When the opportunity to review the D’Addario Chromatic Pedal Tuner, model PW-CT-20, came my way, I was eager to see how it stacked up. Let me take you through my journey with this device, from the unboxing to a detailed analysis of its features, and finally, my overall impressions.
Read my D’Addario Chromatic Pedal Tuner review below.
Unboxing D’Addario Chromatic Pedal Tuner
Unpacking the D’Addario Chromatic Pedal Tuner was the first step into understanding the thought and care put into this product. Right out of the box, the tuner’s rugged aluminum enclosure struck me as both sleek and durable. It’s clear that this tuner is built to withstand the rigors of the road, with dimensions of 2.8 x 2.3 x 5.8 inches and a weight of 12.5 oz, it’s compact yet solid. The inclusion of a full-color vertical display immediately caught my eye, promising easy readability in any setting.
Available Tuning Modes
The tuner operates in chromatic mode, making it versatile for tuning both guitars and bass guitars. This capability is especially useful for musicians who play in various tunings, as the chromatic mode can accommodate any note. Whether in the studio or onstage, this tuner is designed to be the go-to tool for quick, efficient tuning.
Tuning Accuracy
One of the standout features of the D’Addario Chromatic Pedal Tuner is its 32-bit processor, which ensures fast response times. Coupled with true-bypass wiring, this tuner promises not to color your tone when not in use. The accuracy is superb, with a wide calibration range from 415 Hz to 475 Hz, centered around the standard A4 = 440 Hz. This level of precision is crucial for both live performances and recording sessions, ensuring that your instrument is perfectly in tune with the rest of the band or the track you’re laying down.
Display and Power Options
The full-color vertical display is bright, clear, and intuitive to read, a feature I found particularly helpful during gigs in dimly lit venues. The display offers quick and intuitive tuning, a must-have during fast-paced live performances.
As for power options, the tuner operates on a 9V battery or a 9VDC (300mA) power supply, providing flexibility depending on your setup. Power consumption is efficient, varying from 27mA in bypass mode to a maximum of 56mA when detecting notes with the highest deviation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rugged and durable design, ideal for touring musicians.
- Fast and accurate tuning with a wide calibration range.
- True bypass wiring preserves your tone.
- The full-color display is easy to read in any lighting condition.
Cons:
- Chromatic tuning may not satisfy those looking for more specialized tuning modes.
- The power consumption, while efficient, could be a consideration for battery-powered setups.
D’Addario Chromatic Pedal Tuner Review Summary
Overall, D’Addario did a great job with this tuner, as it is compact, easy to use, and — what I like the most — straightforward to use. It’s a great option for those with little experience using pedal tuners.
- Design and Construction: Built with a rugged aluminum enclosure for durability. Compact size (2.8 x 2.3 x 5.8 inches) and weight (12.5 oz) make it portable and road-ready.
- Processing Power: Features a 32-bit processor, ensuring fast response times for note detection and tuning.
- Tuning Capabilities: Offers chromatic tuning mode, suitable for a wide range of instruments including guitar and bass guitar. Calibration range spans from 415 Hz to 475 Hz, with a reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz.
- Display Features: The full-color vertical display is designed for clarity and ease of reading in various lighting conditions, facilitating quick tuning adjustments.
- True Bypass Circuitry: Incorporates true bypass wiring to maintain the integrity of the instrument’s tone when the tuner is not engaged.
- Power Requirements: Can be powered by either a 9V battery or a 9VDC (300mA) power supply. Power consumption varies with usage, from 27mA in bypass to 56mA at maximum note deviation detection.