Tempodriven

Tempodriven is a term used in music technology to describe systems and processes in which tempo information serves as the primary temporal driver for timing, sequencing, and modulation. In a tempodriven approach, tempo data—such as BPM values, time signatures, and tempo maps—controls when events occur, how materials are quantized, and how automations evolve.

Definition and scope: Tempodriven design treats tempo metadata as the central clock rather than a fixed transport clock. It enables dynamic tempo adaptation where sections with changing tempo automatically propagate timing changes to clips, effects, and generative rules. It is distinct from beat-synced but tempo-agnostic systems because the tempo itself shapes the structure.

Applications: Used in digital audio workstations, live performance tools, algorithmic composition, and game audio engines where tempo is variable. In practice, tempodriven systems synchronize sample playback, sequencing, and effects to tempo maps, enabling smooth transitions during tempo changes and flexible tempo re-synchronization.

Implementation considerations: Requires reliable tempo data sources and a robust tempo map. Challenges include handling abrupt tempo shifts, maintaining phase alignment across multiple tracks, and ensuring accurate tempo detection in live or improvised contexts.

See also: tempo map, beat grid, MIDI clock, tempo synchronization, time-stretching.