Comparison · Updated November 2026
A Transcribe! alternative with instrument separation
Transcribe! by Seventh String is a respected tool for working out music by ear. SlowItDown covers the same core job of slowing down and looping, and adds instrument separation so you can hear one instrument on its own. Here is how they compare.
SlowItDown vs Transcribe! at a glance
| SlowItDown | Transcribe! | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.95 once, or $1.99 a month | $39 |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, Linux | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Slow down without changing pitch | Yes | Yes |
| Loop a section | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument separation | Yes. Vocals, drums, bass, guitar, piano, and other. | No. Offers a Karaoke effect that can sometimes remove a centered vocal. |
| EQ | 5 band parametric EQ | Yes |
| Note and chord guessing | No | Yes, with spectrum analysis |
| Video playback | No | Yes |
| Import a song from a link | Yes | No. You open a file saved on your computer. |
| Free trial | 7 days | 30 days |
Transcribe! details are from the Seventh String website in November 2026. Check seventhstring.com for current pricing and features.
Where SlowItDown is different
Separate the instrument instead of filtering it
Before instrument separation, the usual way to focus on one part was EQ or a karaoke effect that cancels whatever sits in the center of a stereo mix. Those tricks help, but the rest of the band is still there. SlowItDown splits the recording into six parts: vocals, drums, bass, guitar, piano, and other. Mute everything except the bass and you hear the bass line, not a filtered version of the whole song. Learn more about isolating instruments.
Play along with the band
Separation also works in reverse. Mute your own instrument and play the part yourself with the original band behind you. Turn a part down instead of muting it if you still want a reference.
Paste a link
SlowItDown can load a song from a link as well as from a file, which saves a step when the recording you want is online.
Where Transcribe! may suit you better
- You want analysis tools. Transcribe! shows a spectrum and guesses notes and chords on a piano keyboard. SlowItDown leaves the listening to you.
- You work from video. Transcribe! can play most video files alongside the audio.
- You want a longer trial. Transcribe! offers 30 days.
Many transcribers care most about clearly hearing one part at a slow speed. That is where SlowItDown is strongest. If that is your main problem, start with the guitar, bass, piano, or drum transcription guides.
Questions
Is SlowItDown a good alternative to Transcribe!?
Yes, especially if you want to hear one instrument on its own. Both apps slow music down without changing pitch, loop sections, and run on Mac, Windows, and Linux. SlowItDown adds instrument separation and link import for $19.95.
Does Transcribe! separate instruments?
Transcribe! does not separate a song into individual instruments. It has EQ and a Karaoke effect that can sometimes remove a vocal panned to the center of a stereo mix. SlowItDown splits a song into vocals, drums, bass, guitar, piano, and other.
Does SlowItDown guess notes and chords?
No. SlowItDown makes it easier to hear the music by slowing it down, looping it, and isolating instruments. You do the listening and transcribing. Transcribe! includes note and chord guessing if you want that.
Try SlowItDown free for 7 days
Isolate instruments, loop any section, and slow it down, all in one desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux. $19.95 once or $1.99 a month after the trial.