Record at 50% speed

Getting Stuff Done How do I .... ?
#1

I would like to record a MIDI part slower, let’s say at 50% of my current tempo. I can change the BPM but I have to change it back and it is really not idea because it is freaking me out. I understand the Shuttle speed control might be designed for that purpose, but I don’t understand how to use it:

  • it is working as I expect when I mouse down to 50% but I can’t play my keyboard then (my mouse is down)
  • shift + right arrow plays at 100% minimum, even if I change the Varispeed %.
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#2

Tarball,

First of all, I love the handle (tarball). I would never have thought of that.

I’m not sure why changing the tempo for recording is freaking you out. A little more info would be nice. If you could clarify exactly what the problem is perhaps me or someone else could help.

Instead of using the shuttle speed control, why not just click the tempo button under the master clock and change the tempo for recording, and then change it back? Then you don’t have to hold the mouse down.

#3

Thanks for the kind words on my handle. I have lots of recuring lonely thoughts about handles from time to time, it is good to be validated by a stranger.

Changing the tempo means I have to recall the original tempo, and write it down on paper for instance. That might be a detail but it is kind of a peper grain in my process. Also I am never 100% sure it will not breake something, midi notes, automations, audio tracks… I mean what if it doesn’t get back to original state? brrr that petrifies me.

But yeah, ok I will change the tempo then, just like you advise, put my fears aside and deal with the consequences.

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#4

Use session snapshots:

If something goes wrong, you can always go back. I usually make lots of snapshots just for my peace of mind. When I finish a project, I’m always a bit surprised by how rarely I need to go back to them.

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#5

All channel strips have a “Comments” button at the bottom, so you can type your original tempo in the master channel one, for instance, if you’re afraid of losing the paper you’ve written it down to.

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#6

Those are good tips, thanks!

#7

Click on “VS” (vari-speed), you can change the speed from here and it persists until the popup window is closed. I too would prefer this over changing the tempo for the reasons you mentioned. You might want to cancel the pitch shift when doing so by using x42 Vari Speed Anti Pitch.

#8

@jean-emmanuel Wow that keep-opened the popup tip is exactly what I needed! Thank you.

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