Tunebat is a free resource catering primarily to DJs and other creatives seeking info about songs and audio files.
What Is a BPM and Key Finder?
A BPM/key finder like Tunebat analyzes audio files through its algorithm, and spits out tempo and key information. This is necessary stuff as a DJ in particular; if you plan to create a compelling set, you need to find songs that mix seamlessly. As a general rule of thumb, tempo should be similar and the key should be the same or at least related to the previous song’s.
Understanding Harmonic Mixing
Harmonic mixing is a DJ term. The folks behind Mixed in Key, a popular software, coined the phrase roughly 15 years ago, but it’s been a fundamental principle of the art for much longer than that. Harmonic mixing just refers to blending songs in the same key, or going from a major key to the relative minor and vice versa.
For example, you could be playing a song in C Major, and blend in a song in A Minor — the relative minor. Or mix together two songs in E Major — or one in C# Minor, then pivot to E Major. You get the idea!
Harmonic mixing relies on some very basic music theory to keep your DJ sets in check. That means you’re not switching between songs with wildly different, clashing keys that throw off the whole playlist. Similar tempos also blend well together, so you’re not going from really upbeat to really mellow in the span of a couple minutes.
Tunebat provides both key and tempo data, as well as stylistically compatible tunes, so you can craft the perfect DJ set.
Tunebat BPM and Key Finder Notable Features
- Free browser-based application
- Finely tuned detection algorithms for high level of accuracy
- Accepted formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, and M4A
- Unlimited uploads
- Danceability, energy, and happiness detection (Pro version)
How It Works
It really couldn’t be any easier. Tunebat’s system pulls metadata from over 40 million songs on Spotify. All you have to do is upload a file; this could be a well known song, or even one of your own productions (though accuracy will vary). Just wait a few seconds for the analysis, and then you’ll be greeted with tempo and key estimates, as well as more detailed information if you opt for a paid Pro plan.
The algorithm uses machine learning to categorize songs in human terms, like “danceability” and “happiness.” That’s all in the paid version, but for simple tempo/key detection, the free Tunebat is perfect.
Takeaway: Is Tunebat the Best Free Key and BPM Finder?
Tunebat is pretty dang good. There aren’t really any drawbacks. It’s so convenient and easy to use, especially as a browser-based app where you don’t have to download or install anything.
Other free alternatives include KeyFinder, AudioKeyChain, and Mixxx. The latter is an open source program for DJs, so if you need a more complete solution, that might be it. But for its intuitiveness and convenience, Tunebat is a strong contender.
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