
Behringer TU300 was one of the most common tuner pedals I had a chance to stumble upon in my high school and college days when buying more expensive equipment wasn’t an option. In other words, the TU300 is a budget pedal, and, as such, it comes with some downsides I’ll point out in this review.
But, what does budget-friendly mean? Well, if standard Peterson tuners are $100+, this one can be found for approximately $30 – $50.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner Unboxing
Upon unboxing the TU300, it’s immediately clear that this pedal is built to last. Its construction promises durability, essential for those of us constantly on the move between gigs.
Is it the strongest pedal I’ve seen? Well, not. As a matter of fact, the case is plastic, which has been the case with many Behringer pedals. But unless you’re going to toss it around every gig, it should last for a long time. I noticed that the weakest parts are actually switches and jacks on the pedal, so when you’re stomping on it, it’s important to be precise.
However, it’s worth noting the package does not include the Behringer PSU-SB DC power supply. It means a separate purchase for those preferring not to rely on battery power. Also, like many Behringer’s pedals, this one requires a screwdriver if you’re going to place a battery in it.
Available Tuning Modes
The TU300 offers an impressive array of seven tuning modes, including Regular, Flat, Double Flat, and Chromatic. This versatility is a significant plus, allowing for quick transitions between standard and more specialized tunings.
Whether you’re playing in standard tuning, exploring lower notes through detuning, or crafting a unique tuning of your own design, the TU300 is up to the task. Its three guitar modes (regular, flat, double flat) and three bass modes (regular, flat, double flat), along with the chromatic setting, cover virtually any tuning scenario you might encounter.
Tuning Accuracy
The precision of the 7-segment LED and 11-point Stream Meter ensures that your instrument is tuned correctly. A reference tone is adjustable from 438 Hz to 447 Hz to match your specific needs.
I couldn’t find the exact number that depicts the tuning accuracy for this pedal, but I have tu assume it doesn’t go above ±1 cent.
Display and Power Options
The display is bright and easy to read, a crucial feature when you’re on a dimly lit stage and need to tune quickly between songs. The flexibility to power the pedal with a standard 9 V battery or the optional PSU-SB DC power supply offers convenience. Still, the necessity of buying the power supply separately is a minor inconvenience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile tuning modes cater to a wide range of musical styles.
- High tuning accuracy with a clear, bright display.
- Mute/bypass function allows for silent tuning, preserving the audience’s experience.
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- PSU-SB DC power supply not included, requiring an additional purchase.
- Some users might prefer a more compact design for pedalboard efficiency.
- Slightly affects the sound, like other budget-friendly pedals
Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner Review Summary
Here’s a short summary of this Behringer TU300 Chromatic Tuner review:
- Budget-friendly option — It’s better than clip-ons but on the lower end when compared to high-cost tuner pedals.
- Versatile tuning modes — Offers seven different modes, accommodating standard, flat, double flat, and chromatic tunings for both guitar and bass, providing flexibility for various musical styles.
- High tuning accuracy — It features a precise 7-segment LED and 11-point Stream Meter, with an adjustable reference tone from 438 Hz to 447 Hz, ensuring your instrument is perfectly tuned.
- Readable display — The super-bright LED panel is easy to read in low-light conditions, making it ideal for live performances.
- Power options — A 9 V battery can power it or an optional PSU-SB DC power supply, offering flexibility in setup.
- Cons to consider — The DC power supply is not included, requiring an additional purchase. The pedal’s size may be a factor for those with limited pedalboard space. The pedal is mostly made of plastic.