Real musicians cannot afford to get out of rhythm. That is why literally from the first days of training they are introduced to the metronome. It helps to develop an inner sense of rhythm, without which it is impossible to maintain the desired tempo even when performing alone, not to mention playing together with other musicians..
Whereas until recently the traditional mechanical metronome was the only option, now it is possible to choose from a variety of applications that play the same role, and often have much more capabilities.
Soundbrenner
Undoubtedly, Soundbrenner deservedly ranks first on this list. This application conquered musicians with its elegant design, functionality and user-friendly interface..
It is easy to set the tempo, time signature, songs and playlists are also simply saved. Add Bluetooth wireless control to this and you have the perfect tool. A good addition is the Soundbrenner Pulse wrist metronome with Body Strap.
In addition to everything described, there is a crushing function, a rhythm library, support for Ableton Link. For more convenience, you can adjust the screen backlight and vibration. Multi-user synchronization is supported..
Available for Android / iPhone .
PolyNome
For musicians who want to get the most out of their musical instruments, we recommend PolyNome. This metronome includes programmable grooves, a progress tracker, access to general grooves and set lists.
Combine this with STOMP's wireless Bluetooth connectivity and setlist creation, and you've got an indispensable tool for your group. You will also have a daily journal to track your progress, as well as a setlist editor and the ability to set your own tasks and track their progress.
Available for iPhone .
Dr.Betotte
If you evaluate the application only by the number of functions, Dr. Betotte TC will surely come out on top. Here you will find many of the instruments that have made the desktop version of the program a favorite among musicians for a long time.
From controlling the volume of each beat, adjusting the "groove feeling" and ending with the creation of complex polyrhythms with the ability to synchronize multiple devices. This app can do almost everything you need to do! In terms of capabilities, Dr. Betotte TC is unmatched.
You can set the number of beats per minute and the dimension of beats as you like. Use a regular style or swing with an emphasis on the weak beat, set the volume level for each beat.
Here are just some of the available functionality:
- 6 independent time signatures,
- Setting values for each division,
- Mute for each division,
- Assigning presets or your own sounds,
- Adjusting the speed of each hit,
- Fade in / out tempo, decay setting,
- Pendulum animation, screen blinking on impact,
- Swing Sense tuning functions with emphasis on the weak beat,
- Apple Watch support.
Separately, it is worth noting the learning function with a gradual change in tempo, with an increase or decrease. Simply the perfect tool for those learning to play a musical instrument and looking to hone their skills.
Available for iPhone .
Tempo Advance
The endorsement of a metronome by longtime Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini, a virtuoso drummer, is worth a lot! And that's exactly what happened with Tempo Advance. The application was developed taking into account the recommendations of Manjini. It has Bluetooth support, customization of sounds and design. But it is not this that distinguishes Tempo Advance from its analogs, but its unmatched functionality for working with polyrhythms (up to 20 beats per channel).
Supports auto-matching tempo, there is the ability to connect multiple displays and select the sounds of the metronome. There is a set of time signatures, you can save presets. Moreover, it supports multitasking and work in the background even when the phone is locked.
Available for iPhone .
Tempo with Setlist
Tempo is created by the same team that develops Tempo Advance. The application is distinguished by an outstanding set of options for working with set lists and the presence of a free, lightweight version with somewhat stripped down functionality.
We would advise you to upgrade from Lite to the paid version. Not only because it allows you to switch between five modes with which you can optimize the display of the metronome for any scenario of the game, but also because of the ability to save presets, setlists and send them by email to other users.
Available for iPhone .
Time guru
The legendary guitarist Avi Bortnik was directly involved in the development of this application. It's no surprise that Time Guru has some really useful features. Time Guru is capable of playing from 5 to 300 beats per minute. Note that the indicator continues to flash regardless of whether the beats are sounded or are muted.
You can use it as an analogue of a traditional metronome, but it also has a unique function that allows you to randomly or selectively mute the countdown of the metronome beats. An incredibly demonstrative exercise! It makes it easy to understand if you are able to maintain the desired tempo and if you have a tendency to speed up or slow down when the sound of the metronome beats disappears.
Available for Android / iPhone .
Metronomerous
Don't worry Android users, we haven't forgotten about you! Here's a completely free app with no ads. Metronomerous has eighths, sixteenths, triplets, quintoli and septoli. Volume and accents can be adjusted independently.
Another feature of Metronomerous is the way the tempo is set. The tempo can be set with the slider, using the Tap tempo function, or, in the old-fashioned way, by entering the desired numerical value in the corresponding field. The app uses only traditional Italian tempos.
Available for Android .
Metronome beats
Visual indicators in Metronome Beats tell you if you're out of rhythm. You can turn off the sound of the metronome beats, but leave a visual display of the tempo. Quite good opportunities in terms of sound settings. You can even change the pitch so that it can be heard clearly against the background of other instruments.
Available for Android .
Pro Metronome
More than a dozen time signature options, dynamic accent visualization, analog pendulum animation and the ability to fine-tune the tempo as accurately as possible. You can create complex patterns with triplets, quintoles, and custom time signatures.
The possibilities go far beyond what the average user would ever need. Although who knows what exactly can be useful to you. Pro Metronome has several paid versions that include additional features such as polyrhythm options and programmable playlists.
Available for Android / iPhone .
Practice +
In terms of simplicity and beauty of the interface, this application has no equal. Also, the application stands out for its excellent volume control and fairly high accuracy. It is possible to adjust the tempo and even set up an automatic increase or decrease in tempo. In a recent update, a workout and warm-up mode was added.
In addition to metronome functionality with tons of options, it is also a tuner that allows you to save your set lists in a compressed form. There is even the ability to dynamically change the speed and pitch. Accents, beats, sounds are easily adjusted in the metronome. There is a Tap tempo function and a flash indication of the rhythm.
Available for iPhone .