally change tempo mid-song, but that's not the case here.

So basically, how do you figure out the exact BPM of a song? Is there an automated way to do that in Reaper?

(Note: I'm just experimenting using an MP3 I have on my computer. I don't have master tracks or anything. I realize that may be part of the problem as I'm assuming it's easier when you have an isolated drum track.)

[davidshek]

I tried doing it by "trial & error", changing the BPM and playing the song with a click track over it to see if the clicks are in time with the song. While it may start out that way, it gradually gets off-time as the song goes on. I know that some songs intentionally change tempo mid-song, but that's not the case here.

So basically, how do you figure out the exact BPM of a song? Is there an automated way to do that in Reaper?

The problem you're seeing is not that you don't have the exact BPM of the song figured out. The problem is that the drummer did not record it to a click track, so the tempo drifts throughout the song. You're not going to be able to set one BPM for the whole track in cases like that.

[trg007]

The problem you're seeing is not that you don't have the exact BPM of the song figured out. The problem is that the drummer did not record it to a click track, so the tempo drifts throughout the song. You're not going to be able to set one BPM for the whole track in cases like that.

That makes sense. I guess there are some lazy drummers out there. Is this a common thing that HMX has to deal with, and now people charting for RBN will have to deal with? I've heard people complain of BPM changes in the RTTH cover from RB1, for example.

On a related note, when a band decides what tempo to record a song at, do they usually stick with "standard" numbers or is it common to have tempos such as 172.3 BPM?

Thanks.

[HMXEnosity]

Part of the authoring process is making sure the Tempo is properly Tracked. we have to do this on every DLC song and anyone authoring for RBN will have to do this before they start laying down notes.

[Knucklesdude]

That makes sense. I guess there are some lazy drummers out there. Is this a common thing that HMX has to deal with, and now people charting for RBN will have to deal with? I've heard people complain of BPM changes in the RTTH cover from RB1, for example.

Very common! Take a live track for example, or Megadeth. The tempos are rarely consistent.

To change the tempo, simply right-click (or shift+c) on the location in the track where you want to 'insert a time signature marker'.

On a related note, when a band decides what tempo to record a song at, do they usually stick with "standard" numbers or is it common to have tempos such as 172.3 BPM?

They can if they want to. The technology is totally there.

Don't know why though. Not really necessary, but you have bands like Protest the Hero going with all these technical time signatures, and tech death metal bands going at 300-400 bpm, so I don't know.

Part of the authoring process is making sure the Tempo is properly Tracked. we have to do this on every DLC song and anyone authoring for RBN will have to do this before they start laying down notes.

Is the beat track generally the first that is created?

[HMXEnosity]

Is the beat track generally the first that is created?

The Tempo Track is usually the first created by the user in the Midi file.

[SHPhr34k]

Once the BPMing has been finished it can be difficult to go back and make changes without screwing up something else. Best recommendation is to test test test test... really give the metronome a good listen with the music playing... make sure it's all in the right spot before you lay a single note down

[dragonflyr]

look foreward to seeing the vid, knucklesdude.

being a keyboardist, i have used daws/sequencers for years, but charting will be new to me...although i kinda think i already have a pretty good feel for the process.

i've only messed with reaper for a few minutes, but .. is there not some sort of "tempo sync/ tempo match" tool? acidpro had this; you could plug in a audio clip/loop/ etc, and it would analyse the audio and present a tempo map that you could manipulate further if needed. i was really hoping there would be something like that in reaper?

i'll look into it . . .

[dragonflyr]

http://benvesco.com/tonemonster/reap...per-tempo-map/

didn't look at it too much ... but the above link deals with tempo mapping. i was just hoping for an automated process, even if it is one that requires manual "tweaking".

guess i should read on more . . .

btw ... tempo mapping will be much easier when you've got individual tracks or "stems" and you can point to the timekeeper track (drums be easiest to either manually or automatically latch on to).

[trg007]

Now I need to figure out how to create this Tempo Track...I know about the tempo change markers of course, but didn't know there was a way to create a separate track with this info. I wish there was a "For Dummies" guide on all of this.