TempiAUv3 Plugin for Mac

Sync your DAW’s tempo in real-time.

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Did the world need another BPM detecting plugin?

Yes I know there are already BPM detection plugins from MeldaProduction, Antares, and others. What sets Tempi apart is:

Free, no strings attached

No sign-ups, no accounts, no ads.

Unmatched accuracy

With tenth-of-a-second accuracy, Tempi is powered by the most robust and efficient real-time BPM detection algorithm available.

MIDI CC control

While most BPM detectors just display a number, Tempi goes further by sending MIDI CC messages, letting you automatically control your DAW’s project tempo, trigger effects, or drive any MIDI-controllable parameter based on the detected BPM.

Compatibility

The Tempi plugin uses Apple’s AUv3 protocol and should be available to any AUv3-capable DAW running on a Mac: Logic Pro, MainStage, GarageBand, Pro Tools, Ableton, Reaper, and probably any other Mac DAW that’s been updated in the last few years.

Installing the Plugin

To install, simply download the host app and run it. That’s it! The host app registers the plugin automatically so there’s no need to install an actual plugin anywhere. The host app includes a Settings panel where you can enable the IAC driver, change MIDI settings, and control the warm-up time.

Using the Plugin

To use the Tempi AUv3 plugin just insert it onto any track as an Audio FX plugin from Audio Units → Made by Windmill. I usually place it on the Stereo Out track so that it “listens” to the whole mix. After playback, the plugin will begin analysis and, after the “warm-up time”, start reporting BPM values. Shorter warm-up times are more responsive; longer warm-up times will initially be more accurate.

Depending on the genre of music, you may find that Tempi reports BPMs at half or twice the expected tempo. If so, click one of the ( ½x ) ( 1x ) ( 2x ) buttons to modify the reported tempo.

Setting Up MIDI Routing in Logic Pro

Disclaimer: I’ve only ever used MIDI CC events for tempo control in Logic Pro. I can’t see why they wouldn’t work for other DAWs, but your mileage may vary and the instructions below are specific to Logic.

Tempi sends BPM data via MIDI CC messages through the IAC Driver. Follow these steps to connect it to Logic’s tempo control.

Step 1: Enable the Tempi IAC Driver

Open the Tempi host app, go to Settings, and enabled the IAC driver. If needed you can change the MIDI CC# or the offset. Logic Pro uses an offset of 50 so this is the default.

Step 2: Enable the IAC Driver

Open Audio MIDI Setup (in Applications/Utilities), double-click IAC Driver, and make sure “Device is online” is checked.

IAC Driver Properties showing Device is online

Step 3: Connect to Logic’s Tempo Fader

  • In Logic, open the MIDI Environment (type Command-0 or hold the Option key down while selecting Window → Open MIDI Environment).
  • Add the IAC Driver from New → Physical Input
  • Add a Tempo fader from New → Fader → Specials → Tempo Control.
  • Position them next to each other and connect the “Sum” patch from IAC Driver to the input of the Tempo fader, like so:
Logic Pro MIDI Environment with IAC Driver connected to Tempo
  • Configure the Tempo fader properties like so:
Logic Pro MIDI Environment with IAC Driver connected to Tempo

Now when Tempi detects the BPM, it will automatically update your project tempo.