How to Make Slowed + Reverb in Logic Pro with Varispeed
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In Logic Pro you do not have to cut or stretch your track to make a slowed + reverb version. Logic has a feature that does exactly what a turntable does at a lower speed: Varispeed. It makes your project slower and lower at the same time. Here is how to turn it on, which mode to pick and how to add a reverb that does not smear your mix.
Step 1: put your track in an empty project
Start a new project and drag your WAV or MP3 onto an audio track. Varispeed works on the whole project, not on a single track. According to Apple, it covers anything between minus 50 and plus 100 percent.
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.
Step 2: turn Varispeed on
Click the Varispeed button in the control bar. Not there? Control-click the control bar, choose Customize Control Bar and Display and turn Varispeed on. A Varispeed field then shows up in the display.
Step 3: choose Speed and Pitch
Click the upper part of the Varispeed field and choose Varispeed (Speed and Pitch). Apple describes this mode as emulating classic tape varispeed, where the pitch follows the speed. That is the slowed sound.
So do not pick Speed Only. That mode only changes the speed and keeps the pitch the same. You get a slower track, but not that low, dreamy colour.
Step 4: set the speed
Click the lower part of the field and choose Percentage. Drag up or down, or double-click and type a value. For a classic slowed + reverb version, type minus 20. That is 0.80× speed.
| Speed | Varispeed | 140 BPM becomes | Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.90× | minus 10% | 126 BPM | almost 2 semitones lower |
| 0.85× | minus 15% | 119 BPM | almost 3 semitones lower |
| 0.80× | minus 20% | 112 BPM | almost 4 semitones lower |
| 0.75× | minus 25% | 105 BPM | 5 semitones lower |
| 1.25× (sped up) | plus 25% | 175 BPM | almost 4 semitones higher |
You can also show the field as Resulting Tempo or Detune. Then you read the new tempo or the number of semitones straight away.
Step 5: reverb on a bus
Do not put the reverb directly on your track, put it on a bus. Click a free Send slot on your audio track, choose a bus and load ChromaVerb or Space Designer on the matching Aux channel. The send knob decides how much reverb you get.
- Pick a long, soft space. A big hall or plate gives you that sleepy tail.
- Cut the low end from the reverb. Use the filters in the reverb or a Channel EQ on the Aux. Your 808 and kick stay tight.
- Keep the lyrics clear. If everything turns into one cloud, turn the send down.
More on reverb in a mix in how to make slowed + reverb: the basics.
Step 6: bounce and check
Go to File, then Bounce, then Project or Section. Choose your file type and click Bounce. The options are also covered in how to export a beat in Logic Pro. Then play the file back in another player. Does it sound slower and lower, just like in Logic? Then the Varispeed is in there.
Turn Varispeed off when you are done. Otherwise it stays on in this project.
Making a sped up version in Logic Pro
Exactly the same, with a plus instead. At plus 25 percent your track plays at 1.25×, almost 4 semitones higher. Leave the reverb off or keep it very low. More tips on sped up and vocals in how to make a sped up song.
FAQ
My track gets slower but not lower. What is wrong?
Varispeed is set to Speed Only. Click the upper part of the field and choose Varispeed (Speed and Pitch).
Does Varispeed work on one track?
No, it works on the whole project. That is why a separate project for your slowed version is easiest.
Can I use Flex instead?
Yes. Flex Time has a Speed (FX) mode. According to Apple, it plays the material faster or slower, including the pitch change. For a whole track, Varispeed is usually quicker.
Can I do this without Logic?
Yes. Drop your track into the free slowed + reverb maker and download your WAV within a minute.
Sources: Apple's Logic Pro user guide on Varispeed, bouncing, Flex modes and reverb plug-ins.