Software to slow down

**lakedog mando** · Jul-18-2005, 7:12am

I just tried the shareware version of "Amazing Slowdowner" and thought this is exactly what I want. The problem is that I really like to hold something I buy and paying for just a down-load makes me nervous. The question is how does "SlowGold" and "Slowblast" compare to "Amazing Slowdowner". The easy of use was great with the shareware and I know nothing of the other 2 software packages. Any comments?
Pick on...

**250sc** · Jul-18-2005, 11:05am

Sorry, No info on SlowGold or Slowblast but there is really no differance between downloading a file and purchasing a CD with the file on it.

The part you "hold" is only the way that it is transported to you.

**evanreilly** · Jul-18-2005, 11:37am

I used the demo of ASD for some time, namely until I wanted to slow down the entire tune. I bought the full version online and don't regret it a bit. I have upgraded it without any problems at all.
Just buy it online.

**Rich** · Jul-18-2005, 3:17pm

Windows Medida player 10 can slow down a song without changing the pitch now too. #Just and FYI. #I wouldn't pay much.

**LKN2MYIS** · Jul-18-2005, 3:40pm

Buy the portable "Guitar Trainer" at Sam Ash, at about $125, or find it on the Web.

It slows up to a variety of speeds without changing pitch, loops notes, measures, songs, whatever.

And the best part is : YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIT IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER TO PLAY THE MANDOLIN!!!!

I've owned one for about 2 years on the advise of a musician friend, and I love it. No drawbacks.

**fiddler** · Jul-19-2005, 8:27am

I've been using TransKriber (bought from Janet Davis Music). It does a better job of slowing down than Window Media Player and also has very precise pitch control. There are a number of other useful features: grab a lick and study it, etc. Paid $29 for the CD and consider it a good deal.

**TaxPhd** · Jul-19-2005, 2:09pm

Rich,

How do you slow it down with Media Player 10?

Thanks!

Scott

**yoods** · Jul-19-2005, 8:31pm

I have used slowdown gold and it works fine for me. The website to order and get the key to open up the program is :
http://www.worldwidewoodshed.com/

**Wendy Anthony** · Jul-19-2005, 9:14pm

Scott

Windows Media Player, version 10, which requires WindowsXP, can be used to change the playing speed up to 50% slower or 100% faster, without affecting the pitch of the music (tho IMHO, I find the results pretty crude)... here's how ...

While playing the tune ... click View menu > Enhancements > Play Speed Settings ... use the slide bar to adjust the speed, click Normal to return to original speed

The same thing can be done, with much better audio results, using something like Nullsoft's free Winamp player with a Pacemaker plug-in (which can adjust tempo -43.50% to +100%, pitch +/-12steps or speed -50% to +100%) ... & it's Much kinder to the ears!

I personally, don't use MediaPlayer very often, I prefer Winamp as my default player.

Keepin' tuned ...
Wendy Anthony

**PhilGE** · Jul-19-2005, 9:20pm

I use Transcribe! and find it immensely useful. I tried TransKriber and didn't like it, though that was a few years ago.

Here's a screenshot of the Windows version

and a screenshot of the Mac version

Explore the site thoroughly. Transcribe! does much more than simply slow down or speed up a tune.

**Darren Kern** · Jul-19-2005, 9:32pm

I like Transcribe! too. Regarding Media Player, 50% slower won't help me a whole lot with some tunes

I'm learning "Tennessee Blues" right now, and I'm glad to be *up to* 40% of the normal speed

**Songbird** · Jul-19-2005, 11:04pm

I use Transcribe as well...although it has a hard time opening up CD tracks (mp3's are fine). I don't know wether it's just my slow computer...but when I've used other programmes (such as The Amazing Slow Downer) they've opened up fine.

None the less, it works well

**Jeff Baldwin** · Jul-20-2005, 2:34am

Don't worry about the download...works fine...the company is easy to deal with and you will have your
software. You are provided with a license that can be reapplied if you crash your system or change computers.
Amazing Slower Downer is simple ,direct and lets you
slow down CDs without recording them to wav or mp3 files. I have tried a bunch of software, have Slow Gold
and Audition...but only use ASD for slowing down...

Jeff

**Jack Roberts** · Jul-20-2005, 10:26am

Is there any software that will slow down a banjo player?

**TaxPhd** · Jul-20-2005, 1:37pm

Thanks, Wendy!

Crude, yes. But cheap.

Scott

**Clamdigger** · Jul-20-2005, 4:22pm

What is the cost of the full version of "Amazing Slowdowner"? Thanks

**Karen Kay** · Jul-20-2005, 9:04pm

amazing slow-downer
$44.95 - worth every penny. (imho)
We've had it for over a year & use it lots. Got one for my sister for her birthday.
Karen

**glauber** · Jul-20-2005, 11:51pm

My vote for Transcribe! also. I think it has lots of useful features for transcribing songs. For example, adding measure/beat marks and free-form comments, the convenient little piano keyboard that lets me work without having to use a mandolin, the pitch evaluator to help with tough notes, etc. I tried Amazing Slowdowner (ASD) too, but ended up buying Transcribe! because of these features.

Where ASD wins, though, is in it's uncluttered user interface. If you don't need the extra features from Transcribe!, ASD works great too.

**Tom C** · Jul-21-2005, 9:11am

Slowblast in the cheaper with only slowdown ability.
I have Slowgold. I got it at SamAsh. It was old version for PC so the company upgraded me. IT works real well. Easy looping and play back.
You can change speed and you can also change keys. This is handy for those tunes recorded in "B" but you want to play in "G" ...etc.

**Pete Martin** · Jul-21-2005, 2:02pm

AUDACITY is freeware and work fine.

**glauber** · Jul-21-2005, 3:37pm

Originally Posted by (petimar @ July 21 2005, 15:02)

AUDACITY is freeware and work fine.

I like Audacity too, but if you're doing a lot of transcription, these more specialized products (at least Transcribe! and ASD) give you a lot of very nice features for that. If you just want to slow stuff down to play along with, then Audacity probably does all you need. There are also free Winamp plugins that do the basic slowdown and tuning, and work fine.