Setting exact BPMs for Flexible Beat Grid zones

smgbari · 2024-07-25T00:49:19+00:00

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Why am I not able to set the exact BPM of a zone when using flexible beat grids?

Example: I have a track that starts at 137 BPM and then after 16 bars transitions gradually down to 101 BPM for the remainder of the track. Initial Traktor analysis sets BPM to 101.

I set one Grid Marker at the first beat of the 137 BPM zone, one at the end of the 16 bars (where transition down begins), and one at the beginning of the 101 BPM zone.

Traktor does not let me set the first zone to exactly 137. It forces me to 137.022 or 141.304 or 132.740 (these exact values specifically only it will allow). It does not let me fine tune to get to the exact value I want which is 137, even if I type in it will lock to 137.022.

Can someone explain why it behaves this way?

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lord-carlos

Yeah, because traktor equally divides the grid between two markers. You would have to move one of the grid markers very very slightly.

Just leave it at 137.022, I don't think the 0.022 will matter much.

zephry

So the main goal is to end up at 101 BPM?

If you start at 137 BPM then it really depends on how the remix or production of the track was done to get from 137 to 101 BPM.

I would assume Traktor is analyzing for 101bpm since you stated that. The rest is variable.

Think of tracks that don't follow an exact BPM as random. You are going to have to fix them. And it won't be the same solution every time.

zephry

Setting markers and fixing a grid is essentially doing beat matching before you go live and and adjust the tempo with the jogs.

If you see a DJ constantly move the Jogs or record (vinyl) to keep a tempo (BPM). That is what setting a grid with markers and adjustments is.

This is the main reason I think flexible grids is better. It is simply preparing for a mix. Vs. fixing while playing. Both take the same skill and understanding.

smgbari

@lord-carlos's explanation cleared it up for me. i guess i have to be mindful of where i place the markers to make sure i get the BPM reading i want.

DJ Bobby Tables

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/33995/setting-exact-bpms-for-flexible-beat-grid-zones

I found that behavior odd when I first tried out the flexible grids but then I figured out what was happening.

When you are between two grid markers and you adjust the bpm, it will only allow you to adjust the bpm so that you have a whole number of beats between the two grid markers.

In your example of 16 bars, i.e. 64 beats, increasing the bpm will increase the number of beats to 65, 66 etc.

The bpm value will be 60 (seconds) divided by the time between markers in seconds then multiplied by the number of beats between the markers. E.g 60 / 15 x 32 =128 bpm, or in your case, 60 / 28.0247 seconds x 64 beats = 137.022 bpm or 60 / 28.0247 seconds x 66 beats = 141.304 bpm

Note: I worked out the time between your markers from the figures you gave.

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