Tempo mapping guides · Cubase
How to tempo map in Cubase.
Cubase gives you two ways to align the grid with a recording: the built-in Tempo Detection Panel, or importing a MIDI tempo map. TempoSync generates that MIDI tempo map for you automatically — this guide covers both paths step by step.
The built-in way
Cubase Tempo Detection Panel.
Cubase Pro can detect the tempo of an audio event on its own. The workflow is manual but reliable if you correct as you go.
- 01
Select the audio event
In the Project window, select the audio event you want to analyze. It must be at least 7 seconds long and contain a clear rhythm.
- 02
Open the Tempo Detection Panel
Go to Project → Tempo Detection. The panel is available in Cubase Pro.
- 03
Run the analysis
Click Analyze. Cubase adds a tempo track with tempo events and a signature track, and selects the Time Warp tool for fine-tuning.
- 04
Fix common detection issues
Use Multiply by 2 / Divide by 2 when the tempo is detected at half or double speed, Offbeat Correction when a dominant offbeat confuses the algorithm, and Smooth Tempo to remove irregular spikes in steady material.
- 05
Fine-tune with the Time Warp tool
Play the track with the metronome, find the first misplaced tempo event, and drag it to the correct beat. Cubase reanalyzes the material to the right of the event. Repeat through the end of the song.
The fast way
Import a MIDI tempo map instead.
If you already have a tempo map — for example one exported from TempoSync — you can skip detection entirely and import it into the tempo track.
- 01
Allow MIDI tempo import
Open Preferences → MIDI → MIDI File and uncheck “Ignore Master Track Events on Merge”. Without this, Cubase ignores the tempo data in imported MIDI files.
- 02
Import the MIDI file
Choose File → Import → MIDI File and select the MIDI tempo map from TempoSync. The tempo events are added to the tempo track.
- 03
Check the result
Set your audio track to Musical Time Base if needed, then play back with the metronome. The grid should follow the recording.
New project instead? Choose File → New Project and import the MIDI file — the tempo data comes along automatically. Cubase also has its own tempo-track format (.smt) under File → Import → Tempo Track, but a standard MIDI file works in every DAW, not just Cubase.
The TempoSync workflow
From recording to Cubase tempo track.
1. Upload your recording — a live take, a drum recording, or anything recorded without a click.
2. Export the MIDI tempo map, along with a WAV click track if you want one.
3. Import the MIDI file into Cubase using the steps above. Your tempo track follows the recording.
Comparison
Cubase's built-in tools vs TempoSync.
| Cubase built-in | TempoSync | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Tempo Detection Panel is Cubase Pro only. | Works with any Cubase edition that imports MIDI — and any other DAW. |
| Effort | Analyze, then correct misplaced events by hand with the Time Warp tool. | Automatic — detection runs on upload, no manual corrections to start from. |
| Output | A tempo track inside the current project. | Tempo map, WAV click track, and a MIDI tempo map you can reuse in any project. |
| Learning curve | Time Warp and the detection panel take practice to use well. | Upload, export, import. No tempo-mapping skills required. |
Already have a live recording that needs a tempo map? Start with the live recording tempo map workflow.
FAQ
Cubase tempo mapping, answered.
Does Cubase Elements support tempo detection?
The Tempo Detection Panel is a Cubase Pro feature. In Cubase Elements, imported MIDI files may not bring their tempo data with them — check the Steinberg manual for your version. TempoSync's MIDI tempo map works best in editions that fully support MIDI tempo import.
Why is the detected tempo double the real tempo?
Beat detection sometimes locks onto half-beats or double-beats. In the Tempo Detection Panel, Multiply by 2 and Divide by 2 fix this in one click.
Can I import the tempo map into an existing project?
Yes — with “Ignore Master Track Events on Merge” unchecked, importing the MIDI file adds its tempo events to the project's tempo track. If you create a new project from the MIDI file instead, the tempo map is imported automatically.
The recording changes tempo in sections. What then?
In Cubase's own detection, split the audio event at each major tempo change and run the analysis on each section separately. TempoSync handles section changes in a single pass — upload once and export the full tempo map.
Skip the manual tempo mapping.
Upload the recording, export the MIDI tempo map, and import it into Cubase. The whole workflow takes minutes.
No subscription. Audio is deleted after analysis.