PolyNome Pro: Drum Sequencer 4+

Amazing and unique use of tech for drummers!

Fantastic app! I have recreated various bars from drum books so I can hear complex patterns and learn them much faster than reading alone. I’ve used it to get my head around a 4:3 polymeter, entered as a polyrhythm but it works well for that and doesn’t get off tempo, which happens when running two individual metronomes (two devices) simultaneously. I use the auto advance playlist feature for pad practice. Most metronomes will change the BPM automatically but only for a set amount of play time (for example +10 BPM every 3 minutes). PolyNome’s playlists allows you to do 1 minute at X BPM, then 3 minutes at Y BPM etc etc. There is a bit of a learning curve so don’t think that you’re going to rock this in the first 5 minutes. I’m usually weary of apps that require a learning curve because you take the time to learn them and then the developer abandons the project. In this case I’m getting a lot out of this app and I get the feeling it will be around for a while so I’m putting in the time. For me, it’s a fun app to play around with so I spend non-drumming time getting to know it better.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for the glowing review. It seems like you’re making use of a lot of the features and really getting your head around the app.

I just wanted to confirm that it’s not going away any time soon. I’m still actively developing it and working on new features daily. There are some exciting things to come in future versions.

Thanks again!
Joe

Seriously worth every penny

It is a powerful metronome that has made my life better. It is allowing me to practice ideas in ways that I have not been able to. For example: I can take a standard, play a chord on a eighth note and rip melodic ideas, then change melodic focus at the next measure in relationship to the next chord, and play that chord for an eight note. In other words chord on beat two, melodic, new melodic center, new chord beat two. I can do this now and know that I am hearing it right because the metronome is saying the numbers. Before I would have to trust my feel. Now I can check. (Every now and again I am wrong but, I was doing better then I thought). Downside is with power comes a learning curve. I feel that what I am getting out of this app is well worth my time spent in understanding it. Awesome

Horribly complicated and then my purchase is deprecated to support a new subscription model

Though I'm not a drummer, apps like this interest me. What drew me to it was that someone had programmed Zappa's The Black Page into it and it looked fairly accurate. So I was intrigued. I buy the app and then find out that the Black Page thing he's using to advertise the app is something I have to pay extra for. Disappointing, but whatever. I'm happy to have something I might be able to do my own version. But the method of programming things into this, chaining measures together and other weird contortions, is really becoming as much work as learning a new instrument. I don't want to spend all my time learning a tool that will assist me in doing what I want to do, playing music with progressive rhythm.

Then, shortly after making my purchase of the app, the developer announces that he's switching to a subscription model and that my original purchase will basically be deprecated and to continue to benefit from application improvements, I will need to pony up a monthly fee or I would have to buy a lifelong subscription that costs 4 or 5 times what I originally paid for the app.

So based on that experience, I don't really think this app is worth it.

Developer Response ,

Hi freesausages,

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I’m sorry you’re unhappy with PolyNome.

The Black Page is available to install for free from the Public Library along with hundreds of other presets. If you haven’t taken a look in the library, I’d recommend that. New content is being added all the time.

Regarding the Premium subscription - that was introduced to facilitate the development of major new features.

However, as a Pro user, when you buy the app, all current features are included along with new features introduced within the first year.

Even if you never subscribe to support continued development, you’ll continue to receive free updates to ensure the app is compatible with the latest iOS, along with improvements to the functionality of the app. It’s only major new features, and possibly certain content, that will require the optional Premium subscription.

If you have questions about usability (which I’m always working to improve), or want any help with using certain features of the app, please feel free to drop email me at joe@polynome.net

All the best,
Joe