Chromatic vs. strobe tuning

**line6man** · #1 02-10-2010, 08:40 AM

I just picked up a Korg DTR-1000 for my home studio from a fellow TalkBass member.

The tuner has two modes of operation, chromatic and strobe.
I've always just used chromatic tuners, but I'm wondering what the pros and cons are to using the strobe mode?

I've heard that strobe tuners are more accurate.
Is this because you can graphically display the pitch finer than the 5 cent steps of a chromatic tuner?

MIJ-VI · #2 02-10-2010, 09:56 AM

Can you hear a difference between the two?

Which approach do you find allows you to tune more quickly?

**line6man** · #3 02-10-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

Can you hear a difference between the two?

Which approach do you find allows you to tune more quickly?

Well, like I said, I've always used chromatic, so I guess chromatic works best for me then.

Is it simply a matter of personal preference?

bongomania · #4 02-10-2010, 10:47 AM

It is just personal preference, however the wide generalization I'd make is that chromatic is for fast convenience, while strobe is for accuracy that takes a couple seconds longer.

JTE · #5 02-10-2010, 10:52 AM

If it's like the Boss TU-2, the "strobe" mode isn't the same as a real strobelight based tuner, nor the virtual strobe that Peterson uses. In chromatic, it just shows you the note you're playing and the light flashes on one side or the other to tell you you're sharp or flat, sorta like getting a needle to sit in the center. In "strobe" mode it's a series of flashing lights that appear to be moving- you get the lights to stop strobing and you're in tune.

But it's still using the same chip and timer that it uses in chromatic tuning and it's not at all the same accuracy as real strobes nor the Peterson virtual strobe.

John

**line6man** · #6 02-10-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

If it's like the Boss TU-2, the "strobe" mode isn't the same as a real strobelight based tuner, nor the virtual strobe that Peterson uses. In chromatic, it just shows you the note you're playing and the light flashes on one side or the other to tell you you're sharp or flat, sorta like getting a needle to sit in the center. In "strobe" mode it's a series of flashing lights that appear to be moving- you get the lights to stop strobing and you're in tune.

But it's still using the same chip and timer that it uses in chromatic tuning and it's not at all the same accuracy as real strobes nor the Peterson virtual strobe.

John

That's what I figured, given how fancy (and expensive!) those Peterson strobes get.
That's why I'm trying to figure out how a strobe tuner could be more accurate than chromatic if we're talking about the same tuner in two different modes...

MIJ-VI · #7 02-10-2010, 09:27 PM

0.5 cent accuracy

ehque · #8 02-10-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by line6man

That's why I'm trying to figure out how a strobe tuner could be more accurate than chromatic if we're talking about the same tuner in two different modes...

It can't. The chip's the same.

Want accuracy? Sonic Research Turbo Tuner. 0.02%, true strobe.

countrybass007 · #9 02-10-2010, 09:46 PM

I use a chromatic, the tech who works on my basses uses a Peterson Strobe tuner.

**line6man** · #10 02-10-2010, 10:40 PM

I'm not too concerned with extreme tuning accuracy.
My intonation is all over the place to begin with, what's it going to hurt if my open strings and harmonics are a cent off...

kful · #11 02-11-2010, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehque

It can't. The chip's the same.

Want accuracy? Sonic Research Turbo Tuner. 0.02%, true strobe.

Also very easy to use. Awesome value.

DeluxeRed · #12 02-11-2010, 07:17 AM

The real strobe tuners get their strobe from real physical effects. The Korg's "strobe" mode is simply a display affectation and not a result of real sonic interference patterns.

I usually tune in chromatic just because it's easier, then put it (the 2000 version) on strobe while I play so that it makes my rack look like an old-school Cylon on the prowl.