SoundSwitch 2.9 introduces Audio BPM Detection, which allows your Autoloops and Static looks to be controlled by most any audio source. In this guide, we will detail the steps, tips, and best practices to take advantage of SoundSwitch BPM Detection with a live band.


Getting Acquainted with the Controls


Prior to setting up your own live performance rig, it's essential to get familiar with the controls and functions of audio BPM detection. Please check out the video below for a quick overview of how BPM detection works:



For a more in-depth breakdown, see the article linked here: SoundSwitch BPM Detection Overview



Selecting an Audio Source


Since BPM detection operates entirely on the audio that is routed to SoundSwitch, it's important to recognize that the quality of BPM detection will be strongly affected by the quality of the audio source selected. As such, it's important to select a high-quality audio source to ensure the best results from BPM detection. This refers not only to the devices used to capture and route the audio (microphone, audio interface, virtual cable, etc), but the actual sound that is being transmitted. 


For example, we can expect much more reliable BPM detection from a drummer's kick drum track than we might from a keyboardist's audio, which is more likely to deviate from the song's core pulse. Following this logic, if your band plays to a click track, that click track is likely to be the single best audio source available with which to use BPM detection, as both SoundSwitch and your band will be following the exact same pulse. 


If your band does not use a click track, you'll want to default to the most rhythmically consistent player in the arrangement. In many genres, this is likely to be the drummer, but some styles of music may find a better anchor in a different player. For example, a swing jazz arrangement that involves acrobatic drums, but a continually walking bassline, may find better BPM detection results by sending the bassist's audio to SoundSwitch, rather than the drummer's. In general, you're looking for strong, consistent transients from the audio being sent to SoundSwitch, as this will yield the best results with BPM detection. 



Configuring BPM Detection Preferences


Once you've selected and connected an audio source, it's time to fine tune the BPM detection preferences to best adapt to the style and genre your band plays. Here are some general tips for each parameter:




  • Tempo Detection Refresh Rate: This parameter affects the size of the audio sample used to determine BPM. If the arrangements your band plays tend to maintain a steady, unchanging tempo, you should set the refresh rate to be longer, as this is both less processor-demanding and more accurate for detection of this type.

    If your arrangements do feature varying tempos and quick changes, you'll want to shorten the Refresh Rate such that the BPM is updated in quick response to changes in tempo.

  • Audio Threshold: Shown within the VU meter to the right of the image above, the Threshold setting determines the minimum amplitude of audio to be captured using BPM detection. Set this parameter to a level that falls within the loudness range of the audio. If the threshold is set too high, BPM detection may miss transients, which will negatively affect the quality of BPM detection. If the threshold is set too low, you run the risk of polluting your audio sample with background noise and other occlusions.

  • Light Show Options: This field determines your desired behavior when the audio falls below the set threshold, such as the space between songs.

  • BPM Detection Range: This coarse adjustment establishes the general tempo range in which your band will be playing. Set this range such that the upper and lower limits of your set's BPM fall within the BPM range. For example, a funk band might play a majority of their set in the 120 BPM area, with a ballad or two in the 80 BPM area. As such, a good BPM range for that set might be 70-140 BPM, which respects the actual BPM range while allowing some headroom for vamps or other improvisations that might take the performance outside the usual BPM range.


 
Need help? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] -- We're committed to helping you get the most out of your light shows!