Metronome
A pro-grade metronome with visual rhythm programming, multiple sound sets, and preset management
Quick start
Start playback
- Open FlowBeats
- Tap the play button in the center of the BPM dial
- A red LED ring around the button indicates that playback is active
Adjust tempo
- Rotate gesture: drag around the BPM dial with your finger
- Precise entry: tap the BPM number area and type a value
Stop playback
Tap the play button again to stop. Playback resets to the beginning when stopped.
Playback
Play/stop button
The center of the BPM dial is the main playback control:
| State | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Stopped | Play icon (▶) with an idle visual state |
| Playing | Stop icon (■) with a red LED ring animation |
Tap tempo
If you do not know the BPM yet, use tap tempo to let FlowBeats estimate it from your taps:
- Tap the Tap button
- Tap repeatedly at the desired pace, ideally at least 4 times
- FlowBeats calculates BPM from the tap intervals
- Tap mode exits automatically after 2 seconds of inactivity
Tip: more taps produce a more stable BPM estimate. Range: 10-300 BPM.
Controls
BPM (tempo)
Range: 10-300 BPM
| Method | Action |
|---|---|
| Dial | Drag around the BPM dial; one full turn changes about 30 BPM |
| Direct entry | Tap the BPM number area to open the input field |
Time signature
Time signature controls how many beats each bar contains. FlowBeats supports:
| 1/4 | 1 beat per bar |
| 2/4 | 2 beats per bar |
| 3/4 | 3 beats per bar (waltz) |
| 4/4 | 4 beats per bar (most common) |
| 5/4 | 5 beats per bar (irregular) |
| 6/4 | 6 beats per bar (compound) |
| 7/4 | 7 beats per bar (irregular) |
| 8/4 | 8 beats per bar |
Subdivisions
Subdivisions define how many hits happen inside each beat:
| Type | Per beat | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter notes | 1 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Eighth notes | 2 | 1-&, 2-& |
| Triplets | 3 | 1-trip-let |
| Sixteenth notes | 4 | 1-e-&-a |
Note: subdivisions are disabled when spoken count mode is active.
Sounds
FlowBeats includes six sound collections with distinct styles:
| Sound | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Drum kit | Classic drum machine | Pop, rock, general use |
| Classic metronome | Traditional percussion | Classical and traditional music |
| Electronic | Digital/electronic | Electronic music |
| Mokugyo | Wood percussion | Acoustic and folk |
| 8-bit | Retro game sound | Nostalgic and retro styles |
Spoken count
Spoken count mode uses male or female voice counts so you can practice without watching the screen constantly.
Sequencer
The sequencer makes rhythm visible and editable through a grid.
Grid layout
- Horizontal: grouped by bars, with each column representing a beat
- Vertical: arranged by track, with each row representing a sound
- Cell state: empty = off, filled = on
Playback settings
Follow playback
When enabled, the grid scrolls automatically to keep the current playback position visible.
Delay compensation
Adjust audio and visual sync. Range: 0-1000 ms.
Presets
Presets store your full setup, including BPM, time signature, sounds, and rhythm pattern.
Save preset
Open the menu (⋮) and choose Save or Save As
Delete preset
Open the menu (⋮) and choose Delete
Unsaved changes indicator: the menu button glows cyan after you modify parameters.
FAQ
Q: Why is there no sound during playback?
Check device volume, in-app volume, and mute mode.
Q: Will the screen lock automatically?
No. The screen stays awake during playback and returns to normal afterward.
For more questions, visit the Q&A page
Specs
| Tempo range | 10-300 BPM |
| Time signature | 1/4 to 8/4 |
| Sound libraries | 6 |
| System requirement | iOS 17.0+ |