T.C. Electronics PolyTuner: Anyone Have Experience With It?

kudzoorude · #1 03-27-2010, 09:45 PM

Thinking about getting rid of my Boss TU-2 and grabbing one of these. From what I've seen on the videos, it looks pretty awesome. I'd like to see if anyone has used one though and get their thoughts about it.

Thanks
Roger

mattsk42 · #2 04-22-2010, 08:17 AM

I'm also interested. I'm intrigued by possible firmware updates via USB.

BruceBass3901 · #3 04-22-2010, 08:54 AM

I want to know how well it copes with bass for the whole ''strum all strings and tune up'' feature

Livewire · #4 04-22-2010, 08:57 AM

I'm also contemplating this pedal or a Korg Pitchblack. I read some reviews on Musiciansfriend saying the pedal is sometimes unresponsive. When you try to do the polytune mode (tuning all the strings at one), it doesn't work and only picks up one string at a time.

BruceBass3901 · #5 04-22-2010, 09:06 AM

Really, just the fact that it is accurate to within 0.5 of a cent makes it a better tuner than my TU-2 or a Pitchblack or TU-3.

I've just had a look at a few differnt tuners, and found that the Pitchblack+ has an accuracy of +/-0.1 Cent.

Which is everyone going for?

gnasher1993 · #6 04-22-2010, 09:32 AM

According to TC, accuracy is +/-1.0 cents when in poly mode.

Even then, having read around, it's nowhere near as accurate as TC claims.

Posted on TGP:

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighwayStar

As I stated in my previous post, the Polytune does not seem to be nearly as accurate as they claim.

Today I was able to test the accuracy of the Polytune and found that it is about +/- 3 cents, not the .5 cents stated in the specifications.

For starters I found a shareware software function generator called AFSignalGen. You can download it here:

http://shareware.pcmag.com/free/Misc...tor/75247.html

I set the function generator to 440Hz and started raising the frequency in .1 Hz increments. The Polytune indicated the note was perfectly in tune until the input reached 440.9 Hz. That is sharp by +3.8 cents. Then I lowered the frequency and it showed the note being in tune until it reached 439.4 Hz which is flat by -2.4 cents.

In other words, there is a range of 6 cents where the Polytune says the note is in tune. This is no better than a Boss TU-2

To check the accuracy of the signal generator I fed it into my ST-122 Turbo Tuner, and it was right on.

I am hoping others can do this same test and post the results here. I am interested to see if there is something wrong with my tuner, or if their claim of +/- .5 cent accuracy is just a bunch of marketing hype.

However, I've also read that the human ear can only detect change within 5 cents range. I can see this being noticeable on guitar when playing chords, i.e one string a few cents flat, another a few cents sharp. With bass, I don't know if accuracy better than +/- 5 cents would be too noticeable unless you're playing chords.

Fajah · #7 04-22-2010, 09:41 AM

I've had mine for about a month now and have been enjoying it.....for both bass and guitar. I haven't had any accuracy issues and have used it several times to check intonation. I don't use the poly mode that often but when I do, it's for guitar only. The poly mode works for bass, but I never use it to tune.

AndersS · #8 04-22-2010, 10:04 AM

How's the visibility under strong lighting/direct sunlight on the Polytune compared to say, the Pitchblack?

KJung · #9 04-22-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudzoorude

Thinking about getting rid of my Boss TU-2 and grabbing one of these. From what I've seen on the videos, it looks pretty awesome. I'd like to see if anyone has used one though and get their thoughts about it.

Thanks
Roger

Got some reasonably bad feedback on these (tracking speed, accuracy, and ease of use on the gig) from a couple guys who know their stuff). I would suggest the Sonic Turbo Tuner... most accurate and quickest tracking unit on the market... very solidly made, and the 'truest' true bypass I've heard (or, I guess 'haven't heard' is the better way to describe it).

Fajah · #10 04-22-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndersS

How's the visibility under strong lighting/direct sunlight on the Polytune compared to say, the Pitchblack?

Under indoor lighting of any type, it's perfectly visible. Very bright. In natural outdoor lighting, no problem with visibility in the shade. It takes a while to adjust if direct sunlight is on it, so it's a bit hard to see at initially. Once it (and your eyes) adjust, it's not too bad. I can see it but it's not super bright.

Can't compare it to the Pitchblack.

vroc38 · #11 05-19-2010, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

Got some reasonably bad feedback on these (tracking speed, accuracy, and ease of use on the gig) from a couple guys who know their stuff). I would suggest the Sonic Turbo Tuner... most accurate and quickest tracking unit on the market... very solidly made, and the 'truest' true bypass I've heard (or, I guess 'haven't heard' is the better way to describe it).

+1. Have not tried the Polytune but having used the Sonic Research turbo tuner for months I can't imagine a better unit for all the reasons KJung gave.

scowboy · #12 05-19-2010, 08:28 AM

I have been using a Stobostomp for quite a long time and I love. It's only been replaced by the onboard tuner in my TC Electronic RH450 head. Probably will never sell it though.

I'd love to try the Turbo some day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vroc38

+1. Have not tried the Polytune but having used the Sonic Research turbo tuner for months I can't imagine a better unit for all the reasons KJung gave.