How and why to use tap tempo in Pro Tools First:
If you are unsure of the exact bpm that you need to set your tempo to, then you can use a great feature called tap tempo in Pro Tools First.
Tap tempo allows you to tap a key on your computer’s keyboard in time with the music. Pro Tools will then calculate the tempo of the tapping.
It’s really straight forward and makes the process of setting your tempo really quick and easy.
How to use tap tempo in Pro Tools First:
To use this feature, you need to enter manual mode by clicking on the conductor icon:
Once you’ve clicked the conductor icon, you will notice that it will no longer be illuminated in blue. This signifies that you are now in manual mode:
You will also notice that any tempo changes or alterations to the default tempo setting of 120 bpm are no longer displayed:
That’s because in manual mode, all instructions in the tempo ruler are ignored, allowing the tempo to be set manually. (But don’t worry, by leaving manual mode, your tempo events will return.)
Now, simply click on the tempo value in either the toolbar or the transport window to highlight it, and then tap the letter ‘T’ on your computer keyboard in time with the music:
You will see the tempo value changing in response to the tapping. Clicking enter sets the session’s tempo to the value that Pro Tools has defined:
Why use tap tempo in Pro Tools First:
Using this feature can really speed up your work flow. Using it means that you don’t have to guess at the tempo to find a starting point which you will then tweak. You simply strum the guitar, play the drum beat or sing the melody of the song you’re recording. While you play/sing, just tap the letter ‘T’ along with the music. Tap tempo in Pro Tools First will then tell you what your BPM is. This process can save you a lot of time and makes the process much more accurate. Give it a try!
Click here to visit the Avid website and find out more about Pro Tools First.
To learn how to control the meter and the tempo of the click track in Pro Tools First, click here.
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