Metronome – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A metronome is any device that produces regular, metrical ticks (beats, clicks) — settable in beats per minute.
These ticks represent a fixed, regular aural pulse; some metronomes also include synchronized visual motion (e.g. pendulum-swing).
The metronome dates from the early 19th century, where it was patented by Johann Maelzel in 1815 as a tool for musicians, under the title “Instrument/Machine for the Improvement of all Musical Performance, called Metronome.”