Cubase Quick Tip: Match Audio Tempo to Track BPM (And MIDI)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to match the tempo of your audio recordings to the BPM of your MIDI tracks in Cubase. This is particularly useful if you’ve made changes to your project’s tempo or recorded scratch tracks at an incorrect tempo. By following these steps, you can ensure your audio aligns perfectly with your MIDI, saving you the hassle of re-recording.

Step 1: Set the Project Tempo

• Open your project in Cubase.
• Navigate to the transport panel at the bottom of the screen.
• Adjust the BPM (Beats Per Minute) to your desired tempo. This is the tempo that your MIDI tracks are currently set to.
• Play the project to hear how it sounds at the new tempo.

Step 2: Use the Audio Warp Tool

• Select the audio track that you want to adjust.
• Open the Audio Warp tool by right-clicking on the audio event and choosing "Audio Warp."
• Make sure that "Musical Mode" is enabled for the audio track. This allows the audio to stretch and fit the tempo changes.
• Use the warp markers to adjust the audio timing manually if necessary. Drag the markers to align with the MIDI grid.

Step 3: Adjust Audio Events

• If your audio is not aligning perfectly with the MIDI, you may need to adjust the start position of the audio events.
• Click on the audio event and move it to the correct position in relation to the MIDI track.
• Ensure that the beats align properly by zooming in for a more precise adjustment.

Step 4: Check Playback

• After making your adjustments, play back the project.
• Listen for any timing issues between the audio and MIDI tracks.
• If you notice any discrepancies, repeat the previous steps to refine the alignment.

Practical Tips

• Always keep a backup of your original audio tracks before making any significant changes.
• Use the metronome feature in Cubase to help keep your timing consistent during adjustments.
• Consider using quantization on MIDI tracks if they need timing adjustments as well.

Conclusion

You have now successfully matched the BPM of your audio to your MIDI tracks in Cubase. This process not only saves you time but also enhances the overall quality of your project. If you encounter further tempo changes in the future, remember these steps to quickly realign your audio and MIDI tracks without the need to re-record. Happy mixing!