I read some interesting advice years ago about creating click tracks. It said to
subdue the main beats rather than emphasizing them. For example, instead of having a side-stick or metronome ticking in their unsubtle way, use a steady conga pattern that
implies where the main beats are. The pattern should be denser than a simple 1-2-3-4 and it should also make it obvious where 1 and 3 are without actually sounding hard or loud at those instances. The idea is that the recording musician (especially a drummer) appreciates the space to provide their own accenting. Plus, during those moments when you deliberately push the beat, the temptation to overdo it is removed because you don't feel like you need to fight against a loud TICK-TICK-TICK sound.
I have been contemplating building a LED display that is synchronized to MIDI clock and simulates the two-dimensional movement of conductors baton; or perhaps a simpler one-dimensional display that could fit between a pair of rack-toms or lay on top of a synth. Why? Because I have encountered problems when drummers can't hear the click in their cans for a few seconds after they hit a crash cymbal. However, if we turn the click up louder it ends up spilling into the overhead mics, even with seriously chunky enclosed cans.
I know such displays have come and gone before.
Has anybody used them and found them to be helpful? I don't want to spend a week knocking one together if they are a complete waste of atoms.
Thanks
____________________________________________
WARNING Do not operate the
Epoptic Circuits BTH1 in a naked flame or next to a sulfuric acid throwing machine.
See it on YouTube