Title: Independent tempo per MIDI track with optional master sync
Hello,
I would like to propose a potential evolution of Cubase’s MIDI engine regarding tempo management.
Currently, Cubase relies on a single global tempo track for the entire project. Existing solutions such as “Linear Time Base” can provide partial workarounds, but they do not replace a true multi-tempo system with independent track tempos.
My proposal would be the introduction of:
“Independent tempo per MIDI track with optional master sync”
The idea would be to allow certain MIDI tracks to run on their own internal tempo while still offering optional synchronization with the project’s master tempo.
This feature could be extremely valuable for:
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experimental composition
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polymetric music
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ambient music
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contemporary music
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progressive music
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generative music
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sound design
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evolving sequencers and hybrid MIDI systems
Concrete example:
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Drums: 80 BPM
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Guitar arpeggio: 72 BPM
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Bass sequence: 91 BPM
At the moment, this type of workflow requires complicated workarounds:
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multiple tempo changes
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intermediate audio rendering
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use of “Linear Time Base”
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off-grid manipulation
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simulated polymeter techniques
“Linear Time Base” partially helps, but it is not a true multi-tempo engine. It simply preserves the absolute time position of events.
A progressive implementation could initially focus only on MIDI tracks:
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multiple internal MIDI clocks
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parallel timelines
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optional synchronization with the master transport
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independent MIDI sequencer behavior
Then potentially, in a future evolution:
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expansion to audio tracks
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real-time audio resynchronization
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hybrid multi-tempo audio/MIDI engine
I believe Cubase could become one of the first major DAWs to offer a truly advanced creative multi-tempo workflow.
Thank you for your work and for listening to the community.