Hi Peter,
hi ST4 Users.
I wan´t to start a feature-request for
Independent Start of Metronome and Backing Tracks
Request
The metronome can be started independently and runs in a continuous loop.
Backing tracks can be started separately but will only begin playing at the next bar (snap to bar)
Current ST4 Version: Build 4.0.9
Device & iOS Version: iPad Air M3 & iPad Air M2, iOS 26.4
Current Limitation / Use Case
• In PLAY-mode, the metronome always starts simultaneously with the backing tracks.
• In STOP-mode, the metronome plays from the beginning but stops when pressing Play.
• In BOTH-mode, the backing track has to be started exactly in time, which is difficult to achieve consistently and is rarely perfectly synchronized when using MIDI-clock or other timed midi commands
Proposed Feature
Introduce a bar-based grid calculated from the BPM and the ability to start a backing track aligned to the next bar (snap to bar).
As a first step, this would require backing tracks with a constant BPM, starting exactly on the first bar. These tracks must be prepared in a DAW.
At a later stage, this feature could be extended to support variable BPM.
Benefit / Impact
• The internal metronome can be started independently.
The singer/band can still interact with the audience while the band already hears the click.
• While the drummer is counting in, the backing track can be started and will actually begin at the next bar (similar to the “snap to bar” feature from the playback plugin in MainStage).
• This also enables the metronome to accent the first beat
The feature can be also useful even without backing tracks, when a correct song-start is aligned to the bar downbeat (and synchronized with the metronome) for example:
o timed MIDI commands
o scrolling with timestamps for sheets or lyrics
o midi-clock
I would be very happy if this feature-request appeals to many StageTraxx users and gains your support.
Many thanks to Peter for the energy and passion he invests in the product, and for his ongoing support here in the forum. That’s certainly not something you see every day anymore.
Best regards
Chris