Somewhat technical, I know,
but this method ensures
extreme tuning accuracy
that’s as valuable on stage
as it is on the setup bench.
NEW AND
IMPROVED
The predecessor to the
ST-300 was the ST-200—a
fantastic tuner in its own
right that sold more than
50,000 units from 2008–
2015. The new ST-300
though, is faster, brighter
and features silent relay
switching, versus the
3PDT click of the ST-200’s
mechanical stomp switch.
It’s faster because of a new
32-bit processor and an
updated pitch detection
algorithm. The ST-200
needed 10–15 cycles to
recognize a waveform—a
process that took about a
third of a second. The ST300 only needs two to three
cycles to recognize a pitch.
The ST-300 still features
fully chromatic tuning, as
well as standard modes for
guitar and bass tuning. It
also features three bonus
modes that can be edited
for custom tunings and
configured for as many as
nine strings.
I’LL CALL HIM
“MINI ME”
For this review, I played
the Mini version of the
ST-300 that debuted last
summer. Earlier this year
though, a full-size model
joined the ranks and comes
with a couple of features
not included in the Mini—
namely, an enhanced output
section with selectable
mute and the ability to be
powered from a nine-volt
battery. Both pedals also
feature USB ports for future
firmware updates and, big
or small, are available for
the same price.
WHAT WE LIKE
Cards on the table: The
ST-200 was my go-to
pedal tuner for five years
prior to the ST-300 being
introduced. And I had no
plans to change that—
until the ST-300 Mini came
out. The size, speed and
accuracy are all top notch
and this new version is now
a permanent fixture on my
personal pedalboard.
CONCERNS
None.
And it’s brighter because
the LEDs are five times
brighter. Where the display
on the ST-200 would
get washed out in direct
sunlight, the ST-300 holds up
much better from a visibility
standpoint.
ToneReport.com
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