How do you guys find the tempo of a sample?

**ScorchinBeats** · 05-08-2010

I mean, it's easy to find it approximately (down to 1 or 2 bpm) but I find that you need it very accurate for the sample to actually fit.

Plus, with many old songs that weren't recorded to a click track, the tempo seems to always change.

How do you guys deal with this stuff? It's giving me headaches trying to sample some old soul music in Recycle because of the timing!!!

Also, I tried using Recycle, Fl Studio, etc to "detect" the tempo but they all suck! Except maybe Traktor but even it doesn't always work.

**Awake** · 05-08-2010

I just do it by ear 99% of the time. Once in a while I'll use tap-tempo.

**Gilson** · 05-08-2010

I've never had a need to find or know a samples tempo.

Seems like tap tempo would be the best bet though

**Srmproductions** · 05-08-2010

Yeah tap tempo unless your looping then it gets a lil sticky.

**DeLesser** · 05-09-2010

I just cut a 4 bar loop from the track i want to sample. Put it into FL and just adjust the tempo of the song until the loop is played perfect. And i don't mean that i adjust the tempo of the sample but of the projectfile you'r working in. For me it works perfect because that way i can detect the tempo real accurate.

**bionic_eye** · 05-09-2010

ableton is your friend
automatic warp

**Maxhimelhoch** · 05-09-2010

it might sound dumb, actually it does sound dumb, but most dj-ing programs will give you the bpm in order to mix the next track, so i'll use like dj mixer for mac or something like that where when i load the song it gives me a bpm thats very accurate.

**LostProfit** · 05-09-2010

When it comes to mixing acapellas, tap tempo will work and it will just take a bit of fine tuning. If you know the original track well, you'll crack it, you just have to sit with the track, at least I don't know a better way, unless you're mixing it live.

**Nicro** · 05-09-2010

Ya use tap tempo to find it. You also said how it will get off time, you can help this by chopping your loop in half or whatever.Then just hit both pads when needed and it will stay on time better.

**Split_Fantom_Beats** · 05-09-2010

I use FL Studio but ive never had to find the BPM of a sample. I just chop with edison and cut a 4 bar loop and adjust the beat tempo till it fits. or if im not looping the sample and chopping it to **** i still do the same thing and adjust the tempo till it fits. hey it works for me!