How to Make Slowed + Reverb in Audacity (Free)

Audacity is free and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, which makes it a solid way to make your own slowed + reverb version. One thing to know: Audacity 4 came out at the end of September 2026, and the effects have different names than in version 3. Both are covered below.

The golden rule: speed and pitch together

For the slowed sound, your track has to get slower and lower, like a record spinning too slow. Audacity also has features that only change the tempo and keep the pitch the same. That gives you a slower version, but not the low, dreamy colour. According to Audacity support, stretching clips in version 3 keeps the pitch the same. So use the effects below.

Not sure about the tempo of your track? Measure it with the free Beat Lab BPM and key finder. Then you also know what the new tempo will be.

In Audacity 3

Step 1: slow it down

Open your track, select everything (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A) and choose Effect, then Pitch and Tempo, then Change Speed and Pitch. According to the manual, this effect changes speed and pitch together. Set the Speed Multiplier to 0.80. You can also set Percent Change to minus 20: the fields are linked.

Step 2: reverb

Choose Effect, then Delay and Reverb, then Reverb. The main controls according to the manual:

• Room Size and Reverberance for how big and long the reverb is.
• Wet Gain and Dry Gain for the balance between reverb and original. Start with the reverb quieter than the original.
• Turning Tone Low down takes low end out of the reverb, so your 808 stays tighter.
• Pre-delay gives the words a moment before the reverb starts.

Step 3: export

Choose File, then Export Audio, and save your version as a WAV or MP3.

In Audacity 4

Step 1: slow it down with Sliding stretch

Select everything and choose Effect, then Pitch and tempo, then Sliding stretch. According to the Audacity 4 manual, this effect replaces Change Tempo and Change Speed from version 3, and it can also do a tape-style slowdown. You set a tempo change and a pitch shift, both for the start and the end.

• Set the tempo change at the start and the end to minus 20 percent.
• Set the pitch shift at the start and the end to minus 20 percent as well.

That takes both tempo and pitch to 80 percent, like 0.80× on a turntable. Keep the start and end values the same, otherwise the speed changes during the song.

Step 2: reverb

Choose Effect, then Delay and reverb, then Reverb. The default settings are a fine start. Listen to whether the lyrics are still easy to follow and turn the reverb down if everything runs together.

Step 3: export

Choose File, then Export audio (Ctrl+Shift+E), and pick WAV or MP3. For MP3 you also set the bit rate.

Which setting should you pick?

Around 0.80× is the usual starting point. A 140 BPM track becomes 112 BPM, and a 3 minute song lasts 3:45. Go beyond 0.75× and the vocal quickly sounds muddy. More on that choice in how to make slowed + reverb: the basics.

Making a sped up version in Audacity

Exactly the other way round: Speed Multiplier at 1.25 in version 3, or tempo and pitch both at plus 25 percent in version 4. Leave the reverb off or keep it very low. More tips in how to make a sped up song.

FAQ

Is Audacity really free?

Yes, Audacity is free and open source. You can download it from the Audacity website.

My version gets slower but not lower.

You used an effect that only changes the tempo, or left the pitch at 0 in version 4. Use Change Speed and Pitch in version 3, or lower the pitch in Sliding stretch as well.

Is there an even faster way?

Yes. Drop your track into the free slowed + reverb maker, pick a sound and download your WAV. Nothing to install.

Can I do this with any song?

No. Use music you are allowed to edit. Read can you upload slowed + reverb songs.

Sources: the Audacity manual on Change Speed and Pitch and Reverb (version 3), and on Sliding stretch, Reverb and exporting (version 4).