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iTunes BPM Detection

Did you ever wonder what the BPM column in iTunes could be used for?

Well, first you have to fill it. There are multiple tools out there that let you tap the beat to some song and then write the BPM value into iTunes. This is probably a good method, if you have - say - 10 songs.

If you have more than 10 songs, you need a tool for automatic BPM detection. One like beaTunes.

Once you have determined the BPM of songs in your library, you can build playlists based on the tempo of your tracks. It makes it a lot easier to find those slow dance, running or roadtrip songs.

Here's how it works

  • Get the free beaTunes trial version for Windows or Mac and install it on your computer
  • Start beaTunes
  • When asked, whether you want to analyze the library, click yes (if not asked, go to Tools > Analyze all Songs)
  • beaTunes will now show you the analysis options dialog:

    beaTunes bpm analysis options dialog

  • Select whether you want to replace already existing BPM values (probably not), the algorithm you'd like to use (Rayshoot is the more accurate one) and the range you expect the BPM to be in (70-140 BPM is a good start) - then start the analysis
    (you might also want to check the Determine color checkbox while you are at it - it will help you to create great playlists)
  • The songs are now analyzed in the background
  • To track progress, click on the Analysis Queue item in the left part of the main window:

    beaTunes analysis queue

  • The progress bar in the first row shows how much of the analysis of this song is completed
  • When the analysis is running, the Pause Analysis button is enabled allowing you to pause analysis at any time
  • The estimated remaining analysis time is displayed in the status bar
  • BPM analysis is a one time effort that takes some time - we recommend to run it over night
  • Note, that when you shut down beaTunes and restart it, it resumes analysis where you stopped it

Pretty easy. Now would you like to analyze your music collection? Get the free trial version.

More

beaTunes has a lot more useful features to detect the key of your songs, identify tracks, keep your library in shape, import lyrics, blog about music, analyze your music and help you to create interesting playlists.