Light Beat-Mapping

Introduction

In this video, we’ll focus on the basics of music video editing: pacing and beat matching. We’ll use SoundXtract to save time. Let’s see what we’re going to do.

Setting Up

I have Premiere Pro open with the SoundXtract extension loaded. To load it, go to Window -> Extension -> SoundXtract.

I have a music track and nothing else—just my logo. I’ll show you how to create the video we just watched.

First, select the music track. Notice the “Start” button turns green. Click it to start the analysis. It usually takes up to 60 seconds.

Analyzing the Music Track

Once the analysis is complete, the first thing you’ll see is the first bar of the music track. The red marker signifies the first downbeat of the bar, and the bar has four beats.

If you’re unfamiliar with terms like “beat” or “bar,” check the Help page for an overview of music theory.

Editing the Introduction

The introduction phase captures the listener’s attention, setting the stage for the rest of the track.

Imagine riding a bicycle to match the speed of a moving truck before hopping on. Similarly, the introduction starts with a slow rhythm to engage the listener before accelerating.

During this phase, introduce video elements that will appear later. For example, syncing the DJ tuning the volume with the music’s first beat creates a strong visual connection.

Syncing Visuals with Music

On the first beat, I’ll show a clip of the DJ tuning the volume. I adjust the video to ensure the maximum volume aligns with the first downbeat.

Next, I’ll introduce the DJ. I prefer to show his eyes, so I locate a moment where he lifts his gaze and align it with the next bar. SoundXtract’s automatic markers for beats and bars simplify this process.

Highlighting Key Sounds

As the introduction continues, I switch to a silhouette of a dancer. There’s a distinct sound I want to emphasize. Instead of guessing its timing, I set markers for kicks and toms to ensure precise synchronization.

For example, I want the DJ knob spin to align perfectly with a specific sound. Using markers, I synchronize the spin’s end with the sound’s peak. I add a vibration effect to enhance the visual impact.

Transitioning to the Build-Up

In the build-up stage, the music gains energy. Here, I introduce rapid cuts to match the beats, alternating between the DJ and the dancer in silhouette.

For instance, I cut the dancer’s movements mid-motion to create a jerky effect that aligns with the rhythm. This stage requires precise timing to maintain coherence between visuals and audio.

Working with Drum Hits

As the track progresses to the drum-heavy section, I emphasize every drum hit. I switch between close-up shots of a dancer’s face—one facing the camera and the other in profile.

By cutting between these shots on each drum hit, I create a dynamic, engaging sequence. For faster drum patterns, I experiment with jerky cuts, switching dancers or adding light effects to match the tempo.

Looking Ahead

The SoundXtract extension streamlines many of these tasks. In future versions, features like automatic cut-skip effects will make the process even faster.