Stutter When Looping and Using the 'Repeat' Effect

[christianbethel]

Hey all, first time poster here. I'm making this post because I am just experiencing this problem for the first time. I'm using Audacity 2.4.2 on a Windows 10 computer for creating looped versions of BGM tracks that run for 30 minutes to an hour. Problem is, when I highlight the beginning and end of the loop and preview it in the editor with loop play, it stutters at the end instead of making a smooth transition. It's never done this before and I'm very concerned. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

[steve]

it stutters at the end instead of making a smooth transition.

Zoom out far enough so that Audacity does not need to scroll while playing the loop. Does it still stutter?

[christianbethel]

Yes, it still stutters.

[steve]

Try generating a "Tone" ("Generate" menu).
Use the default 440 Hz "Sine" setting.
Select an exact whole number of seconds (use the Selection Toolbar to set the start and end time of the selection).
Loop play.

Does that loop without stuttering?

[christianbethel]

Surprisingly, no. The loop had a smooth transition when I generated the tone.

[steve]

The loop had a smooth transition when I generated the tone.

Good. That shows that Audacity and your playback system are working correctly.

The problem is most likely that you need to adjust the start / end positions so that the start and end of the loop match up smoothly.

What sort of audio are you trying to loop?

[christianbethel]

The soundtrack to a videogame.

[steve]

When you say it "stutters", is like there's a skip when it loops?

[christianbethel]

I've attached a sound clip for reference.

[steve]

Your loop points don't quite match up rhythmically. Focus on the rhythm. It's tricky because the rhythm isn't completely regular.

Here's a quick remake:

End Credits Stutter.ogg

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