Akash Reddy Jammula's blog
#16 Sonic Synchronization: Harnessing Audacity for Beat Timestamps

#16 Sonic Synchronization: Harnessing Audacity for Beat Timestamps

Akash Reddy Jammula's photo
Akash Reddy Jammula
·

2 min read

Introduction:

Hello, fellow rhythm enthusiasts! In this 16th installment of our Beat Saber VR series, we're diving into the auditory realm with Audacity. Join us on a journey to download, install, and leverage Audacity to capture precise timestamps for beats in your chosen soundtrack. This crucial step will pave the way for seamless integration of beat timestamps into our game. Let's get started!

Step 1: Downloading and Installing Audacity:

  1. Visit the Audacity Website:

  2. Select Your Operating System:

    • Choose the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

  3. Download and Install:

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install Audacity on your machine.

Step 2: Labeling Beats in Audacity:

  1. Import Your Audio File:

    • Open Audacity and import the desired song.

  2. Add a Label Track:

    • Navigate to the "Tracks" menu and select "Add New" -> "Label Track."

    • This track will serve as the canvas for storing beat timestamps.

  3. Playback and Label:

    • Play the audio at a slower speed using the playback speed control.

    • While playing, hit Ctrl + B (or Cmd + B on macOS) at each beat's desired timestamp.

    • Labels will be automatically added at these points.

  4. Review and Adjust Labels:

    • Zoom in to the label track to ensure accurate placement.

    • Make adjustments as needed to align labels with beats precisely.

Step 3: Exporting Beat Timestamps:

  1. Export Labels:

    • Navigate to the "File" menu and select "Export" -> "Export Labels."

    • Choose a location and save the labels as a text file.

  2. Array Integration:

    • Open the exported text file and convert the timestamps into an array format suitable for your game.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You've successfully harnessed the power of Audacity to capture beat timestamps for your game. With this synchronized data, the rhythmic immersion of your Beat Saber VR experience is poised to reach new heights. Stay tuned for the next chapter as we seamlessly integrate these timestamps into our Unity project. Keep the beats alive!

Happy Coding :)

Game DevelopmentunitysongProgramming BlogsDeveloper