How to Change Count-In
Set how many bars of click roll in before the downbeat — per arrangement, or inherit the band's global Count-in length.
Count-in is how much click Pliris™ plays before the song's downbeat — so the band can breathe in together. You set it in bars (Off, 1 bar, or 2 bars), not as a free-form beat spinner.
How long those bars last in real time comes from the arrangement's tempo and time signature. Fix the BPM if the count-in feels rushed or sluggish; don't expect Count-in alone to change the song's speed.
Change count-in on one arrangement
- Open the song's arrangement page.
- Find the Count-in control under the song header (next to tools like Align stems).
- Pick one:
| Control | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Global (Off / 1 bar / 2 bars) | Inherit this band's default Count-in length |
| Off | Force no count-in on this arrangement — song starts at bar 1 |
| 1 bar | Force one bar of click before the downbeat |
| 2 bars | Force two bars of click before the downbeat |
You should see a Count-in updated confirmation. This does not require the Edit button.
Change the band default
For a default that new songs (and any arrangement still on Global) pick up:
- Open the band's settings.
- Find Count-in length — how much click rolls in before each song's downbeat.
- Choose Off, 1 bar (common default), or 2 bars.
Arrangements that already force Off / 1 bar / 2 bars keep their override until you switch them back to Global.
Good to know
- Count-in is click lead-in — it does not add silence into your stem files.
- Wrong feel? Check Tempo first (Setting the Tempo of a Song).
- Ableton updates can change click length / structure from the set; your Count-in preference still lives in Pliris. See Updating an Arrangement from Ableton.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn off count-in for one song?
On that arrangement, set Count-in to Off. That forces zero bars even if the band's global setting is 1 or 2 bars.
What's the difference between Global and 1 bar?
Global follows the band's Count-in length setting (whatever Off / 1 / 2 is there now). 1 bar locks this arrangement to one bar even if the band default changes later.
Why does count-in feel too short or too long?
Count-in is measured in bars, so real-world duration depends on BPM and time signature. If the click lead-in feels wrong but the stems sound right, fix the arrangement tempo.
Do I need Edit mode to change count-in?
No. Use the Count-in control under the header anytime you have edit access — no need to click Edit / Done.
Where to go next
- Arrangement overview → How to Use the Song Arrangement Page.
- Tempo metadata → Setting the Tempo of a Song.
- Click and cues for gear → Programming MIDI Cues.
Stuck at any point, click the support bubble in the bottom-right corner of any page, or email support@fromstudiotostage.com.