Using Free Beat Matching Audacity Software
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Among other mixing downloads available for use is the free beat matching Audacity application. The free electronic audio processor is available for Linux, Mac, Windows and OS X inclusive of other operating systems. The popular download has an array of features that ensure proper mixing and sound creation. The software can process all types of tracks by using effects such as trimming, normalization and fading. The popularity of the software makes it an ideal tool for education purposes. The improved interface is geared to make it user friendly for students and teachers.
Choice of music
Regardless of the software, the choice of music should follow some rules. The two tracks to mix should be of a similar tempo. The difference in BPM of the two songs should not vary by over 10 BPM for tracks above 100BPM (faster tracks) or 5 BPM for tracks below 100 BPM (slower tracks). The songs you want to mix with free beat matching Audacity software should be of similar key. In addition, the tracks should be similar in style and genre. This basically means an individual should avoid choosing songs that cannot blend together at all.
Getting BPM on tracks
Drag and drop the choice of two tracks into Audacity. One can use Tap Tempo to help calculate BPM. Play the first song in the background by switching over to Tap Tempo. You can use solo mode to listen to the each track to find out if the beat speeds up or slows down. The beat must be an equal spaced tempo that can be identified easily in the beat matching software. There should be three values on Tap Tempo. View the wave file in the preview pane, concentrate on the first identifiable tempo and hit the space bar whenever there is a beat until the value stabilizes since the value changes with each tap. Work on the second track just as the first track. Close the window and open a new Tap Tempo window to work on the second track.
Beat matching the tracks
After getting the BPM for the two tracks, the individual can prepare to produce a mix. Load the second track and change the tempo by going to Effect in the beat matching software. Type the BPM of the second track in the “From” field and the BPM of the first track in the “To” field. Audacity will beat match the tracks but one still needs to get the tracks in time. Make note of the place the first song should end and the second song should begin. The waveform can help in identifying where to end the first track and start the second one. Use the Time Shift Tool to slide the second track to where you want it to start. Zoom in on the place where the songs overlap and use the tool to lineup the beats by moving the cursor up and down while listening keenly.
Audacity benefits
Free open source application
Multitrack mixing
Audio pitch change without changing speed
Precise adjustments while maintaining pitch
Audio spectrum analysis
Recording and playing back sounds
Editing with unlimited levels of undo