Off Topic Software: Guitar Tuners - Post your reviews here

[DrKev]

Anyone got any interesting software tuners to tell about?

AP Tuner was mentioned on another thread which is where I get the idea for this thread. Seeing as I've screwed up my left hand and can't play, maybe I'll take some time this evening and see what else I can find.

So, what's out there? PC or Mac? Freeware or shareware or full license, whatever. How does the accuracy compare to your normal stage tuner?

_____

Here's my review...

AP Tuner 3.08 (Freeware)

A simple needle and scale chromatic tuner. The display is scaleable to fill your whole screen if you want. Adjustable tuning settings, sensitivity, calibration, and note presets (for different instruments). It will display up in steps of 1 cent or 0.1 cent but I'm not sure what the accuracy really is. For a freeware program, I love it. It's fast and simple and works.

UPDATE: I ran a few tests here at home, and when properly calibrated, AP Tuner is indeed accurate to 0.1 cent (at least when using pure sine wave test tones).

9/10



OK guys, it's your turn. I'll have more to come later too.

 

[larz]

I just tried the ap tuner
I had my normal tuner and the AP on, while tuning.
And the AP was spot on

 

[Larry]

Peterson Strobe Tuners - StroboSoft? 2.0 VST/AU Software

Looks pretty interesting. Made by Peterson.

 

[larz]

Peterson Strobe Tuners - StroboSoft? 2.0 VST/AU Software

Looks pretty interesting. Made by Peterson.

this tuner looks awesome, I would like to try it out.

 

[beej]

Or this one: Peterson Strobe Tuners - iStroboSoft? for the iPod touch® and iPhone?

I've got it, it's excellent. I always have a tuner handy now when I'm jamming anywhere.

Making a iPod -> 1/4" cable to stick in my gigbag. Though Peterson sells one now.

 

[tommyindelaware]

i got the strobo soft on my macbook........& i really love it !!!!!!
just got an i-phone 3g. gonna have it loaded too.

 

[agt]

I have several of the hardware Peterson virtual strobes and also the Strobosoft Deluxe v2 software.

I use the hardware for tuning during playing/recording but I prefer the software for intonation work mainly because of all the GUI controls and options that either aren't on the hardware or are only accessible on the hardware by scrolling through the small LCD display. With the software it's all right there, or at most a mouse click away.

In terms of accuracy, I find the hardware and the software to be the same: excellent.

One advantage of the software (at least the Deluxe version) is that you can adjust the strobe sensitivity which comes in handy for the precision that intonation adjustments require. Also, the software allows you to see the cents display update as you see the strobe bands stabilize.

I wish a hardware unit were offered that had all the functionality of the software.

 

[tommyindelaware]

the spectrum analyzer , oscilloscope , and tone generator are alot of fun .....& very impressive. & it's all so easy to use. amazing !!!!!!

 

[DrKev]

There is another strobe tuner for windows - TB strobe tuner (tbstrobetuner.com). I've used the trial version, and it does work very well (even if the interface is a little ugly). The trial version has an annoying pop up window every minute or so and will only tune to A 442Hz, but the full version is available for only $8.90.

It seems that Mac users have a much wider choice, and is it true that there is a true FREEWARE strobe tuner available for mac?? Has anybody tried anything else?

 

[YtseJam92]

Question: Why would you use a software tuner when you could just use a pedal? Unless your whole setup is through GuitarRig3 or something...

 

[tommyindelaware]

ha.......cause i can !!!!!!!!

 

[agt]

Question: Why would you use a software tuner when you could just use a pedal? Unless your whole setup is through GuitarRig3 or something...

For tuning, I agree. For intonation, it is more involved, at least for me.

I have the BFTS installed on all but one of my Balls. With StroboStomp and StroboFlip, both of which I own and love, I have to keep switching presets back and forth from BFE (Buzz Feiten Electric -- open strings) to BFEi (Buzz Feiten Electric -- 12th fret for intonation) when setting up.

With the software, I can check the open string and the 12th fret, each having different offsets, without changing anything or pressing buttons/navigating through menus. One of the features I wish the hardware had.

And as Tommy mentioned, there are other features the software has that the hardware does not.

 

[sinner]

Question: Why would you use a software tuner when you could just use a pedal? Unless your whole setup is through GuitarRig3 or something...

I'm also work on strobosoft, the reason is try to buy any other peterson for $40

 

[Jerrick]

I just use the tuner on Guitar Rig 3 when im messing around at home or recording some reference tracks for our drummer.

 

[bkrumme]

I've used iStroboSoft for iPhone/iPod touch with my Acoustic guitars and it works really well. I need something that works really well for intonation, though. I do a lot of pickup repair and customization work for a local shop and the customers always want a setup along with their new jack or switch. I've been limping along with either a Boss TU-15 or a Korg DTR1000, but neither of them is accurate enough for intonation.

My next step was a Peterson Autostrobe 490...until I saw StroboSoft. Do those of you with experience with the software think it is accurate enough for intonation? If so, do you think it's as accurate as an Autostrobe?

 

[DrKev]

bkrumme, the iStrobosoft should be more than adequate for intonation. AFAIK, all the Peterson products, software or physical are accurate to 0.1 cent.

 

[bkrumme]

bkrumme, the iStrobosoft should be more than adequate for intonation. AFAIK, all the Peterson products, software or physical are accurate to 0.1 cent.

Good info. I'll have to check out their website when I have a bit more time.

 

[DrKev]

I now have the full version of TB Strobe Tuner. It's very good and it is as accurate as they say (0.1 cent, ideal for intonation). For such a low price it's fantastic.

 

[bkrumme]

I pulled the trigger on StroboSoft 2.0. I got the standard version since all I need is a chromatic tuner capable of the accuracy needed for intonation (equal temperament).

I checked the intonation on every guitar in the house today and all I can say is WOW! All of them needed a little adjustment, but after I was done there was a HUGE difference. Time to re-record some stuff I've been working on...

Best money I've spent on any piece of software EVER.