# Backbeater — Tempo Monitor for Drummers > Advanced drum metronome app with hardware sensor for tempo monitoring. (iPhone/iPad app by James Flynn.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbeater/id477798185 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [James Flynn](https://appshunter.io/developer/477798188) - Category: Music, Utilities, Music - Price: Free - Rating: 3.10/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 10.1 · 22 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-11-09 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbeater/id477798185/reviews.md ## What is Backbeater? Backbeater is the world's most advanced drum metronome. Backbeater consists of both hardware and software, and works with your smartphone or tablet. Backbeater allows drummers to monitor their tempo: either freestyle, or with a reference tempo. The Backbeater metronome can be set to your rhythm. It can discreetly tell you a tempo you tap out, and it can store lists of tempos, for when you're playing live. Our tempo sensor mounts directly to your snare drum with existing hardware—it fits under one of the lugs that encircle your snare's rim. ## Key features - Tempo monitoring - Freestyle and reference tempo modes - Discreet tempo feedback - Tempo list storage - Snare drum sensor hardware ## Recent user reviews (10 of 15) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backbeater/id477798185/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Old version please! *2021-07-22, version 6.2.1* New version of app is quite inferior to old circular version. Extremely disappointing. I used old version on every gig. This one…nope. Same things are best left alone. ### 4/5 — Option to see old display? *2019-09-29, version 6.1* I got to say, I like the older version of the app better. The Tempo readout font is much larger on the old app and all hits (including early and late hits) cause a flash to show up somewhere on the circle. The new version of the app only triggers the flash when you hit the tempo exactly. If you are early or late, the needle moves, but no obvious indication that the sensor felt the hit. This caused me frustrations a couple times thinking the sensor wasn’t picking up my hits because I was playing too lightly. As others requested.... could you add an option to view the “Circle Display”? ### 4/5 — Bring back the circle! *2019-09-14, version 6.1* The speedometer is interesting, but please give us the option to choose the speedometer or the circle! ### 4/5 — New main screen? *2019-09-06, version 6.1* Dude, I love this sensor and app. It prevents a lot of grief and arguments, and made the band trust me (if reluctantly since they are proven to fight tempo). But this new update??? I much prefer the old circle-with-revolving-dot screen over the new “odometer” screen. Could the old one be added back in as an option to choose for your main interface? Please? Also, the menu screen on the left doesn’t fully come into view when I open it up. Minor bug, though. ### 5/5 — Works great! *2019-09-05, version 6.1* The drum pickup is easy to install and the new app is great. Changing saved song order is very helpful. ### 1/5 — Don’t buy the sensor *2018-12-20, version 4.0.1* If you want to use the product as just a metronome then try it out but don’t purchase the sensor. The first one I bought work for around a year(maybe) and it do work as stated however it did stop working because the wires detached inside the part that attaches to the drum. I went without for awhile and figured I give it another shot. The new sensor just arrived and it had been redesigned and looked more durable so I was pleased but then it doesn’t work at all out of the box. I’ve asked for a refund and I’m waiting on a response but beware of the sensor it is low quality. **Developer response:** Hi! We're sorry that the old design wasn't very durable, which is why we did release a new sensor. The issue you are describing with the newer design was in fact due to a software bug that has been fixed in the latest version of our app. We've been doing a lot of work to make Backbeater better lately, and there have been a couple of growing pains. We're back on track now though, so please give your sensor another try! ### 5/5 — Comparison *2018-04-18, version 4.0.1* I was using Tempo-Ref which was okay but IMHO I like Backbeater much better! It’s a great App and works great! Playing solid time is the drummer’s #1 job along with Feel. It’s nice to have proof for yourself that you’re in the pocket and not speeding up or slowing down the tempo!! Great job Backbeater!!! ### 5/5 — Great product *2016-02-28, version 4.0.1* Best tempo monitor I've ever used. Love that the sensor attaches via a lug and doesn't just sit on the top head. Quality product and would recommend ### 2/5 — App is free because the sensor is not *2016-01-05, version 4.0.1* I have used a TempoRef for years and wanted to see what’s available for an iPhone app. This app is virtually useless without their sensor, which costs $60. Maybe I’m wrong but a piezo drum trigger runs about $20, so not sure what’s so special about their sensor. I’d love to try it in a live situation but not for $60. **Developer response:** Hi! The sensor is actually $40 now, and the cost of the hardware also helps us justify the costs of developing the (free) software. We have to cover our costs. :-) ### 3/5 — BMorgan65 *2014-02-21, version 3.0.2* Reported issues with Iphone5S in Dec 2013 and was told there had not been alot of testing done with the 5S. Would have been nice to know that before spending 60 bucks.I have noticed the following issues on my Iphone5S - sometimes trigger is recognized , sometimes not - doesnt save settings (beats/window/sensitivity) - sometimes it tracks beats , sometimes not - untrustworthy at my gigs - the help screen is of no use you click the topics and they do nothing?? ## Frequently asked questions about Backbeater ### What is Backbeater? Backbeater is a drum metronome application that works with a smartphone or tablet. It allows drummers to monitor their tempo in various modes and store tempo lists for live performances. ### Does Backbeater have ads? The provided data does not specify if Backbeater contains advertisements. Its monetization model is listed as free, with no in-app purchases. ### What devices does Backbeater support? Backbeater is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It was released on November 9, 2011, and its latest version is 6.2.1, last updated on October 30, 2019. ### What is the age rating for Backbeater? Backbeater has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users aged 4 and above. ### How does the Backbeater tempo sensor work? The tempo sensor mounts directly to your snare drum under one of the lugs. It works in conjunction with the software on your smartphone or tablet to monitor your tempo. ### Can Backbeater store tempos for live playing? Yes, Backbeater can store lists of tempos. This feature is useful for drummers who need to recall specific tempos during live performances. ### What is the user rating for Backbeater? Backbeater has a user rating of 3.1 stars based on 8 ratings. This suggests a mixed reception from its user base. ### How often is Backbeater updated? The latest version of Backbeater, 6.2.1, was released on October 30, 2019. This indicates that updates may not be frequent. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 6.2.1 — 2019-10-30 - change help url - fix minor issue ### 6.2 — 2019-10-22 * New: Visual metronome feedback - the drum icon now animates in time with the metronome * Change: feedback dial now shows drift in larger increments, so the dial will distract less * Fixed: metronome kicks in more reliably * Fixed: Window setting now works correctly ### 6.1 — 2019-09-04 * New and improved tempo drift indicator * Drag and drop to reorder songs on your playlist * All-new metronome sounds * Improvements to sensitivity setting * Help popovers to explain how settings work * Lots of smaller fixes and improvements If you like Backbeater, write a review! Your feedback helps us make the app better, and it helps other drummers find out about Backbeater. ### 5.0 — 2019-02-15 * Fixed a bug that prevented the app from detecting the sensor on some devices * Support for latest iPhone screen resolutions * Other bug fixes and improvements ### 4.0.1 — 2015-09-04 Fixed the 'Conti Kick-In'. The metronome now stays in phase with you when you hit that little lighting bolt. Now you can keep on grooving without tipping over the apple cart. We've disabled the idle timer on your phone so Backbeater doesn't disappear like your bandmates when it's time to load out. Changed the metronome sounds. Turns out our sound designer recorded the last ones in the shower, so we made him do them again with the water turned off. We also found a little crashie-buggy type thing. Squished! ## Apps similar to Backbeater | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [TICK Metronome](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tick-metronome/id1573209073) | 5.0 (5) | Free | Music | | [Drum Fills](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-fills/id1638968078) | 4.7 (3) | Free | Music | | [Handy Guitar Lab for B6](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-guitar-lab-for-b6/id1576203924) | 2.2 (5) | Free | Music | | [PRO BPM: Drums Tempo Detection](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pro-bpm-drums-tempo-detection/id1587900814) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Music | | [Analog Rack Bass Equalizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/analog-rack-bass-equalizer/id1497465036) | 5.0 (4) | $2.99 | Music | | [Oscillator Drum Jams](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oscillator-drum-jams/id1473470601) | 5.0 (11) | Free | Music | ## More apps by James Flynn - [Luxi](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luxi/id670342309) All apps by James Flynn: https://appshunter.io/developer/477798188 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*