The Peterson tuners are industry leaders, no doubt. So far, they haven’t made any misses with their products, as far as I know. This pedal is no exception.
The Peterson StroboStomp Mini is a pedal tuner that combines the functionality and tuning accuracy of the StroboStomp HD in a pedalboard-friendly format. It is a competitor to another mini version — TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini.
The mini version of Strobostomp is designed for meticulous musicians, it offers an uncompromising approach to tuning with precision and versatility.
In this review, I will test and share my thoughts on this tuner, to help you decide if it is the best choice for you.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Unboxing Peterson Strobostomp Mini
The unboxing experience of the Peterson StroboStomp Mini immediately sets the stage for its quality and design. The first thing to notice is the tuner’s surprisingly compact size, which is a significant advantage for those with limited space on their pedalboards. The tuner itself is housed in a robust metal chassis, conveying an immediate sense of durability.
Upon closer inspection, the top-mounted jacks become apparent. This design choice is not just a space-saver but also a practical feature that reduces cable clutter and makes for easier connections, especially in tight pedalboard setups.
Inside the box, along with the StroboStomp Mini, are the necessary cables for connection. There’s also a comprehensive manual provided.
Peterson Strobostomp Mini: Available Modes
A unique and notable aspect of Peterson tuners, including the StroboStomp Mini, is their incorporation of ‘Sweetened’ and ‘Guided’ tunings. They are essentially fine-tuned presets that deviate slightly from equal temperament tuning.
These presets are designed to make specific instruments sound more harmonious and pleasing. For instance, a guitar’s intonation imperfections are addressed by adjusting the tuning of each string to be harmonically complementary to the others. There are 80 presets for these tunings.
This mini pedal also features guided tunings, which are a set of presets that assist in achieving alternative tunings commonly used in various musical genres and styles.
These tunings guide the user through the tuning process for specific alternate tunings, reducing the complexity and time typically required to achieve these non-standard tunings.
Finally, this pedal features chromatic tuning, but also custom tuning options for those willing to experiment a bit. It offers the ability to adjust the Concert A reference pitch from 390Hz to 490Hz. This is a significant feature for playing in historical tunings or matching pitch with instruments that are not tuned to the standard A=440Hz.
Of course, if you are one of the 432Hz lunatics, this pedal will definitely help you live in harmony.
The pedal offers several bypass options:
- Pop-less true bypass mode.
- Buffered bypass.
- Monitor mode, which keeps the tuning display active at all times.
- Additionally, the pedal can be configured to either mute or pass audio when powered up, giving users control over their signal chain.
StroboStomp Mini Tuning Accuracy
The StroboStomp Mini incorporates a strobe tuning display, a hallmark of Peterson tuners. The strobe display shows a rotating pattern that aligns when the instrument is in tune.
The tuner’s accuracy to within 0.1 cents is a significant feature. This level of precision is much finer than what is typically found in standard tuners, where accuracy is usually around 1 cent.
StroboStomp Mini Display and Power Options
The ultra-high-definition LCD strobe display, complemented by adjustable LED backlights provides clear visual feedback and allows for color coordination on a pedalboard. The StroboStomp Mini can be powered traditionally via a standard 9V AC adapter or through its USB-C port, offering versatility in power options.
Peterson Strobostomp Mini Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-precise tuning accuracy of 0.1± cents, ideal for performance and intonation adjustment.
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly design with robust construction.
- Versatile display and power options, including USB-C connectivity.
- Over 80 Sweetened and Guided tunings, accommodating a wide range of instruments and styles.
- Multiple bypass modes and customizable audio handling.
Cons:
- The extensive features and detailed display may be overwhelming for beginners.
- Higher price point compared to basic tuners, which might not suit all budgets.
Peterson Strobostomp Mini Review Summary
If you didn’t feel like reading the whole Peterson Strobostomp Mini review, here’s the summary:
- Precision and functionality — Offers unparalleled tuning accuracy suitable for professional use.
- Design — Compact and robust, with pedalboard-friendly features like top-mounted jacks.
- Display — High-definition LCD strobe with adjustable LED backlight for visibility and aesthetics.
- Tuning options — Over 80 Sweetened and Guided tunings, plus customizable Concert A reference.
- Bypass options — Includes true bypass, buffered bypass, and monitor mode for versatile signal chain integration.
- Connectivity and power — USB-C port for power and firmware updates via Peterson Connect.
- Overall recommendation — Highly recommended for professional musicians or those who require precise tuning and extensive features. May not be the first choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.