Pitchblack X series are professional-grade buffer-equipped tuners priced around $100. The brightness and smoothness of the meter are visible even outdoors. Size options to fit your board, with the XS series being a rare size in the market
If you’re looking for:
● A professional-grade pedal tuner with a built-in buffer
● A budget of around $100
● A tuner that fits easily on an pedal board
● A tuner that’s visible even during outdoor live performances
Then this review of the KORG Pitchblack X series by an ex-musical instrument store clerk, Yosh (@Yosh_Guitar), is for you. The differences and selection methods of all 4 models are summarized.
Pros of KORG Pichblack X Series
Wide Range Natural Buffer [ULTRA BUFFER]
The Pitchblack X is equipped with the ULTRA BUFFER, newly developed by KORG for this device. KORG has been selling standard pedal tuners like the DT-10 for many years. However, in recent years, models like tc electronic’s Polytune 3 and BOSS TU-3W (WAZA-Craft) have become popular. They not only have good tuner accuracy but also incorporate high-quality buffers to prevent sound muddy when the tuner is not in use. If you connect a pedal tuner with a high-quality buffer first on the effect board, the sound keeps clear and crisp even when connecting multiple pedals. The ULTRA BUFFER of Pitchblack X is a professional-grade high-quality buffer comparable to these models. It retains a brilliant resonance, similar to when directly connected to an amp with a 3m cable.
Highly Visible LED Meter
The brightness, large display, detailed LED, and blinking when tuning make it much easier to see and tune than previous models. The number of meter LEDs has increased from previous models, making it easier to grasp pitch changes and fluctuations. The meter is primarily blue, turning white when in tune, with a triangular display blinking, making it easy to understand. The brightness can be switched between regular and bright modes. It’s bright enough to be seen even outdoors in sunlight.
High Precision of ±0.1 Cent Suitable for Recording
In strobe mode, it can display with a high precision of ±0.1 cent. This makes it suitable for professional-level stringent situations like recording or live performances synced with sound sources. Note: A cent is a unit representing 1/100th of a semitone.
Four Types of Meter Display Modes
The tuning meter display can be selected from four types: Regular Mode, Strobe Mode, Half Strobe Mode, and Mirror Mode.
Cons of KORG Pitchblack X Series
There are concerns about durability.
While it’s a positive that the casing is very lightweight, it also implies a reduction in durability. Especially for the Pitchblack XS, which requires stepping on the screen, it’s not suitable for those who frequently switch on/off.
The Measurement Accuracy of the Strobe Mode is Lower Than Other Companies
The pioneering strobe pedal tuner, Sonic Research ST-300, and the popular pedal tuner model, TC Electronic Polytune3, have a strobe mode measurement accuracy of ±0.02 cents. The KORG Pitchblack X series is ±0.1 cent. For reference, the BOSS TU-3W has an accuracy of ±1 cents. Too high an accuracy can make it challenging to tune perfectly. Therefore, many might find the accuracy of KORG just right and easy to use for live performances. Unless you’re particular about band-wide tuning or want to be precise in recording, ±0.1 cents should not be an issue. If you don’t use strobe mode, you can ignore this.****
Differences and Evolution Points from the Previous Model, Pitchblack AD
| Feature | Pitchblack X | Pitchblack Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 12-tone equal temperament (Chromatic) | 12-tone equal temperament (Chromatic) |
| Measurement Range | E0 (20.60Hz) – C8 (4186Hz) | E0 (20.60Hz) – C8 (4186Hz) |
| Reference Pitch Range | A4=436-445Hz | A4=436-445Hz |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±0.1 cent | ±0.1 cent |
| Display Modes | Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, Mirror | Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, Mirror |
| Bright Mode | Yes | No |
| Bypass | Buffer/True Bypass (Switchable) | True Bypass Only |
| Connection Terminals | Input, Output, DC 9V IN, DC 9V OUT | Input, Output, DC 9V IN, DC 9V OUT |
| Power Source | 9V or Battery | 9V or Battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 60 hours |
| Power Consumption | Max 28mA | Max 20mA |
| Size | 69(W) x 110(D) x 49(H) mm | 68(W) x 111(D) x 47(H) mm |
| Weight | 248 g (including battery) | 257 g (including battery) |
The specification comparison table between the old model Pitchblack Advance and the new one shows minimal differences in tuner specifications. However, the Pitchblack X has been enhanced in the following ways:
- Switchable between ultra buffer and true bypass
- Increased number of meter LEDs, smoother pitch change display
- Improved visibility with adjustable display brightness
If you’re considering purchasing, the new Pitchblack X series would be a safe bet. If you’re currently using the old model and have no issues with the true bypass system and display visibility, there might be no need to replace it. However, the smoothness of the LED meter display is entirely different, so those who want precise tuning might find the Pitchblack X easier to adjust.
Differences and Selection of the Pitchblack X Series
The new Ptichblack X series has a lineup of four models, allowing for a selection tailored to your system.
| Feature | Pitchblack X | Pitchblack XS | Pitchblack X mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $99.99 | $99.99 | $89.99 |
| Bypass | ULTRA BUFFER/TRUE BYPASS | ULTRA BUFFER/TRUE BYPASS | ULTRA BUFFER only |
| Input/Output Terminals | INPUT/OUTPUT | INPUT/OUTPUT | INPUT/OUTPUT |
| Power Terminal | DC 9V IN, DC 9V OUT | DC 9V IN | DC 9V IN |
| Power Consumption | Max 28mA | Max 40mA | Max 30mA |
| Battery | 9V battery | Not available | Not available |
| Display Modes | Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, Mirror | Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, Mirror | Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, Mirror |
| Bright Mode | On/Off | On/Off | On/Off |
| LED Color | Blue and White | Blue and White | Blue and White |
| Measurement Accuracy (Strobe) | ±0.1 cent | ±0.1 cent | ±0.1 cent |
| Measurement Range | E0 (20.60Hz) – C8 (4,186Hz) | E0 (20.60Hz) – C8 (4,186Hz) | E0 (20.60Hz) – C8 (4,186Hz) |
| Reference Pitch Range | A4=436-445Hz | A4=436-445Hz | A4=436-445Hz |
| Size | 69 x 110 x 49 mm | 70 x 80 x 47 mm | 45 x 93 x 43 mm |
| Weight | 248g (including battery) | 198g | 124g |
Ptichblack X
This is the standard model in terms of size and functionality. The bypass can switch between the high-quality ultra buffer and true bypass. Unique to this model is the DC OUT terminal that can drive one 9V effector and the ability to operate on a 9V battery. If you want these features, Pitchblack X is the only choice.
Pitchblack X is recommended for those who:
- Want a tuner with a professional-grade built-in buffer.
- Prefer a tuner with high visibility.
- Like the standard pedal size.
- Frequently rearrange their board and want to switch the buffer on/off.
- Want to use it with a 9V battery.
- Want to power other pedals.
Ptichblack XS
The most significant feature of this model is its compact size, making it fit well in the available space on an effect board. This design, which eliminates the footswitch, has few alternatives, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. The display is larger than the TU-3S, with on/off functionality and a more natural-sounding high-quality buffer than BOSS. The display, which replaces the regular footswitch, is designed to be compact while ensuring a large display size. The display can be turned on/off by pressing anywhere. Like the Pitchblack X, it can switch between the ultra buffer and true bypass. However, it cannot be powered by a battery and can only be used with a power supply.
Pitchblack XS is recommended for those who:
- Want a tuner with a professional-grade built-in buffer.
- Prefer a tuner with high visibility.
- Want to ensure a large display while saving space on the board.
- Frequently rearrange their board and want to switch the buffer on/off.
- Want to power other pedals.
Ptichblack X mini
As the name suggests, this is a miniaturized version of the Pitchblack X. It’s more compact, but the display is slightly smaller. Also, its functionality is somewhat limited, with only the ultra buffer available and no option for true bypass. It also cannot be powered by a battery.
Pitchblack X mini is recommended for those who:
- Want a tuner with a professional-grade built-in buffer.
- Prefer a tuner with high brightness.
- Like the mini size for a better fit on the board.
- Don’t need to switch the bypass.
- Don’t use batteries.
Ptichblack X Pro
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Price | $199.99 |
| Bypass | Ultra buffer only. Switching to true bypass is not possible. |
| Display Modes | Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, Focus |
| LED Color | Blue-red gradient, Green-red gradient, Cyan, Green, Blue |
| Bright Mode | Fixed to Bright Mode |
| Connection Terminals | Front: INPUT 1 (φ6.3 mono standard jack), OUTPUT 1 (φ6.3 mono standard jack), CABLE CHECK (φ6.3 mono standard jack) |
| Rear: INPUT 2 (φ6.3 mono standard jack), OUTPUT 2 (φ6.3 mono standard jack), DC 9V IN | |
| Power Source | 9V center negative |
| Power Consumption | Max 140mA |
| Size | Body only: 430(W) x 50(D) x 44(H) mm (including protrusions) |
| With rack mount adapter: 482(W) x 50(D) x 44(H) mm (including protrusions) | |
| Weight | 379g |
This model is not a pedal tuner but a rack-type tuner. Its specifications are consistent with the series. The meter is exceptionally large, making it highly visible. It can be rack-mounted, and with the included rack-mount adapter, it can be placed on the floor. It also has input/output terminals on the front and back, making it versatile for various setups. Many people might find it invaluable because it can be installed in tight spaces. It certainly makes an impact when it’s on the board.
You can also change the LED color. Furthermore, the front panel is equipped with a cable checker feature. By connecting both ends of the cable to the input terminal and the cable check terminal, you can verify if the cable is not broken or disconnected.
Pitchblack Pro is recommended for those who:
- Prefer the largest possible meter.
- Want to integrate it into a rack.
- Find it fits perfectly in the elongated space of an effect board.
- Want it to stand out on the pedal board.
