Don’t like clicks or beeps or other sounds when using a metronome? Try some haptic feedback instead, with this free utility.
First, you’ll need an Apple trackpad that supports haptic feedback. Pretty soon, I suspect that will be all the new MacBooks – most of the line is badly in need of an update (another story there). For now, it’s the 2013 MacBook Pro, and so-called “New MacBook.”
Alternatively, you can use the Magic Trackpad 2. That’s perhaps the best option, because it’s wireless and you can position it anywhere you like – say, atop your keyboard or next to your Maschine.
Then, fire up this free utility, direct MIDI to the app, and you’ll feel as if someone is tapping you with the beat. No annoying sounds anywhere – perfect.
Since it listens to MIDI Clock, you can use any source, from Ableton Live (in turn synced to Ableton Link) to hardware (if it’s connected to your computer). It uses start/stop events to make sure it’s on the beat, then taps you on quarter notes.
The app is open source if anyone wants to check out the code. And you’ll find complete instructions. (Don’t download from the links at the top of the page; look at the beginning of the documentation for a ready-to-run app.)
https://github.com/faroit/magiclock
Genius.
Next, Apple Watch? (Also with “Taptic Engine™” support.) There are some entries out there, like this one, though they seem to be slightly hampered by the current restrictions on apps from Apple. (I like my Pebble, too!)
The haptic feedback-specialized Basslet, upcoming after a Kickstarter campaign, might actually be the best bet – and I could see people who didn’t buy into the music listening application still buying it for this.