So Tim started me thinking about using a click track. I am starting a preliminary look on how to do it on a regular basis. Now the easy way (or hard way depending on your perspective) would be for me to use my laptop to run the click. This would also give me the option of running a separate track for a backing keys part, loops, etc… This is the setup I have used in the past and it works pretty well. The only thing is that being a portable church this will just add to my setup, and believe me I don’t need anything else to setup on Sundays.
I am not counting this option out, especially since it won’t cost me a cent to use. But I also wanted to look for a small metronome/drum machine option. Here are my needs:
- Enough presets to store tempos for a particular Sunday of songs
- Foot pedal option to start/stop and/or step through presets
- Aux input so that I would be able to run the drummers in-ear feed through it
- Output to run back through our monitor board.
- MIDI syncable (able to receive/send)
I started looking at the Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome and the Korg BTL1 BeatLab. This way I could let the drummer control what is going on.
Now here are my questions for you:
Do you use a click track on a regular basis for your worship band?
Do your drummers/band like it or hate it?
Problems? Benefits?
BTW: I do have a video commenting option if you would like. See the “Add Video Comment” link.
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I’ve probably used click tracks 75-80% of the time in the different worship ministries I’ve been in. Normally our drummers would initiate the tracks and loops. Although there were a couple times that I used my MBP and it was a funny site.. haha
We use a Dr.Beat for almost everything. Memory up/down pedal. Start and stop pedal. Count-in for songs. Backlight display for low light levels. If you’d like, request a screen cast and I’ll show you our setup and how it operates. Since going to the Dr.Beat - I can say that tempo issues are now not even on my mind, and we have clean start ups. You’ll need to work on your transitions from song to song, and ritards (drummer cuts met early). And be prepared to put in a BLANK slot with volume at zero when your set is finished - otherwise the drummer could accidentally launch a song when the pastor is up next!
Bryan Nelsons last blog post..Worship Leader Tip: Know When to Retire
Steve,
I’m hoping to move toward playing with the click, but we aren’t there yet. I’ve started by including the BPM on each chord chart. The drummer has a metronome that he sets to the BMP and listens to before we start each song. He then shuts off the metronome and clicks off the count. There’s a bit of a “lag” issue, but it’s not terrible.
Our tempo issues have improved dramatically with these simple steps.
Billy Chias last blog post..Give vs Take - How to Love Your City
One word: Click.
alex mcleans last blog post..Free Stuff!
Regarding the aux input. I haven’t used it with the Dr.Beat simply because we send everything else to FOH with seperate channels (drum loops, SFX, and the like). Wish I used this feature, but I don’t.
Justifications for and expensive Dr.Beat:
1. It’s backlit - for low light levels (tip, hold the light button down while powering on the unit - the backlight will stay on the entire time…this wasn’t in the manual anywhere and neither online…discovered it by accident)
2. Programmable memories for stringing songs together - providing better song transitions
3. It’s powered by AC as well as a battery backup - great for not losing your settings
4. Separate volume controls for quarter notes, eighths, triples, and the rare chance you’d need to do sixteenth subdivisions
5. Count in feature - really gets your band to come in when they hear four clicks (adjustable from 2 to 5 count in clicks).
6. Foot pedals control start/stop and memory up/down (tip, you’ll need a stereo A/B foot pedal/switch with a stereo cable (TRS) for memory up AND down, otherwise a regular footswitch will give you just UP)
TIP: If you get it, use “voice 2″ for the best experience - it’s pleasant on the ears.
PS - I don’t work for Boss : )
Bryan Nelsons last blog post..My Addiction
@Bryan Nelson: Thanks Bryan for your comments. I am totally sold on the idea, and can totally justify it in my mind. The problem I have is that I am on a TOTALLY limited budget. We are having a really challenging financial year at the church, and so I have to justify it over things like rent, paychecks, etc…
It will happen in time. If I have to I will save up for one and buy it myself.
@alex mclean: Click, click to you too!