Thursday, August 30, 2012

Types of Digital Metronomes

Not sure which model of digital metronome you need? There are many models to pick from and it depends what you are using the metronome for. If you need a metronome for music purposes, any model will work well, but there are some with more features than others. Below are a few tips to help you choose a model. The Boss Dr Beat metronomes are the most advanced models, having features not found in other metronome models.. These models are excellent teaching tools for learning simple or complex rhythms. All Dr Beat models are digital metronomes. The Boss Dr Beat metronome DB90 is a talking metronome.. it will count out loud with a voice. The DB90 will also count very complex rhythms, with all parts of the beat being controllable. The Boss - DB60 has most of the same features as the DB 90, with out the voice and a few other features. All Dr. Beat metronomes come with a manual with full instructions.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Metronomes & Swimming

Digital metronomes are very useful devices for swimmers. Drills are often done while swimming that require you to swim at a set pace, especially for training purposes. There are several metronomes that are waterproof and can be used in the water, and they can also easily clip onto a swim cap. This makes it easy to provide oneself with a steady and consistent beat that will provide a surprising sense of balance and steadiness to your swimming. Professional swimmers, Olympians, and most athletes who are swimmers use a metronome to train accurately and efficiently, and to boost their endurance and stamina.

The Korg Digital Metronome MA-30

One of the most popular metronomes is the Korg Digital Metronome MA-30. It is a great looking bright blue metronome that comes with a lot of great features. These include easy volume control, headphone output, twelve reference pitches, manually adjustable tempo, and 13 different exciting and sophistocated rhythms to choose from. All of these great components and features are easy to access and use. One of the neatest things about the Korg MA-30 is the highly visual liquid crystal pendulum on its LCD display that is clear and easy to read. It is fun to watch while listening to the clear, steady beats.

Shar Digital Metronomes

The Shar MetroTone Digital Metronome is a unique device. It has a large rotary dial right on the front of it which makes tempo selection simple and easy. It has a unique capability to remember the last tempo that was played even when the metronome is shut off. This way, when it is turned back on, you will be able to resume practice. The beat of this metronome can easily be heard over even a grand piano. Each measure has a first beat that sounds different from the rest to allow you to select how many beats per measure you'd like, and to be able to then distinguish between the different measures according to sound. This metronome has an LED light that blinks green during the first measure and red for all others, providing a visual cue on which measure is first.

The Shar Digital Metronome and Tuner is similar to the MetroTone mentioned above, but it has the function of a chromatic tuner as well. It also has a rotary dial, but it is located on the side of the metronome. It is just as easy to access as the MetroTone's. This particular metronome is unique as well and is ideal for Baroque tuning. Its LCD screen is larger than most, and along with its large dial, it is very easy to use and view. This metronome generates eighty-eight tones, nine beats, six rhythms with tones including chime, drum, and woodblock, and a 30-250 beat range. So many features in one little device! The different sounds are fun to listen to and great to play with any instrument.

Running with a Metronome

I have always loved running. It's a great way to relieve stress and become rejuvenated while getting some good exercise. I enjoy running outside because running inside on a treadmill can get very boring, and it's nice to get some fresh air and see new surroundings. Often when I run outside, it is difficult to continue at a set pace. Especially when starting to train, this can cause me to run out of breath quicker or get side aches. Running at a consistent pace can prevent those things and allow me to run for a longer period of time. Using a digital metronome while running allows me to keep a consistent pace and run with a beat, making it easier to continue running longer. One that I like using is the Clip-on Seiko Digital Metronome DM50S. It provides a loud and clear sound that can be heard while running outside, even with cars around. Another is the Seiko Digital Metronome STH100SE because it also includes a stopwatch.

The Digital Intelli Metronome & Tuner IMT-301

The Digital Intelli Metronome & Tuner IMT-301 is pretty amazing. It is not just a metronome, but it includes a temperature/hygrometer meter as well. This thermo-hygrometer measures the temperature of the air as well as the moisture content in the air, or humidity, and has a wide temperature and humidity range. This allows one to accurately tune an instrument. This metronome also has a clear LDC screen with a simulated pendulum motion and meter. It is fun to use an watch. Its beats can be subdivided and accented, and it also features calibration and a range of eight octaves. The sound of this meteronome can be very loud and can be heard through the loudest of music. Battery included.

The FINIS Tempo Trainer

The FINIS Tempo Trainer is a great device that provides a steady beat for athletes. It is especially great for swimmers. This metronome is waterproof and can easily be clipped onto a goggle strap or inside a swim cap. This device will keep you moving forward with a steady pace and will help you perfect your technique.