SLB Key
Key Features
- Analyzes audio live on a mixer track and displays a key and BPM result after playback begins.
- Pairs the detected key with a Camelot number and confidence value for harmonic-mixing context.
- Shows the relative key and two selectable alternative detections when the first result needs a second check.
- Maps relative, neighbouring, and parallel choices on a Camelot wheel.
- Reports normal, half-time, and double-time tempo readings, while identifying material with no detectable rhythm.
- Lets users switch between key names and Camelot notation, and choose sharp or flat spellings.
- Supports VST3 on Mac and Windows plus Audio Unit on Mac, with a multilingual interface and included English/German manual.
Description
SLB Key is a Salonebeats analysis plug-in that listens on a DAW mixer track and reports the detected musical key and BPM after a few seconds of playback. It is designed for checking melodies, chords, pads, loops, and full beats without exporting audio or loading a separate analysis application.
The display pairs its key result with a Camelot number, confidence reading, relative key, and two selectable alternative results. It also shows related keys on a Camelot wheel, so a producer can quickly check compatible harmonic directions while auditioning a sample.
For tempo, SLB Key shows BPM with half-time and double-time readings. On pads and other material without a clear pulse, it reports that no rhythm was detected instead of forcing a tempo value.
The developer describes the current beta as retrained on real samples and beats, with its test results strongest on minor-key material; major keys can sometimes be recognized as the relative minor. Treat the confidence, relative-key readout, and alternatives as useful checks before committing a sample to a project.
SLB Key runs on Windows and macOS in VST3, with an Audio Unit build for Mac hosts such as Logic Pro and GarageBand. The developer's $0 Gumroad page remains the specific download route, and the installer package includes English and German documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does SLB Key analyze audio?
Put SLB Key on a mixer track and start playback. After a few seconds it displays the detected key and tempo while leaving the audio passing through the plug-in unchanged.
What should I do if the key result does not sound right?
Check the displayed relative key and the two alternative results before making a choice. The developer notes that major keys can sometimes be identified as their relative minor, so those companion readouts are deliberately part of the workflow.
Can SLB Key find tempo on pads or other non-percussive material?
It attempts tempo detection and provides half-time or double-time readings where appropriate. For pads and sustained material without a detectable pulse, it reports that no rhythm was detected rather than displaying a guessed BPM.
Which plug-in formats does SLB Key support?
The developer lists VST3 for Mac and Windows and Audio Unit for Mac. Its installation notes specifically mention VST3 hosts as well as Logic Pro and GarageBand for the AU build.
