Korg Pitchblack X Review: Unmatched Accuracy and Versatility in a Tuner

A reliable and accurate tuner is an essential tool for every guitarist or bassist, ensuring precise tuning and optimal sound quality. Of all the pedal boards I have set up, the one common denominator is the pedal tuner. The Korg Pitchblack X is a tuner that combines exceptional accuracy, versatility, and user-friendly features to meet the demands of musicians. And it made the list of the Best Pedal Guitar Tuners! In this review, we’ll explore the outstanding qualities of the Korg Pitchblack X and why it stands out as a top choice in the world of tuners.

Korg Company Overview

Korg Inc. is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures electronic musical instruments, audio processors and guitar pedals, recording equipment, and electronic tuners. Under the Vox brand name, they also manufacture guitar amplifiers and electric guitars.

Korg was founded in 1963 as Keio Electronic Laboratories. The company’s first product was the Doncamatic, Japan’s first disc-based rhythm machine. In 1967, Korg released the Korg Synthesizer, Japan’s first synthesizer. The company released the first needle-type tuner in 1969.

Korg has since diversified into digital effects, tuners, recording equipment, electronic hand percussion, and software instruments. In 1992, Korg acquired Vox, then primarily a manufacturer of guitar amplifiers. Korg was the exclusive distributor of Marshall Amplification products in the US for decades. This arrangement ended in 2010.

Korg products are used by a wide range of musicians, from professional artists to hobbyists. Some of the most popular Korg products include the MiniKorg, the MS-20, the Triton, the Kronos, and the Volca series.

Korg is headquartered in Inagi, Tokyo, Japan. The company has offices and subsidiaries around the world. 100 countries sell Korg’s products.

Unparalleled Accuracy for Flawless Tuning

When it comes to tuning precision, the Korg Pitchblack X sets a new standard. With its advanced technology and ultra-responsive detection circuit, this tuner delivers unmatched accuracy, ensuring spot-on tuning for guitars and basses. The large LED display with a needle-style meter provides a clear visual representation of your instrument’s pitch, allowing you to make precise adjustments with ease. Whether you’re performing live or recording in the studio, the Pitchblack X guarantees flawless tuning every time.

The Korg Pitchblack X is a highly accurate tuner with a tuning accuracy of ±0.1 cents. This means that the tuner can detect and display even the slightest variations in pitch.

Versatile Tuning Modes for Any Musical Context

The versatility of the Korg Pitchblack X is a standout feature that caters to various musical styles and instrument preferences. It offers multiple tuning modes, including chromatic and guitar/bass modes, accommodating a wide range of tuning options. Whether you prefer standard tuning, drop tuning, or open tunings, this tuner has you covered. Its adaptability makes it suitable for diverse musical contexts, ensuring you can achieve the desired tuning for any performance or recording situation.

The Korg Pitchblack X has four different tuning modes:

• Strobe mode: This is the most accurate tuning mode. The tuner displays a strobe effect that shows the pitch of the input signal in real-time. The strobe effect is particularly useful for tuning to reference pitches such as A440.
• Meter mode: This mode displays a meter that shows the pitch of the input signal. The meter is divided into 100 divisions, each of which represents a change of one cent. This mode is easy to read and can be used to tune a variety of pitches.
• Note name mode: This mode displays the note name of the input signal. This mode is useful for quickly identifying the pitch of an input signal.
• Just-right tuning mode: This mode displays a green LED when the input signal is in tune. This mode is a helpful visual aid for achieving perfect tuning.

This table summarizes the features of the four tuning modes:

User-Friendly Interface for Effortless Tuning

The Korg Pitchblack X has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use for both beginners and experienced musicians. The tuner has a simple design with a clear display and easy-to-use controls.

The main display shows the tuning mode, the pitch of the input signal, and the note name. The controls are located on the top of the tuner and include a mode button, a tuning mode button, a note name button, and a bypass button.

The mode button selects the tuning mode. The tuning mode button switches between the strobe, meter, note name, and just-right tuning modes. The note name button is used to toggle the note name display on and off. The bypass button is used to bypass the tuner.

The Korg Pitchblack X also has a number of other features that make it user-friendly, including:

• A built-in LED that lights up when the tuner is in use.
• A battery life indicator that shows how much battery power is remaining.
• A bright mode that can be turned on to make the display easier to read in dark environments.

Overall, the Korg Pitchblack X has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use for both beginners and experienced musicians. The tuner has a simple design with a clear display and easy-to-use controls. The tuner also has a number of other features that make it user-friendly, such as a built-in LED, a battery life indicator, and a bright mode.

Advanced Features to Enhance Performance

The Korg Pitchblack X goes beyond standard tuning functionalities, offering advanced features that enhance your overall musical experience. It includes a built-in cable checker that detects any issues with your instrument cable, saving you from potential performance interruptions. Additionally, the selectable buffer mode maintains your instrument’s optimal tone, even when using long cable runs or a chain of effects pedals. These features contribute to seamless performances and studio recordings without compromising your sound quality.

The Korg Pitchblack X has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful tuner. These features include:

• True bypass: This means that the tuner does not affect the tone of the input signal when it is bypassed.
• ULTRA BUFFER: This is a built-in buffer that helps to preserve the signal strength and clarity of the input signal.
• Four tuning modes: The tuner has four different tuning modes: strobe, meter, note name, and just-right tuning.
• Bright mode: This can be turned on to make the display easier to read in dark environments.
• Battery life indicator: This shows how much battery power is remaining.
• Built-in LED: This lights up when the tuner is in use.
• MIDI output: This can be used to send tuning information to other devices.
• USB port: This can be used to update the tuner’s firmware.

Check out Korg’s video showcasing the Pitchblack X and others in the series.

Korg Pitchblack X Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Accurate and reliable tuning capabilities with a high-visibility LED display and precise tuning algorithms.
2. Durable and road-ready construction, designed to withstand the rigors of live performances and heavy use.
3. True bypass circuitry ensures transparent signal pass-through when the tuner is not engaged.

Cons:

1. The display may be less visible in bright outdoor settings or in certain lighting conditions.
2. Some users may find the pedal size to be larger and take up more space on their pedalboard compared to smaller tuners.

Final Verdict and My Recommendation

The Korg Pitchblack X stands as a versatile, accurate, and user-friendly tuner. It meets the needs of musicians across all levels of expertise. With its exceptional tuning accuracy, versatile tuning modes, and additional features, this tuner is a reliable companion for achieving perfect pitch and maintaining excellent sound quality. Whether you’re a professional guitarist, a gigging musician, or an enthusiastic hobbyist, the Pitchblack X is an indispensable tool that will elevate your playing to new heights.

In conclusion, the Korg Pitchblack X exceeds expectations as a tuner, offering unmatched accuracy, versatility, and ease of use. With its exceptional tuning capabilities, user-friendly interface, and advanced features, it proves to be a solid investment for any guitarist or bassist. With the Pitchblack X in your rig, you can have confidence that your instrument will always be perfectly tuned, ensuring exceptional performances and inspiring musical experiences.

Further Reading on charlestonclassicalguitar.org: If you have further questions, then I can help point you in the right direction. Looking for other options for a guitar pedal tuner? Check out our post on Best Pedal Guitar Tuners. Or, do you need some convincing on whether you should add one to your rig?

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read our editorial process here.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.