Metro as a transcribing aid

[vicpierce]

To use Metro as a transcribing aid, I first import the audio file to transcribe, then set the tempo so the midi bars match the tempo of the audio file. I can then use all of Metro's controls, looping sections, placing notes based on visual cues in the audio track etc., to record midi.
Setting the tempo has been a problem. Tap tempo would be ideal but doesn't seem to behave as I expect from its description. Following the instructions in the online manual, I enable recording tempo events, start recording, bring up tap tempo dialog but as soon as I hit two taps, recording stops. Further taps do not change the tempo value.
When the tap tempo dialog is dismissed with OK, Metro starts recording again, from the beginning of the track.
The section event editor shows a single tempo event at the correct time, where it was tapped in. In play mode, the tap tempo dialog behaves similarly, but play resumes where it was when the second tap was sent.
I have also tried playing the audio with iTunes while I tapped in Metro, but the tempo vacillated wildly. Any suggestions for better procedures for transcription, especially to match audio tempo to midi tempo, would be appreciated.

[Jerm]

I presume you are running OS X? Let me know and I will investigate.

[vicpierce]

Jerm,
Yes I am using OSX 10.2.4, Dual 1.25GHZ, Metro 6.0.5.
Let me be a bit more precise about the "vacillating wildly" part. Tapping on midi keyboard, listening to iTunes, the range for about 20 taps was about 80 to 103, on audio the tempo of which is about 94.
Thanks.
Vic Pierce

[Jerm]

vic,

This is fixed in 6.05i7 to the extent that Metro does not stop recording when tapping tempo.

However Metro probably does not do what you want with respect to audio. It would be very difficult to have Metro apply the previous tapped tempo changes to audio regions in real time.

[Jerm]

If I were doing this I think I would use the bar-dragging tool of the note editor.

[vicpierce]

Jerm,
Yes! I tried dragging bars and it does the trick. It's a bit tedious in that it's best to move most of the bars in the piece into alignment before any midi is entered. But after that, it's a piece of cake.
Thank you.
Vic Pierce

[Jerm]

It is very important (and it seems like you are doing it) to work from left to right through the piece when using the bar dragging tool.

[vicpierce]

It also helps to have a *good* starting value for the tempo.
Rather than tap tempo, I seem to get better tempo values using Metro's SMPTE values for several clear beats in the audio. A little math and you have beats per minute.
How do you feel about a forum section for Tips & Techniques? No questions in that section, just techniques that Metro users have developed to solve various problems, like this one for transcribing audio?
Vic Pierce

[Jerm]

Done!