LFO Rate Calculator — BPM-Synced LFO Frequencies

An LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) generates a slow-moving waveform typically below 20 Hz that modulates other parameters like filter cutoff, volume, panning or pitch. When synced to tempo, LFOs create rhythmic movement that grooves with the music.

For a quarter note LFO: Rate (Hz) = BPM / 60. For other divisions, multiply or divide accordingly. For example, an eighth note LFO at 120 BPM = (120/60) x 2 = 4 Hz.

Quarter note and eighth note LFO rates are the most common for filter sweeps and tremolo effects. Slower rates (1 bar, 2 bars) work well for evolving pad textures. Faster rates (1/16, 1/32) create choppy, glitchy effects.

Most likely the LFO rate is not precisely matched to your project tempo, or the LFO phase is not reset at the start of each bar. Many synths have a "key sync" or "retrigger" option that resets the LFO phase on each note to keep it locked to the grid.