What It Does
Beat Assistant analyzes audio to detect beats per minute, then places markers, generates keyframes, and staggers layers in sync with your music. The tool uses the SoundTouch Audio Processing Library for beat detection and works natively with WAV files (MP3 and AIF require the separate LAME tool). Composition markers can be exported to Premiere Pro for editing.
This product has been discontinued and replaced by BeatEdit for After Effects. Existing owners can upgrade to BeatEdit for $130, a $20 discount off retail.
Key Features
Layer markers. Sets markers on layers automatically according to detected beats, making it easy to align animation to music.
Keyframe generation. Creates keyframes that animate properties to the beat without writing expressions. The interface handles the timing directly.
Layer staggering. Offsets layer timing based on beat positions, useful for sequential reveals or cascading animations.
No expressions. Animates properties directly through the interface rather than relying on audio keyframes or expression linking.
Premiere Pro integration. Composition markers export cleanly to Premiere Pro for beat-based editing workflows.
Who It’s For
Beat Assistant was designed for motion designers working with music-driven projects, particularly those needing automated timing for title sequences, lyric videos, or kinetic typography. It’s compatible with After Effects CS4 and later, making it accessible for older versions where BeatEdit for Premiere Pro won’t run.
The beat detection is simpler than BeatEdit’s, predicting BPM rather than individual beat positions. BeatEdit offers more accuracy and a visual beat selection interface, but Beat Assistant handles keyframe generation and layer staggering, which BeatEdit doesn’t.
Pricing
Beat Assistant uses pay-what-you-want pricing (set your own price when purchasing). Discounted upgrades to BeatEdit are available for existing owners who log into their aescripts account.