Chapter 10. Plugins
119
10.4.11. Metronome
This plugin can be used as a metronome to keep time during music practice. It supports
two modes of operation, depending on it being started from the plugin menu or as viewer
for tempomap (
.tempo
) files.
The sound is a piercing square wave that can be heard well also through loud music
from a band. In addition, the display also indicates the beats while playing so that you
can discreetly place the device in your sight for checking the tempo instead of wearing
headphones at a concert.
Simple Interactive Mode
This is the mode of operation that is active when starting the plugin directly from the
menu. It offers a uniform metronome sound at a constant tempo. You can adjust the
tempo through the interface or by tapping it out on the appropriate button.
Key
Action
Long
On/Off
Exit plugin
On/Off
Stop
Long
Mode
Start
Mode
Tap tempo
Left
/
Right
Adjust tempo
Up
/
Down
Adjust volume
Programmed Track Mode
When starting the plugin as a viewer for tempomap files (ending in
.tempo
), it starts
in the track mode that offers playback of a preprogrammed metronome track consisting
out of multiple parts, each with possibly different properties.
In contrast to the simple mode, there exists the notion of meter and bars, along with
emphasis on certain beats. Parts can have these properties:
•
finite or infinite duration in bars (navigation only jumps to the beginning of infinite
parts),
•
differing meters (4/4, 3/4, 6/8, etc., default 4/4),
•
differing tempo (always in quarter beats per minute, default 120) with
–
one tempo per bar or even one tempo per beat, or
–
smooth tempo changes with configurable acceleration, and
•
custom beat patterns (tick/tock/silence on each beat), default being emphasis
(tick) on first beat, normal sound (tock) on others.
The Rockbox manual
(version 3.14)
Archos Ondio
