Tape Loop Toolbox
Manually or automatically find BPMs that fit your loops
Auto Detect Tape Length
Sound 1
Idle
Sound 2
--:--.--
Loop Length
-- sec
Read the instructions below to get started.
Tape Loop Calculator
Inches
Centimeters
Seconds
Tape Speed
15/16 ips
1 7/8 ips
3 3/4 ips
7 1/2 ips
15 ips
Custom
Speed: 1 7/8 ips (4.76 cm/s) · Standard cassette deck & Walkman speed
Time Signature
4/4
3/4
6/8
2/4
Custom
LOOP OPTIONS
Common tempos (60–160 BPM)Still works, but is outside the common range
Instructions
- 1Record a single short and loud 'sound' (like a clap) to a completely blank tape loop.
- 2Play back the loop over speakers at a reasonable volume.
- 3Press "Start Listening."You may need to permit microphone use by your browser. If the app doesn't detect your 'sound,' adjust speaker volume or app sensitivity as needed.
- 4Let your loop play until your single 'sound' has been detected twice.Once that single 'sound' is detected twice, active listening will stop and BPM & bar length options will be automatically displayed.
TipLonger tape loops and/or slower tape speeds yield more loop options.
Instructions
- 1Already measured your loop? Enter its length in any field of this tape loop calculator. The other units (inches, centimeters or seconds) and your loop options fill in automatically as you type.
- 2Select your desired tape speed.
- 3Then choose a time signature to see the loop options that fit your loop.
TipLonger tape loops and/or slower tape speeds yield more loop options.
Troubleshooting
Make sure microphone permissions have been granted in your browser.
Make sure your tape loop is completely blank and as quiet as possible except for the single instance of your recorded loud 'sound.'
Troubleshooting
Make sure to measure the full tape loop length as precisely as possible (and measure it twice). If using angled splices remember the two ends will overlap, so only include one angled end in your measurement. Even small inaccuracies can lead to noticeable BPM mismatches.
Timing your loop by hand? Try Auto Detect instead. It's usually more accurate than a stopwatch.
Things still not lining up? Decks don't always run at their exact advertised speed. You can try nudging your measurements or the 'custom tape' speed, but it may be time to switch to the Auto Detect method.
Video Tutorial
Video tutorial coming soon
Contact
Support This Project
Want to see an iOS/Android app version, or just say thanks? Help support the project by clicking the link below!
