Tempo Mapping in Studio One for tracks recorded with no click. Keep the feel and Improve the Groove!

Create a grid from tracks recorded by players playing off of each other. Usr this grid to make subtle timing corrections without destroying the feel of the performance. You can even quantize certain parts if needed. Or add a sequenced synth that stays with the feel of the players.
This is Part 1 of a 2 part video where a trio records 3 takes of a rhythm track. The takes are tempo mapped using a fool proof method and then comped together for a selt edited take. Then that take is polished in spots that were a little loose.
Link to Studio One Arranger Track Video
• Studio One's powerful ...
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Session Layout
2:21 - Tempo Mapping Rules
2:39 - Establish Rough Tempo
3:03 - Set Track Tempo Mode
3:33 - Set audio files to rough tempo
4:35 - Set Tempo track to rough tempo
5:10 - Get MIDI tracks in sync with MID Audio tracks
7:50 - Slide Take into position
10:07 - Map Tempo track to drums or part dictating tempo
12:56 - The logic behind Tempo track changes
13:31 - More Tempo Mapping
15:14 - Wrapping up Tempo Mapping
16:01 - Last couple of rules to do
16:29 - Put Audio tracks in Timestretch Mode
16:57 - Put MIDI Tracks in Beats Mode
17:07 - Last but not least
18:06 The Wrapup

[@fabriceformymates1020]

You have just solved a problem I've had for months. This is brilliant. You're a star. Thanks a million.

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

Glad it helped

[@PelicanMultimedia]

It is of course also possible to use Melodyne to create a tempo map in Studio One, usually from a drum track. On paper, this is in fact the most simple and easy way to do it. In practice, however, this method succeeds 100% only if the song has drums all the way through, there are no long pauses, and the drummer stays accurate on complex fills. If the software detects a single hit inaccurately by even a 1/32 note, you have to manually edit the bars and beats from that point through to the end, which is very tedious. The method I use is a blend of old and new: I record myself on a new track hitting a woodblock in time to the existing music, all the way through, and then use Melodyne to create a tempo map from that. One you finish letting Melodyne do its thing, back in Studio One you just drag the new “tap” audio track to the Tempo track. The added benefit of doing it this way is that it adds your own “feel” of the tempo in the entire performance into the map, something that is nearly impossible to do after the fact. And it can be quickly and easily redone if needed. Complications from this method will only arise if you decide to EDIT the new tempo track after the fact, that’s when you have to start switching existing tracks to “follow” the tempo. (Otherwise, by definition, they are already following the tempo track.)

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

I love this comment! It explains several things I did not cover in my video and it offers ideas of alternatative methods while also pointing out possible issues with different methods. Bravo @PelicanMultimedia Thanks for contributing!

[@michaelstuben8748]

A third option to create a tempo track is to: A/Bind the command "Insert bend marker" to a key. B/ select the drumtrack and make bends visabil. C/switch to bendmarker-tool D/ play the song, and tap in a bendmarker at the first Beat of every Bar (the "1") of the whole Song. D/Move the ruler to desired bendmarker. 🎉studioone is awesome🎉

[@RemixRob]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us! This man really knows what he's talking about when it comes to Studio One tempo mapping and more! The unfollow, follow, time stretch method works!! Quantizing and beat analyzing can only go so far but you end up spending more time trying to correct the detection. The methods and steps explained in this two part video is the only way to preserve the band's natural playing style instead of destroying it with quantizing. Instead, your hand-quantizing which will always yield more natural results and the more accurate you are, the better you be able to smooth out any variations later on. Once you have a variable tempo mapped song, you can adjust the timing to what sounds good rather than a strict, constant tempo. You can also copy that variable tempo to another song if you like the feel. Also, what @PelicanMultimedia said for Melodyne is true in Studio One: "If the software detects a single hit inaccurately by even a 1/32 note, you have to manually edit the bars and beats from that point through to the end..." I attempted to detect and correct timing for click track which resulted in that exact problem. A combination of first variable tempo mapping the grid might allow the quantizing to find the beat more accurately but I'd rather just use Rusty's method which gives you an accurate tempo mapping of what the band played that you can then manipulate to your heart's content. 😉

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

Hey I am glad this worked for you! Hope your projects turn out well!

[@rajivmodha3693]

Excellent presentation!!

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

That's very kind of you to say! Cheers.

[@basscase78]

Thank you for the very in depth explanation!

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

You're very welcome! Please Share

[@MexicanPancakes]

Great explanation 👌🏻

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

Glad you liked it!

[@Hijazi-1info]

Awesome 👏 thank you sir

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

Most welcome

[@sonidojamon]

The best way to manually tempo map in studio one: - "Broad" First pass: Create tempo change in the tempo track for every 4 bars of your songs, aligned to your drums (Kick & Snare) or the main instrument when there are no drums. - Second pass: create in between Bar tempo changes. Always do them linear. No curves or tempo jumps. - Third pass: Review and fine-tune Beat tempo changes, and start using curves if needed. Never make sudden step tempo changes. Always straight lines from point to point. Bonus: There's a way to trigger midi notes using an audio track as the "triggerer". Presonus' own Gate plugin has it. I hope it helps!

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

I havent seen the last thing you mentioned with the gate lpug in. I will look for a vid

[@Byron101_]

oh man. This is way easier in Cubase. 😢

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

I went and looked at a video on how to do this in Cubase and you are correct... it was really super smart the way they designed their code. I wish I could use that method in Studio One. I know I cannot go through learning another DAW though, just to quickly tempo map a song. Only so much time one has and I'd rather make the music than spend the time switching DAW. Cheers, Rusty

[@1loveMusic2003]

Ctrl+a will select all tracks then you can bounce all at once.😃

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

I shoulda done that!!!!

[@lar57jsy]

Can't do this. I bought Melodyne Assistant and it doesn't include the tempo mapping. It has no "Tempo track" to use. The $699US Melodyne Studio has this feature.

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

I tried it with melodyne and gave up. It wasn’t intuitive at all. I know cakewalk is good at this. I don’t use it but I saw a video that showed it being done. Really smart.