BPM analysis - How it works
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2025 9:36 am
It is important to understand that BPM detection can be done in different ways, and not all methods work the same.
DJ software (such as Serato, Traktor, VirtualDJ, etc.) analyzes the entire music track before it is played. By scanning the full audio file, the software can detect rhythmic peaks, calculate a global tempo, build a beatgrid, and then refine and stabilize the BPM. Because the whole track is known in advance, the result is usually very accurate and stable.
The BPM detection module of our software works in real time. It listens to the audio signal as it arrives, without knowing what will happen next. It must detect the rhythm instantly, based only on the current sound. This approach is much more challenging and naturally less accurate, especially with music that includes soft intros, breakdowns, tempo changes, or complex rhythms.
This difference in approach explains why the BPM may appear less stable compared to DJ software.
For users who need perfect BPM synchronization, the best solution is to play the music using DJ software and send the BPM information to our software via Ableton Link or OS2L. This ensures tight and reliable synchronization between music and lighting.
As computer power and audio analysis technologies continue to improve, we regularly work on enhancing our real-time BPM algorithms, and future improvements are always possible.
DJ software (such as Serato, Traktor, VirtualDJ, etc.) analyzes the entire music track before it is played. By scanning the full audio file, the software can detect rhythmic peaks, calculate a global tempo, build a beatgrid, and then refine and stabilize the BPM. Because the whole track is known in advance, the result is usually very accurate and stable.
The BPM detection module of our software works in real time. It listens to the audio signal as it arrives, without knowing what will happen next. It must detect the rhythm instantly, based only on the current sound. This approach is much more challenging and naturally less accurate, especially with music that includes soft intros, breakdowns, tempo changes, or complex rhythms.
This difference in approach explains why the BPM may appear less stable compared to DJ software.
For users who need perfect BPM synchronization, the best solution is to play the music using DJ software and send the BPM information to our software via Ableton Link or OS2L. This ensures tight and reliable synchronization between music and lighting.
As computer power and audio analysis technologies continue to improve, we regularly work on enhancing our real-time BPM algorithms, and future improvements are always possible.