After spending months learning the drums, not having an even beat is downright frustrating. As a beginner, it isn’t your fault and with time, you will improve but what to do till then? Start using the best metronome for drummers, is what!
The Best Metronome For Drummers
Not having even beats while playing results in low levels of confidence and induces self-doubt. Confidence is the key to becoming a great player. Leveling up and getting a pro beat performance isn’t as hard as it seems though. The solution is simple – a metronome.
A metronome is a device that helps you achieve even beats. It marks the time you have selected and signifies it through ticks. This enables you to hit at equal intervals. By playing alongside a metronome you will be able to master your rhythm.
Metronomes are used for all kinds of instruments. Today I’m going to focus on finding the best metronome for drummers. Let’s get on with the article to help you become a better player.
In a hurry? These are the best metronomes.
- Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome Best Overall
- LUVAY Digital Metronome Best Budget
- Korg MA1BL Metronome Best Features
Best Metronome For Drummers Review
1. Korg MA1RD Metronome
Starting with one of the best, the MA1RD is perhaps the best in the market. It is a well sought after product due to its excellent performance. Belonging to none other than Korg, the name known for producing some of the best music accessories, this metronome has the hearts of all pros and beginners.
Compact design
The Korg MA1RD has a traditional compact body with easy to spot buttons. The red body has a black front with red buttons and large labels that are easily identifiable. The body is small and easily portable wherever you go.
User-friendly display
The display is large with easily readable letters. The screen shows several triangles. These triangles identify the beat. With each beat the color of the triangle changes. This shows that the beat has been played clearly.
Tempo caliber
The tempo range is from 30 to 252 beats per minute. It has three different settings, the pendulum step, full step, and a tap tempo. This helps you quickly set the desired rhythm.
Long-lasting battery
What I hate the most is when I’m playing and the metronome’s battery runs out. But Korg assures no such thing will happen. The battery life is programmed to last up to 70 hours, enabling you to play without any worries!
Pros
- Has automatic shut off
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
Cons
- Makes a beeping sound instead of clicking
2. Korg MA1BL Metronome Best Features
Another one of Korg’s creations, the MA1BL, due to its high-quality performance and smart design, is coveted by all – pros as well as beginners.
Smart Design
The design has been carefully selected to fit with your kit easily. Drums are huge and adding anything that can take up space can be cumbersome. This lightweight and compact metronome is easily portable and can fit anywhere you want it.
Multifunctionality
The device has multiple features that enable you to get the most out of your practice time. The MA1BL also works as a tuner, giving you a large reference range to tune any instrument.
Ease of use
The screen has easy visual settings that include triangles indicating when a beat is made or when the next one begins. This makes it easy to identify and play evenly. The buttons are easy to spot and are pretty intuitive.
Long-lasting life
Since Korg understands its customers better than anyone, it has a long-lasting battery. You can make it last even longer by turning on the automatic shut down feature.
Pros
- Accurate timing
- Affordable price
- Compact design
Cons
- Low volume
3. BOSS DB-19 Metronome
One of my favorites, the Boss DB-19 metronome is perfection in a package. Boss has delivered many exceptional products over the years and the BD-19 is no different.
Compact size
The small and compact design of the metronome makes it perfect for carrying around no matter where you’re going. But don’t undermine its performance due to its size. The small package features great functions meant to give you the best experience.
Choose your pattern
The device also gives you the power to choose your pattern. Since everyone plays at different tempos and each genre asks for a different beat, with the help of BD-19 you will be able to select your beat.
Rhythm coach
The metronome also has a rhythm coach installed. For beginners that are still finding the right rhythm, a rhythm coach helps you select the perfect rhythm to suit the song you are playing.
Pros
- Loud sound
- Has non-musical flat sounds
- Affordable price
Cons
- Weak construction
4. LUVAY Digital Metronome Best Budget
LUVAY is one of the top brands when it comes to metronomes. Their designs are simple and elegant. Their features are easy to use and provide maximum functionality. Their digital metronome is an example of excellence through simplicity with the best budget options.
Portable
Portability is a top priority when it comes to choosing accessories for your music gear. The small and portable design of the Luvay digital metronome makes it the ideal accessory to buy. Just throw it in your bag and off you go!
Clip it on and you’re good to go
Another distinctive feature is its clip-on design. The compact metronome can be clipped anywhere on your gear and it will notify you loudly of the beats with a click. This makes it much easier to play in time.
Versatile compatibility
It is compatible with not only drums but with various other instruments as well. So if you are a multi instrumentalist, with the LUVAY digital metronome, playing on the beat is a piece of cake!
Pros
- Portable design
- The clip-on feature is included
- Adjustable volume
Cons
- Makes a loud beeping sound
5. Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome Best Overall
Soundbrenner is an updated and trendy brand that aims to beat all others through their innovative designs. They strive to provide maximum comfort and ease through their metronomes, making music a fun and lively experience.
Distinctive design
The design here beats all others on my list today. It is not cylindrical or made of glass. Instead, this metronome is wearable! Yes, and not as a clip-on either. It works as a watch and helps you keep time through vibrations.
Multiplayer sync
The device allows you to connect not only 1 or 2 but multiple players all at once through the NFS Bluetooth. Just play together and the beat will be recorded on your metronome.
Don’t hear but feel beats
The watch metronome allows you to feel beats instead of hearing them. Often, beats are missed when the instrument is loud. That will not be the case anymore since this pulse metronome vibrates to the beat.
Customizable features
You can customize your rhythms through this metronome. Just simply record a rhythm and then tap three times to play it. Easy peasy!
Pros
- Compatible with DAW
- Are silent yet functions well
- Great for acoustic recording
Cons
- Does not show BPM
6. Korg KDM-2 Metronome
Korg strives to provide a large variety when it comes to metronomes as seen in my list today. This metronome has a different design than most of the Korg models. It has excellent features that provide dynamic performance and helps improve your music playing abilities.
Distinctive design
The tool has a cylindrical resonator instead of the more traditional square or rectangle. This helps provide an even louder and improved tone. This makes the headphone output great as well. The stop/start switches are located at the top. They also act as a visual indicator, by providing red and green LED lights that mark up and downbeats. The LCD screen is large enough to see even from afar.
Powerful performance
It has a tempo range that starts from 30 and ends at 252. It has 19 different beat patterns for you to choose from and has 3 PCM sounds. It also has a tap tempo control that enables you to set your beats and record them easily. Not to forget the reference tuning pitch that has a C4, B4, and A4 calibration from 410 to 480 Hz.
Long-lasting battery
Nothing sucks more than having a dead metronome in the middle of a playing session. Since Korg understands you, it gave their KDM-2 a battery life of up to 120 hours at 120 BPM. Now you can play all day and night without having the fear of pausing midway!
Pros
- Memory backup
- Large LCD
- Designed for stability
Cons
- No automatic shut off
7. Tama Rhythm RW200 Metronome
Next on my list is the Tama Rhythm RW200 metronome. Tama is one of the leading music brands, providing you with great accessories for all kinds of instruments.
Their RW200 metronome is a small and compact machine. The compactness of the device has no effect whatsoever on functions and provides a banging performance.
Compact design
The RW200 takes pride in its size. Metronomes are a must-have accessory no matter which instrument you play. When talking about drums, the set already is heavy enough and does not need added weight. To combat this problem, the RW200 has the smallest body that is easily portable.
Backlit display
For playing in dark settings like rock pop concerts at night, the display is backlit. It enables you to see your settings even in the darkest of all rooms.
Pre programmable settings
I have to say, I was a little surprised by the number of songs that can be programmed and stored in this metronome’s memory. It has 9-10 pre-recorded beats and has a space so large it can fit up to 30 different beats at once. So, be relieved and playback various beats from your enormous library.
Pros
- Good for fly tempo changes
- Easy to use
- Well placed controls
Cons
- High price
8. Korg KDM3WH Metronome
Ending with a bang, here is another one of Korg’s creations. The KDM3WH is a little different from the traditional metronomes. This is because it does not possess a small rectangular body. Korg decided to give it a little twist and construct a neat white tower instead. From looks to functions, this one has it all.
Gorgeous design
The white body has no other color, that is, it is completely white which gives it an angelic feel. The buttons and the dial are white as well with a screen in the middle. The LCD has traditional Korg settings and is easy to decipher. The body resembles a mechanical metronome, only a miniature version instead.
Can be heard from afar
Nothing is worse than having a metronome yet having difficulty catching the sound of the beats. Often the sound of your instrument overpowers the clicks of the metronome. However, that is not the case here. The KDM3WH has a loud sound that can be heard from far. This will enable you to play flawlessly without having any such difficulties.
A rich variety of beats
This metronome comes with a variety of preinstalled rhythms and ones you can program yourself to. It has a range of 19 rhythms to choose from. These beats support the music of any genre. They will be great while practicing blues or metal or whichever genre you plan to play.
Pros
- Wide variety of features
- Backlit screen
- Smart algorithm
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
Buying Guide (Things to Consider when Choosing a Metronome)
Here is a list of features that you should consider before buying a metronome to fit your needs.
Speakers
First things first, the most important feature is the speakers. The volume of the metronome must be louder than the instrument you’re playing. This is because a metronome notifies you of beats through sounds. If the sound is not audible, what will the use of having a metronome in the first place?
If good speakers aren’t available, the option to use headphones will accomplish the same goal.
Budget
Fortunately, most metronomes are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the prices of other drumming accessories. As with any new gear, you will want to set your budget and find the best option available within that range.
Battery life
No one likes to stop mid practice. It is the most annoying thing when your metronome dies in the middle of your playing session. To avoid that, look for metronomes that have a long battery life.
Tempo range
The tempo range is essential as it helps you decide the speed at which you play. Mechanical metronomes have a much lower range than more modern digital metronomes. Look for a metronome with at least 252 as their maximum tempo range.
Tap tempo
Tap tempo is a feature that helps you set the beat tempo with the tap of your fingers. It makes the whole experience much simpler and fun to do. If you want to quickly tap out a rhythm you have in your head, this is the feature for you.
Beat variations
Some metronomes come with a variety of beat variations. They are pre-installed beats that belong to different genres. This can turn a dull click into a fun, solo jam session.
The Click
Many metronomes also offer a few options for the click sound. You can almost always get the traditional ticking sound, but there are also other options such as wood block or even a way to record your own snare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do drummers listen to metronomes live?
Nowadays metronomes are an essential tool used to keep the beat steady. Drummers use metronome for practices, live performances, and concerts.
Q2. How long do metronomes last?
Traditional metronomes last a good 20 minutes before they have to be wound up again. Those that run on batteries, however, last much longer; some up to 70+ hours.
Q3. Does listening to a metronome help?
Practicing with a metronome is crucial for developing your timing. A drummer learning to play without a metronome is like a baker baking a cake without an oven.
Q4. Do professional drummers use a click track?
Many professionally performing drummers will use a click track in their in ear monitors to keep a steady rhythm while playing.
In a hurry? These are the best metronomes.
- Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome Best Overall
- LUVAY Digital Metronome Best Budget
- Korg MA1BL Metronome Best Features
Final Thoughts
So, here was my list of metronomes to help you find the best metronome for drummers. Metronomes can be tricky, but once you get the hang of them, they are not that hard to figure out.
Till next time, happy drumming!