Make beats canonical representation rather than seconds

daw-backend/src/audio/automation.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 /// Automation system for parameter modulation over time
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use crate::time::Beats;
 
 /// Unique identifier for automation lanes
 pub type AutomationLaneId = u32;
@@ -35,17 +36,13 @@ pub enum CurveType {
 /// A single automation point
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct AutomationPoint {
-    /// Time in seconds
+    pub time: Beats,
-    pub time: f64,
-    /// Parameter value (normalized 0.0 to 1.0, or actual value depending on parameter)
     pub value: f32,
-    /// Curve type to next point
     pub curve: CurveType,
 }
 
 impl AutomationPoint {
-    /// Create a new automation point
+    pub fn new(time: Beats, value: f32, curve: CurveType) -> Self {
-    pub fn new(time: f64, value: f32, curve: CurveType) -> Self {
         Self { time, value, curve }
     }
 }
@@ -93,8 +90,7 @@ impl AutomationLane {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Remove point at specific time
+    pub fn remove_point_at_time(&mut self, time: Beats, tolerance: Beats) -> bool {
-    pub fn remove_point_at_time(&mut self, time: f64, tolerance: f64) -> bool {
         if let Some(idx) = self.points.iter().position(|p| (p.time - time).abs() < tolerance) {
             self.points.remove(idx);
             true
@@ -113,8 +109,7 @@ impl AutomationLane {
         &self.points
     }
 
-    /// Get value at a specific time with interpolation
+    pub fn evaluate(&self, time: Beats) -> Option<f32> {
-    pub fn evaluate(&self, time: f64) -> Option<f32> {
         if !self.enabled || self.points.is_empty() {
             return None;
         }
@@ -148,14 +143,12 @@ impl AutomationLane {
     }
 }
 
-/// Interpolate between two automation points based on curve type
+fn interpolate(p1: &AutomationPoint, p2: &AutomationPoint, time: Beats) -> f32 {
-fn interpolate(p1: &AutomationPoint, p2: &AutomationPoint, time: f64) -> f32 {
-    // Calculate normalized position between points (0.0 to 1.0)
     let t = if p2.time == p1.time {
-        0.0
+        0.0f64
     } else {
-        ((time - p1.time) / (p2.time - p1.time)) as f32
+        (time - p1.time) / (p2.time - p1.time)
-    };
+    } as f32;
 
     // Apply curve
     let curved_t = match p1.curve {

daw-backend/src/audio/clip.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 use std::sync::Arc;
 use serde::{Serialize, Deserialize};
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
 
 /// Audio clip instance ID type
 pub type AudioClipInstanceId = u32;
@@ -9,47 +11,31 @@ pub type ClipId = AudioClipInstanceId;
 
 /// Audio clip instance that references content in the AudioClipPool
 ///
-/// This represents a placed instance of audio content on the timeline.
-/// The actual audio data is stored in the AudioClipPool and referenced by `audio_pool_index`.
-///
 /// ## Timing Model
-/// - `internal_start` / `internal_end`: Define the region of the source audio to play (trimming)
+/// - `internal_start` / `internal_end`: Region of the source audio to play (seconds — audio file seek positions)
-/// - `external_start` / `external_duration`: Define where the clip appears on the timeline and how long
+/// - `external_start` / `external_duration`: Where the clip appears on the timeline (**beats**)
-/// - `*_beats` / `*_frames`: Derived representations for Measures/Frames mode display
 ///
 /// ## Looping
-/// If `external_duration` is greater than `internal_end - internal_start`,
+/// If `external_duration_secs(bpm)` > `internal_end - internal_start`, the clip loops.
-/// the clip will seamlessly loop back to `internal_start` when it reaches `internal_end`.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct AudioClipInstance {
     pub id: AudioClipInstanceId,
     pub audio_pool_index: usize,
 
-    /// Start position within the audio content (seconds)
+    /// Start position within the audio content
-    pub internal_start: f64,
+    pub internal_start: Seconds,
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_start_beats: f64,
+    /// End position within the audio content
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_start_frames: f64,
+    pub internal_end: Seconds,
-    /// End position within the audio content (seconds)
-    pub internal_end: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_end_beats: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_end_frames: f64,
 
-    /// Start position on the timeline (seconds)
+    /// Start position on the timeline
-    pub external_start: f64,
+    pub external_start: Beats,
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_start_beats: f64,
+    /// Duration on the timeline
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_start_frames: f64,
+    pub external_duration: Beats,
-    /// Duration on the timeline (seconds) - can be longer than internal duration for looping
-    pub external_duration: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_duration_beats: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_duration_frames: f64,
 
     /// Clip-level gain
     pub gain: f32,
 
     /// Per-instance read-ahead buffer for compressed audio streaming.
-    /// Each clip instance gets its own buffer so multiple instances of the
-    /// same file (on different tracks or at different positions) don't fight
-    /// over a single target_frame.
     #[serde(skip)]
     pub read_ahead: Option<Arc<super::disk_reader::ReadAheadBuffer>>,
 }
@@ -58,154 +44,71 @@ pub struct AudioClipInstance {
 pub type Clip = AudioClipInstance;
 
 impl AudioClipInstance {
-    /// Create a new audio clip instance
     pub fn new(
         id: AudioClipInstanceId,
         audio_pool_index: usize,
-        internal_start: f64,
+        internal_start: Seconds,
-        internal_end: f64,
+        internal_end: Seconds,
-        external_start: f64,
+        external_start: Beats,
-        external_duration: f64,
+        external_duration: Beats,
     ) -> Self {
         Self {
             id,
             audio_pool_index,
             internal_start,
-            internal_start_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_start_frames: 0.0,
             internal_end,
-            internal_end_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_end_frames: 0.0,
             external_start,
-            external_start_beats: 0.0,
-            external_start_frames: 0.0,
             external_duration,
-            external_duration_beats: 0.0,
-            external_duration_frames: 0.0,
             gain: 1.0,
             read_ahead: None,
         }
     }
 
-    /// Create a clip instance from legacy parameters (for backwards compatibility)
+    pub fn external_end(&self) -> Beats {
-    /// Maps old start_time/duration/offset to new timing model
-    pub fn from_legacy(
-        id: AudioClipInstanceId,
-        audio_pool_index: usize,
-        start_time: f64,
-        duration: f64,
-        offset: f64,
-    ) -> Self {
-        Self {
-            id,
-            audio_pool_index,
-            internal_start: offset,
-            internal_start_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_start_frames: 0.0,
-            internal_end: offset + duration,
-            internal_end_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_end_frames: 0.0,
-            external_start: start_time,
-            external_start_beats: 0.0,
-            external_start_frames: 0.0,
-            external_duration: duration,
-            external_duration_beats: 0.0,
-            external_duration_frames: 0.0,
-            gain: 1.0,
-            read_ahead: None,
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Check if this clip instance is active at a given timeline position
-    pub fn is_active_at(&self, time_seconds: f64) -> bool {
-        time_seconds >= self.external_start && time_seconds < self.external_end()
-    }
-
-    /// Get the end time of this clip instance on the timeline
-    pub fn external_end(&self) -> f64 {
         self.external_start + self.external_duration
     }
 
-    /// Get the end time of this clip instance on the timeline
+    pub fn external_start_secs(&self, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> Seconds {
-    /// (Alias for external_end(), for backwards compatibility)
+        tempo_map.beats_to_seconds(self.external_start)
-    pub fn end_time(&self) -> f64 {
-        self.external_end()
     }
 
-    /// Get the start time on the timeline
+    pub fn external_end_secs(&self, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> Seconds {
-    /// (Alias for external_start, for backwards compatibility)
+        tempo_map.beats_to_seconds(self.external_end())
-    pub fn start_time(&self) -> f64 {
-        self.external_start
     }
 
-    /// Get the internal (content) duration
+    pub fn external_duration_secs(&self, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> Seconds {
-    pub fn internal_duration(&self) -> f64 {
+        tempo_map.beats_to_seconds(self.external_end()) - tempo_map.beats_to_seconds(self.external_start)
+    }
+
+    pub fn is_active_at(&self, time: Seconds, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> bool {
+        time >= self.external_start_secs(tempo_map) && time < self.external_end_secs(tempo_map)
+    }
+
+    pub fn internal_duration(&self) -> Seconds {
         self.internal_end - self.internal_start
     }
 
-    /// Check if this clip instance loops
+    pub fn is_looping(&self, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> bool {
-    pub fn is_looping(&self) -> bool {
+        self.external_duration_secs(tempo_map) > self.internal_duration()
-        self.external_duration > self.internal_duration()
     }
 
-    /// Get the position within the audio content for a given timeline position
+    /// Get the audio content position for a given timeline position. Handles looping.
-    /// Returns None if the timeline position is outside this clip instance
+    pub fn get_content_position(&self, timeline_pos: Seconds, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> Option<Seconds> {
-    /// Handles looping automatically
+        let start_secs = self.external_start_secs(tempo_map);
-    pub fn get_content_position(&self, timeline_pos: f64) -> Option<f64> {
+        let end_secs = self.external_end_secs(tempo_map);
-        if timeline_pos < self.external_start || timeline_pos >= self.external_end() {
+        if timeline_pos < start_secs || timeline_pos >= end_secs {
             return None;
         }
-
+        let relative_pos = timeline_pos - start_secs;
-        let relative_pos = timeline_pos - self.external_start;
         let internal_duration = self.internal_duration();
-
+        if internal_duration.0 <= 0.0 {
-        if internal_duration <= 0.0 {
             return None;
         }
-
-        // Wrap around for looping
         let content_offset = relative_pos % internal_duration;
         Some(self.internal_start + content_offset)
     }
 
-    /// Set clip gain
     pub fn set_gain(&mut self, gain: f32) {
         self.gain = gain.max(0.0);
     }
-
-    /// Populate beats/frames from the current seconds values.
-    pub fn sync_from_seconds(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.external_start_beats = self.external_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.external_start_frames = self.external_start * fps;
-        self.external_duration_beats = self.external_duration * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.external_duration_frames = self.external_duration * fps;
-        self.internal_start_beats = self.internal_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_start_frames = self.internal_start * fps;
-        self.internal_end_beats = self.internal_end * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_end_frames = self.internal_end * fps;
-    }
-
-    /// BPM changed; recompute seconds/frames from the stored beats values.
-    pub fn apply_beats(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.external_start = self.external_start_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.external_start_frames = self.external_start * fps;
-        self.external_duration = self.external_duration_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.external_duration_frames = self.external_duration * fps;
-        self.internal_start = self.internal_start_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.internal_start_frames = self.internal_start * fps;
-        self.internal_end = self.internal_end_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.internal_end_frames = self.internal_end * fps;
-    }
-
-    /// FPS changed; recompute seconds/beats from the stored frames values.
-    pub fn apply_frames(&mut self, fps: f64, bpm: f64) {
-        self.external_start = self.external_start_frames / fps;
-        self.external_start_beats = self.external_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.external_duration = self.external_duration_frames / fps;
-        self.external_duration_beats = self.external_duration * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_start = self.internal_start_frames / fps;
-        self.internal_start_beats = self.internal_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_end = self.internal_end_frames / fps;
-        self.internal_end_beats = self.internal_end * bpm / 60.0;
-    }
 }

daw-backend/src/audio/engine.rs

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ use crate::audio::recording::{MidiRecordingState, RecordingState};
 use crate::audio::track::{Track, TrackId, TrackNode};
 use crate::command::{AudioEvent, Command, Query, QueryResponse};
 use crate::io::MidiInputManager;
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
 use petgraph::stable_graph::NodeIndex;
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicU32, AtomicU64, Ordering};
@@ -109,10 +110,11 @@ pub struct Engine {
     timing_sum_total_us: u64,
     timing_overrun_count: u64,
 
-    // Current tempo/framerate — kept in sync with SetTempo/ApplyBpmChange so that
+    // Current tempo map — kept in sync with SetTempo/SetTempoMap commands.
-    // newly-created clip instances can be immediately synced via sync_from_seconds.
+    tempo_map: crate::TempoMap,
-    current_bpm: f64,
     current_fps: f64,
+    // Current time signature — updated by SetTempo, used when SetTempoMap fires.
+    time_sig: (u32, u32),
 }
 
 impl Engine {
@@ -189,8 +191,9 @@ impl Engine {
             timing_worst_render_us: 0,
             timing_sum_total_us: 0,
             timing_overrun_count: 0,
-            current_bpm: 120.0,
+            tempo_map: crate::TempoMap::constant(120.0),
             current_fps: 30.0,
+            time_sig: (4, 4),
         }
     }
 
@@ -379,7 +382,7 @@ impl Engine {
             }
 
             // Convert playhead from frames to seconds for timeline-based rendering
-            let playhead_seconds = self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64;
+            let playhead_seconds = Seconds(self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64);
 
             // Reset per-clip read-ahead targets before rendering.
             self.project.reset_read_ahead_targets();
@@ -390,6 +393,7 @@ impl Engine {
                 &self.audio_pool,
                 &mut self.buffer_pool,
                 playhead_seconds,
+                &self.tempo_map,
                 self.sample_rate,
                 self.channels,
                 false,
@@ -427,7 +431,8 @@ impl Engine {
 
                 // Send MIDI recording progress if active
                 if let Some(recording) = &self.midi_recording_state {
-                    let current_time = self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64;
+                    let current_time_secs = Seconds(self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64);
+                    let current_time = self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(current_time_secs);
                     let duration = current_time - recording.start_time;
                     let notes = recording.get_notes_with_active(current_time);
                     let _ = self.event_tx.push(AudioEvent::MidiRecordingProgress(
@@ -451,7 +456,7 @@ impl Engine {
         } else {
             // Not playing: render live MIDI (keyboard input + note-off tails) through the
             // normal group hierarchy so mixer gain is correctly applied.
-            let playhead_seconds = self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64;
+            let playhead_seconds = Seconds(self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64);
             if self.mix_buffer.len() != output.len() {
                 self.mix_buffer.resize(output.len(), 0.0);
             }
@@ -463,6 +468,7 @@ impl Engine {
                 &self.audio_pool,
                 &mut self.buffer_pool,
                 playhead_seconds,
+                &self.tempo_map,
                 self.sample_rate,
                 self.channels,
                 true, // live_only
@@ -562,7 +568,8 @@ impl Engine {
                                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                                     if let Some(clip) = track.clips.iter_mut().find(|c| c.id == clip_id) {
                                         clip.internal_end = clip.internal_start + duration;
-                                        clip.external_duration = duration;
+                                        let duration_beats = self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(duration);
+                                        clip.external_duration = duration_beats;
                                     }
                                 }
 
@@ -734,20 +741,16 @@ impl Engine {
                 }
             }
             Command::MoveClip(track_id, clip_id, new_start_time) => {
-                // Moving just changes external_start, external_duration stays the same
+                // Moving just changes external_start (beats), external_duration stays the same
-                let bpm = self.current_bpm;
-                let fps = self.current_fps;
                 match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) => {
                         if let Some(clip) = track.clips.iter_mut().find(|c| c.id == clip_id) {
-                            clip.external_start = new_start_time;
+                            clip.external_start = Beats(new_start_time);
-                            clip.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                         }
                     }
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) => {
                         if let Some(instance) = track.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|c| c.id == clip_id) {
-                            instance.external_start = new_start_time;
+                            instance.external_start = Beats(new_start_time);
-                            instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                         }
                     }
                     _ => {}
@@ -757,24 +760,19 @@ impl Engine {
             Command::TrimClip(track_id, clip_id, new_internal_start, new_internal_end) => {
                 // Trim changes which portion of the source content is used
                 // Also updates external_duration to match internal duration (no looping after trim)
-                let bpm = self.current_bpm;
-                let fps = self.current_fps;
                 match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) => {
                         if let Some(clip) = track.clips.iter_mut().find(|c| c.id == clip_id) {
-                            clip.internal_start = new_internal_start;
+                            clip.internal_start = Seconds(new_internal_start);
-                            clip.internal_end = new_internal_end;
+                            clip.internal_end = Seconds(new_internal_end);
-                            clip.external_duration = new_internal_end - new_internal_start;
+                            clip.external_duration = Beats(new_internal_end - new_internal_start);
-                            clip.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                         }
                     }
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) => {
-                        // Note: clip_id here is the pool clip ID, not instance ID
                         if let Some(instance) = track.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|c| c.clip_id == clip_id) {
-                            instance.internal_start = new_internal_start;
+                            instance.internal_start = Beats(new_internal_start);
-                            instance.internal_end = new_internal_end;
+                            instance.internal_end = Beats(new_internal_end);
-                            instance.external_duration = new_internal_end - new_internal_start;
+                            instance.external_duration = Beats(new_internal_end - new_internal_start);
-                            instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                         }
                     }
                     _ => {}
@@ -782,21 +780,16 @@ impl Engine {
                 self.refresh_clip_snapshot();
             }
             Command::ExtendClip(track_id, clip_id, new_external_duration) => {
-                // Extend changes the external duration (enables looping if > internal duration)
+                // Extend changes the external duration (beats; enables looping if > internal duration)
-                let bpm = self.current_bpm;
-                let fps = self.current_fps;
                 match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) => {
                         if let Some(clip) = track.clips.iter_mut().find(|c| c.id == clip_id) {
-                            clip.external_duration = new_external_duration;
+                            clip.external_duration = Beats(new_external_duration);
-                            clip.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                         }
                     }
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) => {
-                        // Note: clip_id here is the pool clip ID, not instance ID
                         if let Some(instance) = track.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|c| c.clip_id == clip_id) {
-                            instance.external_duration = new_external_duration;
+                            instance.external_duration = Beats(new_external_duration);
-                            instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                         }
                     }
                     _ => {}
@@ -823,7 +816,7 @@ impl Engine {
             }
             Command::SetOffset(track_id, offset) => {
                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Group(metatrack)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                    metatrack.offset = offset;
+                    metatrack.offset = Seconds(offset);
                 }
             }
             Command::SetPitchShift(track_id, semitones) => {
@@ -833,12 +826,12 @@ impl Engine {
             }
             Command::SetTrimStart(track_id, trim_start) => {
                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Group(metatrack)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                    metatrack.trim_start = trim_start.max(0.0);
+                    metatrack.trim_start = Seconds(trim_start.max(0.0));
                 }
             }
             Command::SetTrimEnd(track_id, trim_end) => {
                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Group(metatrack)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                    metatrack.trim_end = trim_end.map(|t| t.max(0.0));
+                    metatrack.trim_end = trim_end.map(|t| Seconds(t.max(0.0)));
                 }
             }
             Command::CreateAudioTrack(name, parent_id) => {
@@ -915,14 +908,20 @@ impl Engine {
             }
             Command::AddAudioClip(track_id, clip_id, pool_index, start_time, duration, offset) => {
                 // Create a new clip instance with the pre-assigned clip_id
-                let mut clip = AudioClipInstance::from_legacy(
+                // start_time and duration are in beats; offset (internal_start) is seconds
+                let start_beats = Beats(start_time);
+                let end_beats = Beats(start_time + duration);
+                let start_secs = self.tempo_map.beats_to_seconds(start_beats);
+                let end_secs = self.tempo_map.beats_to_seconds(end_beats);
+                let content_dur_secs = (end_secs - start_secs).seconds_to_f64();
+                let clip = AudioClipInstance::new(
                     clip_id,
                     pool_index,
-                    start_time,
+                    Seconds(offset),
-                    duration,
+                    Seconds(offset + content_dur_secs),
-                    offset,
+                    start_beats,
+                    Beats(duration),
                 );
-                clip.sync_from_seconds(self.current_bpm, self.current_fps);
 
                 // Add clip to track
                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
@@ -945,13 +944,12 @@ impl Engine {
                 let clip_id = self.next_midi_clip_id_atomic.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
 
                 // Create clip content in the pool
-                let clip = MidiClip::empty(clip_id, duration, format!("MIDI Clip {}", clip_id));
+                let clip = MidiClip::empty(clip_id, Beats(duration), format!("MIDI Clip {}", clip_id));
                 self.project.midi_clip_pool.add_existing_clip(clip);
 
                 // Create an instance for this clip on the track
                 let instance_id = self.project.next_midi_clip_instance_id();
-                let mut instance = MidiClipInstance::from_full_clip(instance_id, clip_id, duration, start_time);
+                let instance = MidiClipInstance::from_full_clip(instance_id, clip_id, Beats(duration), Beats(start_time));
-                instance.sync_from_seconds(self.current_bpm, self.current_fps);
 
                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     track.clip_instances.push(instance);
@@ -965,12 +963,12 @@ impl Engine {
                 // Add a MIDI note event to the specified clip in the pool
                 // Note: clip_id here refers to the clip in the pool, not the instance
                 if let Some(clip) = self.project.midi_clip_pool.get_clip_mut(clip_id) {
-                    // Timestamp is now in seconds (sample-rate independent)
+                    // Timestamp is in beats (canonical)
-                    let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(time_offset, 0, note, velocity);
+                    let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(Beats(time_offset), 0, note, velocity);
                     clip.add_event(note_on);
 
                     // Add note off event
-                    let note_off_time = time_offset + duration;
+                    let note_off_time = Beats(time_offset + duration);
                     let note_off = MidiEvent::note_off(note_off_time, 0, note, 64);
                     clip.add_event(note_off);
                 } else {
@@ -979,9 +977,9 @@ impl Engine {
                         if let Some(instance) = track.clip_instances.iter().find(|c| c.clip_id == clip_id) {
                             let actual_clip_id = instance.clip_id;
                             if let Some(clip) = self.project.midi_clip_pool.get_clip_mut(actual_clip_id) {
-                                let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(time_offset, 0, note, velocity);
+                                let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(Beats(time_offset), 0, note, velocity);
                                 clip.add_event(note_on);
-                                let note_off_time = time_offset + duration;
+                                let note_off_time = Beats(time_offset + duration);
                                 let note_off = MidiEvent::note_off(note_off_time, 0, note, 64);
                                 clip.add_event(note_off);
                             }
@@ -991,14 +989,8 @@ impl Engine {
             }
             Command::AddLoadedMidiClip(track_id, clip, start_time) => {
                 // Add a pre-loaded MIDI clip to the track with the given start time
-                let bpm = self.current_bpm;
+                if let Ok(_instance_id) = self.project.add_midi_clip_at(track_id, clip, crate::time::Beats(start_time)) {
-                let fps = self.current_fps;
+                    // instance positions are already in beats; nothing to sync
-                if let Ok(instance_id) = self.project.add_midi_clip_at(track_id, clip, start_time) {
-                    if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                        if let Some(inst) = track.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|i| i.id == instance_id) {
-                            inst.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                        }
-                    }
                 }
                 self.refresh_clip_snapshot();
             }
@@ -1009,13 +1001,13 @@ impl Engine {
                     clip.events.clear();
 
                     // Add new events from the notes array
-                    // Timestamps are now stored in seconds (sample-rate independent)
+                    // Timestamps are in beats (canonical)
                     for (start_time, note, velocity, duration) in notes {
-                        let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(start_time, 0, note, velocity);
+                        let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(Beats(start_time), 0, note, velocity);
                         clip.events.push(note_on);
 
                         // Add note off event
-                        let note_off_time = start_time + duration;
+                        let note_off_time = Beats(start_time + duration);
                         let note_off = MidiEvent::note_off(note_off_time, 0, note, 64);
                         clip.events.push(note_off);
                     }
@@ -1077,7 +1069,7 @@ impl Engine {
             }
             Command::AddAutomationPoint(track_id, lane_id, time, value, curve) => {
                 // Add an automation point to the specified lane
-                let point = crate::audio::AutomationPoint::new(time, value, curve);
+                let point = crate::audio::AutomationPoint::new(Beats(time), value, curve);
 
                 match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) => {
@@ -1103,17 +1095,17 @@ impl Engine {
                 match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(track)) => {
                         if let Some(lane) = track.get_automation_lane_mut(lane_id) {
-                            lane.remove_point_at_time(time, tolerance);
+                            lane.remove_point_at_time(Beats(time), Beats(tolerance));
                         }
                     }
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) => {
                         if let Some(lane) = track.get_automation_lane_mut(lane_id) {
-                            lane.remove_point_at_time(time, tolerance);
+                            lane.remove_point_at_time(Beats(time), Beats(tolerance));
                         }
                     }
                     Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Group(group)) => {
                         if let Some(lane) = group.get_automation_lane_mut(lane_id) {
-                            lane.remove_point_at_time(time, tolerance);
+                            lane.remove_point_at_time(Beats(time), Beats(tolerance));
                         }
                     }
                     None => {}
@@ -1250,9 +1242,9 @@ impl Engine {
                 // If MIDI recording is active on this track, capture the event
                 if let Some(recording) = &mut self.midi_recording_state {
                     if recording.track_id == track_id {
-                        let absolute_time = self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64;
+                        let absolute_time = self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(Seconds(self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64));
-                        eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] NoteOn captured: note={}, velocity={}, absolute_time={:.3}s, playhead={}, sample_rate={}",
+                        eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] NoteOn captured: note={}, velocity={}, absolute_time={:.3} beats, playhead={}, sample_rate={}",
-                                  note, velocity, absolute_time, self.playhead, self.sample_rate);
+                                  note, velocity, absolute_time.0, self.playhead, self.sample_rate);
                         recording.note_on(note, velocity, absolute_time);
                     }
                 }
@@ -1273,9 +1265,9 @@ impl Engine {
                 // If MIDI recording is active on this track, capture the event
                 if let Some(recording) = &mut self.midi_recording_state {
                     if recording.track_id == track_id {
-                        let absolute_time = self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64;
+                        let absolute_time = self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(Seconds(self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64));
-                        eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] NoteOff captured: note={}, absolute_time={:.3}s, playhead={}, sample_rate={}",
+                        eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] NoteOff captured: note={}, absolute_time={:.3} beats, playhead={}, sample_rate={}",
-                                  note, absolute_time, self.playhead, self.sample_rate);
+                                  note, absolute_time.0, self.playhead, self.sample_rate);
                         recording.note_off(note, absolute_time);
                     }
                 }
@@ -1301,16 +1293,17 @@ impl Engine {
             }
 
             Command::SetTempo(bpm, time_sig) => {
+                self.time_sig = time_sig;
                 self.metronome.update_timing(bpm, time_sig);
                 self.project.set_tempo(bpm, time_sig.0);
-                self.current_bpm = bpm as f64;
+                self.tempo_map.set_global_bpm(bpm as f64);
             }
 
-            Command::ApplyBpmChange(bpm, fps, midi_durations) => {
+            Command::SetTempoMap(map) => {
-                self.current_bpm = bpm;
+                let bpm0 = map.global_bpm() as f32;
-                self.current_fps = fps;
+                self.metronome.update_timing(bpm0, self.time_sig);
-                self.project.apply_bpm_change(bpm, fps, &midi_durations);
+                self.project.set_tempo(bpm0, self.time_sig.0);
-                self.refresh_clip_snapshot();
+                self.tempo_map = map;
             }
 
             // Node graph commands
@@ -1864,9 +1857,17 @@ impl Engine {
                 let buffer_size = self.buffer_pool.buffer_size();
                 if let Some(TrackNode::Group(metatrack)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     let current = metatrack.current_subtracks();
+                    let has_subtrack_node = metatrack.audio_graph.node_indices().any(|idx| {
+                        metatrack.audio_graph.get_graph_node(idx)
+                            .map(|n| n.node.node_type() == "SubtrackInputs")
+                            .unwrap_or(false)
+                    });
 
-                    // No-op if subtrack list is unchanged (prevents every-frame graph rebuilds)
+                    // No-op if subtrack list is unchanged AND the graph is already initialised.
-                    if current == subtracks {
+                    // Without the `has_subtrack_node` guard a freshly-created metatrack
+                    // (empty graph, no SubtrackInputs) with zero subtracks would never get
+                    // its default Volume automation node.
+                    if current == subtracks && has_subtrack_node {
                         return;
                     }
 
@@ -2174,15 +2175,20 @@ impl Engine {
                     }
                 };
 
-                if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
+                let graph = match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                    let graph = &mut track.instrument_graph;
+                    Some(TrackNode::Midi(t)) => Some(&mut t.instrument_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Audio(t)) => Some(&mut t.effects_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Group(t)) => Some(&mut t.audio_graph),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                if let Some(graph) = graph {
                     let node_idx = NodeIndex::new(node_id as usize);
 
                     if let Some(graph_node) = graph.get_graph_node_mut(node_idx) {
                         // Downcast to AutomationInputNode using as_any_mut
                         if let Some(auto_node) = graph_node.node.as_any_mut().downcast_mut::<AutomationInputNode>() {
                             let keyframe = AutomationKeyframe {
-                                time,
+                                time: Beats(time),
                                 value,
                                 interpolation,
                                 ease_out,
@@ -2199,13 +2205,18 @@ impl Engine {
             Command::AutomationRemoveKeyframe(track_id, node_id, time) => {
                 use crate::audio::node_graph::nodes::AutomationInputNode;
 
-                if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
+                let graph = match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                    let graph = &mut track.instrument_graph;
+                    Some(TrackNode::Midi(t)) => Some(&mut t.instrument_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Audio(t)) => Some(&mut t.effects_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Group(t)) => Some(&mut t.audio_graph),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                if let Some(graph) = graph {
                     let node_idx = NodeIndex::new(node_id as usize);
 
                     if let Some(graph_node) = graph.get_graph_node_mut(node_idx) {
                         if let Some(auto_node) = graph_node.node.as_any_mut().downcast_mut::<AutomationInputNode>() {
-                            auto_node.remove_keyframe_at_time(time, 0.001); // 1ms tolerance
+                            auto_node.remove_keyframe_at_time(Beats(time), Beats(0.001)); // 1ms tolerance
                         } else {
                             eprintln!("Node {} is not an AutomationInputNode", node_id);
                         }
@@ -2216,8 +2227,13 @@ impl Engine {
             Command::AutomationSetName(track_id, node_id, name) => {
                 use crate::audio::node_graph::nodes::AutomationInputNode;
 
-                if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
+                let graph = match self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                    let graph = &mut track.instrument_graph;
+                    Some(TrackNode::Midi(t)) => Some(&mut t.instrument_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Audio(t)) => Some(&mut t.effects_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Group(t)) => Some(&mut t.audio_graph),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                if let Some(graph) = graph {
                     let node_idx = NodeIndex::new(node_id as usize);
 
                     if let Some(graph_node) = graph.get_graph_node_mut(node_idx) {
@@ -2514,7 +2530,7 @@ impl Engine {
                 if let Some(clip) = self.project.midi_clip_pool.get_clip(clip_id) {
                     use crate::command::MidiClipData;
                     QueryResponse::MidiClipData(Ok(MidiClipData {
-                        duration: clip.duration,
+                        duration: clip.duration.0,
                         events: clip.events.clone(),
                     }))
                 } else {
@@ -2526,12 +2542,15 @@ impl Engine {
                 use crate::audio::node_graph::nodes::{AutomationInputNode, InterpolationType};
                 use crate::command::types::AutomationKeyframeData;
 
-                if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track(track_id) {
+                let graph = match self.project.get_track(track_id) {
-                    let graph = &track.instrument_graph;
+                    Some(TrackNode::Midi(t)) => Some(&t.instrument_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Audio(t)) => Some(&t.effects_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Group(t)) => Some(&t.audio_graph),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                if let Some(graph) = graph {
                     let node_idx = NodeIndex::new(node_id as usize);
-
                     if let Some(graph_node) = graph.get_graph_node(node_idx) {
-                        // Downcast to AutomationInputNode
                         if let Some(auto_node) = graph_node.node.as_any().downcast_ref::<AutomationInputNode>() {
                             let keyframes: Vec<AutomationKeyframeData> = auto_node.keyframes()
                                 .iter()
@@ -2542,9 +2561,8 @@ impl Engine {
                                         InterpolationType::Step => "step",
                                         InterpolationType::Hold => "hold",
                                     }.to_string();
-
                                     AutomationKeyframeData {
-                                        time: kf.time,
+                                        time: kf.time.0,
                                         value: kf.value,
                                         interpolation: interpolation_str,
                                         ease_out: kf.ease_out,
@@ -2552,7 +2570,6 @@ impl Engine {
                                     }
                                 })
                                 .collect();
-
                             QueryResponse::AutomationKeyframes(Ok(keyframes))
                         } else {
                             QueryResponse::AutomationKeyframes(Err(format!("Node {} is not an AutomationInputNode", node_id)))
@@ -2561,19 +2578,22 @@ impl Engine {
                         QueryResponse::AutomationKeyframes(Err(format!("Node {} not found in track {}", node_id, track_id)))
                     }
                 } else {
-                    QueryResponse::AutomationKeyframes(Err(format!("Track {} not found or is not a MIDI track", track_id)))
+                    QueryResponse::AutomationKeyframes(Err(format!("Track {} not found", track_id)))
                 }
             }
 
             Query::GetAutomationName(track_id, node_id) => {
                 use crate::audio::node_graph::nodes::AutomationInputNode;
 
-                if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track(track_id) {
+                let graph = match self.project.get_track(track_id) {
-                    let graph = &track.instrument_graph;
+                    Some(TrackNode::Midi(t)) => Some(&t.instrument_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Audio(t)) => Some(&t.effects_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Group(t)) => Some(&t.audio_graph),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                if let Some(graph) = graph {
                     let node_idx = NodeIndex::new(node_id as usize);
-
                     if let Some(graph_node) = graph.get_graph_node(node_idx) {
-                        // Downcast to AutomationInputNode
                         if let Some(auto_node) = graph_node.node.as_any().downcast_ref::<AutomationInputNode>() {
                             QueryResponse::AutomationName(Ok(auto_node.display_name().to_string()))
                         } else {
@@ -2583,17 +2603,21 @@ impl Engine {
                         QueryResponse::AutomationName(Err(format!("Node {} not found in track {}", node_id, track_id)))
                     }
                 } else {
-                    QueryResponse::AutomationName(Err(format!("Track {} not found or is not a MIDI track", track_id)))
+                    QueryResponse::AutomationName(Err(format!("Track {} not found", track_id)))
                 }
             }
 
             Query::GetAutomationRange(track_id, node_id) => {
                 use crate::audio::node_graph::nodes::AutomationInputNode;
 
-                if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track(track_id) {
+                let graph = match self.project.get_track(track_id) {
-                    let graph = &track.instrument_graph;
+                    Some(TrackNode::Midi(t)) => Some(&t.instrument_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Audio(t)) => Some(&t.effects_graph),
+                    Some(TrackNode::Group(t)) => Some(&t.audio_graph),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                if let Some(graph) = graph {
                     let node_idx = NodeIndex::new(node_id as usize);
-
                     if let Some(graph_node) = graph.get_graph_node(node_idx) {
                         if let Some(auto_node) = graph_node.node.as_any().downcast_ref::<AutomationInputNode>() {
                             QueryResponse::AutomationRange(Ok((auto_node.value_min, auto_node.value_max)))
@@ -2604,7 +2628,7 @@ impl Engine {
                         QueryResponse::AutomationRange(Err(format!("Node {} not found", node_id)))
                     }
                 } else {
-                    QueryResponse::AutomationRange(Err(format!("Track {} not found or is not a MIDI track", track_id)))
+                    QueryResponse::AutomationRange(Err(format!("Track {} not found", track_id)))
                 }
             }
 
@@ -2749,19 +2773,9 @@ impl Engine {
                 }
             }
             Query::AddMidiClipSync(track_id, clip, start_time) => {
-                // Add MIDI clip to track and return the instance ID
+                // Add MIDI clip to track and return the instance ID (positions already in beats)
-                let bpm = self.current_bpm;
+                let result = match self.project.add_midi_clip_at(track_id, clip, crate::time::Beats(start_time)) {
-                let fps = self.current_fps;
+                    Ok(instance_id) => QueryResponse::MidiClipInstanceAdded(Ok(instance_id)),
-                let result = match self.project.add_midi_clip_at(track_id, clip, start_time) {
-                    Ok(instance_id) => {
-                        // Sync beats/frames on the newly created instance
-                        if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
-                            if let Some(inst) = track.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|i| i.id == instance_id) {
-                                inst.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                            }
-                        }
-                        QueryResponse::MidiClipInstanceAdded(Ok(instance_id))
-                    }
                     Err(e) => QueryResponse::MidiClipInstanceAdded(Err(e.to_string())),
                 };
                 self.refresh_clip_snapshot();
@@ -2769,10 +2783,9 @@ impl Engine {
             }
             Query::AddMidiClipInstanceSync(track_id, mut instance) => {
                 // Add MIDI clip instance to track (clip must already be in pool)
-                // Assign instance ID
+                // Assign instance ID; positions are already in beats
                 let instance_id = self.project.next_midi_clip_instance_id();
                 instance.id = instance_id;
-                instance.sync_from_seconds(self.current_bpm, self.current_fps);
 
                 let result = match self.project.add_midi_clip_instance(track_id, instance) {
                     Ok(_) => QueryResponse::MidiClipInstanceAdded(Ok(instance_id)),
@@ -2940,7 +2953,7 @@ impl Engine {
     }
 
     /// Handle starting a recording
-    fn handle_start_recording(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, start_time: f64) {
+    fn handle_start_recording(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, start_time: Beats) {
         use crate::io::WavWriter;
         use std::env;
 
@@ -2963,10 +2976,10 @@ impl Engine {
                     let clip = crate::audio::clip::Clip::new(
                         clip_id,
                         0, // Temporary pool index, will be updated on finalization
-                        0.0, // internal_start
+                        Seconds(0.0), // internal_start
-                        0.0, // internal_end - Duration starts at 0, will be updated during recording
+                        Seconds(0.0), // internal_end - Duration starts at 0, will be updated during recording
-                        start_time, // external_start (timeline position)
+                        start_time, // external_start (timeline position, already Beats)
-                        start_time, // external_end - will be updated during recording
+                        Beats(0.0), // external_duration - will be updated during recording
                     );
 
                     // Add clip to track
@@ -3095,7 +3108,7 @@ impl Engine {
     }
 
     /// Handle starting MIDI recording
-    fn handle_start_midi_recording(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, clip_id: MidiClipId, start_time: f64) {
+    fn handle_start_midi_recording(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, clip_id: MidiClipId, start_time: Beats) {
         // Check if track exists and is a MIDI track
         if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(_)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
             // Create MIDI recording state
@@ -3105,7 +3118,7 @@ impl Engine {
             // so they start at t=0 of the recording rather than being lost
             if let Some(held) = self.midi_held_notes.get(&track_id) {
                 for (&note, &velocity) in held {
-                    eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Injecting held note {} vel {} at start_time {:.3}s", note, velocity, start_time);
+                    eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Injecting held note {} vel {} at start_time {:.3}", note, velocity, start_time.0);
                     recording_state.note_on(note, velocity, start_time);
                 }
             }
@@ -3132,8 +3145,8 @@ impl Engine {
             }
 
             // Close out any active notes at the current playhead position
-            let end_time = self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64;
+            let end_time = self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(Seconds(self.playhead as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64));
-            eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Closing active notes at time {}", end_time);
+            eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Closing active notes at time {}", end_time.0);
             recording.close_active_notes(end_time);
 
             let clip_id = recording.clip_id;
@@ -3142,8 +3155,8 @@ impl Engine {
             let note_count = notes.len();
             let recording_duration = end_time - recording.start_time;
 
-            eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Stopping MIDI recording for clip_id={}, track_id={}, captured {} notes, duration={:.3}s",
+            eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Stopping MIDI recording for clip_id={}, track_id={}, captured {} notes, duration={:.3} beats",
-                      clip_id, track_id, note_count, recording_duration);
+                      clip_id, track_id, note_count, recording_duration.0);
 
             // Update the MIDI clip in the pool (new model: clips are stored centrally in the pool)
             eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Looking for clip {} in midi_clip_pool", clip_id);
@@ -3152,16 +3165,17 @@ impl Engine {
                 // Clear existing events
                 clip.events.clear();
 
-                // Update clip duration to match the actual recording time
+                // Recording duration is already in beats (canonical)
-                clip.duration = recording_duration;
+                let duration_beats = recording_duration;
+                clip.duration = duration_beats;
 
-                // Add new events from the recorded notes
+                // Add new events from the recorded notes.
-                // Timestamps are now stored in seconds (sample-rate independent)
+                // Recorded timestamps are already in beats (canonical).
                 for (start_time, note, velocity, duration) in notes.iter() {
                     let note_on = MidiEvent::note_on(*start_time, 0, *note, *velocity);
 
-                    eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Note {}: start_time={:.3}s, duration={:.3}s",
+                    eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Note {}: start={:.3} beats, duration={:.3} beats",
-                              note, start_time, duration);
+                              note, start_time.0, duration.0);
 
                     clip.events.push(note_on);
 
@@ -3171,17 +3185,17 @@ impl Engine {
                     clip.events.push(note_off);
                 }
 
-                // Sort events by timestamp (using partial_cmp for f64)
+                // Sort events by timestamp (using partial_cmp for Beats)
                 clip.events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap());
                 eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Updated clip {} with {} notes ({} events)", clip_id, note_count, clip.events.len());
 
                 // Also update the clip instance's internal_end and external_duration to match the recording duration
                 if let Some(crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.project.get_track_mut(track_id) {
                     if let Some(instance) = track.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|i| i.clip_id == clip_id) {
-                        instance.internal_end = recording_duration;
+                        instance.internal_end = duration_beats;
-                        instance.external_duration = recording_duration;
+                        instance.external_duration = duration_beats;
-                        eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Updated clip instance timing: internal_end={:.3}s, external_duration={:.3}s",
+                        eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING] Updated clip instance timing: internal_end={:.3} beats, external_duration={:.3} beats",
-                                  instance.internal_end, instance.external_duration);
+                                  instance.internal_end.0, instance.external_duration.0);
                     }
                 }
             } else {
@@ -3627,9 +3641,15 @@ impl EngineController {
         let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::AutomationSetName(track_id, node_id, name));
     }
 
+    /// Set the min/max output range of an AutomationInput node (param ids 0 = min, 1 = max)
+    pub fn automation_set_range(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, node_id: u32, min: f32, max: f32) {
+        self.graph_set_parameter(track_id, node_id, 0, min);
+        self.graph_set_parameter(track_id, node_id, 1, max);
+    }
+
     /// Start recording on a track
     pub fn start_recording(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, start_time: f64) {
-        let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::StartRecording(track_id, start_time));
+        let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::StartRecording(track_id, Beats(start_time)));
     }
 
     /// Stop the current recording
@@ -3649,7 +3669,7 @@ impl EngineController {
 
     /// Start MIDI recording on a track
     pub fn start_midi_recording(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, clip_id: MidiClipId, start_time: f64) {
-        let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::StartMidiRecording(track_id, clip_id, start_time));
+        let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::StartMidiRecording(track_id, clip_id, Beats(start_time)));
     }
 
     /// Stop the current MIDI recording
@@ -3687,12 +3707,15 @@ impl EngineController {
         let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::SetTempo(bpm, time_signature));
     }
 
-    /// After a BPM change: update MIDI clip durations and sync all clip beats/frames.
+    /// Replace the full tempo map (multi-entry variable tempo)
-    /// Call this after move_clip() has been called for all affected clips.
+    pub fn set_tempo_map(&mut self, map: crate::TempoMap) {
-    pub fn apply_bpm_change(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64, midi_durations: Vec<(crate::audio::MidiClipId, f64)>) {
+        let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::SetTempoMap(map));
-        let _ = self.command_tx.push(Command::ApplyBpmChange(bpm, fps, midi_durations));
     }
 
+    /// After a BPM change: update MIDI clip durations, sync clip beats/frames, and rescale
+    /// automation keyframe times to preserve beat positions.
+    /// `from_bpm` is the BPM before the change; `to_bpm` is the new BPM.
+    /// Call this after move_clip() has been called for all affected clips.
     // Node graph operations
 
     /// Add a node to a track's instrument graph

daw-backend/src/audio/export.rs

@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ use super::buffer_pool::BufferPool;
 use super::pool::AudioPool;
 use super::project::Project;
 use crate::command::AudioEvent;
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
+use crate::time::Seconds;
 use std::path::Path;
 
 /// Render chunk size for offline export. Matches the real-time playback buffer size
@@ -42,10 +44,12 @@ pub struct ExportSettings {
     pub bit_depth: u16,
     /// MP3 bitrate in kbps (128, 192, 256, 320)
     pub mp3_bitrate: u32,
-    /// Start time in seconds
+    /// Start time
-    pub start_time: f64,
+    pub start_time: Seconds,
-    /// End time in seconds
+    /// End time
-    pub end_time: f64,
+    pub end_time: Seconds,
+    /// Tempo map for beat-position scheduling
+    pub tempo_map: TempoMap,
 }
 
 impl Default for ExportSettings {
@@ -56,8 +60,9 @@ impl Default for ExportSettings {
             channels: 2,
             bit_depth: 16,
             mp3_bitrate: 320,
-            start_time: 0.0,
+            start_time: Seconds::ZERO,
-            end_time: 60.0,
+            end_time: Seconds(60.0),
+            tempo_map: TempoMap::constant(120.0),
         }
     }
 }
@@ -79,15 +84,15 @@ pub fn export_audio<P: AsRef<Path>>(
 {
     // Validate duration
     let duration = settings.end_time - settings.start_time;
-    if duration <= 0.0 {
+    if duration <= Seconds::ZERO {
         return Err(format!(
             "Export duration is zero or negative (start={:.3}s, end={:.3}s). \
              Check that the timeline has content.",
-            settings.start_time, settings.end_time
+            settings.start_time.seconds_to_f64(), settings.end_time.seconds_to_f64()
         ));
     }
 
-    let total_frames = (duration * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
+    let total_frames = (duration.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
     if total_frames == 0 {
         return Err("Export would produce zero audio frames".to_string());
     }
@@ -148,11 +153,11 @@ pub fn render_to_memory(
 {
     // Calculate total number of frames
     let duration = settings.end_time - settings.start_time;
-    let total_frames = (duration * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
+    let total_frames = (duration.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
     let total_samples = total_frames * settings.channels as usize;
 
     println!("Export: duration={:.3}s, total_frames={}, total_samples={}, channels={}",
-             duration, total_frames, total_samples, settings.channels);
+             duration.seconds_to_f64(), total_frames, total_samples, settings.channels);
 
     let chunk_samples = EXPORT_CHUNK_FRAMES * settings.channels as usize;
 
@@ -178,6 +183,7 @@ pub fn render_to_memory(
             pool,
             &mut buffer_pool,
             playhead,
+            &settings.tempo_map,
             settings.sample_rate,
             settings.channels,
             false,
@@ -185,9 +191,9 @@ pub fn render_to_memory(
 
         // Calculate how many samples we actually need from this chunk
         let remaining_time = settings.end_time - playhead;
-        let samples_needed = if remaining_time < chunk_duration {
+        let samples_needed = if remaining_time.seconds_to_f64() < chunk_duration {
             // Calculate frames needed and ensure it's a whole number
-            let frames_needed = (remaining_time * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
+            let frames_needed = (remaining_time.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
             let samples = frames_needed * settings.channels as usize;
             // Ensure we don't exceed chunk size
             samples.min(chunk_samples)
@@ -207,7 +213,7 @@ pub fn render_to_memory(
             });
         }
 
-        playhead += chunk_duration;
+        playhead = playhead + Seconds(chunk_duration);
     }
 
     println!("Export: rendered {} samples total", all_samples.len());
@@ -361,7 +367,7 @@ fn export_mp3<P: AsRef<Path>>(
 
     // Calculate rendering parameters
     let duration = settings.end_time - settings.start_time;
-    let total_frames = (duration * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
+    let total_frames = (duration.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
 
     let chunk_samples = EXPORT_CHUNK_FRAMES * settings.channels as usize;
     let chunk_duration = EXPORT_CHUNK_FRAMES as f64 / settings.sample_rate as f64;
@@ -396,6 +402,7 @@ fn export_mp3<P: AsRef<Path>>(
             pool,
             &mut buffer_pool,
             playhead,
+            &settings.tempo_map,
             settings.sample_rate,
             settings.channels,
             false,
@@ -403,8 +410,8 @@ fn export_mp3<P: AsRef<Path>>(
 
         // Calculate how many samples we need from this chunk
         let remaining_time = settings.end_time - playhead;
-        let samples_needed = if remaining_time < chunk_duration {
+        let samples_needed = if remaining_time.seconds_to_f64() < chunk_duration {
-            ((remaining_time * settings.sample_rate as f64) as usize * settings.channels as usize)
+            ((remaining_time.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64) as usize * settings.channels as usize)
                 .min(chunk_samples)
         } else {
             chunk_samples
@@ -445,7 +452,7 @@ fn export_mp3<P: AsRef<Path>>(
             }
         }
 
-        playhead += chunk_duration;
+        playhead = playhead + Seconds(chunk_duration);
     }
 
     // Encode any remaining samples as the final frame
@@ -529,7 +536,7 @@ fn export_aac<P: AsRef<Path>>(
 
     // Calculate rendering parameters
     let duration = settings.end_time - settings.start_time;
-    let total_frames = (duration * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
+    let total_frames = (duration.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64).round() as usize;
 
     let chunk_samples = EXPORT_CHUNK_FRAMES * settings.channels as usize;
     let chunk_duration = EXPORT_CHUNK_FRAMES as f64 / settings.sample_rate as f64;
@@ -564,6 +571,7 @@ fn export_aac<P: AsRef<Path>>(
             pool,
             &mut buffer_pool,
             playhead,
+            &settings.tempo_map,
             settings.sample_rate,
             settings.channels,
             false,
@@ -571,8 +579,8 @@ fn export_aac<P: AsRef<Path>>(
 
         // Calculate how many samples we need from this chunk
         let remaining_time = settings.end_time - playhead;
-        let samples_needed = if remaining_time < chunk_duration {
+        let samples_needed = if remaining_time.seconds_to_f64() < chunk_duration {
-            ((remaining_time * settings.sample_rate as f64) as usize * settings.channels as usize)
+            ((remaining_time.seconds_to_f64() * settings.sample_rate as f64) as usize * settings.channels as usize)
                 .min(chunk_samples)
         } else {
             chunk_samples
@@ -613,7 +621,7 @@ fn export_aac<P: AsRef<Path>>(
             }
         }
 
-        playhead += chunk_duration;
+        playhead = playhead + Seconds(chunk_duration);
     }
 
     // Encode any remaining samples as the final frame

daw-backend/src/audio/midi.rs

@@ -1,14 +1,10 @@
+use crate::time::Beats;
+
 /// MIDI event representing a single MIDI message
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, serde::Serialize, serde::Deserialize)]
 pub struct MidiEvent {
-    /// Time position within the clip in seconds (sample-rate independent)
+    /// Time position in beats (quarter-note beats)
-    pub timestamp: f64,
+    pub timestamp: Beats,
-    /// Time position in beats (quarter-note beats from clip start); derived from timestamp
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub timestamp_beats: f64,
-    /// Time position in frames; derived from timestamp
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub timestamp_frames: f64,
     /// MIDI status byte (includes channel)
     pub status: u8,
     /// First data byte (note number, CC number, etc.)
@@ -18,79 +14,28 @@ pub struct MidiEvent {
 }
 
 impl MidiEvent {
-    /// Create a new MIDI event
+    pub fn new(timestamp: Beats, status: u8, data1: u8, data2: u8) -> Self {
-    pub fn new(timestamp: f64, status: u8, data1: u8, data2: u8) -> Self {
+        Self { timestamp, status, data1, data2 }
-        Self {
-            timestamp,
-            timestamp_beats: 0.0,
-            timestamp_frames: 0.0,
-            status,
-            data1,
-            data2,
-        }
     }
 
-    /// Create a note on event
+    pub fn note_on(timestamp: Beats, channel: u8, note: u8, velocity: u8) -> Self {
-    pub fn note_on(timestamp: f64, channel: u8, note: u8, velocity: u8) -> Self {
+        Self { timestamp, status: 0x90 | (channel & 0x0F), data1: note, data2: velocity }
-        Self {
-            timestamp,
-            timestamp_beats: 0.0,
-            timestamp_frames: 0.0,
-            status: 0x90 | (channel & 0x0F),
-            data1: note,
-            data2: velocity,
-        }
     }
 
-    /// Create a note off event
+    pub fn note_off(timestamp: Beats, channel: u8, note: u8, velocity: u8) -> Self {
-    pub fn note_off(timestamp: f64, channel: u8, note: u8, velocity: u8) -> Self {
+        Self { timestamp, status: 0x80 | (channel & 0x0F), data1: note, data2: velocity }
-        Self {
-            timestamp,
-            timestamp_beats: 0.0,
-            timestamp_frames: 0.0,
-            status: 0x80 | (channel & 0x0F),
-            data1: note,
-            data2: velocity,
-        }
     }
 
-    /// Sync beats and frames from seconds (call after constructing or when seconds is canonical)
-    pub fn sync_from_seconds(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.timestamp_beats = self.timestamp * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.timestamp_frames = self.timestamp * fps;
-    }
-
-    /// Recompute seconds and frames from beats (call when BPM changes in Measures mode)
-    pub fn apply_beats(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.timestamp = self.timestamp_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.timestamp_frames = self.timestamp * fps;
-    }
-
-    /// Recompute seconds and beats from frames (call when FPS changes in Frames mode)
-    pub fn apply_frames(&mut self, fps: f64, bpm: f64) {
-        self.timestamp = self.timestamp_frames / fps;
-        self.timestamp_beats = self.timestamp * bpm / 60.0;
-    }
-
-    /// Check if this is a note on event (with non-zero velocity)
     pub fn is_note_on(&self) -> bool {
         (self.status & 0xF0) == 0x90 && self.data2 > 0
     }
 
-    /// Check if this is a note off event (or note on with zero velocity)
     pub fn is_note_off(&self) -> bool {
         (self.status & 0xF0) == 0x80 || ((self.status & 0xF0) == 0x90 && self.data2 == 0)
     }
 
-    /// Get the MIDI channel (0-15)
+    pub fn channel(&self) -> u8 { self.status & 0x0F }
-    pub fn channel(&self) -> u8 {
+    pub fn message_type(&self) -> u8 { self.status & 0xF0 }
-        self.status & 0x0F
-    }
-
-    /// Get the message type (upper 4 bits of status)
-    pub fn message_type(&self) -> u8 {
-        self.status & 0xF0
-    }
 }
 
 /// MIDI clip ID type (for clips stored in the pool)
@@ -99,240 +44,118 @@ pub type MidiClipId = u32;
 /// MIDI clip instance ID type (for instances placed on tracks)
 pub type MidiClipInstanceId = u32;
 
-/// MIDI clip content - stores the actual MIDI events
+/// MIDI clip content — stores the actual MIDI events.
-///
+/// `duration` is in beats.
-/// This represents the content data stored in the MidiClipPool.
-/// Events have timestamps relative to the start of the clip (0.0 = clip beginning).
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, serde::Serialize, serde::Deserialize)]
 pub struct MidiClip {
     pub id: MidiClipId,
     pub events: Vec<MidiEvent>,
-    pub duration: f64,    // Total content duration in seconds
+    /// Total content duration in beats
+    pub duration: Beats,
     pub name: String,
 }
 
 impl MidiClip {
-    /// Create a new MIDI clip with content
+    pub fn new(id: MidiClipId, events: Vec<MidiEvent>, duration: Beats, name: String) -> Self {
-    pub fn new(id: MidiClipId, events: Vec<MidiEvent>, duration: f64, name: String) -> Self {
+        let mut clip = Self { id, events, duration, name };
-        let mut clip = Self {
-            id,
-            events,
-            duration,
-            name,
-        };
-        // Sort events by timestamp
         clip.events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap());
         clip
     }
 
-    /// Create an empty MIDI clip
+    pub fn empty(id: MidiClipId, duration: Beats, name: String) -> Self {
-    pub fn empty(id: MidiClipId, duration: f64, name: String) -> Self {
+        Self { id, events: Vec::new(), duration, name }
-        Self {
-            id,
-            events: Vec::new(),
-            duration,
-            name,
-        }
     }
 
-    /// Add a MIDI event to the clip
     pub fn add_event(&mut self, event: MidiEvent) {
         self.events.push(event);
-        // Keep events sorted by timestamp
         self.events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap());
     }
 
-    /// Get events within a time range (relative to clip start)
+    /// Get events within a beat range (relative to clip start)
-    /// This is used by MidiClipInstance to fetch events for a given portion
+    pub fn get_events_in_range(&self, start: Beats, end: Beats) -> Vec<MidiEvent> {
-    pub fn get_events_in_range(&self, start: f64, end: f64) -> Vec<MidiEvent> {
+        self.events.iter()
-        self.events
-            .iter()
             .filter(|e| e.timestamp >= start && e.timestamp < end)
             .copied()
             .collect()
     }
 }
 
-/// MIDI clip instance - a reference to MidiClip content with timeline positioning
+/// MIDI clip instance — a reference to MidiClip content with timeline positioning.
 ///
-/// ## Timing Model
+/// All timing fields are in beats.
-/// - `internal_start` / `internal_end`: Define the region of the source clip to play (trimming)
-/// - `external_start` / `external_duration`: Define where the instance appears on the timeline and how long
-/// - `*_beats` / `*_frames`: Derived representations for Measures/Frames mode display
-///
-/// ## Looping
-/// If `external_duration` is greater than `internal_end - internal_start`,
-/// the instance will seamlessly loop back to `internal_start` when it reaches `internal_end`.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, serde::Serialize, serde::Deserialize)]
 pub struct MidiClipInstance {
     pub id: MidiClipInstanceId,
-    pub clip_id: MidiClipId,  // Reference to MidiClip in pool
+    pub clip_id: MidiClipId,
 
-    /// Start position within the clip content (seconds)
+    /// Start of the trimmed region within the clip content (beats)
-    pub internal_start: f64,
+    pub internal_start: Beats,
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_start_beats: f64,
+    /// End of the trimmed region within the clip content (beats)
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_start_frames: f64,
+    pub internal_end: Beats,
-    /// End position within the clip content (seconds)
-    pub internal_end: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_end_beats: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub internal_end_frames: f64,
 
-    /// Start position on the timeline (seconds)
+    /// Start position on the timeline (beats)
-    pub external_start: f64,
+    pub external_start: Beats,
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_start_beats: f64,
+    /// Duration on the timeline (beats); > internal duration = looping
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_start_frames: f64,
+    pub external_duration: Beats,
-    /// Duration on the timeline (seconds) - can be longer than internal duration for looping
-    pub external_duration: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_duration_beats: f64,
-    #[serde(default)] pub external_duration_frames: f64,
 }
 
 impl MidiClipInstance {
-    /// Create a new MIDI clip instance
     pub fn new(
         id: MidiClipInstanceId,
         clip_id: MidiClipId,
-        internal_start: f64,
+        internal_start: Beats,
-        internal_end: f64,
+        internal_end: Beats,
-        external_start: f64,
+        external_start: Beats,
-        external_duration: f64,
+        external_duration: Beats,
     ) -> Self {
-        Self {
+        Self { id, clip_id, internal_start, internal_end, external_start, external_duration }
-            id,
-            clip_id,
-            internal_start,
-            internal_start_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_start_frames: 0.0,
-            internal_end,
-            internal_end_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_end_frames: 0.0,
-            external_start,
-            external_start_beats: 0.0,
-            external_start_frames: 0.0,
-            external_duration,
-            external_duration_beats: 0.0,
-            external_duration_frames: 0.0,
-        }
     }
 
-    /// Create an instance that uses the full clip content (no trimming, no looping)
+    /// Create an instance covering the full clip with no trim
     pub fn from_full_clip(
         id: MidiClipInstanceId,
         clip_id: MidiClipId,
-        clip_duration: f64,
+        clip_duration: Beats,
-        external_start: f64,
+        external_start: Beats,
     ) -> Self {
         Self {
             id,
             clip_id,
-            internal_start: 0.0,
+            internal_start: Beats::ZERO,
-            internal_start_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_start_frames: 0.0,
             internal_end: clip_duration,
-            internal_end_beats: 0.0,
-            internal_end_frames: 0.0,
             external_start,
-            external_start_beats: 0.0,
-            external_start_frames: 0.0,
             external_duration: clip_duration,
-            external_duration_beats: 0.0,
-            external_duration_frames: 0.0,
         }
     }
 
-    /// Get the internal (content) duration
+    pub fn internal_duration(&self) -> Beats { self.internal_end - self.internal_start }
-    pub fn internal_duration(&self) -> f64 {
+    pub fn external_end(&self) -> Beats { self.external_start + self.external_duration }
-        self.internal_end - self.internal_start
+    pub fn is_looping(&self) -> bool { self.external_duration > self.internal_duration() }
-    }
 
-    /// Get the end time on the timeline
+    /// Check if this instance overlaps with a beat range
-    pub fn external_end(&self) -> f64 {
+    pub fn overlaps_range(&self, range_start: Beats, range_end: Beats) -> bool {
-        self.external_start + self.external_duration
-    }
-
-    /// Check if this instance loops
-    pub fn is_looping(&self) -> bool {
-        self.external_duration > self.internal_duration()
-    }
-
-    /// Get the end time on the timeline (for backwards compatibility)
-    pub fn end_time(&self) -> f64 {
-        self.external_end()
-    }
-
-    /// Get the start time on the timeline (for backwards compatibility)
-    pub fn start_time(&self) -> f64 {
-        self.external_start
-    }
-
-    /// Check if this instance overlaps with a time range
-    pub fn overlaps_range(&self, range_start: f64, range_end: f64) -> bool {
         self.external_start < range_end && self.external_end() > range_start
     }
 
-    /// Populate beats/frames from the current seconds values.
+    /// Get events that should fire in a given beat range on the timeline.
-    pub fn sync_from_seconds(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
+    /// Returns events with `timestamp` set to their global timeline beat position.
-        self.external_start_beats = self.external_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.external_start_frames = self.external_start * fps;
-        self.external_duration_beats = self.external_duration * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.external_duration_frames = self.external_duration * fps;
-        self.internal_start_beats = self.internal_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_start_frames = self.internal_start * fps;
-        self.internal_end_beats = self.internal_end * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_end_frames = self.internal_end * fps;
-    }
-
-    /// BPM changed; recompute seconds/frames from the stored beats values.
-    pub fn apply_beats(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.external_start = self.external_start_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.external_start_frames = self.external_start * fps;
-        self.external_duration = self.external_duration_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.external_duration_frames = self.external_duration * fps;
-        self.internal_start = self.internal_start_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.internal_start_frames = self.internal_start * fps;
-        self.internal_end = self.internal_end_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.internal_end_frames = self.internal_end * fps;
-    }
-
-    /// FPS changed; recompute seconds/beats from the stored frames values.
-    pub fn apply_frames(&mut self, fps: f64, bpm: f64) {
-        self.external_start = self.external_start_frames / fps;
-        self.external_start_beats = self.external_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.external_duration = self.external_duration_frames / fps;
-        self.external_duration_beats = self.external_duration * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_start = self.internal_start_frames / fps;
-        self.internal_start_beats = self.internal_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.internal_end = self.internal_end_frames / fps;
-        self.internal_end_beats = self.internal_end * bpm / 60.0;
-    }
-
-    /// Get events that should be triggered in a given timeline range
-    ///
-    /// This handles:
-    /// - Trimming (internal_start/internal_end)
-    /// - Looping (when external duration > internal duration)
-    /// - Time mapping from timeline to clip content
-    ///
-    /// Returns events with timestamps adjusted to timeline time (not clip-relative)
     pub fn get_events_in_range(
         &self,
         clip: &MidiClip,
-        range_start_seconds: f64,
+        range_start: Beats,
-        range_end_seconds: f64,
+        range_end: Beats,
     ) -> Vec<MidiEvent> {
         let mut result = Vec::new();
 
-        // Check if instance overlaps with the range
+        if !self.overlaps_range(range_start, range_end) {
-        if !self.overlaps_range(range_start_seconds, range_end_seconds) {
             return result;
         }
 
         let internal_duration = self.internal_duration();
-        if internal_duration <= 0.0 {
+        if internal_duration <= Beats::ZERO {
             return result;
         }
 
-        // Calculate how many complete loops fit in the external duration
         let num_loops = if self.external_duration > internal_duration {
             (self.external_duration / internal_duration).ceil() as usize
         } else {
@@ -342,24 +165,18 @@ impl MidiClipInstance {
         let external_end = self.external_end();
 
         for loop_idx in 0..num_loops {
-            let loop_offset = loop_idx as f64 * internal_duration;
+            let loop_offset = internal_duration * loop_idx as f64;
 
-            // Get events from the clip that fall within the internal range
             for event in &clip.events {
-                // Skip events outside the trimmed region
-                // Use > (not >=) for internal_end so note-offs at the clip boundary are included
                 if event.timestamp < self.internal_start || event.timestamp > self.internal_end {
                     continue;
                 }
 
-                // Convert to timeline time
                 let relative_content_time = event.timestamp - self.internal_start;
                 let timeline_time = self.external_start + loop_offset + relative_content_time;
 
-                // Check if within current buffer range and instance bounds
+                if timeline_time >= range_start
-                // Use <= for external_end so note-offs at the clip boundary are included
+                    && timeline_time < range_end
-                if timeline_time >= range_start_seconds
-                    && timeline_time < range_end_seconds
                     && timeline_time <= external_end
                 {
                     let mut adjusted_event = *event;

daw-backend/src/audio/midi_pool.rs

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 use serde::{Serialize, Deserialize};
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 use super::midi::{MidiClip, MidiClipId, MidiEvent};
+use crate::time::Beats;
 
 /// Pool for storing MIDI clip content
 /// Similar to AudioClipPool but for MIDI data
@@ -21,7 +22,7 @@ impl MidiClipPool {
 
     /// Add a new clip to the pool with the given events and duration
     /// Returns the ID of the newly created clip
-    pub fn add_clip(&mut self, events: Vec<MidiEvent>, duration: f64, name: String) -> MidiClipId {
+    pub fn add_clip(&mut self, events: Vec<MidiEvent>, duration: Beats, name: String) -> MidiClipId {
         let id = self.next_id;
         self.next_id += 1;
 

daw-backend/src/audio/node_graph/graph.rs

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 use super::node_trait::AudioNode;
 use super::types::{ConnectionError, SignalType};
 use crate::audio::midi::MidiEvent;
+use crate::time::Beats;
 use petgraph::algo::has_path_connecting;
 use petgraph::stable_graph::{NodeIndex, StableGraph};
 use petgraph::visit::{EdgeRef, IntoEdgeReferences};
@@ -93,8 +94,8 @@ pub struct AudioGraph {
     /// UI positions for nodes (node_index -> (x, y))
     node_positions: std::collections::HashMap<u32, (f32, f32)>,
 
-    /// Current playback time (for automation nodes)
+    /// Current playback time in beats (for automation nodes)
-    playback_time: f64,
+    playback_time: Beats,
 
     /// Project tempo (synced from Engine via SetTempo)
     bpm: f32,
@@ -123,7 +124,7 @@ impl AudioGraph {
             // Pre-allocate MIDI input buffers (max 128 events per port)
             midi_input_buffers: (0..16).map(|_| Vec::with_capacity(128)).collect(),
             node_positions: std::collections::HashMap::new(),
-            playback_time: 0.0,
+            playback_time: Beats::ZERO,
             bpm: 120.0,
             beats_per_bar: 4,
             topo_cache: None,
@@ -475,7 +476,7 @@ impl AudioGraph {
     }
 
     /// Process the graph and produce audio output
-    pub fn process(&mut self, output_buffer: &mut [f32], midi_events: &[MidiEvent], playback_time: f64) {
+    pub fn process(&mut self, output_buffer: &mut [f32], midi_events: &[MidiEvent], playback_time: Beats) {
         // Update playback time
         self.playback_time = playback_time;
 
@@ -484,6 +485,7 @@ impl AudioGraph {
         for node in self.graph.node_weights_mut() {
             if let Some(auto_node) = node.node.as_any_mut().downcast_mut::<AutomationInputNode>() {
                 auto_node.set_playback_time(playback_time);
+                auto_node.set_bpm(self.bpm as f64);
             } else if let Some(beat_node) = node.node.as_any_mut().downcast_mut::<BeatNode>() {
                 beat_node.set_playback_time(playback_time);
                 beat_node.set_tempo(self.bpm, self.beats_per_bar);
@@ -1017,7 +1019,7 @@ impl AudioGraph {
                         serialized.automation_display_name = Some(auto_node.display_name().to_string());
                         serialized.automation_keyframes = auto_node.keyframes().iter().map(|kf| {
                             SerializedKeyframe {
-                                time: kf.time,
+                                time: kf.time.0,
                                 value: kf.value,
                                 interpolation: match kf.interpolation {
                                     InterpolationType::Linear => "linear",
@@ -1357,7 +1359,7 @@ impl AudioGraph {
                             auto_node.clear_keyframes();
                             for kf in &serialized_node.automation_keyframes {
                                 auto_node.add_keyframe(AutomationKeyframe {
-                                    time: kf.time,
+                                    time: crate::time::Beats(kf.time),
                                     value: kf.value,
                                     interpolation: match kf.interpolation.as_str() {
                                         "bezier" => InterpolationType::Bezier,

daw-backend/src/audio/node_graph/nodes/automation_input.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 use crate::audio::node_graph::{AudioNode, NodeCategory, NodePort, Parameter, ParameterUnit, SignalType};
 use crate::audio::midi::MidiEvent;
+use crate::time::Beats;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::sync::{Arc, RwLock};
 
@@ -16,8 +17,7 @@ pub enum InterpolationType {
 /// A single keyframe in an automation curve
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct AutomationKeyframe {
-    /// Time in seconds (absolute project time)
+    pub time: Beats,
-    pub time: f64,
     /// CV output value
     pub value: f32,
     /// Interpolation type to next keyframe
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ pub struct AutomationKeyframe {
 }
 
 impl AutomationKeyframe {
-    pub fn new(time: f64, value: f32) -> Self {
+    pub fn new(time: Beats, value: f32) -> Self {
         Self {
             time,
             value,
@@ -47,8 +47,10 @@ pub struct AutomationInputNode {
     keyframes: Vec<AutomationKeyframe>,
     outputs: Vec<NodePort>,
     parameters: Vec<Parameter>,
-    /// Shared playback time (set by the graph before processing)
+    /// Shared playback time in beats (set by the graph before processing)
-    playback_time: Arc<RwLock<f64>>,
+    playback_time: Arc<RwLock<Beats>>,
+    /// Current BPM (set by the graph before processing, used for per-sample beat advancement)
+    bpm: f64,
     /// Minimum output value (for UI display range)
     pub value_min: f32,
     /// Maximum output value (for UI display range)
@@ -71,22 +73,26 @@ impl AutomationInputNode {
         Self {
             name: name.clone(),
             display_name: "Automation".to_string(),
-            keyframes: vec![AutomationKeyframe::new(0.0, 0.0)],
+            keyframes: vec![AutomationKeyframe::new(Beats::ZERO, 0.0)],
             outputs,
             parameters,
-            playback_time: Arc::new(RwLock::new(0.0)),
+            playback_time: Arc::new(RwLock::new(Beats::ZERO)),
+            bpm: 120.0,
             value_min: -1.0,
             value_max: 1.0,
         }
     }
 
-    /// Set the playback time (called by graph before processing)
+    pub fn set_playback_time(&mut self, time: Beats) {
-    pub fn set_playback_time(&mut self, time: f64) {
         if let Ok(mut playback) = self.playback_time.write() {
             *playback = time;
         }
     }
 
+    pub fn set_bpm(&mut self, bpm: f64) {
+        self.bpm = bpm;
+    }
+
     /// Get the display name (shown in UI)
     pub fn display_name(&self) -> &str {
         &self.display_name
@@ -116,8 +122,7 @@ impl AutomationInputNode {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Remove keyframe at specific time (with tolerance)
+    pub fn remove_keyframe_at_time(&mut self, time: Beats, tolerance: Beats) -> bool {
-    pub fn remove_keyframe_at_time(&mut self, time: f64, tolerance: f64) -> bool {
         if let Some(idx) = self.keyframes.iter().position(|kf| (kf.time - time).abs() < tolerance) {
             self.keyframes.remove(idx);
             true
@@ -126,10 +131,8 @@ impl AutomationInputNode {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Update an existing keyframe
     pub fn update_keyframe(&mut self, keyframe: AutomationKeyframe) {
-        // Remove old keyframe at this time, then add new one
+        self.remove_keyframe_at_time(keyframe.time, Beats(0.001));
-        self.remove_keyframe_at_time(keyframe.time, 0.001);
         self.add_keyframe(keyframe);
     }
 
@@ -143,24 +146,20 @@ impl AutomationInputNode {
         self.keyframes.clear();
     }
 
-    /// Evaluate curve at a specific time
+    fn evaluate_at_time(&self, time: Beats) -> f32 {
-    fn evaluate_at_time(&self, time: f64) -> f32 {
         if self.keyframes.is_empty() {
             return 0.0;
         }
 
-        // Before first keyframe
         if time <= self.keyframes[0].time {
             return self.keyframes[0].value;
         }
 
-        // After last keyframe
         let last_idx = self.keyframes.len() - 1;
         if time >= self.keyframes[last_idx].time {
             return self.keyframes[last_idx].value;
         }
 
-        // Find bracketing keyframes
         for i in 0..self.keyframes.len() - 1 {
             let kf1 = &self.keyframes[i];
             let kf2 = &self.keyframes[i + 1];
@@ -173,14 +172,12 @@ impl AutomationInputNode {
         0.0
     }
 
-    /// Interpolate between two keyframes
+    fn interpolate(&self, kf1: &AutomationKeyframe, kf2: &AutomationKeyframe, time: Beats) -> f32 {
-    fn interpolate(&self, kf1: &AutomationKeyframe, kf2: &AutomationKeyframe, time: f64) -> f32 {
-        // Calculate normalized position between keyframes (0.0 to 1.0)
         let t = if kf2.time == kf1.time {
-            0.0
+            0.0f64
         } else {
-            ((time - kf1.time) / (kf2.time - kf1.time)) as f32
+            (time - kf1.time) / (kf2.time - kf1.time)
-        };
+        } as f32;
 
         match kf1.interpolation {
             InterpolationType::Linear => {
@@ -257,19 +254,17 @@ impl AudioNode for AutomationInputNode {
         let output = &mut outputs[0];
         let length = output.len();
 
-        // Get the starting playback time
         let playhead = if let Ok(playback) = self.playback_time.read() {
             *playback
         } else {
-            0.0
+            Beats::ZERO
         };
 
-        // Calculate time per sample
+        // Advance per sample in beats: beats_per_sample = bpm / 60 / sample_rate
-        let sample_duration = 1.0 / sample_rate as f64;
+        let beats_per_sample = self.bpm / 60.0 / sample_rate as f64;
 
-        // Evaluate curve for each sample
         for i in 0..length {
-            let time = playhead + (i as f64 * sample_duration);
+            let time = playhead + Beats(i as f64 * beats_per_sample);
             output[i] = self.evaluate_at_time(time);
         }
     }
@@ -293,7 +288,8 @@ impl AudioNode for AutomationInputNode {
             keyframes: self.keyframes.clone(),
             outputs: self.outputs.clone(),
             parameters: self.parameters.clone(),
-            playback_time: Arc::new(RwLock::new(0.0)),
+            playback_time: Arc::new(RwLock::new(Beats::ZERO)),
+            bpm: self.bpm,
             value_min: self.value_min,
             value_max: self.value_max,
         })

daw-backend/src/audio/node_graph/nodes/beat.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 use crate::audio::node_graph::{AudioNode, NodeCategory, NodePort, Parameter, ParameterUnit, SignalType};
 use crate::audio::midi::MidiEvent;
+use crate::time::Beats;
 
 const PARAM_RESOLUTION: u32 = 0;
 
@@ -61,12 +62,12 @@ pub struct BeatNode {
     bpm: f32,
     beats_per_bar: u32,
     resolution: BeatResolution,
-    /// Playback time in seconds, set by the graph before process()
+    /// Playback time in beats, set by the graph before process()
-    playback_time: f64,
+    playback_time: Beats,
     /// Previous playback_time to detect paused state
-    prev_playback_time: f64,
+    prev_playback_time: Beats,
-    /// Free-running time accumulator for when playback is stopped
+    /// Free-running beat accumulator for when playback is stopped
-    free_run_time: f64,
+    free_run_time: Beats,
     inputs: Vec<NodePort>,
     outputs: Vec<NodePort>,
     parameters: Vec<Parameter>,
@@ -92,16 +93,16 @@ impl BeatNode {
             bpm: DEFAULT_BPM,
             beats_per_bar: DEFAULT_BEATS_PER_BAR,
             resolution: BeatResolution::Quarter,
-            playback_time: 0.0,
+            playback_time: Beats::ZERO,
-            prev_playback_time: -1.0,
+            prev_playback_time: Beats(-1.0),
-            free_run_time: 0.0,
+            free_run_time: Beats::ZERO,
             inputs,
             outputs,
             parameters,
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn set_playback_time(&mut self, time: f64) {
+    pub fn set_playback_time(&mut self, time: Beats) {
         self.playback_time = time;
     }
 
@@ -169,8 +170,8 @@ impl AudioNode for BeatNode {
         let base_time = if paused { self.free_run_time } else { self.playback_time };
 
         for i in 0..len {
-            let time = base_time + i as f64 * sample_period;
+            // base_time is already in beats; advance by beats_per_second per second
-            let beat_pos = time * beats_per_second;
+            let beat_pos = base_time.0 + i as f64 * beats_per_second * sample_period;
 
             // Beat subdivision phase: 0→1 sawtooth
             let sub_phase = ((beat_pos * subs_per_beat) % 1.0) as f32;
@@ -188,13 +189,13 @@ impl AudioNode for BeatNode {
         }
 
         // Advance free-run time (always ticks, so it's ready when playback stops)
-        self.free_run_time += len as f64 * sample_period;
+        self.free_run_time += Beats(len as f64 * beats_per_second * sample_period);
     }
 
     fn reset(&mut self) {
-        self.playback_time = 0.0;
+        self.playback_time = Beats::ZERO;
-        self.prev_playback_time = -1.0;
+        self.prev_playback_time = Beats(-1.0);
-        self.free_run_time = 0.0;
+        self.free_run_time = Beats::ZERO;
     }
 
     fn node_type(&self) -> &str {
@@ -211,9 +212,9 @@ impl AudioNode for BeatNode {
             bpm: self.bpm,
             beats_per_bar: self.beats_per_bar,
             resolution: self.resolution,
-            playback_time: 0.0,
+            playback_time: Beats::ZERO,
-            prev_playback_time: -1.0,
+            prev_playback_time: Beats(-1.0),
-            free_run_time: 0.0,
+            free_run_time: Beats::ZERO,
             inputs: self.inputs.clone(),
             outputs: self.outputs.clone(),
             parameters: self.parameters.clone(),

daw-backend/src/audio/node_graph/nodes/sequencer.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 use crate::audio::node_graph::{AudioNode, NodeCategory, NodePort, Parameter, ParameterUnit, SignalType, cv_input_or_default};
 use crate::audio::midi::MidiEvent;
+use crate::time::Beats;
 
 const PARAM_MODE: u32 = 0;
 const PARAM_STEPS: u32 = 1;
@@ -244,14 +245,14 @@ impl AudioNode for SequencerNode {
                 // Note-off for notes no longer active
                 for &note in &self.prev_active_notes {
                     if !new_notes.contains(&note) {
-                        midi_outputs[0].push(MidiEvent::note_off(0.0, 0, note, 0));
+                        midi_outputs[0].push(MidiEvent::note_off(Beats::ZERO, 0, note, 0));
                     }
                 }
 
                 // Note-on for newly active notes
                 for &note in &new_notes {
                     if !self.prev_active_notes.contains(&note) {
-                        midi_outputs[0].push(MidiEvent::note_on(0.0, 0, note, self.velocity));
+                        midi_outputs[0].push(MidiEvent::note_on(Beats::ZERO, 0, note, self.velocity));
                     }
                 }
 

daw-backend/src/audio/node_graph/nodes/voice_allocator.rs

@@ -348,7 +348,7 @@ impl AudioNode for VoiceAllocatorNode {
 
                 // Process this voice's graph with its MIDI events
                 // Note: playback_time is 0.0 since voice allocator doesn't track time
-                self.voice_instances[voice_idx].process(mix_slice, &midi_events, 0.0);
+                self.voice_instances[voice_idx].process(mix_slice, &midi_events, crate::time::Beats::ZERO);
 
                 // Auto-deactivate releasing voices that have gone silent
                 if voice_state.releasing {

daw-backend/src/audio/pool.rs

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 use std::f32::consts::PI;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use crate::time::Seconds;
 
 /// Windowed sinc interpolation for high-quality time stretching
 /// This is stateless and can handle arbitrary fractional positions
@@ -442,19 +443,20 @@ impl AudioClipPool {
     }
 
     /// Render audio from a file in the pool with high-quality windowed sinc interpolation
-    /// start_time_seconds: position in the audio file to start reading from (in seconds)
+    /// start_time: position in the audio file to start reading from (in seconds)
     /// clip_read_ahead: per-clip-instance read-ahead buffer for compressed audio streaming
     /// Returns the number of samples actually rendered
     pub fn render_from_file(
         &self,
         pool_index: usize,
         output: &mut [f32],
-        start_time_seconds: f64,
+        start_time: Seconds,
         gain: f32,
         engine_sample_rate: u32,
         engine_channels: u32,
         clip_read_ahead: Option<&super::disk_reader::ReadAheadBuffer>,
     ) -> usize {
+        let start_time_seconds = start_time.0;
         let Some(audio_file) = self.files.get(pool_index) else {
             return 0;
         };

daw-backend/src/audio/project.rs

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ use super::midi::{MidiClip, MidiClipId, MidiClipInstance, MidiClipInstanceId, Mi
 use super::midi_pool::MidiClipPool;
 use super::pool::AudioClipPool;
 use super::track::{AudioTrack, Metatrack, MidiTrack, RenderContext, TrackId, TrackNode};
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
 use serde::{Serialize, Deserialize};
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
@@ -216,46 +218,6 @@ impl Project {
         self.tracks.iter().map(|(&id, node)| (id, node))
     }
 
-    /// After a BPM change, update MIDI clip durations then sync all clip beats/frames from seconds.
-    ///
-    /// `midi_durations` maps each MidiClipId to its new content duration in seconds.
-    /// Call this after the seconds positions have already been updated (e.g. via MoveClip).
-    pub fn apply_bpm_change(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64, midi_durations: &[(crate::audio::midi::MidiClipId, f64)]) {
-        for (_, track) in self.tracks.iter_mut() {
-            match track {
-                crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Audio(t) => {
-                    for clip in &mut t.clips {
-                        clip.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                    }
-                }
-                crate::audio::track::TrackNode::Midi(t) => {
-                    // Update content durations first so internal_end is correct before sync
-                    for instance in &mut t.clip_instances {
-                        if let Some(&new_dur) = midi_durations.iter()
-                            .find(|(id, _)| *id == instance.clip_id)
-                            .map(|(_, d)| d)
-                        {
-                            let old_internal_dur = instance.internal_duration();
-                            instance.internal_end = instance.internal_start + new_dur;
-                            // Scale external_duration by the same ratio (works for both looping and non-looping)
-                            if old_internal_dur > 1e-12 {
-                                instance.external_duration = instance.external_duration * new_dur / old_internal_dur;
-                            }
-                        }
-                        instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                    }
-                    // Update pool clip durations
-                    for &(clip_id, new_dur) in midi_durations {
-                        if let Some(clip) = self.midi_clip_pool.get_clip_mut(clip_id) {
-                            clip.duration = new_dur;
-                        }
-                    }
-                }
-                _ => {}
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
     /// Get oscilloscope data from a node in a track's graph
     pub fn get_oscilloscope_data(&self, track_id: TrackId, node_id: u32, sample_count: usize) -> Option<(Vec<f32>, Vec<f32>)> {
         if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.tracks.get(&track_id) {
@@ -328,9 +290,9 @@ impl Project {
         &mut self,
         track_id: TrackId,
         events: Vec<MidiEvent>,
-        duration: f64,
+        duration: Beats,
         name: String,
-        external_start: f64,
+        external_start: Beats,
     ) -> Result<(MidiClipId, MidiClipInstanceId), &'static str> {
         // Verify track exists and is a MIDI track
         if !matches!(self.tracks.get(&track_id), Some(TrackNode::Midi(_))) {
@@ -363,11 +325,11 @@ impl Project {
 
     /// Legacy method for backwards compatibility - creates clip and instance from old MidiClip format
     pub fn add_midi_clip(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, clip: MidiClip) -> Result<MidiClipInstanceId, &'static str> {
-        self.add_midi_clip_at(track_id, clip, 0.0)
+        self.add_midi_clip_at(track_id, clip, Beats::ZERO)
     }
 
     /// Add a MIDI clip to the pool and create an instance at the given timeline position
-    pub fn add_midi_clip_at(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, clip: MidiClip, start_time: f64) -> Result<MidiClipInstanceId, &'static str> {
+    pub fn add_midi_clip_at(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, clip: MidiClip, start_time: Beats) -> Result<MidiClipInstanceId, &'static str> {
         // Add the clip to the pool (it already has events and duration)
         let duration = clip.duration;
         let clip_id = clip.id;
@@ -411,7 +373,8 @@ impl Project {
         output: &mut [f32],
         audio_pool: &AudioClipPool,
         buffer_pool: &mut BufferPool,
-        playhead_seconds: f64,
+        playhead_seconds: Seconds,
+        tempo_map: &TempoMap,
         sample_rate: u32,
         channels: u32,
         live_only: bool,
@@ -423,7 +386,7 @@ impl Project {
         // Create initial render context
         let ctx = RenderContext {
             live_only,
-            ..RenderContext::new(playhead_seconds, sample_rate, channels, output.len())
+            ..RenderContext::new(playhead_seconds, tempo_map, sample_rate, channels, output.len())
         };
 
         // Render each root track (index-based to avoid clone)
@@ -497,7 +460,7 @@ impl Project {
                 let mut track_buffer = buffer_pool.acquire();
                 track_buffer.resize(output.len(), 0.0);
                 track_buffer.fill(0.0);
-                track.render(&mut track_buffer, audio_pool, ctx.playhead_seconds, ctx.sample_rate, ctx.channels);
+                track.render(&mut track_buffer, audio_pool, ctx);
                 // Accumulate peak level for VU metering (max over meter interval)
                 let buffer_peak = track_buffer.iter().map(|s| s.abs()).fold(0.0f32, f32::max);
                 track.peak_level = track.peak_level.max(buffer_peak);
@@ -585,7 +548,7 @@ impl Project {
                     let mut graph_output = buffer_pool.acquire();
                     graph_output.resize(output.len(), 0.0);
                     graph_output.fill(0.0);
-                    group.audio_graph.process(&mut graph_output, &[], ctx.playhead_seconds);
+                    group.audio_graph.process(&mut graph_output, &[], ctx.playhead_beats());
 
                     for (out_sample, graph_sample) in output.iter_mut().zip(graph_output.iter()) {
                         *out_sample += graph_sample * group.volume;
@@ -680,7 +643,7 @@ impl Project {
     pub fn send_midi_note_on(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, note: u8, velocity: u8) {
         // Queue the MIDI note-on event to the track's live MIDI queue
         if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.tracks.get_mut(&track_id) {
-            let event = MidiEvent::note_on(0.0, 0, note, velocity);
+            let event = MidiEvent::note_on(Beats::ZERO, 0, note, velocity);
             track.queue_live_midi(event);
         }
     }
@@ -689,7 +652,7 @@ impl Project {
     pub fn send_midi_note_off(&mut self, track_id: TrackId, note: u8) {
         // Queue the MIDI note-off event to the track's live MIDI queue
         if let Some(TrackNode::Midi(track)) = self.tracks.get_mut(&track_id) {
-            let event = MidiEvent::note_off(0.0, 0, note, 0);
+            let event = MidiEvent::note_off(Beats::ZERO, 0, note, 0);
             track.queue_live_midi(event);
         }
     }

daw-backend/src/audio/recording.rs

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 /// Audio recording system for capturing microphone input
 use crate::audio::{ClipId, MidiClipId, TrackId};
 use crate::io::{WavWriter, WaveformPeak};
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
@@ -18,8 +19,8 @@ pub struct RecordingState {
     pub sample_rate: u32,
     /// Number of channels
     pub channels: u32,
-    /// Timeline start position in seconds
+    /// Timeline start position
-    pub start_time: f64,
+    pub start_time: Beats,
     /// Total frames recorded
     pub frames_written: usize,
     /// Whether recording is currently paused
@@ -45,7 +46,7 @@ impl RecordingState {
         writer: WavWriter,
         sample_rate: u32,
         channels: u32,
-        start_time: f64,
+        start_time: Beats,
         _flush_interval_seconds: f64, // No longer used - kept for API compatibility
     ) -> Self {
         // Calculate frames per waveform peak
@@ -130,9 +131,9 @@ impl RecordingState {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Get current recording duration in seconds
+    /// Get current recording duration
-    pub fn duration(&self) -> f64 {
+    pub fn duration(&self) -> Seconds {
-        self.frames_written as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64
+        Seconds(self.frames_written as f64 / self.sample_rate as f64)
     }
 
     /// Finalize the recording and return the temp file path, waveform, and audio data
@@ -175,33 +176,23 @@ impl RecordingState {
 /// Active MIDI note waiting for its noteOff event
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 struct ActiveMidiNote {
-    /// MIDI note number (0-127)
     note: u8,
-    /// Velocity (0-127)
     velocity: u8,
-    /// Absolute time when note started (seconds)
+    start_time: Beats,
-    start_time: f64,
 }
 
-/// State of an active MIDI recording session
+/// State of an active MIDI recording session.
 pub struct MidiRecordingState {
-    /// Track being recorded to
     pub track_id: TrackId,
-    /// MIDI clip ID
     pub clip_id: MidiClipId,
-    /// Timeline start position in seconds
+    pub start_time: Beats,
-    pub start_time: f64,
-    /// Currently active notes (noteOn without matching noteOff)
-    /// Maps note number to ActiveMidiNote
     active_notes: HashMap<u8, ActiveMidiNote>,
-    /// Completed notes ready to be added to clip
+    /// Completed notes: (time_offset, note, velocity, duration) — all times in beats
-    /// Format: (time_offset, note, velocity, duration)
+    pub completed_notes: Vec<(Beats, u8, u8, Beats)>,
-    pub completed_notes: Vec<(f64, u8, u8, f64)>,
 }
 
 impl MidiRecordingState {
-    /// Create a new MIDI recording state
+    pub fn new(track_id: TrackId, clip_id: MidiClipId, start_time: Beats) -> Self {
-    pub fn new(track_id: TrackId, clip_id: MidiClipId, start_time: f64) -> Self {
         Self {
             track_id,
             clip_id,
@@ -211,87 +202,62 @@ impl MidiRecordingState {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Handle a MIDI note on event
+    pub fn note_on(&mut self, note: u8, velocity: u8, absolute_time: Beats) {
-    pub fn note_on(&mut self, note: u8, velocity: u8, absolute_time: f64) {
+        self.active_notes.insert(note, ActiveMidiNote { note, velocity, start_time: absolute_time });
-        self.active_notes.insert(note, ActiveMidiNote {
-            note,
-            velocity,
-            start_time: absolute_time,
-        });
     }
 
-    /// Handle a MIDI note off event
+    pub fn note_off(&mut self, note: u8, absolute_time: Beats) {
-    pub fn note_off(&mut self, note: u8, absolute_time: f64) {
-        // Find the matching noteOn
         if let Some(active_note) = self.active_notes.remove(&note) {
-            // If the note was fully released before the recording start (e.g. during count-in
-            // pre-roll), discard it — only notes still held at the clip start are kept.
             if absolute_time <= self.start_time {
                 return;
             }
-
-            // Clamp note start to clip start: notes held across the recording boundary
-            // are treated as starting at the clip position.
             let note_start = active_note.start_time.max(self.start_time);
-            let time_offset = note_start - self.start_time;
-            let duration = absolute_time - note_start;
-
-            eprintln!("[MIDI_RECORDING_STATE] Completing note {}: note_start={:.3}s, note_end={:.3}s, recording_start={:.3}s, time_offset={:.3}s, duration={:.3}s",
-                      note, note_start, absolute_time, self.start_time, time_offset, duration);
-
             self.completed_notes.push((
-                time_offset,
+                note_start - self.start_time,
                 active_note.note,
                 active_note.velocity,
-                duration,
+                absolute_time - note_start,
             ));
         }
-        // If no matching noteOn found, ignore the noteOff
     }
 
-    /// Get all completed notes
+    pub fn get_notes(&self) -> &[(Beats, u8, u8, Beats)] {
-    pub fn get_notes(&self) -> &[(f64, u8, u8, f64)] {
         &self.completed_notes
     }
 
-    /// Get the number of completed notes
     pub fn note_count(&self) -> usize {
         self.completed_notes.len()
     }
 
     /// Get all completed notes plus currently-held notes with a provisional duration.
-    /// Used for live preview during recording so held notes appear immediately.
+    pub fn get_notes_with_active(&self, current_time: Beats) -> Vec<(Beats, u8, u8, Beats)> {
-    pub fn get_notes_with_active(&self, current_time: f64) -> Vec<(f64, u8, u8, f64)> {
         let mut notes = self.completed_notes.clone();
         for active in self.active_notes.values() {
             let note_start = active.start_time.max(self.start_time);
-            let time_offset = note_start - self.start_time;
+            notes.push((
-            let provisional_dur = (current_time - note_start).max(0.0);
+                note_start - self.start_time,
-            notes.push((time_offset, active.note, active.velocity, provisional_dur));
+                active.note,
+                active.velocity,
+                (current_time - note_start).max(Beats::ZERO),
+            ));
         }
         notes
     }
 
-    /// Get the note numbers of all currently held (active) notes
     pub fn active_note_numbers(&self) -> Vec<u8> {
         self.active_notes.keys().copied().collect()
     }
 
-    /// Close out all active notes at the given time
+    pub fn close_active_notes(&mut self, end_time: Beats) {
-    /// This should be called when stopping recording to end any held notes
-    pub fn close_active_notes(&mut self, end_time: f64) {
         let active_notes: Vec<_> = self.active_notes.drain().collect();
 
         for (_note_num, active_note) in active_notes {
             let note_start = active_note.start_time.max(self.start_time);
-            let time_offset = note_start - self.start_time;
-            let duration = end_time - note_start;
-
             self.completed_notes.push((
-                time_offset,
+                note_start - self.start_time,
                 active_note.note,
                 active_note.velocity,
-                duration,
+                end_time - note_start,
             ));
         }
     }

daw-backend/src/audio/track.rs

@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ use super::node_graph::AudioGraph;
 use super::node_graph::nodes::{AudioInputNode, AudioOutputNode};
 use super::node_graph::preset::GraphPreset;
 use super::pool::AudioClipPool;
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
 use serde::{Serialize, Deserialize};
 use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
 
@@ -23,10 +25,12 @@ pub type Track = AudioTrack;
 /// Rendering context that carries timing information through the track hierarchy
 ///
 /// This allows metatracks to transform time for their children (time stretch, offset, etc.)
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy)]
+#[derive(Clone, Copy)]
-pub struct RenderContext {
+pub struct RenderContext<'a> {
     /// Current playhead position in seconds (in transformed time)
-    pub playhead_seconds: f64,
+    pub playhead_seconds: Seconds,
+    /// Tempo map for beat ↔ second conversion
+    pub tempo_map: &'a TempoMap,
     /// Audio sample rate
     pub sample_rate: u32,
     /// Number of channels
@@ -41,16 +45,17 @@ pub struct RenderContext {
     pub live_only: bool,
 }
 
-impl RenderContext {
+impl<'a> RenderContext<'a> {
-    /// Create a new render context
     pub fn new(
-        playhead_seconds: f64,
+        playhead_seconds: Seconds,
+        tempo_map: &'a TempoMap,
         sample_rate: u32,
         channels: u32,
         buffer_size: usize,
     ) -> Self {
         Self {
             playhead_seconds,
+            tempo_map,
             sample_rate,
             channels,
             buffer_size,
@@ -59,15 +64,21 @@ impl RenderContext {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Get the duration of the buffer in seconds
+    pub fn buffer_duration(&self) -> Seconds {
-    pub fn buffer_duration(&self) -> f64 {
+        Seconds(self.buffer_size as f64 / (self.sample_rate as f64 * self.channels as f64))
-        self.buffer_size as f64 / (self.sample_rate as f64 * self.channels as f64)
     }
 
-    /// Get the end time of the buffer
+    pub fn buffer_end(&self) -> Seconds {
-    pub fn buffer_end(&self) -> f64 {
         self.playhead_seconds + self.buffer_duration()
     }
+
+    pub fn playhead_beats(&self) -> Beats {
+        self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(self.playhead_seconds)
+    }
+
+    pub fn buffer_end_beats(&self) -> Beats {
+        self.tempo_map.seconds_to_beats(self.buffer_end())
+    }
 }
 
 /// Node in the track hierarchy - can be an audio track, MIDI track, or a metatrack
@@ -170,14 +181,14 @@ pub struct Metatrack {
     pub time_stretch: f32,
     /// Pitch shift in semitones (for future implementation)
     pub pitch_shift: f32,
-    /// Time offset in seconds (shift content forward/backward in time)
+    /// Time offset (shift content forward/backward in time)
-    pub offset: f64,
+    pub offset: Seconds,
-    /// Trim start: offset into the metatrack's internal content (seconds)
+    /// Trim start: offset into the metatrack's internal content
     /// Children will see time starting from this point
-    pub trim_start: f64,
+    pub trim_start: Seconds,
-    /// Trim end: offset into the metatrack's internal content (seconds)
+    /// Trim end: offset into the metatrack's internal content
     /// None means no end trim (play until content ends)
-    pub trim_end: Option<f64>,
+    pub trim_end: Option<Seconds>,
     /// Automation lanes for this metatrack
     pub automation_lanes: HashMap<AutomationLaneId, AutomationLane>,
     next_automation_id: AutomationLaneId,
@@ -231,8 +242,8 @@ impl Metatrack {
             solo: false,
             time_stretch: 1.0,
             pitch_shift: 0.0,
-            offset: 0.0,
+            offset: Seconds::ZERO,
-            trim_start: 0.0,
+            trim_start: Seconds::ZERO,
             trim_end: None,
             automation_lanes: HashMap::new(),
             next_automation_id: 0,
@@ -252,7 +263,11 @@ impl Metatrack {
         graph
     }
 
-    /// Build the explicit subtrack mixing graph: SubtrackInputs → Mixer → AudioOutput.
+    /// Build the default subtrack mixing graph: SubtrackInputs → Mixer → Gain → AudioOutput,
+    /// with an AutomationInput ("Volume", range 0..2) feeding the Gain's CV port.
+    ///
+    /// Existing Volume keyframes are preserved across rebuilds so that adding/removing
+    /// a child track doesn't reset the automation.
     ///
     /// `subtracks` is an ordered list of (backend TrackId, display name) for each child.
     /// Replaces the current graph and marks `graph_is_default = true`.
@@ -262,35 +277,60 @@ impl Metatrack {
         sample_rate: u32,
         buffer_size: usize,
     ) {
-        use super::node_graph::nodes::{SubtrackInputsNode, MixerNode};
+        use super::node_graph::nodes::{SubtrackInputsNode, MixerNode, GainNode, AutomationInputNode};
+        use super::node_graph::nodes::AutomationKeyframe;
+        use crate::time::Beats;
+
+        // Preserve existing Volume keyframes before rebuilding.
+        let existing_volume_kfs = self.get_volume_automation_keyframes();
 
         let n = subtracks.len();
         let mut graph = AudioGraph::new(sample_rate, buffer_size);
 
         // SubtrackInputs node (N outputs, one per child)
-        // NOTE: `new()` initialises buffers as zero-length; call `update_subtracks` immediately
-        // to allocate stereo interleaved buffers (buffer_size * 2 samples each).
         let mut inputs_node = SubtrackInputsNode::new("Subtrack Inputs", subtracks);
         let subtracks_copy = inputs_node.subtracks().to_vec();
         inputs_node.update_subtracks(subtracks_copy, buffer_size);
         let inputs_id = graph.add_node(Box::new(inputs_node));
         graph.set_node_position(inputs_id, 100.0, 150.0);
 
-        // Mixer node (starts with 1 spare; grows as connections are made)
+        // Mixer node
         let mixer_node = Box::new(MixerNode::new("Mixer"));
         let mixer_id = graph.add_node(mixer_node);
-        graph.set_node_position(mixer_id, 350.0, 150.0);
+        graph.set_node_position(mixer_id, 330.0, 150.0);
+
+        // Gain node — group volume control
+        let gain_id = graph.add_node(Box::new(GainNode::new("Volume")));
+        graph.set_node_position(gain_id, 520.0, 150.0);
+
+        // AutomationInput — drives the Gain's CV port
+        let mut auto_node = AutomationInputNode::new("Volume CV");
+        auto_node.set_display_name("Volume".to_string());
+        auto_node.value_min = 0.0;
+        auto_node.value_max = 2.0;
+        auto_node.clear_keyframes();
+        if existing_volume_kfs.is_empty() {
+            auto_node.add_keyframe(AutomationKeyframe::new(Beats::ZERO, 1.0));
+        } else {
+            for kf in existing_volume_kfs {
+                auto_node.add_keyframe(kf);
+            }
+        }
+        let auto_id = graph.add_node(Box::new(auto_node));
+        graph.set_node_position(auto_id, 520.0, 320.0);
 
         // AudioOutput node
         let output_node = Box::new(AudioOutputNode::new("Audio Output"));
         let output_id = graph.add_node(output_node);
-        graph.set_node_position(output_id, 600.0, 150.0);
+        graph.set_node_position(output_id, 720.0, 150.0);
 
         // Connect SubtrackInputs[i] → Mixer[i] for each subtrack
         for i in 0..n {
             let _ = graph.connect(inputs_id, i, mixer_id, i);
         }
-        let _ = graph.connect(mixer_id, 0, output_id, 0);
+        let _ = graph.connect(mixer_id, 0, gain_id, 0);    // Mixer → Gain audio
+        let _ = graph.connect(auto_id, 0, gain_id, 1);     // AutomationInput → Gain CV
+        let _ = graph.connect(gain_id, 0, output_id, 0);   // Gain → Audio Out
         graph.set_output_node(Some(output_id));
 
         self.audio_graph = graph;
@@ -298,6 +338,22 @@ impl Metatrack {
         self.graph_is_default = true;
     }
 
+    /// Extract Volume AutomationInput keyframes from the current graph (if any),
+    /// so they can be preserved across `set_subtrack_graph` rebuilds.
+    fn get_volume_automation_keyframes(&self) -> Vec<super::node_graph::nodes::AutomationKeyframe> {
+        use super::node_graph::nodes::AutomationInputNode;
+        for idx in self.audio_graph.node_indices() {
+            if let Some(node) = self.audio_graph.get_graph_node(idx) {
+                if node.node.node_type() == "AutomationInput" {
+                    if let Some(auto_node) = node.node.as_any().downcast_ref::<AutomationInputNode>() {
+                        return auto_node.keyframes().to_vec();
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        Vec::new()
+    }
+
     /// Add a new subtrack port to the existing graph.
     ///
     /// If `graph_is_default`: also connects the new port to a new Mixer input.
@@ -493,7 +549,7 @@ impl Metatrack {
     }
 
     /// Evaluate automation at a specific time and return effective parameters
-    pub fn evaluate_automation_at_time(&self, time: f64) -> (f32, f32, f64) {
+    pub fn evaluate_automation_at_time(&self, time: Beats) -> (f32, f32, Seconds) {
         let mut volume = self.volume;
         let mut time_stretch = self.time_stretch;
         let mut offset = self.offset;
@@ -517,7 +573,7 @@ impl Metatrack {
                 }
                 ParameterId::TimeOffset => {
                     if let Some(automated_value) = lane.evaluate(time) {
-                        offset = automated_value as f64;
+                        offset = Seconds(automated_value as f64);
                     }
                 }
                 _ => {}
@@ -561,7 +617,7 @@ impl Metatrack {
 
     /// Check whether this metatrack should produce audio at the given parent time.
     /// Returns false if the playhead is outside the trim window.
-    pub fn is_active_at_time(&self, parent_playhead: f64) -> bool {
+    pub fn is_active_at_time(&self, parent_playhead: Seconds) -> bool {
         let local_time = (parent_playhead - self.offset) * self.time_stretch as f64;
         if local_time < self.trim_start {
             return false;
@@ -580,7 +636,7 @@ impl Metatrack {
     /// Time stretch affects how fast content plays: 0.5 = half speed, 2.0 = double speed
     /// Offset shifts content forward/backward in time
     /// Trim start offsets into the internal content
-    pub fn transform_context(&self, ctx: RenderContext) -> RenderContext {
+    pub fn transform_context<'a>(&self, ctx: RenderContext<'a>) -> RenderContext<'a> {
         let mut transformed = ctx;
 
         // Apply transformations in order:
@@ -596,7 +652,7 @@ impl Metatrack {
         let stretched = adjusted_playhead * self.time_stretch as f64;
 
         // 3. Add trim_start so children see time starting from the trim point
-        //    If trim_start=2.0, children start seeing time 2.0 when parent reaches offset
+        //    If trim_start=2.0s, children start seeing time 2.0s when parent reaches offset
         transformed.playhead_seconds = stretched + self.trim_start;
 
         // Accumulate time stretch for nested metatracks
@@ -772,13 +828,13 @@ impl MidiTrack {
         // Send note-off for all 128 possible MIDI notes to silence the instrument
         let mut note_offs = Vec::new();
         for note in 0..128 {
-            note_offs.push(MidiEvent::note_off(0.0, 0, note, 0));
+            note_offs.push(MidiEvent::note_off(Beats::ZERO, 0, note, 0));
         }
 
         // Create a silent buffer to process the note-offs
         let buffer_size = 512 * 2; // stereo
         let mut silent_buffer = vec![0.0f32; buffer_size];
-        self.instrument_graph.process(&mut silent_buffer, &note_offs, 0.0);
+        self.instrument_graph.process(&mut silent_buffer, &note_offs, Beats::ZERO);
     }
 
     /// Queue a live MIDI event (from virtual keyboard or MIDI controller)
@@ -805,17 +861,17 @@ impl MidiTrack {
         let mut midi_events = Vec::new();
 
         if !ctx.live_only {
-            let buffer_duration_seconds = output.len() as f64 / (ctx.sample_rate as f64 * ctx.channels as f64);
+            let playhead_beats = ctx.playhead_beats();
-            let buffer_end_seconds = ctx.playhead_seconds + buffer_duration_seconds;
+            let buffer_end_beats = ctx.buffer_end_beats();
 
-            // Collect MIDI events from all clip instances that overlap with current time range
+            // Collect MIDI events from all clip instances that overlap with current beat range
             let mut currently_active = HashSet::new();
             for instance in &self.clip_instances {
-                if instance.overlaps_range(ctx.playhead_seconds, buffer_end_seconds) {
+                if instance.overlaps_range(playhead_beats, buffer_end_beats) {
                     currently_active.insert(instance.id);
                 }
                 if let Some(clip) = midi_pool.get_clip(instance.clip_id) {
-                    let events = instance.get_events_in_range(clip, ctx.playhead_seconds, buffer_end_seconds);
+                    let events = instance.get_events_in_range(clip, playhead_beats, buffer_end_beats);
                     midi_events.extend(events);
                 }
             }
@@ -824,7 +880,7 @@ impl MidiTrack {
             for prev_id in &self.prev_active_instances {
                 if !currently_active.contains(prev_id) {
                     for note in 0..128u8 {
-                        midi_events.push(MidiEvent::note_off(ctx.playhead_seconds, 0, note, 0));
+                        midi_events.push(MidiEvent::note_off(playhead_beats, 0, note, 0));
                     }
                     break;
                 }
@@ -836,10 +892,10 @@ impl MidiTrack {
         midi_events.extend(self.live_midi_queue.drain(..));
 
         // Generate audio using instrument graph
-        self.instrument_graph.process(output, &midi_events, ctx.playhead_seconds);
+        self.instrument_graph.process(output, &midi_events, ctx.playhead_beats());
 
         // Evaluate and apply automation (skip automation in live_only mode — no playhead to evaluate at)
-        let effective_volume = if ctx.live_only { self.volume } else { self.evaluate_automation_at_time(ctx.playhead_seconds) };
+        let effective_volume = if ctx.live_only { self.volume } else { self.evaluate_automation_at_time(ctx.playhead_beats()) };
 
         // Apply track volume
         for sample in output.iter_mut() {
@@ -848,7 +904,7 @@ impl MidiTrack {
     }
 
     /// Evaluate automation at a specific time and return the effective volume
-    fn evaluate_automation_at_time(&self, time: f64) -> f32 {
+    fn evaluate_automation_at_time(&self, time: Beats) -> f32 {
         let mut volume = self.volume;
 
         // Check for volume automation
@@ -1081,12 +1137,9 @@ impl AudioTrack {
         &mut self,
         output: &mut [f32],
         pool: &AudioClipPool,
-        playhead_seconds: f64,
+        ctx: RenderContext<'_>,
-        sample_rate: u32,
-        channels: u32,
     ) -> usize {
-        let buffer_duration_seconds = output.len() as f64 / (sample_rate as f64 * channels as f64);
+        let buffer_end = ctx.buffer_end();
-        let buffer_end_seconds = playhead_seconds + buffer_duration_seconds;
 
         // Split borrow: take clip_render_buffer out to avoid borrow conflict with &self methods
         let mut clip_buffer = std::mem::take(&mut self.clip_render_buffer);
@@ -1096,16 +1149,8 @@ impl AudioTrack {
 
         // Render all active clip instances into the buffer
         for clip in &self.clips {
-            // Check if clip overlaps with current buffer time range
+            if clip.external_start_secs(ctx.tempo_map) < buffer_end && clip.external_end_secs(ctx.tempo_map) > ctx.playhead_seconds {
-            if clip.external_start < buffer_end_seconds && clip.external_end() > playhead_seconds {
+                rendered += self.render_clip(clip, &mut clip_buffer, pool, ctx);
-                rendered += self.render_clip(
-                    clip,
-                    &mut clip_buffer,
-                    pool,
-                    playhead_seconds,
-                    sample_rate,
-                    channels,
-                );
             }
         }
 
@@ -1123,13 +1168,13 @@ impl AudioTrack {
         }
 
         // Process through the effects graph (this will write to output buffer)
-        self.effects_graph.process(output, &[], playhead_seconds);
+        self.effects_graph.process(output, &[], ctx.playhead_beats());
 
         // Put the buffer back for reuse next callback
         self.clip_render_buffer = clip_buffer;
 
         // Evaluate and apply automation
-        let effective_volume = self.evaluate_automation_at_time(playhead_seconds);
+        let effective_volume = self.evaluate_automation_at_time(ctx.playhead_beats());
 
         // Apply track volume
         for sample in output.iter_mut() {
@@ -1140,7 +1185,7 @@ impl AudioTrack {
     }
 
     /// Evaluate automation at a specific time and return the effective volume
-    fn evaluate_automation_at_time(&self, time: f64) -> f32 {
+    fn evaluate_automation_at_time(&self, time: Beats) -> f32 {
         let mut volume = self.volume;
 
         // Check for volume automation
@@ -1169,49 +1214,40 @@ impl AudioTrack {
         clip: &AudioClipInstance,
         output: &mut [f32],
         pool: &AudioClipPool,
-        playhead_seconds: f64,
+        ctx: RenderContext<'_>,
-        sample_rate: u32,
-        channels: u32,
     ) -> usize {
-        let buffer_duration_seconds = output.len() as f64 / (sample_rate as f64 * channels as f64);
+        let playhead = ctx.playhead_seconds;
-        let buffer_end_seconds = playhead_seconds + buffer_duration_seconds;
+        let buffer_end = ctx.buffer_end();
+        let tempo_map = ctx.tempo_map;
+        let sample_rate = ctx.sample_rate;
+        let channels = ctx.channels;
 
         // Determine the time range we need to render (intersection of buffer and clip external bounds)
-        let render_start_seconds = playhead_seconds.max(clip.external_start);
+        let render_start = playhead.max(clip.external_start_secs(tempo_map));
-        let render_end_seconds = buffer_end_seconds.min(clip.external_end());
+        let render_end = buffer_end.min(clip.external_end_secs(tempo_map));
 
-        // If no overlap, return early
+        if render_start >= render_end {
-        if render_start_seconds >= render_end_seconds {
             return 0;
         }
 
         let internal_duration = clip.internal_duration();
-        if internal_duration <= 0.0 {
+        if internal_duration <= Seconds::ZERO {
             return 0;
         }
 
-        // Calculate combined gain
         let combined_gain = clip.gain;
-
         let mut total_rendered = 0;
-
-        // Process the render range sample by sample (or in chunks for efficiency)
-        // For looping clips, we need to handle wrap-around at the loop boundary
         let samples_per_second = sample_rate as f64 * channels as f64;
 
-        // For now, render in a simpler way - iterate through the timeline range
+        let output_start_offset = ((render_start - playhead).0 * samples_per_second + 0.5) as usize;
-        // and use get_content_position for each sample position
+        let output_end_offset = ((render_end - playhead).0 * samples_per_second + 0.5) as usize;
-        let output_start_offset = ((render_start_seconds - playhead_seconds) * samples_per_second + 0.5) as usize;
-        let output_end_offset = ((render_end_seconds - playhead_seconds) * samples_per_second + 0.5) as usize;
 
         if output_end_offset > output.len() || output_start_offset > output.len() {
             return 0;
         }
 
-        // If not looping, we can render in one chunk (more efficient)
+        if !clip.is_looping(tempo_map) {
-        if !clip.is_looping() {
+            let content_start = clip.get_content_position(render_start, tempo_map).unwrap_or(clip.internal_start);
-            // Simple case: no looping
-            let content_start = clip.get_content_position(render_start_seconds).unwrap_or(clip.internal_start);
             let output_len = output.len();
             let output_slice = &mut output[output_start_offset..output_end_offset.min(output_len)];
 
@@ -1225,23 +1261,20 @@ impl AudioTrack {
                 clip.read_ahead.as_deref(),
             );
         } else {
-            // Looping case: need to handle wrap-around at loop boundaries
+            // Looping case: handle wrap-around at loop boundaries
-            // Render in segments, one per loop iteration
+            let mut timeline_pos = render_start;
-            let mut timeline_pos = render_start_seconds;
             let mut output_offset = output_start_offset;
 
-            while timeline_pos < render_end_seconds && output_offset < output.len() {
+            while timeline_pos < render_end && output_offset < output.len() {
-                // Calculate position within the loop
+                let relative_pos = timeline_pos - clip.external_start_secs(tempo_map);
-                let relative_pos = timeline_pos - clip.external_start;
+                let loop_offset = relative_pos.0 % internal_duration.0;
-                let loop_offset = relative_pos % internal_duration;
+                let content_pos = clip.internal_start + Seconds(loop_offset);
-                let content_pos = clip.internal_start + loop_offset;
 
-                // Calculate how much we can render before hitting the loop boundary
+                let time_to_loop_end = Seconds(internal_duration.0 - loop_offset);
-                let time_to_loop_end = internal_duration - loop_offset;
+                let time_to_render_end = render_end - timeline_pos;
-                let time_to_render_end = render_end_seconds - timeline_pos;
                 let chunk_duration = time_to_loop_end.min(time_to_render_end);
 
-                let chunk_samples = (chunk_duration * samples_per_second) as usize;
+                let chunk_samples = (chunk_duration.0 * samples_per_second) as usize;
                 let chunk_samples = chunk_samples.min(output.len() - output_offset);
 
                 if chunk_samples == 0 {
@@ -1262,7 +1295,7 @@ impl AudioTrack {
 
                 total_rendered += rendered;
                 output_offset += chunk_samples;
-                timeline_pos += chunk_duration;
+                timeline_pos = timeline_pos + chunk_duration;
             }
         }
 

daw-backend/src/command/types.rs

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ use crate::audio::midi::MidiEvent;
 use crate::audio::buffer_pool::BufferPoolStats;
 use crate::audio::node_graph::nodes::LoopMode;
 use crate::io::WaveformPeak;
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
 
 /// Commands sent from UI/control thread to audio thread
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
@@ -113,7 +114,7 @@ pub enum Command {
 
     // Recording commands
     /// Start recording on a track (track_id, start_time)
-    StartRecording(TrackId, f64),
+    StartRecording(TrackId, Beats),
     /// Stop the current recording
     StopRecording,
     /// Pause the current recording
@@ -123,7 +124,7 @@ pub enum Command {
 
     // MIDI Recording commands
     /// Start MIDI recording on a track (track_id, clip_id, start_time)
-    StartMidiRecording(TrackId, MidiClipId, f64),
+    StartMidiRecording(TrackId, MidiClipId, Beats),
     /// Stop the current MIDI recording
     StopMidiRecording,
 
@@ -144,10 +145,8 @@ pub enum Command {
     SetMetronomeEnabled(bool),
     /// Set project tempo and time signature (bpm, (numerator, denominator))
     SetTempo(f32, (u32, u32)),
-    /// After a BPM change: update MIDI clip durations and sync all clip beats/frames from seconds.
+    /// Replace the entire tempo map (multi-entry variable tempo support)
-    /// (bpm, fps, midi_durations: Vec<(clip_id, new_duration_seconds)>)
+    SetTempoMap(crate::TempoMap),
-    ApplyBpmChange(f64, f64, Vec<(MidiClipId, f64)>),
-
     // Node graph commands
     /// Add a node to a track's instrument graph (track_id, node_type, position_x, position_y)
     GraphAddNode(TrackId, String, f32, f32),
@@ -289,7 +288,7 @@ pub enum AudioEvent {
     /// Recording started (track_id, clip_id, sample_rate, channels)
     RecordingStarted(TrackId, ClipId, u32, u32),
     /// Recording progress update (clip_id, current_duration)
-    RecordingProgress(ClipId, f64),
+    RecordingProgress(ClipId, Seconds),
     /// Recording stopped (clip_id, pool_index, waveform)
     RecordingStopped(ClipId, usize, Vec<WaveformPeak>),
     /// Recording error (error_message)
@@ -297,8 +296,8 @@ pub enum AudioEvent {
     /// MIDI recording stopped (track_id, clip_id, note_count)
     MidiRecordingStopped(TrackId, MidiClipId, usize),
     /// MIDI recording progress (track_id, clip_id, duration, notes)
-    /// Notes format: (start_time, note, velocity, duration)
+    /// Notes format: (start_time, note, velocity, duration) — all times in beats
-    MidiRecordingProgress(TrackId, MidiClipId, f64, Vec<(f64, u8, u8, f64)>),
+    MidiRecordingProgress(TrackId, MidiClipId, Beats, Vec<(Beats, u8, u8, Beats)>),
     /// Project has been reset
     ProjectReset,
     /// MIDI note started playing (note, velocity)

daw-backend/src/io/midi_file.rs

@@ -1,164 +1,69 @@
 use crate::audio::midi::{MidiClip, MidiClipId, MidiEvent};
+use crate::time::Beats;
 use std::fs;
 use std::path::Path;
 
-/// Load a MIDI file and convert it to a MidiClip
+/// Load a MIDI file and convert it to a MidiClip.
+///
+/// Event timestamps are stored as beat positions: `tick / ticks_per_beat`.
+/// Tempo events in the MIDI file only affect wall-clock playback speed — not the
+/// beat grid — so they are ignored here.
 pub fn load_midi_file<P: AsRef<Path>>(
     path: P,
     clip_id: MidiClipId,
     _sample_rate: u32,
 ) -> Result<MidiClip, String> {
-    // Read the MIDI file
     let data = fs::read(path.as_ref()).map_err(|e| format!("Failed to read MIDI file: {}", e))?;
-
-    // Parse with midly
     let smf = midly::Smf::parse(&data).map_err(|e| format!("Failed to parse MIDI file: {}", e))?;
 
-    // Convert timing to ticks per second
     let ticks_per_beat = match smf.header.timing {
         midly::Timing::Metrical(tpb) => tpb.as_int() as f64,
         midly::Timing::Timecode(fps, subframe) => {
-            // For timecode, calculate equivalent ticks per second
+            // Timecode-based MIDI: treat subframes as ticks per beat
             (fps.as_f32() * subframe as f32) as f64
         }
     };
 
-    // First pass: collect all events with their tick positions and tempo changes
+    let mut events = Vec::new();
-    #[derive(Debug)]
+    let mut max_tick = 0u64;
-    enum RawEvent {
-        Midi {
-            tick: u64,
-            channel: u8,
-            message: midly::MidiMessage,
-        },
-        Tempo {
-            tick: u64,
-            microseconds_per_beat: f64,
-        },
-    }
 
-    let mut raw_events = Vec::new();
-    let mut max_time_ticks = 0u64;
-
-    // Collect all events from all tracks with their absolute tick positions
     for track in &smf.tracks {
         let mut current_tick = 0u64;
 
         for event in track {
             current_tick += event.delta.as_int() as u64;
-            max_time_ticks = max_time_ticks.max(current_tick);
+            max_tick = max_tick.max(current_tick);
+
+            let timestamp = Beats(current_tick as f64 / ticks_per_beat);
 
             match event.kind {
                 midly::TrackEventKind::Midi { channel, message } => {
-                    raw_events.push(RawEvent::Midi {
+                    let ch = channel.as_int();
-                        tick: current_tick,
+                    match message {
-                        channel: channel.as_int(),
+                        midly::MidiMessage::NoteOn { key, vel } => {
-                        message,
+                            let velocity = vel.as_int();
-                    });
+                            if velocity > 0 {
-                }
+                                events.push(MidiEvent::note_on(timestamp, ch, key.as_int(), velocity));
-                midly::TrackEventKind::Meta(midly::MetaMessage::Tempo(tempo)) => {
+                            } else {
-                    raw_events.push(RawEvent::Tempo {
+                                events.push(MidiEvent::note_off(timestamp, ch, key.as_int(), 64));
-                        tick: current_tick,
+                            }
-                        microseconds_per_beat: tempo.as_int() as f64,
-                    });
-                }
-                _ => {
-                    // Ignore other meta events
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    // Sort all events by tick position
-    raw_events.sort_by_key(|e| match e {
-        RawEvent::Midi { tick, .. } => *tick,
-        RawEvent::Tempo { tick, .. } => *tick,
-    });
-
-    // Second pass: convert ticks to timestamps with proper tempo tracking
-    let mut events = Vec::new();
-    let mut microseconds_per_beat = 500000.0; // Default: 120 BPM
-    let mut last_tick = 0u64;
-    let mut accumulated_time = 0.0; // Time in seconds
-
-    for raw_event in raw_events {
-        match raw_event {
-            RawEvent::Tempo {
-                tick,
-                microseconds_per_beat: new_tempo,
-            } => {
-                // Update accumulated time up to this tempo change
-                let delta_ticks = tick - last_tick;
-                let delta_time = (delta_ticks as f64 / ticks_per_beat)
-                    * (microseconds_per_beat / 1_000_000.0);
-                accumulated_time += delta_time;
-                last_tick = tick;
-
-                // Update tempo for future events
-                microseconds_per_beat = new_tempo;
-            }
-            RawEvent::Midi {
-                tick,
-                channel,
-                message,
-            } => {
-                // Calculate time for this event
-                let delta_ticks = tick - last_tick;
-                let delta_time = (delta_ticks as f64 / ticks_per_beat)
-                    * (microseconds_per_beat / 1_000_000.0);
-                accumulated_time += delta_time;
-                last_tick = tick;
-
-                // Store timestamp in seconds (sample-rate independent)
-                let timestamp = accumulated_time;
-
-                match message {
-                    midly::MidiMessage::NoteOn { key, vel } => {
-                        let velocity = vel.as_int();
-                        if velocity > 0 {
-                            events.push(MidiEvent::note_on(
-                                timestamp,
-                                channel,
-                                key.as_int(),
-                                velocity,
-                            ));
-                        } else {
-                            events.push(MidiEvent::note_off(timestamp, channel, key.as_int(), 64));
                         }
-                    }
+                        midly::MidiMessage::NoteOff { key, vel } => {
-                    midly::MidiMessage::NoteOff { key, vel } => {
+                            events.push(MidiEvent::note_off(timestamp, ch, key.as_int(), vel.as_int()));
-                        events.push(MidiEvent::note_off(
+                        }
-                            timestamp,
+                        midly::MidiMessage::Controller { controller, value } => {
-                            channel,
+                            let status = 0xB0 | ch;
-                            key.as_int(),
+                            events.push(MidiEvent::new(timestamp, status, controller.as_int(), value.as_int()));
-                            vel.as_int(),
+                        }
-                        ));
+                        _ => {}
-                    }
-                    midly::MidiMessage::Controller { controller, value } => {
-                        let status = 0xB0 | channel;
-                        events.push(MidiEvent::new(
-                            timestamp,
-                            status,
-                            controller.as_int(),
-                            value.as_int(),
-                        ));
-                    }
-                    _ => {
-                        // Ignore other MIDI messages
                     }
                 }
+                _ => {} // Tempo and other meta events don't affect beat positions
             }
         }
     }
 
-    // Calculate final clip duration
+    let duration = Beats(max_tick as f64 / ticks_per_beat);
-    let final_delta_ticks = max_time_ticks - last_tick;
+    let clip = MidiClip::new(clip_id, events, duration, "Imported MIDI".to_string());
-    let final_delta_time =
-        (final_delta_ticks as f64 / ticks_per_beat) * (microseconds_per_beat / 1_000_000.0);
-    let duration_seconds = accumulated_time + final_delta_time;
-
-    // Create the MIDI clip (content only, positioning happens when creating instance)
-    let clip = MidiClip::new(clip_id, events, duration_seconds, "Imported MIDI".to_string());
-
     Ok(clip)
 }

daw-backend/src/lib.rs

@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 
 pub mod audio;
 pub mod command;
+pub mod time;
+pub mod tempo_map;
 pub mod dsp;
 pub mod effects;
 pub mod io;
@@ -18,6 +20,8 @@ pub use audio::{
     TrackNode,
 };
 pub use audio::node_graph::{GraphPreset, AudioGraph, PresetMetadata, SerializedConnection, SerializedNode};
+pub use time::{Beats, Seconds};
+pub use tempo_map::{TempoEntry, TempoInterpolation, TempoMap, beats_to_seconds_stack, seconds_to_beats_stack};
 pub use command::{AudioEvent, Command, OscilloscopeData};
 pub use command::types::AutomationKeyframeData;
 pub use io::{load_midi_file, AudioFile, WaveformChunk, WaveformChunkKey, WaveformPeak, WavWriter};
@@ -90,7 +94,7 @@ impl AudioSystem {
         // Create input ringbuffer for recording (large buffer for audio samples)
         // Buffer size: 10 seconds of audio at 48kHz stereo = 48000 * 2 * 10 = 960000 samples
         let input_buffer_size = (sample_rate * channels * 10) as usize;
-        let (mut input_tx, input_rx) = rtrb::RingBuffer::new(input_buffer_size);
+        let (input_tx, input_rx) = rtrb::RingBuffer::new(input_buffer_size);
 
         // Create mirror ringbuffer for streaming recorded audio to UI (live waveform)
         let (mirror_tx, mirror_rx) = rtrb::RingBuffer::new(input_buffer_size);

daw-backend/src/tempo_map.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,332 @@
+//! TempoMap — beats ↔ seconds conversion with variable tempo support.
+//!
+//! Positions are stored in **beats** throughout the project; `TempoMap` converts
+//! between beats and seconds at render / scheduling time.
+//!
+//! # Interpolation
+//! Each `TempoEntry` has an `interpolation` field that controls how the BPM
+//! changes between that entry and the next:
+//! - `Step`: BPM is constant from this entry's beat until the next entry. Instant change.
+//! - `Linear`: BPM linearly interpolates from this entry's BPM to the next entry's BPM
+//!   over the beat range.  The seconds calculation uses the exact integral:
+//!   `Δt = (60 / slope) * ln(bpm_end / bpm_start)` where slope = (bpm_end - bpm_start) / span_beats.
+//!
+//! # Format
+//! `entries` is a sorted `Vec<TempoEntry>` where the first entry must always
+//! have `beat == 0.0`.
+//!
+//! # Sequential-access optimisation
+//! An `AtomicUsize` caches the index of the last segment visited by
+//! `beats_to_seconds`.  When calls are in ascending order (the common case when
+//! walking events in order) the scan starts from the cached index instead of
+//! the beginning, giving amortised O(1) behaviour.
+
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicUsize, Ordering};
+use crate::time::{Beats, Seconds};
+
+/// How the BPM transitions from one `TempoEntry` to the next.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq, Default)]
+pub enum TempoInterpolation {
+    /// BPM stays constant from this entry's beat until the next entry (instant change).
+    #[default]
+    Step,
+    /// BPM linearly interpolates from this entry's BPM to the next entry's BPM
+    /// over the beat span between the two entries.
+    Linear,
+}
+
+/// A single tempo segment: from `beat` onwards the tempo changes according to `interpolation`.
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct TempoEntry {
+    /// Start of this tempo segment in beats (quarter-note beats).
+    pub beat: f64,
+    /// Tempo at the start of this segment in beats per minute.
+    pub bpm: f64,
+    /// Cumulative seconds elapsed at the start of this segment.
+    /// **Derived** — not serialised; call [`TempoMap::rebuild_seconds`] after any
+    /// mutation or after deserialization.
+    #[serde(skip, default)]
+    pub seconds: f64,
+    /// How the BPM transitions from this entry to the next.
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub interpolation: TempoInterpolation,
+}
+
+/// A piecewise tempo map used to convert between beats and seconds.
+#[derive(Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct TempoMap {
+    /// Sorted list of tempo segments.  Must always have at least one entry at beat 0.
+    pub entries: Vec<TempoEntry>,
+    /// Sequential-access cache: index of the last segment used by `beats_to_seconds`.
+    #[serde(skip, default)]
+    last_index: AtomicUsize,
+}
+
+impl Clone for TempoMap {
+    fn clone(&self) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            entries: self.entries.clone(),
+            last_index: AtomicUsize::new(self.last_index.load(Ordering::Relaxed)),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl Default for TempoMap {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self::constant(120.0)
+    }
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Internal helpers
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+/// Seconds elapsed traversing `span_beats` starting at `bpm_start`.
+/// If `bpm_end` is `Some` (linear segment) and differs from `bpm_start`,
+/// uses the exact logarithmic integral.
+#[inline]
+fn segment_duration(span_beats: f64, bpm_start: f64, bpm_end: Option<f64>) -> f64 {
+    match bpm_end {
+        None => span_beats * 60.0 / bpm_start,
+        Some(b1) if (b1 - bpm_start).abs() < 1e-9 => span_beats * 60.0 / bpm_start,
+        Some(b1) => {
+            // Linear BPM: BPM(b) = bpm_start + slope * (b - b_start)
+            // Δt = ∫₀^span 60 / BPM(b) db = (60/slope) * ln(b1/bpm_start)
+            let slope = (b1 - bpm_start) / span_beats;
+            (60.0 / slope) * (b1 / bpm_start).ln()
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Beats elapsed given `delta_seconds` starting at `bpm_start`.
+/// If `bpm_end` is `Some` (linear segment) and differs from `bpm_start`,
+/// uses the exact exponential inverse.
+#[inline]
+fn segment_beats(delta_seconds: f64, span_beats: f64, bpm_start: f64, bpm_end: Option<f64>) -> f64 {
+    match bpm_end {
+        None => delta_seconds * bpm_start / 60.0,
+        Some(b1) if (b1 - bpm_start).abs() < 1e-9 => delta_seconds * bpm_start / 60.0,
+        Some(b1) => {
+            // Inverse of the logarithmic integral:
+            // b = b_start + (bpm_start / slope) * (exp(delta_t * slope / 60) - 1)
+            let slope = (b1 - bpm_start) / span_beats;
+            (bpm_start / slope) * ((delta_seconds * slope / 60.0).exp() - 1.0)
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+impl TempoMap {
+    /// Create a constant-tempo map.
+    pub fn constant(bpm: f64) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            entries: vec![TempoEntry { beat: 0.0, bpm, seconds: 0.0, interpolation: TempoInterpolation::Step }],
+            last_index: AtomicUsize::new(0),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Rebuild the `seconds` field on every entry from scratch.
+    /// **Must be called** after any mutation (add/remove/reorder entry) and
+    /// after deserialization.
+    pub fn rebuild_seconds(&mut self) {
+        let mut cumulative = 0.0_f64;
+        let n = self.entries.len();
+        for i in 0..n {
+            self.entries[i].seconds = cumulative;
+            if i + 1 < n {
+                let span = self.entries[i + 1].beat - self.entries[i].beat;
+                let bpm_end = if self.entries[i].interpolation == TempoInterpolation::Linear {
+                    Some(self.entries[i + 1].bpm)
+                } else {
+                    None
+                };
+                cumulative += segment_duration(span, self.entries[i].bpm, bpm_end);
+            }
+        }
+        self.last_index.store(0, Ordering::Relaxed);
+    }
+
+    /// Return the instantaneous BPM active at `beat`.
+    /// For linear segments, returns the interpolated value at that beat.
+    pub fn bpm_at(&self, beat: Beats) -> f64 {
+        let n = self.entries.len();
+        let idx = self.entries.partition_point(|e| e.beat <= beat.0).saturating_sub(1);
+        let idx = idx.min(n - 1);
+        let entry = &self.entries[idx];
+        if entry.interpolation == TempoInterpolation::Linear && idx + 1 < n {
+            let next = &self.entries[idx + 1];
+            let t = (beat.0 - entry.beat) / (next.beat - entry.beat);
+            entry.bpm + (next.bpm - entry.bpm) * t
+        } else {
+            entry.bpm
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Convert beats to seconds using the tempo map.
+    ///
+    /// Uses the sequential cache: if `beat` is at or after the last cached
+    /// segment, the scan starts there instead of from the beginning.
+    pub fn beats_to_seconds(&self, beat: Beats) -> Seconds {
+        Seconds(self.transform(beat.0))
+    }
+
+    /// Convert seconds to beats using binary search on the cached `seconds` offsets.
+    pub fn seconds_to_beats(&self, seconds: Seconds) -> Beats {
+        Beats(self.inverse_transform(seconds.0))
+    }
+
+    /// Global BPM — the BPM of the first entry (at beat 0).
+    pub fn global_bpm(&self) -> f64 {
+        self.entries[0].bpm
+    }
+
+    /// Set the global BPM (first entry).  Rebuilds seconds.
+    pub fn set_global_bpm(&mut self, bpm: f64) {
+        self.entries[0].bpm = bpm;
+        self.rebuild_seconds();
+    }
+
+    /// Convert local beats to parent time units (raw `f64`).
+    ///
+    /// At the root level the result is absolute seconds.  Inside a nested
+    /// group the result is the *parent group's* beats.
+    pub fn transform(&self, beat: f64) -> f64 {
+        if beat <= 0.0 {
+            return 0.0;
+        }
+        let n = self.entries.len();
+        let cached = self.last_index.load(Ordering::Relaxed).min(n.saturating_sub(1));
+        let start = if beat >= self.entries[cached].beat { cached } else { 0 };
+        let mut idx = start;
+        while idx + 1 < n && self.entries[idx + 1].beat <= beat {
+            idx += 1;
+        }
+        self.last_index.store(idx, Ordering::Relaxed);
+
+        let entry = &self.entries[idx];
+        let beat_in_seg = beat - entry.beat;
+        if entry.interpolation == TempoInterpolation::Linear && idx + 1 < n {
+            let next = &self.entries[idx + 1];
+            let span = next.beat - entry.beat;
+            entry.seconds + segment_duration(beat_in_seg, entry.bpm, Some(entry.bpm + (next.bpm - entry.bpm) * beat_in_seg / span))
+        } else {
+            entry.seconds + beat_in_seg * 60.0 / entry.bpm
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Inverse of [`transform`]: convert parent time units back to local beats.
+    pub fn inverse_transform(&self, parent_time: f64) -> f64 {
+        if parent_time <= 0.0 {
+            return 0.0;
+        }
+        let n = self.entries.len();
+        let idx = self.entries.partition_point(|e| e.seconds <= parent_time).saturating_sub(1);
+        let idx = idx.min(n - 1);
+        let entry = &self.entries[idx];
+        let delta_t = parent_time - entry.seconds;
+        if entry.interpolation == TempoInterpolation::Linear && idx + 1 < n {
+            let next = &self.entries[idx + 1];
+            let span = next.beat - entry.beat;
+            entry.beat + segment_beats(delta_t, span, entry.bpm, Some(next.bpm))
+        } else {
+            entry.beat + delta_t * entry.bpm / 60.0
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Build a `TempoMap` from a list of `(beat, bpm)` keyframes (step interpolation).
+    /// Always inserts a beat-0 entry using the first keyframe's BPM (or 120.0 if empty).
+    pub fn from_keyframes(keyframes: &[(f64, f64)]) -> Self {
+        if keyframes.is_empty() {
+            return Self::constant(120.0);
+        }
+        let mut entries: Vec<TempoEntry> = keyframes
+            .iter()
+            .map(|&(beat, bpm)| TempoEntry { beat, bpm, seconds: 0.0, interpolation: TempoInterpolation::Step })
+            .collect();
+        entries.sort_by(|a, b| a.beat.partial_cmp(&b.beat).unwrap());
+        if entries[0].beat > 0.0 {
+            entries.insert(0, TempoEntry { beat: 0.0, bpm: entries[0].bpm, seconds: 0.0, interpolation: TempoInterpolation::Step });
+        }
+        let mut map = Self { entries, last_index: AtomicUsize::new(0) };
+        map.rebuild_seconds();
+        map
+    }
+}
+
+/// Convert local beats through a stack of tempo maps to absolute seconds.
+pub fn beats_to_seconds_stack(beat: f64, stack: &[&TempoMap]) -> f64 {
+    let mut t = beat;
+    for tm in stack.iter().rev() {
+        t = tm.transform(t);
+    }
+    t
+}
+
+/// Inverse of [`beats_to_seconds_stack`]: absolute seconds → local beats.
+pub fn seconds_to_beats_stack(seconds: f64, stack: &[&TempoMap]) -> f64 {
+    let mut t = seconds;
+    for tm in stack.iter() {
+        t = tm.inverse_transform(t);
+    }
+    t
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn constant_bpm_round_trip() {
+        let m = TempoMap::constant(120.0);
+        assert!((m.beats_to_seconds(Beats(2.0)).0 - 1.0).abs() < 1e-9);
+        assert!((m.seconds_to_beats(Seconds(1.0)).0 - 2.0).abs() < 1e-9);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn variable_tempo_step() {
+        let m = TempoMap::from_keyframes(&[(0.0, 120.0), (4.0, 60.0)]);
+        // Beat 0-4: 120 BPM → 4 beats = 2 seconds
+        assert!((m.beats_to_seconds(Beats(4.0)).0 - 2.0).abs() < 1e-9, "got {}", m.beats_to_seconds(Beats(4.0)).0);
+        // Beat 4-5: 60 BPM → 1 beat = 1 second
+        assert!((m.beats_to_seconds(Beats(5.0)).0 - 3.0).abs() < 1e-9);
+        assert!((m.seconds_to_beats(Seconds(3.0)).0 - 5.0).abs() < 1e-9);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn linear_interpolation_round_trip() {
+        // 120→240 BPM over 4 beats: slope = (240-120)/4 = 30 BPM/beat
+        // Δt = (60/30) * ln(240/120) = 2 * ln(2) ≈ 1.386s for beats 0-4
+        let mut m = TempoMap::constant(120.0);
+        m.entries.push(TempoEntry { beat: 4.0, bpm: 240.0, seconds: 0.0, interpolation: TempoInterpolation::Step });
+        m.entries[0].interpolation = TempoInterpolation::Linear;
+        m.rebuild_seconds();
+
+        let expected = 2.0 * std::f64::consts::LN_2;
+        let got = m.beats_to_seconds(Beats(4.0)).0;
+        assert!((got - expected).abs() < 1e-9, "got {got}, expected {expected}");
+
+        // Round-trip
+        let beats_back = m.seconds_to_beats(Seconds(expected)).0;
+        assert!((beats_back - 4.0).abs() < 1e-9, "round-trip got {beats_back}");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn stack_composition() {
+        let root = TempoMap::constant(120.0);
+        let group = TempoMap::constant(60.0);
+        let stack: Vec<&TempoMap> = vec![&root, &group];
+        let secs = beats_to_seconds_stack(2.0, &stack);
+        assert!((secs - 1.0).abs() < 1e-9, "got {secs}");
+        let beats = seconds_to_beats_stack(1.0, &stack);
+        assert!((beats - 2.0).abs() < 1e-9, "got {beats}");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn sequential_cache() {
+        let m = TempoMap::constant(120.0);
+        for i in 0..10 {
+            let secs = m.beats_to_seconds(Beats(i as f64));
+            assert!((secs.0 - i as f64 * 0.5).abs() < 1e-9);
+        }
+    }
+}

daw-backend/src/time.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+/// Strongly-typed time units to prevent accidental beats/seconds confusion.
+///
+/// Convert between the two using `TempoMap::beats_to_seconds` / `TempoMap::seconds_to_beats`.
+/// All internal scheduling and clip positions use `Beats`; only audio rendering
+/// (sample offsets, file seeks) uses `Seconds`.
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use std::ops::{Add, AddAssign, Div, Mul, Neg, Rem, Sub, SubAssign};
+
+/// A time position or duration expressed in **beats** (quarter-note beats).
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, PartialOrd, Default, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(transparent)]
+pub struct Beats(pub f64);
+
+/// A time position or duration expressed in **seconds**.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, PartialOrd, Default, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(transparent)]
+pub struct Seconds(pub f64);
+
+impl Beats {
+    pub const ZERO: Self = Self(0.0);
+
+    pub fn max(self, other: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0.max(other.0)) }
+    pub fn min(self, other: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0.min(other.0)) }
+    pub fn abs(self) -> Self { Self(self.0.abs()) }
+    pub fn ceil(self) -> Self { Self(self.0.ceil()) }
+    pub fn floor(self) -> Self { Self(self.0.floor()) }
+    pub fn beats_to_f64(self) -> f64 { self.0 }
+}
+
+impl Seconds {
+    pub const ZERO: Self = Self(0.0);
+
+    pub fn max(self, other: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0.max(other.0)) }
+    pub fn min(self, other: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0.min(other.0)) }
+    pub fn abs(self) -> Self { Self(self.0.abs()) }
+    pub fn seconds_to_f64(self) -> f64 { self.0 }
+}
+
+// --- Beats arithmetic ---
+
+impl Add for Beats {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn add(self, rhs: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0 + rhs.0) }
+}
+impl Sub for Beats {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn sub(self, rhs: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0 - rhs.0) }
+}
+impl Mul<f64> for Beats {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn mul(self, rhs: f64) -> Self { Self(self.0 * rhs) }
+}
+impl Div<f64> for Beats {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn div(self, rhs: f64) -> Self { Self(self.0 / rhs) }
+}
+/// Beats / Beats = dimensionless ratio (f64)
+impl Div<Beats> for Beats {
+    type Output = f64;
+    fn div(self, rhs: Beats) -> f64 { self.0 / rhs.0 }
+}
+impl Rem for Beats {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn rem(self, rhs: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0 % rhs.0) }
+}
+impl Neg for Beats {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn neg(self) -> Self { Self(-self.0) }
+}
+impl AddAssign for Beats {
+    fn add_assign(&mut self, rhs: Self) { self.0 += rhs.0; }
+}
+impl SubAssign for Beats {
+    fn sub_assign(&mut self, rhs: Self) { self.0 -= rhs.0; }
+}
+
+// --- Seconds arithmetic ---
+
+impl Add for Seconds {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn add(self, rhs: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0 + rhs.0) }
+}
+impl Sub for Seconds {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn sub(self, rhs: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0 - rhs.0) }
+}
+impl Mul<f64> for Seconds {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn mul(self, rhs: f64) -> Self { Self(self.0 * rhs) }
+}
+impl Div<f64> for Seconds {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn div(self, rhs: f64) -> Self { Self(self.0 / rhs) }
+}
+/// Seconds / Seconds = dimensionless ratio (f64)
+impl Div<Seconds> for Seconds {
+    type Output = f64;
+    fn div(self, rhs: Seconds) -> f64 { self.0 / rhs.0 }
+}
+impl Rem for Seconds {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn rem(self, rhs: Self) -> Self { Self(self.0 % rhs.0) }
+}
+impl Neg for Seconds {
+    type Output = Self;
+    fn neg(self) -> Self { Self(-self.0) }
+}
+impl AddAssign for Seconds {
+    fn add_assign(&mut self, rhs: Self) { self.0 += rhs.0; }
+}
+impl SubAssign for Seconds {
+    fn sub_assign(&mut self, rhs: Self) { self.0 -= rhs.0; }
+}
+
+impl std::fmt::Display for Beats {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        write!(f, "{}", self.0)
+    }
+}
+
+impl std::fmt::Display for Seconds {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        write!(f, "{}", self.0)
+    }
+}

daw-backend/src/tui/mod.rs

@@ -859,7 +859,7 @@ fn execute_command(
 
                     for event in &midi_clip.events {
                         let status = event.status & 0xF0;
-                        let time_seconds = event.timestamp as f64 / sample_rate;
+                        let time_seconds = event.timestamp.beats_to_f64() / sample_rate;
 
                         match status {
                             0x90 if event.data2 > 0 => {
@@ -878,7 +878,7 @@ fn execute_command(
                     }
 
                     // Add to local UI state with note data
-                    app.add_clip(track_id, clip_id, start_time, duration, file_path.to_string(), notes);
+                    app.add_clip(track_id, clip_id, start_time, duration.beats_to_f64(), file_path.to_string(), notes);
                     app.next_clip_id += 1;
 
                     // Send to audio engine with the start_time (clip content is separate from timeline position)

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/add_clip_instance.rs

@@ -79,8 +79,6 @@ impl Action for AddClipInstanceAction {
         if let Some(valid_start) = adjusted_start {
             // Update instance to use the valid position
             self.clip_instance.timeline_start = valid_start;
-            let (bpm, fps) = (document.bpm, document.framerate);
-            self.clip_instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
         } else {
             // No valid position found - reject the operation
             return Err("Cannot add clip: no valid position found on layer (layer is full)".to_string());
@@ -210,10 +208,10 @@ impl Action for AddClipInstanceAction {
                 let instance = daw_backend::MidiClipInstance::new(
                     0, // Instance ID will be assigned by backend
                     *midi_clip_id,
-                    internal_start,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(internal_start),
-                    internal_end,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(internal_end),
-                    external_start,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(external_start),
-                    external_duration,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(external_duration),
                 );
 
                 // Send query to add instance and get instance ID

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/change_bpm.rs

@@ -1,248 +1,47 @@
-//! Change BPM action
+//! Change BPM / Tempo action
 //!
-//! Atomically changes the document BPM and rescales all clip instance positions and
+//! Atomically swaps the document `TempoMap`, sending the new map to the engine.
-//! MIDI event timestamps so that beat positions are preserved (Measures mode behaviour).
+//! All clip and note positions are stored in **beats** so no position rescaling
+//! is required — only the TempoMap entry changes.
 
 use crate::action::{Action, BackendContext};
-use crate::clip::ClipInstance;
 use crate::document::Document;
-use crate::layer::AnyLayer;
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
-use std::collections::HashMap;
-use uuid::Uuid;
 
-/// Snapshot of all timing fields on a `ClipInstance`
+/// Action that changes the global BPM by replacing the tempo map.
 #[derive(Clone)]
-struct TimingFields {
-    timeline_start: f64,
-    timeline_start_beats: f64,
-    timeline_start_frames: f64,
-    trim_start: f64,
-    trim_start_beats: f64,
-    trim_start_frames: f64,
-    trim_end: Option<f64>,
-    trim_end_beats: Option<f64>,
-    trim_end_frames: Option<f64>,
-    timeline_duration: Option<f64>,
-    timeline_duration_beats: Option<f64>,
-    timeline_duration_frames: Option<f64>,
-}
-
-impl TimingFields {
-    fn from_instance(ci: &ClipInstance) -> Self {
-        Self {
-            timeline_start: ci.timeline_start,
-            timeline_start_beats: ci.timeline_start_beats,
-            timeline_start_frames: ci.timeline_start_frames,
-            trim_start: ci.trim_start,
-            trim_start_beats: ci.trim_start_beats,
-            trim_start_frames: ci.trim_start_frames,
-            trim_end: ci.trim_end,
-            trim_end_beats: ci.trim_end_beats,
-            trim_end_frames: ci.trim_end_frames,
-            timeline_duration: ci.timeline_duration,
-            timeline_duration_beats: ci.timeline_duration_beats,
-            timeline_duration_frames: ci.timeline_duration_frames,
-        }
-    }
-
-    fn apply_to(&self, ci: &mut ClipInstance) {
-        ci.timeline_start = self.timeline_start;
-        ci.timeline_start_beats = self.timeline_start_beats;
-        ci.timeline_start_frames = self.timeline_start_frames;
-        ci.trim_start = self.trim_start;
-        ci.trim_start_beats = self.trim_start_beats;
-        ci.trim_start_frames = self.trim_start_frames;
-        ci.trim_end = self.trim_end;
-        ci.trim_end_beats = self.trim_end_beats;
-        ci.trim_end_frames = self.trim_end_frames;
-        ci.timeline_duration = self.timeline_duration;
-        ci.timeline_duration_beats = self.timeline_duration_beats;
-        ci.timeline_duration_frames = self.timeline_duration_frames;
-    }
-}
-
-#[derive(Clone)]
-struct ClipTimingSnapshot {
-    layer_id: Uuid,
-    instance_id: Uuid,
-    old_fields: TimingFields,
-    new_fields: TimingFields,
-}
-
-#[derive(Clone)]
-struct MidiClipSnapshot {
-    layer_id: Uuid,
-    midi_clip_id: u32,
-    clip_id: Uuid,
-    old_clip_duration: f64,
-    new_clip_duration: f64,
-    old_events: Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent>,
-    new_events: Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent>,
-}
-
-/// Action that atomically changes BPM and rescales all clip/note positions to preserve beats
 pub struct ChangeBpmAction {
-    old_bpm: f64,
+    old_map: TempoMap,
-    new_bpm: f64,
+    new_map: TempoMap,
-    time_sig: (u32, u32),
-    clip_snapshots: Vec<ClipTimingSnapshot>,
-    midi_snapshots: Vec<MidiClipSnapshot>,
 }
 
 impl ChangeBpmAction {
-    /// Build the action, computing new positions for all clip instances and MIDI events.
+    /// Build the action from the current document state and a desired new BPM.
-    ///
+    pub fn new(new_bpm: f64, document: &Document) -> Self {
-    /// `midi_event_cache` maps backend MIDI clip ID → current event list.
+        let old_map = document.tempo_map().clone();
-    pub fn new(
+        let mut new_map = old_map.clone();
-        old_bpm: f64,
+        new_map.set_global_bpm(new_bpm);
-        new_bpm: f64,
+        Self { old_map, new_map }
-        document: &Document,
-        midi_event_cache: &HashMap<u32, Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent>>,
-    ) -> Self {
-        let fps = document.framerate;
-        let time_sig = (
-            document.time_signature.numerator,
-            document.time_signature.denominator,
-        );
-
-        let mut clip_snapshots: Vec<ClipTimingSnapshot> = Vec::new();
-        let mut midi_snapshots: Vec<MidiClipSnapshot> = Vec::new();
-
-        // Collect MIDI clip IDs we've already snapshotted (avoid duplicates)
-        let mut seen_midi_clips: std::collections::HashSet<u32> = std::collections::HashSet::new();
-
-        for layer in document.all_layers() {
-            let layer_id = layer.id();
-
-            let clip_instances: &[ClipInstance] = match layer {
-                AnyLayer::Vector(vl) => &vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Audio(al) => &al.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Video(vl) => &vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &el.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Group(_) | AnyLayer::Raster(_) => continue,
-            };
-
-            for ci in clip_instances {
-                let old_fields = TimingFields::from_instance(ci);
-
-                // Compute new fields: beats are canonical, recompute seconds + frames.
-                // Guard: if timeline_start_beats was never populated (clips added without
-                // sync_from_seconds), derive beats from seconds before applying.
-                let mut new_ci = ci.clone();
-                if new_ci.timeline_start_beats == 0.0 && new_ci.timeline_start.abs() > 1e-9 {
-                    new_ci.sync_from_seconds(old_bpm, fps);
-                }
-                new_ci.apply_beats(new_bpm, fps);
-                let new_fields = TimingFields::from_instance(&new_ci);
-
-                clip_snapshots.push(ClipTimingSnapshot {
-                    layer_id,
-                    instance_id: ci.id,
-                    old_fields,
-                    new_fields,
-                });
-
-                // If this is a MIDI clip on an audio layer, collect MIDI events + rescale duration.
-                // Always snapshot the clip (even if empty) so clip.duration is rescaled.
-                if let AnyLayer::Audio(_) = layer {
-                    if let Some(audio_clip) = document.get_audio_clip(&ci.clip_id) {
-                        use crate::clip::AudioClipType;
-                        if let AudioClipType::Midi { midi_clip_id } = &audio_clip.clip_type {
-                            let midi_id = *midi_clip_id;
-                            if !seen_midi_clips.contains(&midi_id) {
-                                seen_midi_clips.insert(midi_id);
-
-                                let old_clip_duration = audio_clip.duration;
-                                let new_clip_duration = old_clip_duration * old_bpm / new_bpm;
-
-                                // Use cached events if present; empty vec for clips with no events yet.
-                                let old_events = midi_event_cache.get(&midi_id).cloned().unwrap_or_default();
-                                let new_events: Vec<_> = old_events.iter().map(|ev| {
-                                    let mut e = ev.clone();
-                                    // Ensure beats are populated before using them as canonical.
-                                    // Events created before triple-rep (e.g. from recording)
-                                    // have timestamp_beats == 0.0 — sync from seconds first.
-                                    if e.timestamp_beats == 0.0 && e.timestamp.abs() > 1e-9 {
-                                        e.sync_from_seconds(old_bpm, fps);
-                                    }
-                                    e.apply_beats(new_bpm, fps);
-                                    e
-                                }).collect();
-
-                                midi_snapshots.push(MidiClipSnapshot {
-                                    layer_id,
-                                    midi_clip_id: midi_id,
-                                    clip_id: ci.clip_id,
-                                    old_clip_duration,
-                                    new_clip_duration,
-                                    old_events,
-                                    new_events,
-                                });
-                            }
-                        }
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        Self {
-            old_bpm,
-            new_bpm,
-            time_sig,
-            clip_snapshots,
-            midi_snapshots,
-        }
     }
 
-    /// Return the new MIDI event lists for each affected clip (for immediate cache update).
+    /// Build from explicit old/new maps (used when the map already changed in-place,
-    pub fn new_midi_events(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = (u32, &Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent>)> {
+    /// e.g., after live drag preview; the caller provides start and end states).
-        self.midi_snapshots.iter().map(|s| (s.midi_clip_id, &s.new_events))
+    pub fn from_maps(old_map: TempoMap, new_map: TempoMap) -> Self {
+        Self { old_map, new_map }
     }
 
-    fn apply_clips(document: &mut Document, snapshots: &[ClipTimingSnapshot], use_new: bool) {
+    pub fn new_bpm(&self) -> f64 { self.new_map.global_bpm() }
-        for snap in snapshots {
+    pub fn old_bpm(&self) -> f64 { self.old_map.global_bpm() }
-            let fields = if use_new { &snap.new_fields } else { &snap.old_fields };
-
-            let layer = match document.get_layer_mut(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(l) => l,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-
-            let clip_instances = match layer {
-                AnyLayer::Vector(vl) => &mut vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Audio(al) => &mut al.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Video(vl) => &mut vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &mut el.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Group(_) | AnyLayer::Raster(_) => continue,
-            };
-
-            if let Some(ci) = clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|ci| ci.id == snap.instance_id) {
-                fields.apply_to(ci);
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
-    fn apply_midi_durations(document: &mut Document, snapshots: &[MidiClipSnapshot], use_new: bool) {
-        for snap in snapshots {
-            if let Some(clip) = document.get_audio_clip_mut(&snap.clip_id) {
-                clip.duration = if use_new { snap.new_clip_duration } else { snap.old_clip_duration };
-            }
-        }
-    }
 }
 
 impl Action for ChangeBpmAction {
     fn execute(&mut self, document: &mut Document) -> Result<(), String> {
-        document.bpm = self.new_bpm;
+        *document.tempo_map_mut() = self.new_map.clone();
-        Self::apply_clips(document, &self.clip_snapshots, true);
-        Self::apply_midi_durations(document, &self.midi_snapshots, true);
         Ok(())
     }
 
     fn rollback(&mut self, document: &mut Document) -> Result<(), String> {
-        document.bpm = self.old_bpm;
+        *document.tempo_map_mut() = self.old_map.clone();
-        Self::apply_clips(document, &self.clip_snapshots, false);
-        Self::apply_midi_durations(document, &self.midi_snapshots, false);
         Ok(())
     }
 
@@ -253,109 +52,26 @@ impl Action for ChangeBpmAction {
     fn execute_backend(
         &mut self,
         backend: &mut BackendContext,
-        document: &Document,
+        _document: &Document,
     ) -> Result<(), String> {
         let controller = match backend.audio_controller.as_mut() {
             Some(c) => c,
             None => return Ok(()),
         };
-
+        controller.set_tempo_map(self.new_map.clone());
-        // Update tempo
-        controller.set_tempo(self.new_bpm as f32, self.time_sig);
-
-        // Update MIDI clip events and positions
-        for snap in &self.midi_snapshots {
-            let track_id = match backend.layer_to_track_map.get(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(&id) => id,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-            controller.update_midi_clip_events(track_id, snap.midi_clip_id, snap.new_events.clone());
-        }
-
-        // Move clip instances in the backend
-        for snap in &self.clip_snapshots {
-            let track_id = match backend.layer_to_track_map.get(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(&id) => id,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-            let backend_id = backend.clip_instance_to_backend_map.get(&snap.instance_id);
-            match backend_id {
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Audio(audio_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *audio_id, snap.new_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Midi(midi_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *midi_id, snap.new_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                None => {} // Vector/video clips — no backend move needed
-            }
-        }
-
-        // Sync beat/frame representations and rescale MIDI clip durations in the backend
-        let fps = document.framerate;
-        let midi_durations: Vec<(u32, f64)> = self.midi_snapshots.iter()
-            .map(|s| (s.midi_clip_id, s.new_clip_duration))
-            .collect();
-        controller.apply_bpm_change(self.new_bpm, fps, midi_durations);
-
         Ok(())
     }
 
     fn rollback_backend(
         &mut self,
         backend: &mut BackendContext,
-        document: &Document,
+        _document: &Document,
     ) -> Result<(), String> {
         let controller = match backend.audio_controller.as_mut() {
             Some(c) => c,
             None => return Ok(()),
         };
-
+        controller.set_tempo_map(self.old_map.clone());
-        controller.set_tempo(self.old_bpm as f32, self.time_sig);
-
-        for snap in &self.midi_snapshots {
-            let track_id = match backend.layer_to_track_map.get(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(&id) => id,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-            controller.update_midi_clip_events(track_id, snap.midi_clip_id, snap.old_events.clone());
-        }
-
-        for snap in &self.clip_snapshots {
-            let track_id = match backend.layer_to_track_map.get(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(&id) => id,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-            let backend_id = backend.clip_instance_to_backend_map.get(&snap.instance_id);
-            match backend_id {
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Audio(audio_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *audio_id, snap.old_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Midi(midi_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *midi_id, snap.old_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                None => {}
-            }
-        }
-
-        // Sync beat/frame representations and restore MIDI clip durations in the backend
-        let fps = document.framerate;
-        let midi_durations: Vec<(u32, f64)> = self.midi_snapshots.iter()
-            .map(|s| (s.midi_clip_id, s.old_clip_duration))
-            .collect();
-        controller.apply_bpm_change(self.old_bpm, fps, midi_durations);
-
         Ok(())
     }
-
-    fn all_midi_events_after_execute(&self) -> Vec<(u32, Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent>)> {
-        self.midi_snapshots.iter()
-            .map(|s| (s.midi_clip_id, s.new_events.clone()))
-            .collect()
-    }
-
-    fn all_midi_events_after_rollback(&self) -> Vec<(u32, Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent>)> {
-        self.midi_snapshots.iter()
-            .map(|s| (s.midi_clip_id, s.old_events.clone()))
-            .collect()
-    }
 }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/change_fps.rs

@@ -1,156 +1,33 @@
 //! Change FPS action
 //!
-//! Atomically changes the document framerate and rescales all clip instance positions
+//! Atomically changes the document framerate.
-//! so that frame positions are preserved (Frames mode behaviour).
+//! All clip positions are stored in **beats** so no position rescaling is
+//! required — only the framerate field changes.
 
 use crate::action::{Action, BackendContext};
-use crate::clip::ClipInstance;
 use crate::document::Document;
-use crate::layer::AnyLayer;
-use uuid::Uuid;
 
-/// Snapshot of all timing fields on a `ClipInstance`
+/// Action that changes the document framerate.
-#[derive(Clone)]
-struct TimingFields {
-    timeline_start: f64,
-    timeline_start_beats: f64,
-    timeline_start_frames: f64,
-    trim_start: f64,
-    trim_start_beats: f64,
-    trim_start_frames: f64,
-    trim_end: Option<f64>,
-    trim_end_beats: Option<f64>,
-    trim_end_frames: Option<f64>,
-    timeline_duration: Option<f64>,
-    timeline_duration_beats: Option<f64>,
-    timeline_duration_frames: Option<f64>,
-}
-
-impl TimingFields {
-    fn from_instance(ci: &ClipInstance) -> Self {
-        Self {
-            timeline_start: ci.timeline_start,
-            timeline_start_beats: ci.timeline_start_beats,
-            timeline_start_frames: ci.timeline_start_frames,
-            trim_start: ci.trim_start,
-            trim_start_beats: ci.trim_start_beats,
-            trim_start_frames: ci.trim_start_frames,
-            trim_end: ci.trim_end,
-            trim_end_beats: ci.trim_end_beats,
-            trim_end_frames: ci.trim_end_frames,
-            timeline_duration: ci.timeline_duration,
-            timeline_duration_beats: ci.timeline_duration_beats,
-            timeline_duration_frames: ci.timeline_duration_frames,
-        }
-    }
-
-    fn apply_to(&self, ci: &mut ClipInstance) {
-        ci.timeline_start = self.timeline_start;
-        ci.timeline_start_beats = self.timeline_start_beats;
-        ci.timeline_start_frames = self.timeline_start_frames;
-        ci.trim_start = self.trim_start;
-        ci.trim_start_beats = self.trim_start_beats;
-        ci.trim_start_frames = self.trim_start_frames;
-        ci.trim_end = self.trim_end;
-        ci.trim_end_beats = self.trim_end_beats;
-        ci.trim_end_frames = self.trim_end_frames;
-        ci.timeline_duration = self.timeline_duration;
-        ci.timeline_duration_beats = self.timeline_duration_beats;
-        ci.timeline_duration_frames = self.timeline_duration_frames;
-    }
-}
-
-#[derive(Clone)]
-struct ClipTimingSnapshot {
-    layer_id: Uuid,
-    instance_id: Uuid,
-    old_fields: TimingFields,
-    new_fields: TimingFields,
-}
-
-/// Action that atomically changes framerate and rescales all clip positions to preserve frames
 pub struct ChangeFpsAction {
     old_fps: f64,
     new_fps: f64,
-    clip_snapshots: Vec<ClipTimingSnapshot>,
 }
 
 impl ChangeFpsAction {
-    /// Build the action, computing new positions for all clip instances.
+    /// Build the action from old and new framerates.
-    pub fn new(old_fps: f64, new_fps: f64, document: &Document) -> Self {
+    pub fn new(old_fps: f64, new_fps: f64, _document: &Document) -> Self {
-        let bpm = document.bpm;
+        Self { old_fps, new_fps }
-
-        let mut clip_snapshots: Vec<ClipTimingSnapshot> = Vec::new();
-
-        for layer in document.all_layers() {
-            let layer_id = layer.id();
-
-            let clip_instances: &[ClipInstance] = match layer {
-                AnyLayer::Vector(vl) => &vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Audio(al) => &al.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Video(vl) => &vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &el.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Group(_) | AnyLayer::Raster(_) => continue,
-            };
-
-            for ci in clip_instances {
-                let old_fields = TimingFields::from_instance(ci);
-
-                // Compute new fields: frames are canonical, recompute seconds + beats
-                let mut new_ci = ci.clone();
-                new_ci.apply_frames(new_fps, bpm);
-                let new_fields = TimingFields::from_instance(&new_ci);
-
-                clip_snapshots.push(ClipTimingSnapshot {
-                    layer_id,
-                    instance_id: ci.id,
-                    old_fields,
-                    new_fields,
-                });
-            }
-        }
-
-        Self {
-            old_fps,
-            new_fps,
-            clip_snapshots,
-        }
-    }
-
-    fn apply_clips(document: &mut Document, snapshots: &[ClipTimingSnapshot], use_new: bool) {
-        for snap in snapshots {
-            let fields = if use_new { &snap.new_fields } else { &snap.old_fields };
-
-            let layer = match document.get_layer_mut(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(l) => l,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-
-            let clip_instances = match layer {
-                AnyLayer::Vector(vl) => &mut vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Audio(al) => &mut al.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Video(vl) => &mut vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &mut el.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Group(_) | AnyLayer::Raster(_) => continue,
-            };
-
-            if let Some(ci) = clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|ci| ci.id == snap.instance_id) {
-                fields.apply_to(ci);
-            }
-        }
     }
 }
 
 impl Action for ChangeFpsAction {
     fn execute(&mut self, document: &mut Document) -> Result<(), String> {
         document.framerate = self.new_fps;
-        Self::apply_clips(document, &self.clip_snapshots, true);
         Ok(())
     }
 
     fn rollback(&mut self, document: &mut Document) -> Result<(), String> {
         document.framerate = self.old_fps;
-        Self::apply_clips(document, &self.clip_snapshots, false);
         Ok(())
     }
 
@@ -160,68 +37,18 @@ impl Action for ChangeFpsAction {
 
     fn execute_backend(
         &mut self,
-        backend: &mut BackendContext,
+        _backend: &mut BackendContext,
         _document: &Document,
     ) -> Result<(), String> {
-        // FPS change does not affect audio timing — only move clips that changed position
+        // FPS does not affect audio scheduling — nothing to do in the backend.
-        let controller = match backend.audio_controller.as_mut() {
-            Some(c) => c,
-            None => return Ok(()),
-        };
-
-        for snap in &self.clip_snapshots {
-            if (snap.new_fields.timeline_start - snap.old_fields.timeline_start).abs() < 1e-9 {
-                continue; // No movement, skip
-            }
-            let track_id = match backend.layer_to_track_map.get(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(&id) => id,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-            let backend_id = backend.clip_instance_to_backend_map.get(&snap.instance_id);
-            match backend_id {
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Audio(audio_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *audio_id, snap.new_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Midi(midi_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *midi_id, snap.new_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                None => {}
-            }
-        }
-
         Ok(())
     }
 
     fn rollback_backend(
         &mut self,
-        backend: &mut BackendContext,
+        _backend: &mut BackendContext,
         _document: &Document,
     ) -> Result<(), String> {
-        let controller = match backend.audio_controller.as_mut() {
-            Some(c) => c,
-            None => return Ok(()),
-        };
-
-        for snap in &self.clip_snapshots {
-            if (snap.new_fields.timeline_start - snap.old_fields.timeline_start).abs() < 1e-9 {
-                continue;
-            }
-            let track_id = match backend.layer_to_track_map.get(&snap.layer_id) {
-                Some(&id) => id,
-                None => continue,
-            };
-            let backend_id = backend.clip_instance_to_backend_map.get(&snap.instance_id);
-            match backend_id {
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Audio(audio_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *audio_id, snap.old_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                Some(crate::action::BackendClipInstanceId::Midi(midi_id)) => {
-                    controller.move_clip(track_id, *midi_id, snap.old_fields.timeline_start);
-                }
-                None => {}
-            }
-        }
-
         Ok(())
     }
 }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/move_clip_instances.rs

@@ -119,9 +119,6 @@ impl Action for MoveClipInstancesAction {
         // Store adjusted moves for rollback
         self.layer_moves = adjusted_moves.clone();
 
-        let bpm = document.bpm;
-        let fps = document.framerate;
-
         // Apply all adjusted moves
         for (layer_id, moves) in &adjusted_moves {
             let layer = document.get_layer_mut(layer_id)
@@ -142,7 +139,6 @@ impl Action for MoveClipInstancesAction {
                 if let Some(clip_instance) = clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|ci| ci.id == *clip_id)
                 {
                     clip_instance.timeline_start = *new;
-                    clip_instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -151,8 +147,6 @@ impl Action for MoveClipInstancesAction {
     }
 
     fn rollback(&mut self, document: &mut Document) -> Result<(), String> {
-        let bpm = document.bpm;
-        let fps = document.framerate;
         for (layer_id, moves) in &self.layer_moves {
             let layer = document.get_layer_mut(layer_id)
                 .ok_or_else(|| format!("Layer {} not found", layer_id))?;
@@ -172,7 +166,6 @@ impl Action for MoveClipInstancesAction {
                 if let Some(clip_instance) = clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|ci| ci.id == *clip_id)
                 {
                     clip_instance.timeline_start = *old;
-                    clip_instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                 }
             }
         }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/remove_clip_instances.rs

@@ -177,10 +177,10 @@ impl Action for RemoveClipInstancesAction {
                     let midi_instance = daw_backend::MidiClipInstance::new(
                         0,
                         *midi_clip_id,
-                        internal_start,
+                        daw_backend::Beats(internal_start),
-                        internal_end,
+                        daw_backend::Beats(internal_end),
-                        external_start,
+                        daw_backend::Beats(external_start),
-                        external_duration,
+                        daw_backend::Beats(external_duration),
                     );
 
                     let query = Query::AddMidiClipInstanceSync(track_id, midi_instance);

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/split_clip_instance.rs

@@ -126,8 +126,8 @@ impl Action for SplitClipInstanceAction {
             .get_clip_duration(&instance.clip_id)
             .ok_or_else(|| format!("Clip {} not found", instance.clip_id))?;
 
-        // Calculate the effective duration and timeline end
+        // Calculate the effective duration and timeline end (both in beats)
-        let effective_duration = instance.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+        let effective_duration = instance.effective_duration(clip_duration, document.tempo_map());
         let timeline_end = instance.timeline_start + effective_duration;
 
         // Validate: split_time must be strictly within the clip's timeline span
@@ -179,7 +179,6 @@ impl Action for SplitClipInstanceAction {
         }
 
         self.new_instance_id = Some(right_instance.id);
-        right_instance.sync_from_seconds(document.bpm, document.framerate);
 
         // Now modify the original (left) instance and add the new (right) instance
         let layer_mut = document
@@ -239,21 +238,6 @@ impl Action for SplitClipInstanceAction {
             }
         }
 
-        // Sync derived fields on the left (original) instance
-        let (bpm, fps) = (document.bpm, document.framerate);
-        if let Some(layer) = document.get_layer_mut(&self.layer_id) {
-            let cis: &mut Vec<crate::clip::ClipInstance> = match layer {
-                AnyLayer::Vector(vl) => &mut vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Audio(al) => &mut al.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Video(vl) => &mut vl.clip_instances,
-                AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &mut el.clip_instances,
-                _ => return { self.executed = true; Ok(()) },
-            };
-            if let Some(inst) = cis.iter_mut().find(|ci| ci.id == self.instance_id) {
-                inst.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-            }
-        }
-
         self.executed = true;
         Ok(())
     }
@@ -406,10 +390,10 @@ impl Action for SplitClipInstanceAction {
                 let instance = daw_backend::MidiClipInstance::new(
                     0,
                     *midi_clip_id,
-                    internal_start,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(internal_start),
-                    internal_end,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(internal_end),
-                    external_start,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(external_start),
-                    external_duration,
+                    daw_backend::Beats(external_duration),
                 );
 
                 let query = Query::AddMidiClipInstanceSync(*backend_track_id, instance);

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/actions/trim_clip_instances.rs

@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
                                                 AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &el.clip_instances,
                                                 AnyLayer::Group(_) => &[],
                                                 AnyLayer::Raster(_) => &[],
-                                            };
+                                                        };
 
                                             if let Some(instance) = clip_instances.iter().find(|ci| ci.id == *member_instance_id) {
                                                 let member_old_trim = instance.trim_start;
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
                                             AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &el.clip_instances,
                                             AnyLayer::Group(_) => &[],
                                             AnyLayer::Raster(_) => &[],
-                                        };
+                                                };
 
                                         if let Some(instance) = clip_instances.iter().find(|ci| ci.id == *member_instance_id) {
                                             let member_old_trim_end = instance.trim_end;
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
                     AnyLayer::Effect(el) => &el.clip_instances,
                     AnyLayer::Group(_) => &[],
                     AnyLayer::Raster(_) => &[],
-                };
+                    };
 
                 let instance = clip_instances.iter()
                     .find(|ci| &ci.id == instance_id)
@@ -260,9 +260,6 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
         // Store clamped trims for rollback
         self.layer_trims = clamped_trims.clone();
 
-        let bpm = document.bpm;
-        let fps = document.framerate;
-
         // Apply all clamped trims
         for (layer_id, trims) in &clamped_trims {
             let layer = match document.get_layer_mut(layer_id) {
@@ -297,7 +294,6 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
                             clip_instance.trim_end = new.trim_value;
                         }
                     }
-                    clip_instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -305,8 +301,6 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
     }
 
     fn rollback(&mut self, document: &mut Document) -> Result<(), String> {
-        let bpm = document.bpm;
-        let fps = document.framerate;
         for (layer_id, trims) in &self.layer_trims {
             let layer = match document.get_layer_mut(layer_id) {
                 Some(l) => l,
@@ -340,7 +334,6 @@ impl Action for TrimClipInstancesAction {
                             clip_instance.trim_end = old.trim_value;
                         }
                     }
-                    clip_instance.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
                 }
             }
         }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/beat_time.rs

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 //! Beat/measure ↔ seconds conversion utilities
 
 use crate::document::TimeSignature;
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
 
 /// Position expressed as measure, beat, tick
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy)]
@@ -11,9 +12,8 @@ pub struct MeasurePosition {
 }
 
 /// Convert a time in seconds to a measure position
-pub fn time_to_measure(time: f64, bpm: f64, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> MeasurePosition {
+pub fn time_to_measure(time: f64, tempo_map: &TempoMap, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> MeasurePosition {
-    let beats_per_second = bpm / 60.0;
+    let total_beats = tempo_map.inverse_transform(time).max(0.0);
-    let total_beats = (time * beats_per_second).max(0.0);
     let beats_per_measure = time_sig.numerator as f64;
 
     let measure = (total_beats / beats_per_measure).floor() as u32 + 1;
@@ -24,21 +24,20 @@ pub fn time_to_measure(time: f64, bpm: f64, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> Measure
 }
 
 /// Convert a measure position to seconds
-pub fn measure_to_time(pos: MeasurePosition, bpm: f64, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> f64 {
+pub fn measure_to_time(pos: MeasurePosition, tempo_map: &TempoMap, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> f64 {
     let beats_per_measure = time_sig.numerator as f64;
     let total_beats = (pos.measure as f64 - 1.0) * beats_per_measure
         + (pos.beat as f64 - 1.0)
         + (pos.tick as f64 / 1000.0);
-    let beats_per_second = bpm / 60.0;
+    tempo_map.transform(total_beats)
-    total_beats / beats_per_second
 }
 
-/// Get the duration of one beat in seconds
+/// Get the duration of one beat in seconds at the given beat position
-pub fn beat_duration(bpm: f64) -> f64 {
+pub fn beat_duration(beat: f64, tempo_map: &TempoMap) -> f64 {
-    60.0 / bpm
+    60.0 / tempo_map.bpm_at(daw_backend::Beats(beat))
 }
 
-/// Get the duration of one measure in seconds
+/// Get the duration of one measure in seconds at the given beat position
-pub fn measure_duration(bpm: f64, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> f64 {
+pub fn measure_duration(beat: f64, tempo_map: &TempoMap, time_sig: &TimeSignature) -> f64 {
-    beat_duration(bpm) * time_sig.numerator as f64
+    beat_duration(beat, tempo_map) * time_sig.numerator as f64
 }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/clip.rs

@@ -98,15 +98,20 @@ impl VectorClip {
     ///
     /// The `clip_duration_fn` resolves referenced clip durations for non-vector layers.
     /// Falls back to the stored `duration` field if no content exists.
-    pub fn content_duration(&self, framerate: f64) -> f64 {
+    pub fn content_duration(&self, framerate: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> f64 {
-        self.content_duration_with(framerate, |_| None)
+        self.content_duration_with(framerate, tempo_map, |_| None)
     }
 
     /// Like `content_duration`, but with a closure that resolves clip durations
     /// for audio/video/effect clip instances inside this movie clip.
-    pub fn content_duration_with(&self, framerate: f64, clip_duration_fn: impl Fn(&Uuid) -> Option<f64>) -> f64 {
+    ///
+    /// `clip_duration_fn` returns clip content duration **in seconds**.
+    /// Result is in **seconds**.
+    pub fn content_duration_with(&self, framerate: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap, clip_duration_fn: impl Fn(&Uuid) -> Option<f64>) -> f64 {
         let frame_duration = 1.0 / framerate;
-        let mut last_time: Option<f64> = None;
+        // Work in beats, convert to seconds at the end.
+        let mut last_beats: Option<f64> = None;
+        let mut last_secs: Option<f64> = None;
 
         for layer_node in self.layers.iter() {
             // Check clip instances on ALL layer types (vector, audio, video, effect)
@@ -119,33 +124,38 @@ impl VectorClip {
                 AnyLayer::Raster(_) => &[],
             };
             for ci in clip_instances {
-                let end = if let Some(td) = ci.timeline_duration {
+                // Compute end position of this clip instance in beats
-                    ci.timeline_start + td
+                let end_beats = if let Some(td_beats) = ci.timeline_duration {
+                    ci.timeline_start + td_beats
                 } else if let Some(te) = ci.trim_end {
-                    ci.timeline_start + (te - ci.trim_start).max(0.0)
+                    let secs = (te - ci.trim_start).max(0.0);
-                } else if let Some(clip_dur) = clip_duration_fn(&ci.clip_id) {
+                    ci.timeline_start + tempo_map.inverse_transform(tempo_map.transform(ci.timeline_start) + secs) - ci.timeline_start
-                    ci.timeline_start + (clip_dur - ci.trim_start).max(0.0)
+                } else if let Some(clip_dur_secs) = clip_duration_fn(&ci.clip_id) {
+                    let secs = (clip_dur_secs - ci.trim_start).max(0.0);
+                    ci.timeline_start + tempo_map.inverse_transform(tempo_map.transform(ci.timeline_start) + secs) - ci.timeline_start
                 } else {
                     continue;
                 };
-                last_time = Some(match last_time {
+                last_beats = Some(last_beats.map_or(end_beats, |t: f64| t.max(end_beats)));
-                    Some(t) => t.max(end),
-                    None => end,
-                });
             }
 
-            // Also check vector layer keyframes
+            // Vector layer keyframes are in seconds
             if let AnyLayer::Vector(vector_layer) = &layer_node.data {
                 if let Some(last_kf) = vector_layer.keyframes.last() {
-                    last_time = Some(match last_time {
+                    last_secs = Some(last_secs.map_or(last_kf.time, |t: f64| t.max(last_kf.time)));
-                        Some(t) => t.max(last_kf.time),
-                        None => last_kf.time,
-                    });
                 }
             }
         }
 
-        match last_time {
+        let from_clips = last_beats.map(|b| tempo_map.transform(b));
+        let combined = match (from_clips, last_secs) {
+            (Some(a), Some(b)) => Some(a.max(b)),
+            (Some(a), None) => Some(a),
+            (None, Some(b)) => Some(b),
+            (None, None) => None,
+        };
+
+        match combined {
             Some(t) => t + frame_duration,
             None => self.duration,
         }
@@ -186,9 +196,10 @@ impl VectorClip {
 
                 // Handle nested clip instances recursively
                 for clip_instance in &vector_layer.clip_instances {
-                    // Convert parent clip time to nested clip local time
+                    // Convert parent clip time (seconds) to nested clip local time (seconds).
-                    // Apply timeline offset and playback speed, then add trim offset
+                    // timeline_start is in beats; convert to seconds using document BPM.
-                    let nested_clip_time = ((clip_time - clip_instance.timeline_start) * clip_instance.playback_speed) + clip_instance.trim_start;
+                    let start_secs = document.tempo_map().transform(clip_instance.timeline_start);
+                    let nested_clip_time = ((clip_time - start_secs) * clip_instance.playback_speed) + clip_instance.trim_start;
 
                     // Look up the nested clip definition
                     let nested_bounds = if let Some(nested_clip) = document.get_vector_clip(&clip_instance.clip_id) {
@@ -485,12 +496,12 @@ impl AudioClip {
     pub fn new_midi(
         name: impl Into<String>,
         midi_clip_id: u32,
-        duration: f64,
+        duration: daw_backend::Beats,
     ) -> Self {
         Self {
             id: Uuid::new_v4(),
             name: name.into(),
-            duration,
+            duration: duration.beats_to_f64(),
             clip_type: AudioClipType::Midi { midi_clip_id },
             folder_id: None,
         }
@@ -589,6 +600,12 @@ impl AnyClip {
 /// - Timeline placement (when this instance appears on the parent layer's timeline)
 /// - Trimming (trim_start, trim_end within the clip's internal content)
 /// - Playback speed (time remapping)
+///
+/// ## Coordinate systems
+/// - `timeline_start` / `timeline_duration` are in **beats** (quarter-note beats).
+///   Use [`crate::tempo_map::TempoMap::beats_to_seconds`] to convert to seconds.
+/// - `trim_start` / `trim_end` are in **seconds** (audio/video file seek offsets;
+///   not affected by BPM changes).
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct ClipInstance {
     /// Unique identifier for this instance
@@ -606,52 +623,25 @@ pub struct ClipInstance {
     /// Optional name for this instance
     pub name: Option<String>,
 
-    /// When this instance starts on the timeline (in seconds, relative to parent layer)
+    /// When this instance starts on the timeline, in **beats**.
-    /// This is the external positioning - where the instance appears on the timeline
+    /// Default: 0.0
-    /// Default: 0.0 (start at beginning of layer)
     pub timeline_start: f64,
-    /// timeline_start in beats (quarter-note beats); derived from timeline_start
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub timeline_start_beats: f64,
-    /// timeline_start in frames; derived from timeline_start
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub timeline_start_frames: f64,
 
-    /// How long this instance appears on the timeline (in seconds)
+    /// How long this instance appears on the timeline, in **beats**.
-    /// If timeline_duration > (trim_end - trim_start), the trimmed content will loop
+    /// If set and longer than the trimmed content, the content will loop.
     /// Default: None (use trimmed clip duration, no looping)
     pub timeline_duration: Option<f64>,
-    /// timeline_duration in beats; derived from timeline_duration
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub timeline_duration_beats: Option<f64>,
-    /// timeline_duration in frames; derived from timeline_duration
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub timeline_duration_frames: Option<f64>,
 
-    /// Trim start: offset into the clip's internal content (in seconds)
+    /// Trim start: offset into the clip's internal content, in **seconds**.
-    /// Allows trimming the beginning of the clip
+    /// - For audio: byte-offset into the audio file
-    /// - For audio: offset into the audio file
+    /// - For video: seek position in the video file
-    /// - For video: offset into the video file
+    /// - For vector: time offset into the animation
-    /// - For vector: offset into the animation timeline
+    /// Default: 0.0
-    /// Default: 0.0 (start at beginning of clip)
     pub trim_start: f64,
-    /// trim_start in beats; derived from trim_start
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub trim_start_beats: f64,
-    /// trim_start in frames; derived from trim_start
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub trim_start_frames: f64,
 
-    /// Trim end: offset into the clip's internal content (in seconds)
+    /// Trim end: offset into the clip's internal content, in **seconds**.
-    /// Allows trimming the end of the clip
     /// Default: None (use full clip duration)
     pub trim_end: Option<f64>,
-    /// trim_end in beats; derived from trim_end
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub trim_end_beats: Option<f64>,
-    /// trim_end in frames; derived from trim_end
-    #[serde(default)]
-    pub trim_end_frames: Option<f64>,
 
     /// Playback speed multiplier
     /// 1.0 = normal speed, 0.5 = half speed, 2.0 = double speed
@@ -663,7 +653,7 @@ pub struct ClipInstance {
     /// Default: 1.0
     pub gain: f32,
 
-    /// How far (in seconds) the looped content extends before timeline_start.
+    /// How far (in beats) the looped content extends before timeline_start.
     /// When set, loop iterations are drawn/played before the content start.
     /// Default: None (no pre-loop)
     #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
@@ -720,17 +710,9 @@ impl ClipInstance {
             opacity: 1.0,
             name: None,
             timeline_start: 0.0,
-            timeline_start_beats: 0.0,
-            timeline_start_frames: 0.0,
             timeline_duration: None,
-            timeline_duration_beats: None,
-            timeline_duration_frames: None,
             trim_start: 0.0,
-            trim_start_beats: 0.0,
-            trim_start_frames: 0.0,
             trim_end: None,
-            trim_end_beats: None,
-            trim_end_frames: None,
             playback_speed: 1.0,
             gain: 1.0,
             loop_before: None,
@@ -746,71 +728,15 @@ impl ClipInstance {
             opacity: 1.0,
             name: None,
             timeline_start: 0.0,
-            timeline_start_beats: 0.0,
-            timeline_start_frames: 0.0,
             timeline_duration: None,
-            timeline_duration_beats: None,
-            timeline_duration_frames: None,
             trim_start: 0.0,
-            trim_start_beats: 0.0,
-            trim_start_frames: 0.0,
             trim_end: None,
-            trim_end_beats: None,
-            trim_end_frames: None,
             playback_speed: 1.0,
             gain: 1.0,
             loop_before: None,
         }
     }
 
-    /// Sync beats and frames from the seconds fields (call after any seconds-based write).
-    pub fn sync_from_seconds(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.timeline_start_beats = self.timeline_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.timeline_start_frames = self.timeline_start * fps;
-        self.trim_start_beats = self.trim_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.trim_start_frames = self.trim_start * fps;
-        self.trim_end_beats = self.trim_end.map(|v| v * bpm / 60.0);
-        self.trim_end_frames = self.trim_end.map(|v| v * fps);
-        self.timeline_duration_beats = self.timeline_duration.map(|v| v * bpm / 60.0);
-        self.timeline_duration_frames = self.timeline_duration.map(|v| v * fps);
-    }
-
-    /// Recompute seconds and frames from beats (call when BPM changes in Measures mode).
-    pub fn apply_beats(&mut self, bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-        self.timeline_start = self.timeline_start_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.timeline_start_frames = self.timeline_start * fps;
-        self.trim_start = self.trim_start_beats * 60.0 / bpm;
-        self.trim_start_frames = self.trim_start * fps;
-        if let Some(b) = self.trim_end_beats {
-            let s = b * 60.0 / bpm;
-            self.trim_end = Some(s);
-            self.trim_end_frames = Some(s * fps);
-        }
-        if let Some(b) = self.timeline_duration_beats {
-            let s = b * 60.0 / bpm;
-            self.timeline_duration = Some(s);
-            self.timeline_duration_frames = Some(s * fps);
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// Recompute seconds and beats from frames (call when FPS changes in Frames mode).
-    pub fn apply_frames(&mut self, fps: f64, bpm: f64) {
-        self.timeline_start = self.timeline_start_frames / fps;
-        self.timeline_start_beats = self.timeline_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        self.trim_start = self.trim_start_frames / fps;
-        self.trim_start_beats = self.trim_start * bpm / 60.0;
-        if let Some(f) = self.trim_end_frames {
-            let s = f / fps;
-            self.trim_end = Some(s);
-            self.trim_end_beats = Some(s * bpm / 60.0);
-        }
-        if let Some(f) = self.timeline_duration_frames {
-            let s = f / fps;
-            self.timeline_duration = Some(s);
-            self.timeline_duration_beats = Some(s * bpm / 60.0);
-        }
-    }
-
     /// Set the transform
     pub fn with_transform(mut self, transform: Transform) -> Self {
         self.transform = transform;
@@ -861,83 +787,83 @@ impl ClipInstance {
         self
     }
 
-    /// Set explicit timeline duration by setting trim_end
+    /// Set explicit timeline duration (in beats) by directly setting `timeline_duration`.
-    ///
+    pub fn with_timeline_duration(mut self, duration_beats: f64) -> Self {
-    /// For effect instances, this effectively sets the duration since
+        self.timeline_duration = Some(duration_beats);
-    /// effects have infinite internal duration (trim_start defaults to 0).
-    pub fn with_timeline_duration(mut self, duration: f64) -> Self {
-        self.trim_end = Some(self.trim_start + duration);
         self
     }
 
-    /// Get the effective duration of this instance (accounting for trimming and looping)
+    /// Content window size in seconds: `trim_end - trim_start`.
-    /// If timeline_duration is set, returns that (enabling content looping)
+    /// Used for internal looping calculations.
-    /// Otherwise returns the trimmed content duration
+    pub fn content_window_secs(&self, clip_duration_secs: f64) -> f64 {
-    pub fn effective_duration(&self, clip_duration: f64) -> f64 {
+        let end = self.trim_end.unwrap_or(clip_duration_secs);
-        // If timeline_duration is explicitly set, use that (for looping)
-        if let Some(timeline_dur) = self.timeline_duration {
-            return timeline_dur;
-        }
-
-        // Otherwise, return the trimmed content duration
-        let end = self.trim_end.unwrap_or(clip_duration);
         (end - self.trim_start).max(0.0)
     }
 
-    /// Get the effective start position on the timeline, accounting for loop_before.
+    /// How long this instance appears on the timeline, in **beats**.
-    /// This is the left edge of the clip's visual extent.
+    ///
+    /// If `timeline_duration` is set, returns that (enabling content looping).
+    /// Otherwise converts the content window from seconds to beats using the tempo map.
+    pub fn effective_duration_beats(&self, clip_duration_secs: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> f64 {
+        if let Some(td) = self.timeline_duration {
+            return td;
+        }
+        let window_secs = self.content_window_secs(clip_duration_secs);
+        let start_secs = tempo_map.transform(self.timeline_start);
+        tempo_map.inverse_transform(start_secs + window_secs) - self.timeline_start
+    }
+
+    /// Left edge of the clip's visual extent on the timeline, in **beats**.
     pub fn effective_start(&self) -> f64 {
         self.timeline_start - self.loop_before.unwrap_or(0.0)
     }
 
-    /// Get the total visual duration including both loop_before and effective_duration.
+    /// Total visual duration (loop_before + effective_duration), in **beats**.
-    pub fn total_duration(&self, clip_duration: f64) -> f64 {
+    pub fn total_duration(&self, clip_duration_secs: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> f64 {
-        self.loop_before.unwrap_or(0.0) + self.effective_duration(clip_duration)
+        self.loop_before.unwrap_or(0.0) + self.effective_duration_beats(clip_duration_secs, tempo_map)
     }
 
-    /// Remap timeline time to clip content time
+    /// Map a playback time (in **seconds**) to clip-local content time (in **seconds**).
     ///
-    /// Takes a global timeline time and returns the corresponding time within this
+    /// Returns `None` if the clip instance is not active at `time_secs`.
-    /// clip's content, accounting for:
+    pub fn remap_time_secs(&self, time_secs: f64, clip_duration_secs: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> Option<f64> {
-    /// - Instance position (timeline_start)
+        let start_secs = tempo_map.transform(self.timeline_start);
-    /// - Playback speed
+        let dur_beats = self.effective_duration_beats(clip_duration_secs, tempo_map);
-    /// - Trimming (trim_start, trim_end)
+        let end_secs = tempo_map.transform(self.timeline_start + dur_beats);
-    /// - Looping (if timeline_duration > content window)
+
-    ///
+        if time_secs < start_secs || time_secs >= end_secs {
-    /// Returns None if the clip instance is not active at the given timeline time.
-    pub fn remap_time(&self, timeline_time: f64, clip_duration: f64) -> Option<f64> {
-        // Check if clip instance is active at this time
-        let instance_end = self.timeline_start + self.effective_duration(clip_duration);
-        if timeline_time < self.timeline_start || timeline_time >= instance_end {
             return None;
         }
 
-        // Calculate relative time within the instance (0.0 = start of instance)
+        let relative_secs = time_secs - start_secs;
-        let relative_time = timeline_time - self.timeline_start;
+        let content_time = relative_secs * self.playback_speed;
+        let content_window = self.content_window_secs(clip_duration_secs);
 
-        // Account for playback speed
-        let content_time = relative_time * self.playback_speed;
-
-        // Get the content window size (the portion of clip we're sampling)
-        let trim_end = self.trim_end.unwrap_or(clip_duration);
-        let content_window = (trim_end - self.trim_start).max(0.0);
-
-        // If content_window is zero, can't sample anything
         if content_window == 0.0 {
             return Some(self.trim_start);
         }
 
-        // Apply looping if content exceeds the window
         let looped_time = if content_time > content_window {
             content_time % content_window
         } else {
             content_time
         };
 
-        // Add trim_start offset to get final clip time
         Some(self.trim_start + looped_time)
     }
 
+    /// Alias for `remap_time_secs`.
+    #[inline]
+    pub fn remap_time(&self, time_secs: f64, clip_duration_secs: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> Option<f64> {
+        self.remap_time_secs(time_secs, clip_duration_secs, tempo_map)
+    }
+
+    /// Alias for `effective_duration_beats`.
+    #[inline]
+    pub fn effective_duration(&self, clip_duration_secs: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> f64 {
+        self.effective_duration_beats(clip_duration_secs, tempo_map)
+    }
+
     /// Convert to affine transform
     pub fn to_affine(&self) -> vello::kurbo::Affine {
         self.transform.to_affine()

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/document.rs

@@ -6,10 +6,11 @@
 use crate::asset_folder::AssetFolderTree;
 use crate::clip::{AudioClip, ClipInstance, ImageAsset, VideoClip, VectorClip};
 use crate::effect::EffectDefinition;
-use crate::layer::AnyLayer;
+use crate::layer::{AnyLayer, GroupLayer};
 use crate::script::ScriptDefinition;
 use crate::layout::LayoutNode;
 use crate::shape::ShapeColor;
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 use uuid::Uuid;
@@ -131,6 +132,8 @@ impl Default for TimeSignature {
     }
 }
 
+// Keep for backward serde compat (old files may have a `bpm` field); no longer used.
+#[allow(dead_code)]
 fn default_bpm() -> f64 { 120.0 }
 
 /// How time is displayed in the timeline
@@ -173,14 +176,16 @@ pub struct Document {
     /// Framerate (frames per second)
     pub framerate: f64,
 
-    /// Tempo in beats per minute
-    #[serde(default = "default_bpm")]
-    pub bpm: f64,
-
     /// Time signature
     #[serde(default)]
     pub time_signature: TimeSignature,
 
+    /// Master track (master bus + tempo automation lane).
+    /// Stored separately from the root layer tree; shown in timeline when
+    /// `show_master_track` is enabled in the editor state.
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub master_layer: GroupLayer,
+
     /// Duration in seconds
     pub duration: f64,
 
@@ -266,8 +271,12 @@ impl Default for Document {
             width: 1920.0,
             height: 1080.0,
             framerate: 60.0,
-            bpm: 120.0,
             time_signature: TimeSignature::default(),
+            master_layer: {
+                let mut ml = GroupLayer::new_master(120.0);
+                ml.layer.id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
+                ml
+            },
             duration: 10.0,
             root: GraphicsObject::default(),
             vector_clips: HashMap::new(),
@@ -311,6 +320,28 @@ impl Document {
         }
     }
 
+    /// Reference to the document's tempo map (stored on the master layer).
+    pub fn tempo_map(&self) -> &TempoMap {
+        self.master_layer.tempo_map.as_ref()
+            .expect("master_layer always has a tempo_map")
+    }
+
+    /// Mutable reference to the document's tempo map.
+    pub fn tempo_map_mut(&mut self) -> &mut TempoMap {
+        self.master_layer.tempo_map.as_mut()
+            .expect("master_layer always has a tempo_map")
+    }
+
+    /// Convenience accessor for the global BPM (first entry of the tempo map).
+    pub fn bpm(&self) -> f64 {
+        self.tempo_map().global_bpm()
+    }
+
+    /// Set the global BPM.  Rebuilds the tempo map's seconds cache.
+    pub fn set_bpm(&mut self, bpm: f64) {
+        self.tempo_map_mut().set_global_bpm(bpm);
+    }
+
     /// Rebuild the layer→clip reverse lookup map from all vector clips.
     /// Call after deserialization or bulk clip modifications.
     pub fn rebuild_layer_to_clip_map(&mut self) {
@@ -619,56 +650,6 @@ impl Document {
         layers
     }
 
-    /// Migrate old documents: compute beats/frames from seconds for any ClipInstance whose
-    /// derived fields are still zero (i.e., documents saved before triple-representation).
-    /// Call once after loading a document.
-    pub fn sync_all_clip_positions(&mut self) {
-        let bpm = self.bpm;
-        let fps = self.framerate;
-
-        fn sync_list(list: &mut [crate::layer::AnyLayer], bpm: f64, fps: f64) {
-            for layer in list.iter_mut() {
-                match layer {
-                    crate::layer::AnyLayer::Vector(vl) => {
-                        for ci in &mut vl.clip_instances {
-                            if ci.timeline_start_beats == 0.0 { ci.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                        }
-                    }
-                    crate::layer::AnyLayer::Audio(al) => {
-                        for ci in &mut al.clip_instances {
-                            if ci.timeline_start_beats == 0.0 { ci.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                        }
-                    }
-                    crate::layer::AnyLayer::Video(vl) => {
-                        for ci in &mut vl.clip_instances {
-                            if ci.timeline_start_beats == 0.0 { ci.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                        }
-                    }
-                    crate::layer::AnyLayer::Effect(el) => {
-                        for ci in &mut el.clip_instances {
-                            if ci.timeline_start_beats == 0.0 { ci.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                        }
-                    }
-                    crate::layer::AnyLayer::Group(g) => {
-                        sync_list(&mut g.children, bpm, fps);
-                    }
-                    crate::layer::AnyLayer::Raster(_) => {}
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        sync_list(&mut self.root.children, bpm, fps);
-        for clip in self.vector_clips.values_mut() {
-            for node in &mut clip.layers.roots {
-                if let crate::layer::AnyLayer::Vector(vl) = &mut node.data {
-                    for ci in &mut vl.clip_instances {
-                        if ci.timeline_start_beats == 0.0 { ci.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    }
-
     // === CLIP LIBRARY METHODS ===
 
     /// Add a vector clip to the library
@@ -866,11 +847,12 @@ impl Document {
             if clip.is_group {
                 Some(clip.duration)
             } else {
-                Some(clip.content_duration_with(self.framerate, |id| {
+                let tempo_map = self.tempo_map();
+                Some(clip.content_duration_with(self.framerate, tempo_map, |id| {
                     // Resolve nested clip durations (audio, video, other vector clips)
                     if let Some(vc) = self.vector_clips.get(id) {
                         // Avoid deep recursion — use stored duration for nested vector clips
-                        Some(vc.content_duration(self.framerate))
+                        Some(vc.content_duration(self.framerate, tempo_map))
                     } else if let Some(ac) = self.audio_clips.get(id) {
                         Some(ac.duration)
                     } else if let Some(vc) = self.video_clips.get(id) {
@@ -961,7 +943,7 @@ impl Document {
             };
 
             let instance_start = instance.effective_start();
-            let instance_end = instance.timeline_start + instance.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+            let instance_end = instance.timeline_start + instance.effective_duration(clip_duration, self.tempo_map());
 
             // Check overlap: start_a < end_b AND start_b < end_a
             if start_time < instance_end && instance_start < end_time {
@@ -1019,7 +1001,7 @@ impl Document {
 
             if let Some(clip_dur) = self.get_clip_duration(&instance.clip_id) {
                 let inst_start = instance.effective_start();
-                let inst_end = instance.timeline_start + instance.effective_duration(clip_dur);
+                let inst_end = instance.timeline_start + instance.effective_duration(clip_dur, self.tempo_map());
                 occupied_ranges.push((inst_start, inst_end, instance.id));
             }
         }
@@ -1114,7 +1096,7 @@ impl Document {
             }
             if let Some(dur) = self.get_clip_duration(&inst.clip_id) {
                 let start = inst.effective_start();
-                let end = inst.timeline_start + inst.effective_duration(dur);
+                let end = inst.timeline_start + inst.effective_duration(dur, self.tempo_map());
                 non_group.push((start, end));
             }
         }
@@ -1184,7 +1166,7 @@ impl Document {
 
             // Calculate other clip's extent (accounting for loop_before)
             if let Some(clip_duration) = self.get_clip_duration(&other.clip_id) {
-                let other_end = other.timeline_start + other.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+                let other_end = other.timeline_start + other.effective_duration(clip_duration, self.tempo_map());
 
                 // If this clip is to the left and closer than current nearest
                 if other_end <= current_timeline_start && other_end > nearest_end {
@@ -1280,7 +1262,7 @@ impl Document {
             }
 
             if let Some(clip_duration) = self.get_clip_duration(&other.clip_id) {
-                let other_end = other.timeline_start + other.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+                let other_end = other.timeline_start + other.effective_duration(clip_duration, self.tempo_map());
 
                 if other_end <= current_effective_start && other_end > nearest_end {
                     nearest_end = other_end;

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/effect_layer.rs

@@ -142,16 +142,18 @@ impl EffectLayer {
         self.clip_instances.iter_mut().find(|e| &e.id == id)
     }
 
-    /// Get all clip instances (effects) that are active at a given time
+    /// Get all clip instances (effects) that are active at a given time.
     ///
-    /// Uses `EFFECT_DURATION` to calculate effective duration for each instance.
+    /// `time_secs` is the playback time in seconds; `bpm` is used to convert
-    pub fn active_clip_instances_at(&self, time: f64) -> Vec<&ClipInstance> {
+    /// `timeline_start` (beats) to seconds for comparison.
+    pub fn active_clip_instances_at(&self, time_secs: f64, tempo_map: &crate::tempo_map::TempoMap) -> Vec<&ClipInstance> {
         use crate::effect::EFFECT_DURATION;
+        let time_beats = tempo_map.inverse_transform(time_secs);
         self.clip_instances
             .iter()
             .filter(|e| {
-                let end = e.timeline_start + e.effective_duration(EFFECT_DURATION);
+                let end = e.timeline_start + e.effective_duration(EFFECT_DURATION, tempo_map);
-                time >= e.timeline_start && time < end
+                time_beats >= e.timeline_start && time_beats < end
             })
             .collect()
     }
@@ -239,13 +241,13 @@ mod tests {
         layer.add_clip_instance(effect2);
 
         // At time 2: only effect1 active
-        assert_eq!(layer.active_clip_instances_at(2.0).len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(layer.active_clip_instances_at(2.0, 60.0).len(), 1);
 
         // At time 4: both effects active
-        assert_eq!(layer.active_clip_instances_at(4.0).len(), 2);
+        assert_eq!(layer.active_clip_instances_at(4.0, 60.0).len(), 2);
 
         // At time 7: only effect2 active
-        assert_eq!(layer.active_clip_instances_at(7.0).len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(layer.active_clip_instances_at(7.0, 60.0).len(), 1);
     }
 
     #[test]

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/export.rs

@@ -76,6 +76,9 @@ pub struct AudioExportSettings {
 
     /// End time in seconds
     pub end_time: f64,
+
+    /// Project BPM (for beat-position scheduling during export)
+    pub bpm: f64,
 }
 
 impl Default for AudioExportSettings {
@@ -88,6 +91,7 @@ impl Default for AudioExportSettings {
             bitrate_kbps: 320,
             start_time: 0.0,
             end_time: 60.0,
+            bpm: 120.0,
         }
     }
 }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/file_io.rs

@@ -491,6 +491,8 @@ pub fn load_beam(path: &Path) -> Result<LoadedProject, String> {
     // 5. Extract document and audio backend state
     let step5_start = std::time::Instant::now();
     let mut document = beam_project.ui_state;
+    // Rebuild derived seconds cache on all TempoMap entries after deserialization.
+    document.tempo_map_mut().rebuild_seconds();
     let mut audio_project = beam_project.audio_backend.project;
     let audio_pool_entries = beam_project.audio_backend.audio_pool_entries;
     let layer_to_track_map = beam_project.audio_backend.layer_to_track_map;

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/hit_test.rs

@@ -256,15 +256,20 @@ pub fn hit_test_clip_instances(
     parent_transform: Affine,
     timeline_time: f64,
 ) -> Option<Uuid> {
+    let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
     for clip_instance in clip_instances.iter().rev() {
         // Check time bounds: skip clip instances not active at this time
+        // timeline_start/instance_end are in beats; convert timeline_time (seconds) to beats.
         let clip_duration = document.get_clip_duration(&clip_instance.clip_id).unwrap_or(0.0);
-        let instance_end = clip_instance.timeline_start + clip_instance.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+        let instance_end = clip_instance.timeline_start + clip_instance.effective_duration(clip_duration, tempo_map);
-        if timeline_time < clip_instance.timeline_start || timeline_time >= instance_end {
+        let timeline_beats = tempo_map.inverse_transform(timeline_time);
+        if timeline_beats < clip_instance.timeline_start || timeline_beats >= instance_end {
             continue;
         }
 
-        let clip_time = ((timeline_time - clip_instance.timeline_start) * clip_instance.playback_speed) + clip_instance.trim_start;
+        // clip_time is in seconds; offset from clip start (in seconds) + trim_start (seconds)
+        let start_secs = tempo_map.transform(clip_instance.timeline_start);
+        let clip_time = ((timeline_time - start_secs) * clip_instance.playback_speed) + clip_instance.trim_start;
 
         let content_bounds = if let Some(vector_clip) = document.get_vector_clip(&clip_instance.clip_id) {
             vector_clip.calculate_content_bounds(document, clip_time)
@@ -294,16 +299,20 @@ pub fn hit_test_clip_instances_in_rect(
     timeline_time: f64,
 ) -> Vec<Uuid> {
     let mut hits = Vec::new();
+    let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
 
     for clip_instance in clip_instances {
         // Check time bounds: skip clip instances not active at this time
+        // timeline_start/instance_end are in beats; convert timeline_time (seconds) to beats.
         let clip_duration = document.get_clip_duration(&clip_instance.clip_id).unwrap_or(0.0);
-        let instance_end = clip_instance.timeline_start + clip_instance.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+        let instance_end = clip_instance.timeline_start + clip_instance.effective_duration(clip_duration, tempo_map);
-        if timeline_time < clip_instance.timeline_start || timeline_time >= instance_end {
+        let timeline_beats = tempo_map.inverse_transform(timeline_time);
+        if timeline_beats < clip_instance.timeline_start || timeline_beats >= instance_end {
             continue;
         }
 
-        let clip_time = ((timeline_time - clip_instance.timeline_start) * clip_instance.playback_speed) + clip_instance.trim_start;
+        let start_secs = tempo_map.transform(clip_instance.timeline_start);
+        let clip_time = ((timeline_time - start_secs) * clip_instance.playback_speed) + clip_instance.trim_start;
 
         let content_bounds = if let Some(vector_clip) = document.get_vector_clip(&clip_instance.clip_id) {
             vector_clip.calculate_content_bounds(document, clip_time)

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/layer.rs

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 //! Layers organize objects and shapes, and contain animation data.
 
 use crate::animation::AnimationData;
+use crate::tempo_map::TempoMap;
 use crate::clip::ClipInstance;
 use crate::vector_graph::VectorGraph;
 use crate::effect_layer::EffectLayer;
@@ -720,6 +721,12 @@ pub struct GroupLayer {
     /// Whether the group is expanded in the timeline
     #[serde(default = "default_true")]
     pub expanded: bool,
+
+    /// Optional tempo map for this group. When `Some`, the group's children use
+    /// this tempo map for beat-to-parent-time conversion. The master group always
+    /// has `Some`; regular groups default to `None` (inherit parent tempo).
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub tempo_map: Option<TempoMap>,
 }
 
 fn default_true() -> bool {
@@ -746,6 +753,12 @@ impl LayerTrait for GroupLayer {
     fn set_locked(&mut self, locked: bool) { self.layer.locked = locked; }
 }
 
+impl Default for GroupLayer {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self::new("Group")
+    }
+}
+
 impl GroupLayer {
     /// Create a new group layer
     pub fn new(name: impl Into<String>) -> Self {
@@ -753,6 +766,21 @@ impl GroupLayer {
             layer: Layer::new(LayerType::Group, name),
             children: Vec::new(),
             expanded: true,
+            tempo_map: None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Create a master group layer with a constant tempo.
+    pub fn new_master(bpm: f64) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            layer: Layer::with_id(
+                uuid::Uuid::nil(), // replaced by Document::new
+                LayerType::Group,
+                "Master",
+            ),
+            children: Vec::new(),
+            expanded: false, // collapsed so it always renders a visible header row
+            tempo_map: Some(TempoMap::constant(bpm)),
         }
     }
 
@@ -773,7 +801,7 @@ impl GroupLayer {
                 AnyLayer::Effect(l) => &l.clip_instances,
                 AnyLayer::Group(_) => &[], // no nested groups
                 AnyLayer::Raster(_) => &[], // raster layers have no clip instances
-            };
+                };
             for ci in instances {
                 result.push((child_id, ci));
             }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/lib.rs

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 // Shared data structures and types
 
 pub mod beat_time;
+pub mod tempo_map;
 pub mod gpu;
 pub mod layout;
 pub mod pane;

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/renderer.rs

@@ -391,9 +391,10 @@ pub fn render_layer_isolated(
             let mut video_mgr = video_manager.lock().unwrap();
             let mut instances = Vec::new();
 
+            let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
             for clip_instance in &video_layer.clip_instances {
                 let Some(video_clip) = document.video_clips.get(&clip_instance.clip_id) else { continue };
-                let Some(clip_time) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, video_clip.duration) else { continue };
+                let Some(clip_time) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, video_clip.duration, tempo_map) else { continue };
                 let Some(frame) = video_mgr.get_frame(&clip_instance.clip_id, clip_time) else { continue };
 
                 // Evaluate animated transform properties.
@@ -458,8 +459,9 @@ pub fn render_layer_isolated(
         AnyLayer::Effect(effect_layer) => {
             // Effect layers are processed during compositing, not rendered to scene
             // Return early with a dedicated effect layer type
+            let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
             let active_effects: Vec<ClipInstance> = effect_layer
-                .active_clip_instances_at(time)
+                .active_clip_instances_at(time, tempo_map)
                 .into_iter()
                 .cloned()
                 .collect();
@@ -728,16 +730,19 @@ fn render_clip_instance(
     };
 
     // Remap timeline time to clip's internal time
+    let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
     let clip_time = if vector_clip.is_group {
-        // Groups are static — visible from timeline_start to the next keyframe boundary
+        // Groups are static — visible from timeline_start to the next keyframe boundary.
-        let end = group_end_time.unwrap_or(clip_instance.timeline_start);
+        // timeline_start is in beats; group_end_time is in seconds (render time).
-        if time < clip_instance.timeline_start || time >= end {
+        let start_secs = tempo_map.transform(clip_instance.timeline_start);
+        let end = group_end_time.unwrap_or(start_secs);
+        if time < start_secs || time >= end {
             return;
         }
         0.0
     } else {
         let clip_dur = document.get_clip_duration(&vector_clip.id).unwrap_or(vector_clip.duration);
-        let Some(t) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, clip_dur) else {
+        let Some(t) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, clip_dur, tempo_map) else {
             return; // Clip instance not active at this time
         };
         t
@@ -889,7 +894,8 @@ fn render_video_layer(
         };
 
         // Remap timeline time to clip's internal time
-        let Some(clip_time) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, video_clip.duration) else {
+        let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
+        let Some(clip_time) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, video_clip.duration, tempo_map) else {
             continue; // Clip instance not active at this time
         };
 
@@ -1553,13 +1559,15 @@ fn render_clip_instance_cpu(
 ) {
     let Some(vector_clip) = document.vector_clips.get(&clip_instance.clip_id) else { return };
 
+    let tempo_map = document.tempo_map();
     let clip_time = if vector_clip.is_group {
-        let end = group_end_time.unwrap_or(clip_instance.timeline_start);
+        let start_secs = tempo_map.transform(clip_instance.timeline_start);
-        if time < clip_instance.timeline_start || time >= end { return; }
+        let end = group_end_time.unwrap_or(start_secs);
+        if time < start_secs || time >= end { return; }
         0.0
     } else {
         let clip_dur = document.get_clip_duration(&vector_clip.id).unwrap_or(vector_clip.duration);
-        let Some(t) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, clip_dur) else { return };
+        let Some(t) = clip_instance.remap_time(time, clip_dur, tempo_map) else { return };
         t
     };
 

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-core/src/tempo_map.rs

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+pub use daw_backend::tempo_map::{TempoEntry, TempoMap};

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/export/audio_exporter.rs

@@ -69,8 +69,9 @@ fn export_audio_daw_backend<P: AsRef<Path>>(
         channels: settings.channels,
         bit_depth: settings.bit_depth,
         mp3_bitrate: 320, // Not used for WAV/FLAC
-        start_time: settings.start_time,
+        start_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.start_time),
-        end_time: settings.end_time,
+        end_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.end_time),
+        tempo_map: daw_backend::TempoMap::constant(settings.bpm),
     };
 
     // Use the existing DAW backend export function
@@ -105,8 +106,9 @@ fn export_audio_ffmpeg_mp3<P: AsRef<Path>>(
         channels: settings.channels,
         bit_depth: 16, // Unused
         mp3_bitrate: settings.bitrate_kbps,
-        start_time: settings.start_time,
+        start_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.start_time),
-        end_time: settings.end_time,
+        end_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.end_time),
+        tempo_map: daw_backend::TempoMap::constant(settings.bpm),
     };
 
     // Step 1: Render audio to memory
@@ -294,8 +296,9 @@ fn export_audio_ffmpeg_aac<P: AsRef<Path>>(
         channels: settings.channels,
         bit_depth: 16, // Unused
         mp3_bitrate: settings.bitrate_kbps,
-        start_time: settings.start_time,
+        start_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.start_time),
-        end_time: settings.end_time,
+        end_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.end_time),
+        tempo_map: daw_backend::TempoMap::constant(settings.bpm),
     };
 
     // Step 1: Render audio to memory

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/export/mod.rs

@@ -696,8 +696,9 @@ impl ExportOrchestrator {
             channels: settings.channels,
             bit_depth: settings.bit_depth,
             mp3_bitrate: settings.bitrate_kbps,
-            start_time: settings.start_time,
+            start_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.start_time),
-            end_time: settings.end_time,
+            end_time: daw_backend::Seconds(settings.end_time),
+            tempo_map: daw_backend::TempoMap::constant(settings.bpm),
         };
 
         // Use DAW backend export for all formats

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/export/video_exporter.rs

@@ -882,7 +882,7 @@ fn composite_document_to_hdr(
                     let effect_inst = lightningbeam_core::effect::EffectInstance::new(
                         effect_def,
                         effect_instance.timeline_start,
-                        effect_instance.timeline_start + effect_instance.effective_duration(lightningbeam_core::effect::EFFECT_DURATION),
+                        effect_instance.timeline_start + effect_instance.effective_duration(lightningbeam_core::effect::EFFECT_DURATION, document.tempo_map()),
                     );
                     let effect_output_handle = gpu_resources.buffer_pool.acquire(device, hdr_spec);
                     if let Some(effect_output_view) = gpu_resources.buffer_pool.get_view(effect_output_handle) {

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/keymap.rs

@@ -330,6 +330,7 @@ impl From<MenuAction> for AppAction {
             MenuAction::AddTestClip => Self::AddTestClip,
             MenuAction::DeleteLayer => Self::DeleteLayer,
             MenuAction::ToggleLayerVisibility => Self::ToggleLayerVisibility,
+            MenuAction::ShowMasterTrack => Self::ToggleLayerVisibility, // not directly mappable
             MenuAction::NewKeyframe => Self::NewKeyframe,
             MenuAction::NewBlankKeyframe => Self::NewBlankKeyframe,
             MenuAction::DeleteFrame => Self::DeleteFrame,

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/main.rs

@@ -1538,6 +1538,21 @@ impl EditorApp {
     fn sync_audio_layers_to_backend(&mut self) {
         use lightningbeam_core::layer::{AnyLayer, AudioLayerType};
 
+        // Ensure the master layer has a backend group track.
+        let master_layer_id = self.action_executor.document().master_layer.layer.id;
+        if !self.layer_to_track_map.contains_key(&master_layer_id) {
+            if let Some(ref controller_arc) = self.audio_controller {
+                let track_id_result = {
+                    let mut controller = controller_arc.lock().unwrap();
+                    controller.create_group_track_sync("[Master]".to_string(), None)
+                };
+                if let Ok(track_id) = track_id_result {
+                    self.layer_to_track_map.insert(master_layer_id, track_id);
+                    println!("✅ Created master bus track (TrackId: {})", track_id);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         // Collect audio layers from root and inside vector clips
         // Each entry: (layer_id, layer_name, audio_type, parent_clip_id)
         let mut audio_layers_to_sync: Vec<(uuid::Uuid, String, AudioLayerType, Option<uuid::Uuid>)> = Vec::new();
@@ -1707,6 +1722,17 @@ impl EditorApp {
                 }
             }
         }
+
+        // Push subtrack graph for the master bus (all root-level tracks as its inputs).
+        let master_layer_id = self.action_executor.document().master_layer.layer.id;
+        if let Some(&master_track_id) = self.layer_to_track_map.get(&master_layer_id) {
+            let root_children = self.action_executor.document().root.children.clone();
+            let master_subtracks = self.build_subtrack_list_for_group(&root_children);
+            if let Some(ref controller_arc) = self.audio_controller {
+                let mut controller = controller_arc.lock().unwrap();
+                controller.set_metatrack_subtrack_graph(master_track_id, master_subtracks);
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     /// Build the ordered subtrack list for a group layer's direct children.
@@ -1844,7 +1870,7 @@ impl EditorApp {
             let mut result = Vec::new();
             for instance in clip_instances {
                 if let Some(clip_duration) = document.get_clip_duration(&instance.clip_id) {
-                    let effective_duration = instance.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+                    let effective_duration = instance.effective_duration(clip_duration, document.tempo_map());
                     let timeline_end = instance.timeline_start + effective_duration;
 
                     const EPSILON: f64 = 0.001;
@@ -2698,7 +2724,7 @@ impl EditorApp {
                 let mut duplicate = original.clone();
                 duplicate.id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4();
                 let clip_duration = document.get_clip_duration(&original.clip_id).unwrap_or(1.0);
-                let effective_duration = original.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+                let effective_duration = original.effective_duration(clip_duration, document.tempo_map());
                 duplicate.timeline_start = original.timeline_start + effective_duration;
                 if let Some((new_clip_def_id, _)) = midi_clip_replacements.get(&original.clip_id) {
                     duplicate.clip_id = *new_clip_def_id;
@@ -3483,6 +3509,14 @@ impl EditorApp {
                 println!("Menu: Toggle Layer Visibility");
                 // TODO: Implement toggle layer visibility
             }
+            MenuAction::ShowMasterTrack => {
+                // Toggle show_master_track on all Timeline pane instances
+                for pane in self.pane_instances.values_mut() {
+                    if let panes::PaneInstance::Timeline(t) = pane {
+                        t.show_master_track = !t.show_master_track;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
 
             // Timeline menu
             MenuAction::NewKeyframe | MenuAction::AddKeyframeAtPlayhead => {
@@ -3771,7 +3805,7 @@ impl EditorApp {
             // Sync BPM/time signature to metronome
             let doc = self.action_executor.document();
             controller.set_tempo(
-                doc.bpm as f32,
+                doc.bpm() as f32,
                 (doc.time_signature.numerator, doc.time_signature.denominator),
             );
         }
@@ -3834,9 +3868,6 @@ impl EditorApp {
 
         // Rebuild MIDI event cache for all MIDI clips (needed for timeline/piano roll rendering)
         let step8_start = std::time::Instant::now();
-        // Migrate old documents: compute beats/frames derived fields
-        self.action_executor.document_mut().sync_all_clip_positions();
-
         self.midi_event_cache.clear();
         let midi_clip_ids: Vec<u32> = self.action_executor.document()
             .audio_clips.values()
@@ -3859,19 +3890,6 @@ impl EditorApp {
         }
         eprintln!("📊 [APPLY] Step 8: Rebuilt MIDI event cache for {} clips in {:.2}ms", midi_fetched, step8_start.elapsed().as_secs_f64() * 1000.0);
 
-        // Sync beats/frames derived fields on MIDI events (migration for old documents)
-        {
-            let bpm = self.action_executor.document().bpm;
-            let fps = self.action_executor.document().framerate;
-            for events in self.midi_event_cache.values_mut() {
-                for ev in events.iter_mut() {
-                    if ev.timestamp_beats == 0.0 && ev.timestamp.abs() > 1e-9 {
-                        ev.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                    }
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
         // Reset playback state
         self.playback_time = 0.0;
         self.is_playing = false;
@@ -4002,15 +4020,11 @@ impl EditorApp {
     /// Rebuild a MIDI event cache entry from backend note format.
     /// Called after undo/redo to keep the cache consistent with the backend.
     fn rebuild_midi_cache_entry(&mut self, clip_id: u32, notes: &[(f64, u8, u8, f64)]) {
-        let bpm = self.action_executor.document().bpm;
-        let fps = self.action_executor.document().framerate;
         let mut events: Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent> = Vec::with_capacity(notes.len() * 2);
         for &(start_time, note, velocity, duration) in notes {
-            let mut on = daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_on(start_time, 0, note, velocity);
+            let on = daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_on(daw_backend::Beats(start_time), 0, note, velocity);
-            on.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
             events.push(on);
-            let mut off = daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_off(start_time + duration, 0, note, 0);
+            let off = daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_off(daw_backend::Beats(start_time + duration), 0, note, 0);
-            off.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
             events.push(off);
         }
         events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap());
@@ -4048,14 +4062,14 @@ impl EditorApp {
                     let frontend_clip_id = self.action_executor.document_mut().add_audio_clip(clip);
 
                     println!("Imported MIDI '{}' ({:.1}s, {} total events) - Frontend ID: {}, Backend ID: {}",
-                        name, duration, event_count, frontend_clip_id, backend_clip_id);
+                        name, duration.beats_to_f64(), event_count, frontend_clip_id, backend_clip_id);
 
                     Some(ImportedAssetInfo {
                         clip_id: frontend_clip_id,
                         clip_type: panes::DragClipType::AudioMidi,
                         name,
                         dimensions: None,
-                        duration,
+                        duration: duration.beats_to_f64(),
                         linked_audio_clip_id: None,
                     })
                 } else {
@@ -5032,7 +5046,7 @@ impl eframe::App for EditorApp {
                                 if let Some(doc_clip_id) = doc_clip_id {
                                     if let Some(clip) = self.action_executor.document_mut().audio_clips.get_mut(&doc_clip_id) {
                                         if clip.is_recording() {
-                                            clip.duration = duration;
+                                            clip.duration = duration.seconds_to_f64();
                                         }
                                     }
                                 }
@@ -5202,24 +5216,18 @@ impl eframe::App for EditorApp {
                                     }
                                     // Update the clip's duration so the timeline bar grows
                                     if let Some(clip) = self.action_executor.document_mut().audio_clips.get_mut(&doc_clip_id) {
-                                        clip.duration = duration;
+                                        clip.duration = duration.beats_to_f64();
                                     }
                                 }
                             }
 
-                            // Update midi_event_cache with notes captured so far
+                            // Update midi_event_cache with notes captured so far.
-                            // (inlined to avoid conflicting &mut self borrow)
+                            // Notes from get_notes_with_active() are already in beats.
                             {
-                                let bpm = self.action_executor.document().bpm;
-                                let fps = self.action_executor.document().framerate;
                                 let mut events: Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent> = Vec::with_capacity(notes.len() * 2);
-                                for &(start_time, note, velocity, dur) in &notes {
+                                for &(start_beats, note, velocity, dur_beats) in &notes {
-                                    let mut on = daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_on(start_time, 0, note, velocity);
+                                    events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_on(start_beats, 0, note, velocity));
-                                    on.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
+                                    events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_off(start_beats + dur_beats, 0, note, 0));
-                                    events.push(on);
-                                    let mut off = daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_off(start_time + dur, 0, note, 0);
-                                    off.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                                    events.push(off);
                                 }
                                 events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap());
                                 self.midi_event_cache.insert(clip_id, events);
@@ -5236,13 +5244,7 @@ impl eframe::App for EditorApp {
                                 match controller.query_midi_clip(track_id, clip_id) {
                                     Ok(midi_clip_data) => {
                                         drop(controller);
-                                        let bpm = self.action_executor.document().bpm;
+                                        self.midi_event_cache.insert(clip_id, midi_clip_data.events.clone());
-                                        let fps = self.action_executor.document().framerate;
-                                        let mut final_events = midi_clip_data.events.clone();
-                                        for ev in &mut final_events {
-                                            ev.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps);
-                                        }
-                                        self.midi_event_cache.insert(clip_id, final_events);
 
                                         // Update document clip with final duration and name
                                         let doc_clip_id = self.action_executor.document()
@@ -5655,10 +5657,14 @@ impl eframe::App for EditorApp {
                 });
 
                 // Checked actions show "✔ Label"; hidden actions are not rendered at all
-                let checked: &[crate::menu::MenuAction] = if self.count_in_enabled && self.metronome_enabled {
+                let master_track_shown = self.pane_instances.values().any(|p| {
-                    &[crate::menu::MenuAction::ToggleCountIn]
+                    if let panes::PaneInstance::Timeline(t) = p { t.show_master_track } else { false }
-                } else {
+                });
-                    &[]
+                let checked: &[crate::menu::MenuAction] = match (self.count_in_enabled && self.metronome_enabled, master_track_shown) {
+                    (true, true) => &[crate::menu::MenuAction::ToggleCountIn, crate::menu::MenuAction::ShowMasterTrack],
+                    (true, false) => &[crate::menu::MenuAction::ToggleCountIn],
+                    (false, true) => &[crate::menu::MenuAction::ShowMasterTrack],
+                    (false, false) => &[],
                 };
                 let hidden: &[crate::menu::MenuAction] = if timeline_is_measures && self.metronome_enabled {
                     &[]

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/menu.rs

@@ -313,6 +313,7 @@ pub enum MenuAction {
     AddTestClip, // For testing: adds a test clip to the asset library
     DeleteLayer,
     ToggleLayerVisibility,
+    ShowMasterTrack,
 
     // Timeline menu
     NewKeyframe,
@@ -412,6 +413,7 @@ impl MenuItemDef {
     const ADD_TEST_CLIP: Self = Self { label: "Add Test Clip to Library", action: MenuAction::AddTestClip, shortcut: None };
     const DELETE_LAYER: Self = Self { label: "Delete Layer", action: MenuAction::DeleteLayer, shortcut: None };
     const TOGGLE_LAYER_VISIBILITY: Self = Self { label: "Hide/Show Layer", action: MenuAction::ToggleLayerVisibility, shortcut: None };
+    const SHOW_MASTER_TRACK: Self = Self { label: "Show Master Track", action: MenuAction::ShowMasterTrack, shortcut: None };
 
     // Timeline menu items
     const NEW_KEYFRAME: Self = Self { label: "New Keyframe", action: MenuAction::NewKeyframe, shortcut: Some(Shortcut::new(ShortcutKey::K, NO_CTRL, NO_SHIFT, NO_ALT)) };
@@ -533,6 +535,8 @@ impl MenuItemDef {
                     MenuDef::Separator,
                     MenuDef::Item(&Self::DELETE_LAYER),
                     MenuDef::Item(&Self::TOGGLE_LAYER_VISIBILITY),
+                    MenuDef::Separator,
+                    MenuDef::Item(&Self::SHOW_MASTER_TRACK),
                 ],
             },
             // Timeline menu

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/panes/asset_library.rs

@@ -391,10 +391,10 @@ fn generate_midi_thumbnail(
 
     // Draw note events
     for event in events {
-        if !event.is_note_on() || event.timestamp > preview_duration {
+        if !event.is_note_on() || event.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > preview_duration {
             continue;
         }
-        let (timestamp, note_number) = (event.timestamp, event.data1);
+        let (timestamp, note_number) = (event.timestamp.beats_to_f64(), event.data1);
 
         let x = ((timestamp / preview_duration) * size as f64) as usize;
 

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/panes/infopanel.rs

@@ -1147,7 +1147,7 @@ impl InfopanelPane {
 
                             let clip_dur = document.get_clip_duration(&ci.clip_id)
                                 .unwrap_or_else(|| ci.trim_end.unwrap_or(1.0) - ci.trim_start);
-                            let total_dur = ci.total_duration(clip_dur);
+                            let total_dur = ci.total_duration(clip_dur, document.tempo_map());
                             ui.horizontal(|ui| {
                                 ui.label("Duration:");
                                 ui.label(format!("{:.2}s", total_dur));
@@ -1215,10 +1215,10 @@ impl InfopanelPane {
                         let mut pending: std::collections::HashMap<u8, (f64, u8)> = std::collections::HashMap::new();
                         for event in events {
                             if event.is_note_on() {
-                                pending.insert(event.data1, (event.timestamp, event.data2));
+                                pending.insert(event.data1, (event.timestamp.beats_to_f64(), event.data2));
                             } else if event.is_note_off() {
                                 if let Some((start, v)) = pending.remove(&event.data1) {
-                                    notes.push((start, event.data1, v, event.timestamp - start));
+                                    notes.push((start, event.data1, v, event.timestamp.beats_to_f64() - start));
                                 }
                             }
                         }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/panes/piano_roll.rs

@@ -255,10 +255,10 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
         for event in events {
             let channel = event.status & 0x0F;
             if event.is_note_on() {
-                active.insert(event.data1, (event.timestamp, event.data2, channel));
+                active.insert(event.data1, (event.timestamp.beats_to_f64(), event.data2, channel));
             } else if event.is_note_off() {
                 if let Some((start, vel, ch)) = active.remove(&event.data1) {
-                    let duration = (event.timestamp - start).max(MIN_NOTE_DURATION);
+                    let duration = (event.timestamp.beats_to_f64() - start).max(MIN_NOTE_DURATION);
                     notes.push(ResolvedNote {
                         note: event.data1,
                         channel: ch,
@@ -292,13 +292,13 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
 
     // ── Ruler interval calculation ───────────────────────────────────────
 
-    fn ruler_interval(&self, bpm: f64, time_sig: &lightningbeam_core::document::TimeSignature) -> f64 {
+    fn ruler_interval(&self, tempo_map: &daw_backend::TempoMap, time_sig: &lightningbeam_core::document::TimeSignature) -> f64 {
         let min_pixel_gap = 80.0;
         let min_seconds = (min_pixel_gap / self.pixels_per_second) as f64;
 
         // Use beat-aligned intervals
-        let beat_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::beat_duration(bpm);
+        let beat_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::beat_duration(0.0, tempo_map);
-        let measure_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::measure_duration(bpm, time_sig);
+        let measure_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::measure_duration(0.0, tempo_map, time_sig);
         let beat_intervals = [
             beat_dur / 4.0, beat_dur / 2.0, beat_dur, beat_dur * 2.0,
             measure_dur, measure_dur * 2.0, measure_dur * 4.0,
@@ -315,8 +315,8 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
 
 } // end impl PianoRollPane (snap helpers follow as free functions)
 
-fn snap_to_value(t: f64, snap: SnapValue, bpm: f64) -> f64 {
+fn snap_to_value(t: f64, snap: SnapValue, tempo_map: &daw_backend::TempoMap) -> f64 {
-    let beat = 60.0 / bpm;
+    let beat = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::beat_duration(0.0, tempo_map);
     match snap {
         SnapValue::None                => t,
         SnapValue::Whole               => round_to_grid(t, beat * 4.0),
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ fn snap_swing(t: f64, cell: f64, ratio: f64) -> f64 {
     *cands.iter().min_by(|&&a, &&b| (a - t).abs().partial_cmp(&(b - t).abs()).unwrap()).unwrap()
 }
 
-fn detect_snap(notes: &[&ResolvedNote], bpm: f64) -> SnapValue {
+fn detect_snap(notes: &[&ResolvedNote], tempo_map: &daw_backend::TempoMap) -> SnapValue {
     const EPS: f64 = 0.002;
     if notes.is_empty() { return SnapValue::None; }
     let order = [
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@ fn detect_snap(notes: &[&ResolvedNote], bpm: f64) -> SnapValue {
         SnapValue::SixteenthTriplet, SnapValue::ThirtySecondTriplet,
     ];
     for &sv in &order {
-        if notes.iter().all(|n| (snap_to_value(n.start_time, sv, bpm) - n.start_time).abs() < EPS) {
+        if notes.iter().all(|n| (snap_to_value(n.start_time, sv, tempo_map) - n.start_time).abs() < EPS) {
             return sv;
         }
     }
@@ -425,7 +425,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                     let clip_doc_id = clip_doc_id; // doc-side AudioClip uuid
                     let duration = mc.external_duration;
                     let instance_uuid = Uuid::nil(); // no doc-side instance uuid yet
-                    clip_data.push((mc.clip_id, mc.external_start, mc.internal_start, duration, instance_uuid));
+                    clip_data.push((mc.clip_id, mc.external_start.beats_to_f64(), mc.internal_start.beats_to_f64(), duration.beats_to_f64(), instance_uuid));
                     let _ = clip_doc_id; // used above for the if-let pattern
                 }
             }
@@ -435,7 +435,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                 for instance in &audio_layer.clip_instances {
                     if let Some(clip) = document.audio_clips.get(&instance.clip_id) {
                         if let AudioClipType::Midi { midi_clip_id } = clip.clip_type {
-                            let duration = instance.effective_duration(clip.duration);
+                            let duration = instance.effective_duration(clip.duration, document.tempo_map());
                             clip_data.push((midi_clip_id, instance.timeline_start, instance.trim_start, duration, instance.id));
                         }
                     }
@@ -456,8 +456,8 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
             self.snap_user_changed = false;
             if self.snap_value != SnapValue::None && !self.selected_note_indices.is_empty() {
                 if let Some(clip_id) = self.selected_clip_id {
-                    let bpm = shared.action_executor.document().bpm;
+                    let tempo_map = shared.action_executor.document().tempo_map().clone();
-                    self.quantize_selected_notes(clip_id, bpm, shared);
+                    self.quantize_selected_notes(clip_id, &tempo_map, shared);
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -484,11 +484,11 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
 
         // Render grid (clipped to grid area)
         let grid_painter = ui.painter_at(grid_rect);
-        let (grid_bpm, grid_time_sig) = {
+        let (grid_tempo_map, grid_time_sig) = {
             let doc = shared.action_executor.document();
-            (doc.bpm, doc.time_signature.clone())
+            (doc.tempo_map().clone(), doc.time_signature.clone())
         };
-        self.render_grid(&grid_painter, grid_rect, grid_bpm, &grid_time_sig);
+        self.render_grid(&grid_painter, grid_rect, &grid_tempo_map, &grid_time_sig);
 
         // Render clip boundaries and notes
         for &(midi_clip_id, timeline_start, trim_start, duration, _instance_id) in &clip_data {
@@ -621,7 +621,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
     }
 
     fn render_grid(&self, painter: &egui::Painter, grid_rect: Rect,
-                   bpm: f64, time_sig: &lightningbeam_core::document::TimeSignature) {
+                   tempo_map: &daw_backend::TempoMap, time_sig: &lightningbeam_core::document::TimeSignature) {
         // Horizontal lines (note separators)
         for note in MIN_NOTE..=MAX_NOTE {
             let y = self.note_to_y(note, grid_rect);
@@ -648,9 +648,9 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
         }
 
         // Vertical lines (beat-aligned time grid)
-        let interval = self.ruler_interval(bpm, time_sig);
+        let interval = self.ruler_interval(tempo_map, time_sig);
-        let beat_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::beat_duration(bpm);
+        let beat_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::beat_duration(0.0, tempo_map);
-        let measure_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::measure_duration(bpm, time_sig);
+        let measure_dur = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::measure_duration(0.0, tempo_map, time_sig);
 
         let start = (self.viewport_start_time / interval).floor() as i64;
         let end_time = self.viewport_start_time + (grid_rect.width() / self.pixels_per_second) as f64;
@@ -675,7 +675,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
 
             // Labels at measure boundaries
             if is_measure && x > grid_rect.min.x + 20.0 {
-                let pos = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::time_to_measure(time, bpm, time_sig);
+                let pos = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::time_to_measure(time, tempo_map, time_sig);
                 painter.text(
                     pos2(x + 2.0, grid_rect.min.y + 2.0),
                     Align2::LEFT_TOP,
@@ -685,7 +685,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                 );
             } else if is_beat && !is_measure && x > grid_rect.min.x + 20.0
                 && beat_dur as f32 * self.pixels_per_second > 40.0 {
-                let pos = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::time_to_measure(time, bpm, time_sig);
+                let pos = lightningbeam_core::beat_time::time_to_measure(time, tempo_map, time_sig);
                 painter.text(
                     pos2(x + 2.0, grid_rect.min.y + 2.0),
                     Align2::LEFT_TOP,
@@ -708,8 +708,8 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
     ) -> f32 {
         let mut peak = 0.0f32;
         for ev in events {
-            if ev.timestamp > note_end + 0.01 { break; }
+            if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > note_end + 0.01 { break; }
-            if ev.timestamp >= note_start - 0.01
+            if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() >= note_start - 0.01
                 && (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xE0
                 && (ev.status & 0x0F) == channel
             {
@@ -770,7 +770,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
             };
             let timestamp = note_start + t * note_duration;
             let (lsb, msb) = encode_bend(normalized);
-            events.push(MidiEvent::new(timestamp, 0xE0 | channel, lsb, msb));
+            events.push(MidiEvent::new(daw_backend::Beats(timestamp), 0xE0 | channel, lsb, msb));
         }
         events
     }
@@ -794,11 +794,11 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
             let ch = ev.status & 0x0F;
             let msg = ev.status & 0xF0;
             if msg == 0x90 && ev.data2 > 0 {
-                active.insert((ev.data1, ch), ev.timestamp);
+                active.insert((ev.data1, ch), ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64());
             } else if msg == 0x80 || (msg == 0x90 && ev.data2 == 0) {
                 if let Some(start) = active.remove(&(ev.data1, ch)) {
                     // Overlaps target range and is NOT the note we're assigning
-                    if start < note_end && ev.timestamp > note_start
+                    if start < note_end && ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > note_start
                         && !(ev.data1 == note_pitch && ch == current_channel)
                     {
                         used[ch as usize] = true;
@@ -828,9 +828,9 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
     fn find_cc1_for_note(events: &[daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent], note_start: f64, note_end: f64, channel: u8) -> u8 {
         let mut cc1 = 0u8;
         for ev in events {
-            if ev.timestamp > note_end { break; }
+            if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > note_end { break; }
             if (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xB0 && (ev.status & 0x0F) == channel && ev.data1 == 1 {
-                if ev.timestamp <= note_start {
+                if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() <= note_start {
                     cc1 = ev.data2;
                 }
             }
@@ -950,7 +950,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                                 let ts = note.start_time + t as f64 * note.duration;
                                 let mut existing_norm = 0.0f32;
                                 for ev in events {
-                                    if ev.timestamp > ts { break; }
+                                    if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > ts { break; }
                                     if (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xE0 && (ev.status & 0x0F) == drag_ch {
                                         let raw = ((ev.data2 as i16) << 7) | (ev.data1 as i16);
                                         existing_norm = (raw - 8192) as f32 / 8192.0;
@@ -991,7 +991,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                         // Find last pitch bend event at or before ts
                         let mut bend_norm = 0.0f32;
                         for ev in events {
-                            if ev.timestamp > ts { break; }
+                            if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > ts { break; }
                             if (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xE0 && (ev.status & 0x0F) == note.channel {
                                 let raw = ((ev.data2 as i16) << 7) | (ev.data1 as i16);
                                 bend_norm = (raw - 8192) as f32 / 8192.0;
@@ -1037,9 +1037,9 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
     }
 
     fn render_dot_grid(&self, painter: &egui::Painter, grid_rect: Rect,
-                       bpm: f64, time_sig: &lightningbeam_core::document::TimeSignature) {
+                       tempo_map: &daw_backend::TempoMap, time_sig: &lightningbeam_core::document::TimeSignature) {
         // Collect visible time grid positions
-        let interval = self.ruler_interval(bpm, time_sig);
+        let interval = self.ruler_interval(tempo_map, time_sig);
         let start = (self.viewport_start_time / interval).floor() as i64;
         let end_time = self.viewport_start_time + (grid_rect.width() / self.pixels_per_second) as f64;
         let end = (end_time / interval).ceil() as i64;
@@ -1374,10 +1374,10 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
             if let Some(selected_clip) = clip_data.iter().find(|c| Some(c.0) == self.selected_clip_id) {
                 let clip_start = selected_clip.1;
                 let trim_start = selected_clip.2;
-                let bpm = shared.action_executor.document().bpm;
+                let tempo_map = shared.action_executor.document().tempo_map();
                 let clip_local_time = snap_to_value(
                     (time - clip_start).max(0.0) + trim_start,
-                    self.snap_value, bpm,
+                    self.snap_value, tempo_map,
                 );
                 self.creating_note = Some(TempNote {
                     note,
@@ -1395,8 +1395,8 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
             self.selection_rect = Some((pos, pos));
             self.drag_mode = Some(DragMode::SelectRect);
 
-            let bpm = shared.action_executor.document().bpm;
+            let tempo_map = shared.action_executor.document().tempo_map();
-            let seek_time = snap_to_value(time.max(0.0), self.snap_value, bpm);
+            let seek_time = snap_to_value(time.max(0.0), self.snap_value, tempo_map);
             *shared.playback_time = seek_time;
             if let Some(ctrl) = shared.audio_controller.as_ref() {
                 if let Ok(mut c) = ctrl.lock() { c.seek(seek_time); }
@@ -1538,7 +1538,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                             let ts = note_start + t * note_duration;
                             let mut bend = 0.0f32;
                             for ev in &new_events {
-                                if ev.timestamp > ts { break; }
+                                if ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() > ts { break; }
                                 if (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xE0 && (ev.status & 0x0F) == target_channel {
                                     let raw = ((ev.data2 as i16) << 7) | (ev.data1 as i16);
                                     bend = (raw - 8192) as f32 / 8192.0;
@@ -1550,7 +1550,8 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                         // Remove old bend events in range before writing combined
                         new_events.retain(|ev| {
                             let is_bend = (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xE0 && (ev.status & 0x0F) == target_channel;
-                            let in_range = ev.timestamp >= note_start - 0.001 && ev.timestamp <= note_start + note_duration + 0.01;
+                            let ts = ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64();
+                            let in_range = ts >= note_start - 0.001 && ts <= note_start + note_duration + 0.01;
                             !(is_bend && in_range)
                         });
 
@@ -1568,20 +1569,15 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
                             let combined = (existing_norm[i] + zone_norm).clamp(-1.0, 1.0);
                             let (lsb, msb) = encode_bend(combined);
                             let ts = note_start + i as f64 / num_steps as f64 * note_duration;
-                            new_events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::new(ts, 0xE0 | target_channel, lsb, msb));
+                            new_events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::new(daw_backend::Beats(ts), 0xE0 | target_channel, lsb, msb));
                         }
                         // For End zone: reset just after note ends so it doesn't bleed into next note
                         if zone == PitchBendZone::End {
                             let (lsb, msb) = encode_bend(0.0);
-                            new_events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::new(note_start + note_duration + 0.005, 0xE0 | target_channel, lsb, msb));
+                            new_events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::new(daw_backend::Beats(note_start + note_duration + 0.005), 0xE0 | target_channel, lsb, msb));
                         }
 
                         new_events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap_or(std::cmp::Ordering::Equal));
-                        {
-                            let doc = shared.action_executor.document();
-                            let bpm = doc.bpm; let fps = doc.framerate;
-                            for ev in &mut new_events { ev.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                        }
                         self.push_events_action("Set pitch bend", clip_id, old_events, new_events.clone(), shared);
                         shared.midi_event_cache.insert(clip_id, new_events);
                     }
@@ -1737,8 +1733,8 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
     fn update_cache_from_resolved(clip_id: u32, resolved: &[ResolvedNote], shared: &mut SharedPaneState) {
         let mut events: Vec<daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent> = Vec::with_capacity(resolved.len() * 2);
         for n in resolved {
-            events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_on(n.start_time, 0, n.note, n.velocity));
+            events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_on(daw_backend::Beats(n.start_time), 0, n.note, n.velocity));
-            events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_off(n.start_time + n.duration, 0, n.note, 0));
+            events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::note_off(daw_backend::Beats(n.start_time + n.duration), 0, n.note, 0));
         }
         events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap());
         shared.midi_event_cache.insert(clip_id, events);
@@ -1787,12 +1783,12 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
         let resolved = Self::resolve_notes(events);
         let old_notes = Self::notes_to_backend_format(&resolved);
 
-        let bpm = shared.action_executor.document().bpm;
+        let tempo_map = shared.action_executor.document().tempo_map();
         let mut new_resolved = resolved.clone();
         for &idx in &self.selected_note_indices {
             if idx < new_resolved.len() {
                 let raw_time = (new_resolved[idx].start_time + dt).max(0.0);
-                new_resolved[idx].start_time = snap_to_value(raw_time, self.snap_value, bpm);
+                new_resolved[idx].start_time = snap_to_value(raw_time, self.snap_value, tempo_map);
                 new_resolved[idx].note = (new_resolved[idx].note as i32 + dn).clamp(0, 127) as u8;
             }
         }
@@ -1968,7 +1964,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
         shared.pending_actions.push(Box::new(action));
     }
 
-    fn quantize_selected_notes(&mut self, clip_id: u32, bpm: f64, shared: &mut SharedPaneState) {
+    fn quantize_selected_notes(&mut self, clip_id: u32, tempo_map: &daw_backend::TempoMap, shared: &mut SharedPaneState) {
         let events = match shared.midi_event_cache.get(&clip_id) { Some(e) => e, None => return };
         let resolved = Self::resolve_notes(events);
         let old_notes = Self::notes_to_backend_format(&resolved);
@@ -1976,7 +1972,7 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
         for &idx in &self.selected_note_indices {
             if idx < new_resolved.len() {
                 new_resolved[idx].start_time =
-                    snap_to_value(new_resolved[idx].start_time, self.snap_value, bpm).max(0.0);
+                    snap_to_value(new_resolved[idx].start_time, self.snap_value, tempo_map).max(0.0);
             }
         }
         let new_notes = Self::notes_to_backend_format(&new_resolved);
@@ -2075,11 +2071,11 @@ impl PianoRollPane {
         // Dot grid background (visible where the spectrogram doesn't draw)
         let grid_painter = ui.painter_at(view_rect);
         {
-            let (dot_bpm, dot_ts) = {
+            let (dot_tempo_map, dot_ts) = {
                 let doc = shared.action_executor.document();
-                (doc.bpm, doc.time_signature.clone())
+                (doc.tempo_map().clone(), doc.time_signature.clone())
             };
-            self.render_dot_grid(&grid_painter, view_rect, dot_bpm, &dot_ts);
+            self.render_dot_grid(&grid_painter, view_rect, &dot_tempo_map, &dot_ts);
         }
 
         // Find audio pool index for the active layer's clips
@@ -2323,7 +2319,7 @@ impl PaneRenderer for PianoRollPane {
                                                 for ev in cached.iter_mut() {
                                                     if ev.is_note_on() && ev.data1 == sn.note
                                                         && (ev.status & 0x0F) == sn.channel
-                                                        && (ev.timestamp - sn.start_time).abs() < 1e-6
+                                                        && (ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() - sn.start_time).abs() < 1e-6
                                                     {
                                                         ev.data2 = new_vel;
                                                     }
@@ -2360,21 +2356,16 @@ impl PaneRenderer for PianoRollPane {
                                                 let is_cc1 = (ev.status & 0xF0) == 0xB0
                                                     && (ev.status & 0x0F) == sn.channel
                                                     && ev.data1 == 1;
-                                                let at_start = (ev.timestamp - sn.start_time).abs() < 0.001;
+                                                let at_start = (ev.timestamp.beats_to_f64() - sn.start_time).abs() < 0.001;
                                                 !(is_cc1 && at_start)
                                             });
                                             if new_cc1 > 0 {
                                                 new_events.push(daw_backend::audio::midi::MidiEvent::new(
-                                                    sn.start_time, 0xB0 | sn.channel, 1, new_cc1,
+                                                    daw_backend::Beats(sn.start_time), 0xB0 | sn.channel, 1, new_cc1,
                                                 ));
                                             }
                                         }
                                         new_events.sort_by(|a, b| a.timestamp.partial_cmp(&b.timestamp).unwrap_or(std::cmp::Ordering::Equal));
-                                        {
-                                            let doc = shared.action_executor.document();
-                                            let bpm = doc.bpm; let fps = doc.framerate;
-                                            for ev in &mut new_events { ev.sync_from_seconds(bpm, fps); }
-                                        }
                                         self.push_events_action("Set modulation", clip_id, old_events, new_events.clone(), shared);
                                         shared.midi_event_cache.insert(clip_id, new_events);
                                     }
@@ -2416,7 +2407,7 @@ impl PaneRenderer for PianoRollPane {
             // Snap-to dropdown — only in Measures mode
             let doc = shared.action_executor.document();
             let is_measures = doc.timeline_mode == lightningbeam_core::document::TimelineMode::Measures;
-            let bpm = doc.bpm;
+            let tempo_map = doc.tempo_map();
             drop(doc);
 
             if is_measures {
@@ -2429,7 +2420,7 @@ impl PaneRenderer for PianoRollPane {
                                 let sel: Vec<&ResolvedNote> = self.selected_note_indices.iter()
                                     .filter_map(|&i| resolved.get(i))
                                     .collect();
-                                self.snap_value = detect_snap(&sel, bpm);
+                                self.snap_value = detect_snap(&sel, tempo_map);
                             }
                         }
                     }

lightningbeam-ui/lightningbeam-editor/src/panes/stage.rs

@@ -1438,7 +1438,7 @@ impl egui_wgpu::CallbackTrait for VelloCallback {
                             let effect_inst = lightningbeam_core::effect::EffectInstance::new(
                                 effect_def,
                                 effect_instance.timeline_start,
-                                effect_instance.timeline_start + effect_instance.effective_duration(lightningbeam_core::effect::EFFECT_DURATION),
+                                effect_instance.timeline_start + effect_instance.effective_duration(lightningbeam_core::effect::EFFECT_DURATION, self.ctx.document.tempo_map()),
                             );
 
                             // Acquire temp buffer for effect output (HDR format)
@@ -1793,7 +1793,7 @@ impl egui_wgpu::CallbackTrait for VelloCallback {
                             if let Some(clip_instance) = vector_layer.clip_instances.iter().find(|ci| ci.id == clip_id) {
                                 // Skip clip instances not active at current time
                                 let clip_dur = self.ctx.document.get_clip_duration(&clip_instance.clip_id).unwrap_or(0.0);
-                                let instance_end = clip_instance.timeline_start + clip_instance.effective_duration(clip_dur);
+                                let instance_end = clip_instance.timeline_start + clip_instance.effective_duration(clip_dur, self.ctx.document.tempo_map());
                                 if self.ctx.playback_time < clip_instance.timeline_start || self.ctx.playback_time >= instance_end {
                                     continue;
                                 }
@@ -2214,7 +2214,7 @@ impl egui_wgpu::CallbackTrait for VelloCallback {
                         // Find clip instance visible at playback time
                         let visible_clip = video_layer.clip_instances.iter().find(|inst| {
                             let clip_duration = self.ctx.document.get_clip_duration(&inst.clip_id).unwrap_or(0.0);
-                            let effective_duration = inst.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+                            let effective_duration = inst.effective_duration(clip_duration, self.ctx.document.tempo_map());
                             playback_time >= inst.timeline_start && playback_time < inst.timeline_start + effective_duration
                         });
 
@@ -10287,7 +10287,7 @@ impl StagePane {
             if let Some(AnyLayer::Video(video_layer)) = document.get_layer(layer_id) {
                 video_layer.clip_instances.iter().find(|inst| {
                     let clip_duration = document.get_clip_duration(&inst.clip_id).unwrap_or(0.0);
-                    let effective_duration = inst.effective_duration(clip_duration);
+                    let effective_duration = inst.effective_duration(clip_duration, document.tempo_map());
                     playback_time >= inst.timeline_start && playback_time < inst.timeline_start + effective_duration
                 }).map(|inst| inst.id)
             } else {