Measurement guide · 4 min
Turn a physical pulse into a dependable tempo
Tap Tempo measures the time between your taps. A longer, steadier series gives the estimator enough context to reject accidental hits and distinguish your intended pulse.
Quick start
A reliable starting point
- 01Find the strongest pulse
Follow the kick, snare, strumming pattern, or another repeating event. Do not switch references halfway through.
- 02Tap 8–16 times
Use the button, T, or Space at a relaxed and consistent intensity. Ignore the first reading and let it settle.
- 03Resolve the octave
If the result feels twice or half the expected tempo, use ÷2 or ×2. Both readings can describe the same underlying pulse.
Under the hood
01How the tempo is calculated
Each pair of taps creates an interval in milliseconds. auroLab converts the representative interval to BPM and updates the result as more taps arrive.
The estimator uses the median and median absolute deviation to reject unusually early or late intervals before averaging. That makes one imperfect tap less destructive without pretending that a loose series is stable.
BPM = 60,000 ÷ representative interval in msBetter input
02Tap like a measurement instrument
- Listen for two or three beats before the first tap so your hand already knows the pulse.
- Use one finger or one key and keep the motion small; large gestures add timing variation.
- For music with a weak intro, measure a chorus or drum-led section instead.
- Restart after a tempo change. Blending two sections produces an average that may describe neither one.
Interpretation
03Half-time, double-time, and stability
A groove can be heard at multiple metrical levels. A 70 BPM half-time pulse and a 140 BPM double-time pulse share the same broad spacing, so a tap tool cannot decide which notation your project needs.
Stability describes consistency between accepted intervals, not confidence that the chosen metrical level is correct. A very stable 70 BPM can still need the ×2 button for a 140 BPM session.
Controls
04Auto reset and feedback sound
Auto reset starts a fresh series after a long pause, preventing an old measurement from contaminating a new one. Choose a longer reset time for slow music or when you naturally leave more space.
The feedback sound confirms each registered tap but is optional. Turn it off when it competes with the audio you are measuring.
Keep in mind
Studio notes
One interval is only a guess; several consistent intervals form a useful measurement.
A drifting BPM often means the source itself breathes or your tapping reference is changing.
Place grid markers against transients before committing a fixed-tempo recording.