Taktell Quartz QM 2 by Wittner, the quartz-controlled counterpart to the mechanical models. It also gives the reference pitch a1 at 440 hertz.
- Range 40 to 208 beats per minute
- 39 fixed tempo positions
- Beat shown by loudspeaker and LED, switchable
Technical data
| Type | quartz controlled |
| Range | 40 to 208 beats per minute |
| Tempo positions | 39 |
| Reference pitch | a1, 440 Hz |
| Power | 9 volt battery |
| Country of manufacture | Germany |
Features
- Reference pitch a1 at 440 hertz
- 9 volt battery and earphone included
- Wittner in Isny, founded 1895, today a division of Gewa Music GmbH
In practice
- The difference from a mechanical metronome: 39 stepped positions plus a reference pitch versus a stepless scale that needs no battery.
- The visual display alone is often the better route in the pit and for quiet practice.
Versions
- Ruby red, WIT-861141
- Black, WIT-861161
Technology and use
The Taktell Quartz QM 2 is timed by a quartz crystal and covers 40 to 208 beats per minute in 39 fixed positions. The beat comes through loudspeaker and LED; a selector switches between audible and visual or purely visual display. It also gives the reference pitch a1 at 440 Hz, powered by a 9 volt battery that is included along with an earphone.
The built-in reference pitch allows absolute tuning, and a fixed reference pays off because a trained ear distinguishes 0.5 to 1 cent in an overtone-rich violin tone under good conditions (a cent is a hundredth of a semitone), which at the reference pitch a1 is around 0.1 to 0.25 Hz.
When another model suits you better
If you prefer to practise without any battery, the mechanical Wittner metronomes of the Maelzel and Taktell ranges are companions with a wind-up clockwork.
Frequently asked questions
What tempo range does the Taktell Quartz QM 2 cover?
40 to 208 beats per minute, set in 39 fixed positions.
Can I use the QM 2 silently?
Yes, a selector switches to a purely visual display via the LED. For an audible beat without the loudspeaker, an earphone is included.
Which reference pitch does the QM 2 give?
The reference pitch a1 at 440 Hz.
