Welcome to Speedshifter
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What is Speedshifter?
Speedshifter is a practice tool from ABRSM that allows you to vary the speed of audio from CD or MP3 without altering the pitch.
Simply load a track and turn the dial to slow it down or speed it up - the pitch remains the same. If you load an ABRSM minus one track Speedshifter will know the starting tempo of the track and position the dial automatically at the correct point on the tempo/BPM ring.
How might I use Speedshifter?
Speedshifter is designed to be used whenever a student might benefit from playing along with the accompaniment at a reduced tempo. It can be used in a lesson (if there is a computer/laptop available), or it can be used by the student in their own practice sessions.
Because Speedshifter varies the speed of the audio recording, any fluctuation of tempo is kept. This ensures that Speedshifter provides, in many cases, a more musical solution to slow practice than a metronome.
Additional functions
Pitch shift | Although Speedshifter varies the speed without changing the pitch, pitch adjustment is also possible. Pitch can be shifted in semitone steps to a range of a minor third up or down. This is particularly useful to singers, especially in conjunction with one of ABRSM's Songbook CDs. |
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Tempo calculator | Speedshifter works with any CD or MP3, not just ABRSM recordings. However, when using non-ABRSM material, Speedshifter will ask you to tap along to the track for a few bars so it can work out the tempo. This will enable Speedshifter to position the track on the tempo ring. This function is also useful when you need to quickly establish the tempo of a piece of music. |
Tuning note |
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Before you start using Speedshifter you can tune your instrument to an A (440hz) played on an instrument of your choice, a synthesized tone, clarinet, trumpet, cello or even the piano used in ABRSM's recordings.Speedshifter FAQs
Why doesn't the recording retain the BPM that Speedshifter selects throughout? | When Speedshifter knows the tempo of the track in beats per minute it lights an indicator on the BPM ring. For ABRSM recordings this light shows the tempo of the first few bars of the piece, including the count-in if present. Within any accompaniment recording there will be changes in tempo, ritenutos, accelerandos, etc. These are not reflected on the tempo ring - the light is only an indicator of the start of the piece. |
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Speedshifter says my track is Allegretto but in the music the piece is marked Allegro - which is correct? | The terminology ring shows the Italian terms found on most metronomes. These terms are an expression of the mood or feel of the music. Tempo is often inferred by these terms, but not always accurately prescribed. For example, the term Allegro is often used to describe the music as 'fast', but it is also used to mean 'lively' or 'bright' - expressions which are not so descriptive of tempo. |
Sometimes when I slow a track down a lot the music 'warbles' - why is this? | Speedshifter will give good quality results within approximately 40% of the speed of the original recording. You can of course use Speedshifter to slow down or speed up audio to the full extent of the dial, but audio quality will deteriorate as you approach these extreme ranges. |
Can I use Speedshifter in an ABRSM exam? | Speedshifter is a practice tool and is not designed to be used as a performance aid or studio effect. It may not be used in any ABRSM exam! |
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Introduction | Download | Help and instructions | Privacy policy | Contact and support