Tuner: amp tuner out or tuner bypass?

bullshark · #1 10-20-2007, 07:01 AM

Hi, just got a Korg DT-10 tuner, what would be the best way to hook it up, using my amp (Yorkville XM200) tuner output or going through the pedal using the bypass feature, and why?

Thank's.

mccartneyman · #2 10-20-2007, 07:09 AM

If the amp tuner out has a footswitch that shuts off the signal when you' re, tuning, use that. Not all amps that have this feature do that, however. Putting the tuner between the bass and amp might degrade the signal, but probably not much. Also, your cord will be going down to the pedal rather than back to the amp. Some might not like this.

bullshark · #3 10-20-2007, 07:28 AM

Thank's for the reply.

No pedal for the XM200, but there is a mute switch on the front panel that mute everything but the tuner out. Probably less convenient than a pedal thought.

The doc for the Korg unit state that the bypass feature shouldn't affect the signal at all, but I don't know how much weight I should put to that. Anybody tried at gig output level and can confirm (or infirm)?

Maj. Lee FUBAR · #4 10-20-2007, 07:37 AM

My philosophy is that the less pedals you have in your signal chain, the better, so I would use the amp's tuner out feature and use the mute button on the amp when you want to tune between songs. That being said, the sound difference is probably imperceptible to the human ear either way, so I don't see a problem with running the tuner in your signal chain if that works better for you. I have done it both ways without any difficulties.

MLF

dcr · #5 10-20-2007, 08:00 AM

I've found that the Tuner Out injects a lot less noise -- or at least has the potential to inject less noise -- than a direct in-out thru the tuner in the signal chain.

Especially noted this with my Korg rack tuner (DT-1 Pro, IIRC). Noisy using the In/Out on the back. Quiet using the Tuner Out from my preamp. Actually, the noise I got was some sort of switching noise as the LED scanned from side-to-side. Sort of a "click", not a hiss or buzz that I recall.

A "no-brainer" for me.

dcr

bullshark · #6 10-20-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcr

I've found that the Tuner Out injects a lot less noise -- or at least has the potential to inject less noise -- than a direct in-out thru the tuner in the signal chain.

Especially noted this with my Korg rack tuner (DT-1 Pro, IIRC). Noisy using the In/Out on the back. Quiet using the Tuner Out from my preamp. Actually, the noise I got was some sort of switching noise as the LED scanned from side-to-side. Sort of a "click", not a hiss or buzz that I recall.

A "no-brainer" for me.

dcr

The sort of things that worries me. Does that clickety thing sound happens at low practice volume or only at full gig level? (Can't crank my amp in the studio, they'd be so much rattling from the windows/wall/accessories that I wouldn't notice humming or click from the cab...)

dcr · #7 10-20-2007, 10:46 AM

Honestly, I can't recall. Been so long that I tried it, I don't remember. Once I figured out what it did, I dropped that method and went to the Tuner Out or FX loop on my amp (don't recall which).

Problem solved!

I'd check but my rig is locked up in the trailer and I won't gig again for 3 more weeks or so, unless I get a call-out. And normally I load my rig at the back of the trailer, but the band guys loaded up last time. No telling where the stuff is.

dcr

derrico1 · #8 10-20-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullshark

The doc for the Korg unit state that the bypass feature shouldn't affect the signal at all, but I don't know how much weight I should put to that. Anybody tried at gig output level and can confirm (or infirm)?

I used the Korg Dt-10 on the floor at last night's gig. Like Maj.LeeFubar, my theory is to keep the signal path as simple & short as possible; but my experience with this tuner is that any difference is purely theoretical at a rock gig.

IMO, put the DT-10 on the floor if you prefer to tune silently without turning your back on the audience, or if the soundman is getting some or all of your FOH sound w/ a DI box before your amp. If you don't mind seeming like you're fiddling with your amp mid-set, then use the amp's tuner out and mute button.

Higgie · #9 10-20-2007, 11:49 AM

I find the Bypass on the DT-10 pedal tuner to be flawless. It's NOT true bypass, but it sure sounds that way

bullshark · #10 10-21-2007, 07:50 AM

Kind of change of subject (and thank's to those who replied) but how long is the battery supposed to last in the DT-10?
The battery that came with it only lasted about 2 hours, during which I only checked tuning twice; should I expect a longer life with a new alkaline battery or do theses things eat batteries like there's no tomorrow?

Yes, I do have a proper trans to hook it up if I have to, but battery operated is so convenient...not if I have to change them every 2 hours thought.

Maj. Lee FUBAR · #11 10-21-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullshark

The battery that came with it only lasted about 2 hours,,,

Try a good Duracell or Energizer battery and see what you get. I never put any stock in how long those cheapie crap batteries they include last.

MLF

Higgie · #12 10-21-2007, 09:55 AM

Batteries are nowhere near as convenient as Power Supplies IMO, you never know when batteries are gonna die. An AC adaptor takes up a tiny bit of room in your gig bag, and it'll take you like 10 seconds extra to set up, and your tuner won't crap out on you mid-performance.

Lorenzini · #13 10-21-2007, 10:17 AM

Tuner out on amp.

squarewave · #14 10-21-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

Tuner out on amp.

+1 There is little chance of any degradation in the signal if the tuner out is used.

fishtx · #15 10-21-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrico1

I used the Korg Dt-10 on the floor at last night's gig. Like Maj.LeeFubar, my theory is to keep the signal path as simple & short as possible; but my experience with this tuner is that any difference is purely theoretical at a rock gig.

IMO, put the DT-10 on the floor if you prefer to tune silently without turning your back on the audience, or if the soundman is getting some or all of your FOH sound w/ a DI box before your amp. If you don't mind seeming like you're fiddling with your amp mid-set, then use the amp's tuner out and mute button.

+1...consider how you get your sound to the FOH before you make a final decision on tuner placement.

If you use the DI off the back of your amp, or mic your cab, and you have a tuner out with a mute switch on the amp…then that may be the best solution for you.

If you use an external DI, you may want to put the tuner in your chain prior to the DI so you can mute both the amp and DI signals.…