← TempoSync

Tempo mapping guides · Logic Pro

How to tempo map in Logic Pro.

Logic Pro has Smart Tempo for automatic tempo analysis — but it works inside Logic only. A MIDI tempo map from TempoSync imports the finished result into any project, and you can take it to other DAWs too. Here's how both work.

The built-in way

Smart Tempo.

Smart Tempo analyzes audio or MIDI and builds a tempo map automatically. The Project Tempo mode decides who follows whom.

  1. 01

    Check the Project Tempo mode

    Click and hold the Tempo display in the LCD (or File → Project Settings → Smart Tempo). Choose Adapt Project Tempo to make the project follow the material.

  2. 02

    Let Smart Tempo analyze

    Import the recording and open the Smart Tempo editor. Fix hints with the D and T keys during playback, then click Apply Changes.

  3. 03

    Apply the region tempo

    In the editor, choose Apply Region Tempo to Project Tempo — the project grid follows the recording.

The fast way

Import a MIDI tempo map instead.

If the tempo map already exists, Logic imports it with the MIDI file — set the project to Adapt mode first.

  1. 01

    Export the MIDI tempo map from TempoSync

    A standard MIDI file with the tempo map and click events for the whole track.

  2. 02

    Set the tempo mode to Adapt

    Click and hold the Tempo display in the LCD and choose Adapt Project Tempo.

  3. 03

    Import the MIDI file

    File → Import → MIDI File (or drag it in). Logic asks whether to conform the project tempo to the file — confirm.

After importing, switch the mode back to Keep Project Tempo so later files don't change the project tempo again.

The TempoSync workflow

From recording to tempo track.

1. Upload your recording — a live take, a drum recording, or anything recorded without a click.

2. Export the MIDI tempo map, along with a WAV click track if you want one.

3. Import the MIDI file using the steps above. Your tempo track follows the recording.

Try one track free

Comparison

Built-in tools vs TempoSync.

 Built-inTempoSync
AvailabilitySmart Tempo is Logic-only.MIDI tempo map works in every DAW.
EffortAnalysis plus hint correction in the Smart Tempo editor.Automatic detection on upload.
OutputTempo in the current project.Tempo map, WAV click track, and MIDI file — portable.
Learning curveHint mode and beat markers take practice.Upload, export, import.

FAQ

Tempo mapping, answered.

What's the difference between Smart Tempo and a MIDI tempo map import?

Smart Tempo analyzes material inside Logic. A MIDI tempo map is the finished result — import it and you're done, in Logic or any other DAW.

Adapt mode changed my project tempo — how do I stop it?

Switch the Project Tempo mode back to Keep Project Tempo. New imports will then follow the project instead of changing it.

The imported tempo looks doubled or halved.

Beat detection can lock onto half-beats. Check the analysis in the Smart Tempo editor — its beat markers can be adjusted there.

Which mode should I use for a remix?

Set Adapt mode, import the reference recording, then switch to Keep before adding more material — that way later files don't alter the project tempo.

Let the project start from the right tempo map.

Upload the recording, export the MIDI tempo map, and import it in Adapt mode. Smart Tempo can take it from there.

Try one track free

No subscription. Audio is deleted after analysis.