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How to Determine BPM for an MP3

Determining the beats per minute (BPM) of the tracks in your MP3 collection can help you plan out a DJ set more effectively. Use the BPM to plot the tempo and flow of your set; for example, you could start by playing slower songs, then gradually increase the tempo as the dance floor fills up. Keeping a list of your songs' BPM also helps you avoid playing two songs with wildly differing tempos consecutively. Use any of three free software packages to analyze the BPM of your MP3s.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use MixMeister BPM Analyzer to determine the BPM of songs in your MP3 collection. BPM Analyzer is a free, stripped-down version of the MixMeister digital DJing software. Drag and drop MP3s into the program's window; BPM Analyzer automatically calculates their BPM, then allows you to sort them from fastest to slowest or vice versa. The software can embed BPM information into the MP3s' ID3 tags, allowing you to see their BPM in other digital DJing or media player programs.

    • 2

      Calculate the BPM of an MP3 using SoftJock's BPM Proscan. Use the program's integrated file browser to navigate to an MP3, then click "Scan" to find its BPM. Click "Save" to add the BPM to the MP3's ID3 tag, or click "Export" to save a list of MP3s and their respective BPM as a comma-separated value (CSV) file which you can open and sort in a database program. BPM Proscan is free to download and use.

    • 3

      Determine the BPM of your MP3 collection using Abyssmedia's BPM Counter program. BPM Counter uses the familiar Windows Explorer interface to navigate your hard drive; it can analyze an entire folder of MP3s at once, saving you the time needed to manually load the songs into the program. The program supports integration with other Abyssmedia programs, including the developer's sound recording, audio conversion and audio transposition software.

Digital Music

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