PolyNome Pro: Drum Sequencer

As a gigging drummer, I was searching for a highly customizable tool for click generation for live performance. After experimenting with a variety of apps (Tempo Advance, Pro Metronome), I discovered PolyNome Pro, and although I’m only scratching the surface of its features, I must say that this metronome app is one of a kind. In fact to call this a metronome app understates its capabilities because of the sequencer programming functions. Let me highlight just two features that make this app immediately useful for a drummer who is running a click track to send to band members in a live performance context. First, most metronome apps will only give you a handful of click tones that your bandmates will not find pleasing to have in their mix. Polynome offers an amazing library of sounds to use for click, from digital beeps to layers of percussion. You will find something palatable for everyone among these sounds. Second, Polynome enables you to create customizable voice count-ins for songs. For a band with all members on in-ear monitors, the ability to start a song with a “silent “count off is a game changer that will improve transitions between songs and professionalize the presentation of your stage show. All from a simple iphone or iPad Mini. I would encourage any drummer using click in a band to give Polynome a try before deploying bulkier and costlier setups.

Polynome is for me a life-changing app. By using it I have finally begun to get my head wrapped around polymeters, claves, odd meters, and even just new ways to think about straight meters. For years I have been using physical and software metronomes that are no more advanced than the Mälzel metronome Beethoven used. Joe Crabtree's Polynome app helps me to decode the most complex of rhythms. Yet it can also help one with the most basic of practice regimes, such as steadily increasing the tempo while working through a melodic phrase using "playlists" that are straightforward to program. Polynome can also serve as a performer's tool by providing rhythmic cues for a performance set. While I have yet to work with the Konnakol capabilities of Polynome, it is reassuring that Joe has built that functionality into the app. As a user of apps, one thing I look for is how often a developer updates their app(s) and the level of support. Though Joe is an individual developer, he regularly adds features to Polynome. He also keeps it current with the latest iOS releases. Furthermore, his level of personal support is undeniably superb. The other day I sent a message to Joe asking about whether it was possible to create a certain practice regime using Polynome. Not only did he rapidly respond, he attached a video to show me some possible ways to tackle the question I had posed. While I could never reasonably expect a developer to respond in such a way, especially if they were inundated with inquiries, the fact that Joe did so blows me away. Not only do I recommend Polynome as an app one should use, I suggest you look into the training material Joe has, such as his class for the "Key Counting Method" for understanding odd time meters. It is illuminating. Furthermore, support Joe through his Patreon account. Joe Crabtree is the kind of musician / developer we need to support.

Fantastic app! I have recreated various bars from drum books so I can hear complex patterns and learn them much faster than reading alone. I’ve used it to get my head around a 4:3 polymeter, entered as a polyrhythm but it works well for that and doesn’t get off tempo, which happens when running two individual metronomes (two devices) simultaneously. I use the auto advance playlist feature for pad practice. Most metronomes will change the BPM automatically but only for a set amount of play time (for example +10 BPM every 3 minutes). PolyNome’s playlists allows you to do 1 minute at X BPM, then 3 minutes at Y BPM etc etc. There is a bit of a learning curve so don’t think that you’re going to rock this in the first 5 minutes. I’m usually weary of apps that require a learning curve because you take the time to learn them and then the developer abandons the project. In this case I’m getting a lot out of this app and I get the feeling it will be around for a while so I’m putting in the time. For me, it’s a fun app to play around with so I spend non-drumming time getting to know it better.