> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.samplevault.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Link, Tempo and Key Lock

> Synchronize playback with your DAW and lock samples to a global tempo and key

## Overview

Sample Vault can time-stretch and transpose your samples in real-time so everything plays at the same tempo and key. Combined with Ableton Link, you can audition samples perfectly in sync with your DAW.

<Frame caption="Link, Tempo and Key Lock in action">
  <video autoPlay loop muted playsInline className="w-full rounded-lg">
    <source src="https://mintcdn.com/feathered/ALjktjRju_r1aqFX/assets/tempo-key-lock-demo.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=ALjktjRju_r1aqFX&q=85&s=b892183703ee7906b10c91347e898a6b" type="video/mp4" data-path="assets/tempo-key-lock-demo.mp4" />
  </video>
</Frame>

## Tempo Lock

Tempo Lock time-stretches every sample to match a global BPM. When you browse loops at different tempos, they all play back at the tempo you set.

### How to Use

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Tempo Lock">
    Click the **tempo lock** button in the title bar. A BPM input field appears.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Your Tempo">
    Enter the BPM you want all samples to play at. You can type a value or use the arrow keys to adjust.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse and Audition">
    Play any sample — it will be time-stretched to your target tempo in real-time.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Tempo Lock only affects samples that have a detected tempo. One-shots and samples without tempo metadata play back at their original speed.
</Note>

## Key Lock

Key Lock transposes samples to a target musical key. When enabled, every sample with a detected key is transposed so it plays in the key you choose.

### How to Use

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Key Lock">
    Click the **key lock** button in the title bar. A key selector appears.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Key">
    Select the target key from the dropdown (e.g. C, D#, F).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse and Audition">
    Samples are transposed in real-time to match your chosen key.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Key Lock only affects samples that have a detected musical key. Drum loops, percussion, and samples without key metadata are not transposed.
</Note>

## Ableton Link

[Ableton Link](https://www.ableton.com/en/link/) is a protocol that synchronizes tempo and playback position across applications and devices on the same network. Sample Vault uses Link to keep sample playback in sync with your DAW.

### Supported DAWs

Any DAW or application that supports Ableton Link will work, including:

* [Ableton Live](https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/synchronizing-with-link-tempo-follower-and-midi/)
* [Bitwig Studio](https://www.bitwig.com/userguide/latest/the_dashboard/)
* [Logic Pro](https://support.apple.com/guide/logicpro/ableton-link-in-logic-pro-for-mac-lgcp528602e4/mac)
* [Reason](https://docs.reasonstudios.com/reason13/synchronization-and-advanced-midi#synchronization-using-ableton-link)

Refer to your DAW's documentation for how to enable Ableton Link.

### How to Use

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable Link in Your DAW">
    Turn on Ableton Link in your DAW's preferences or transport bar. The exact location varies by DAW.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Link in Sample Vault">
    Click the **Link** button in the Sample Vault title bar. Sample Vault will automatically discover other Link-enabled apps on your network.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Audition Samples in Sync">
    Play any sample and it will loop in sync with your DAW's transport. Tempo Lock is automatically enabled when Link is active.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### What Happens When Link Is Enabled

* **Tempo is synced**: Sample Vault adopts the shared Link session tempo. Any participant can change the tempo and all peers follow.
* **Playback loops**: Samples loop continuously until you pause them, staying in sync with the shared timeline.
* **Tempo Lock activates**: Tempo Lock is automatically enabled so all samples play at the shared tempo.

<Tip>
  Link works over your local network. Make sure Sample Vault and your DAW are on the same Wi-Fi or wired network.
</Tip>

## Combining Features

Tempo Lock, Key Lock, and Link work together. A common workflow:

1. Enable **Link** to sync with your DAW session
2. Enable **Key Lock** and set the key of your track
3. Browse samples — everything plays in sync and in key

This lets you audition samples from your browser as if they were already placed in your DAW project.

## Limitations

* **Samples without metadata**: Tempo Lock and Key Lock only affect samples with detected tempo or key. Samples missing this metadata play back unmodified.

## Troubleshooting

### Link is not detecting my DAW

If Sample Vault doesn't see your DAW (or vice versa) after enabling Link:

1. Make sure both applications are on the same local network (Wi-Fi or wired)
2. Toggle Link off and on again in Sample Vault
3. Toggle Link off and on in your DAW as well
4. Check that your firewall is not blocking Link's network discovery

<Note>
  Link uses UDP multicast for peer discovery. Some corporate or public networks block multicast traffic. If you're in a studio with a managed network, ask your network administrator to allow multicast on the local subnet.
</Note>

### Samples are out of sync with my DAW

If playback drifts or doesn't align with your DAW's transport:

* Make sure **Tempo Lock** is enabled (it activates automatically with Link)
* Verify the sample has a detected tempo — samples without tempo metadata are not time-stretched
* Try pausing and replaying the sample to resync

### Tempo Lock or Key Lock has no effect on a sample

Tempo Lock and Key Lock only work on samples that have detected tempo or key metadata. If a sample plays back unmodified:

* Check whether the sample has a BPM or key value in the Library
* Samples without this metadata (short one-shots, sound effects) are not affected