Soundbrennner Core Steel Reviews

4.5 Rating 126 Reviews

Your multipurpose smart music tool. Combining professional music tools with the convenience of wearable technology. The world's first wearable, vibrating metronome for musicians.

Core Steel includes a vibrating metronome, contact tuner, dB meter and watch, all in one device.

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“REVIEW SUMMARY - Had trouble "feeling" the beat with the Core Steel...until I realized the trouble WAS ME!!! As a composer /keyboardist of many years, I found lately that I was drifting some with odd rhythm songs I was creating but did not know where. I decided to try the Core Steel and man was I surprised!!! Feeling vs. hearing the beat was a new sensation for me and I had trouble staying in time with it. I experimented with the Core Steel in multiple positions on my body and still was having trouble...until I tried using a conventional sound metronome and realized the issue WAS ME!!! I had not practiced with a metronome in years and got a little sloppy. So after a few practice sessions diligently working with easy straight rhythms, I found myself tightening right up and was able to get back to the odd rhythms and easily find out where I was drifting. Now I do not practice without my Core Steel...and it gives me confidence in being able to really lock down a groove. I love the ability to change the strength of individual beats to highlight where I am in complex signatures like 13/4 I use it as a watch but also like having it on my thigh as I can see the LEDs more easily. On the chest works really well too. About the only thing I would like to see as an improvement is larger text on the display; as sometimes it is hard to read it”

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Posted 9 months ago

“It takes a little bit to get used to, but I am really enjoying the Core Steel. When I asked support if I could load more than 10 songs in the library, they automatically up it to 100 songs and 20 set lists. WOW! So cool! And playing with it in my band, my bandmates have noticed a difference. I had good time before, but now it's even better and I don't start songs too fast or too slow. This is a great watch and I highly recommend it!”

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Posted 10 months ago

“(Reviewing as a casual piano player) - The Core Steel is a fine watch. Its main selling point is the vibrating metronome feature which works great. While the app itself isn't necessary, it is helpful for certain customizations like turning off the LEDs when using the metronome. The notifications are fine, albeit limited due to screen size. It is good enough to know whether or not I actually should look at my phone or not. It loses its connection once in a while on my Android phone, but restarting the app usually corrects this. It is also limited in terms of different apps: it can do time, timer, tuning, stopwatch, and of course metronome. But, to my knowledge, that is about it. I am unaware of any skins, etc., for it. Overall, I'm happy to have bought it. I probably don't use it at much as I should, but I'm glad I have it.”

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Posted 11 months ago

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Posted 1 year ago

“I use the app and the Core Steel at the same time so I get two inputs to keep me on track with the beat. I use the chest strap off-center and like the chest strap over the pulse. It has some stretch but not too much.”

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Posted 1 year ago

“Certainly a smartwatch that many guitarists/bassists/ukuleleists would benefit from. For every other musician, the Pulse may be more worth it. Focusing on the Core's basic smartwatch features, alone, it is decent. Speaking truthfully, a bit underwhelming, but it does exactly as advertised. It displays your phone notifications, paired with a short vibration that definitely grabs your attention. It also does the same when receiving a call but, of course, you aren't able to answer from the core due to its lack of a speaker (as they do mention). It also has a built-in timer and alarm, which both help a lot, especially while I'm working. If we now focus on the unique features, it is a great investment. The vibrating metronome has up to three strengths and multiple subdivision options, as you can see in the standalone metronome app. The LED ring around the face also changes color depending on the strength, which is pretty cool, and the ability to tap the tempo makes it much easier. The most convenient feature this has is the ability to sync the tempo with whichever DAW you use. This feature is more for those that record and/or produce tracks, themselves. The contact tuner is pretty good as well, although it can have trouble holding the signal. Soundbrenner addresses that you only need to rotate it a bit to get it to hold longer. The biggest flaw with it is that it is strictly contact tuning. The mic used for the decibel meter is not able to be utilized for tuning which, while understandable, is still a bit disappointing. I haven't yet ran into a situation where the decibel meter's automatic warnings, nor do I have another to compare results with, but I can at least say it seems to work. With the many great features, there are also a couple of very small things to be aware of. One thing I somehow didn't realize is that rather than one full-screen display, it has two small ones - one above and one below the logo. You also must tap the logo for the functions that require it. It is the only area on the screen where it has any touch capability. The rotating bezel, which is used to change options and view notifications, also came a bit loose out of box for me. It worried me at first, since it slid slightly, accompanied by some clicking, but it has been holding up. I have to say, in spite of all of this, my favorite features of this watch are the ability to quickly detach it without removing the band from your wrist, as well as the ability to stick it on (almost) anything made of metal, due to the magnets on its side. This is the primary method of charging as well. The magnetic force connecting the module and the charging cable is even strong enough to allow you to simply let the module hang from the cable without problems. All in all, a great investment.”

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Posted 1 year ago

“I would say it does everything it’s supposed to. I still prefer the click to the vib for individual practice. I’ve thought of taking walking to keep a pace going, I need to try that yet. Wish there was an app for a computer. I tend to use the app more than the watch. I would say a solid product.”

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Posted 1 year ago

“Absolutely love it! I started the piano two months ago and this has helped me greatly in keeping with time while also not being annoyed by the constant ticking of other metronomes. Since it's a watch, you don't have to carry anything bulky or tideous and can use it anywhere. I purchased the core, so I am able to also use it as smart watch and get notifications. Best purchase short of my piano!”

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Posted 1 year ago