PW-CT-08 Metronome Tuner
Now that tuners are compact and electronic, manufacturers are working to add features. Such is the case with the new Metronome Tuner from Planet Waves (model PW-CT-08). But is small better? How many features do guitarists need? How well does this tuner perform? These are some of the questions we'll try to answer in this Hands On Review.
To begin with, you may be surprised by the size of the box containing the tuner. It is quite small, and did not have all the excessive packaging too frequently used these days. No, this is a simple, recyclable box, with instructions printed on plain paper. Very nice.
To use the Planet Wave Metronome Tuner, you must first install the included CR-2030 battery. The battery is small, about the size of a nickel. The battery adds no noticeable weight, but is large enough to easily get a firm grip on it. Most importantly, this is a battery that is found in most stores, so replacement will be hassle-free.
One common problem with modern electronics struggling to open the battery compartment door. I suppose the engineers who use most electronics rarely have to use the devices they design. Luckily, the battery door on the PW-CT-08 was easily opened with a twist of the latch and a slight pry with my thumbnail. Planet Waves recommends a coin for this, but I found it unnecessary to track one down.
To activate the tuner, you press once on the Mode button. This is the only button on the device colored red, which is a universal indicator of 'power'. Even without instructions, I think most people would naturally press this button. This same button switches from tuner to metronome and to the included "pitch pipe" for tuning by ear.
The tuner is very responsive. The display includes a very large LCD readout of the note, as well as a moving series of bars that act as a digital RPM-style needle which grows or shrinks in response to changes in pitch. If you like the Korg CA-30, for example, you'll love the larger note name next to the digital needle.
You can use the built-in microphone or plug directly into the tuner (1/4" plug). Plugging in disables the microphone, eliminating distracting sounds.
The tuner has one of the widest calibration adjustments I have seen anywhere. You can adjust the in-tune pitch up to +/- 30 Hz (410-470). I've never had to use such a wide variance from 440, but it's nice to know I can.
From tuning-mode, a quick press on the power/mode button switches the tuner to metronome mode.
Unlike most of the electronic metronomes I've owned, you can adjust the volume of the metronome tuner. In addition to having complete control over volume (including MUTE) you can adjust the speed from 20 to 250 beats per minute, stop the beat (continuously press the down arrow), change the beats per measure, and change the type of beat (quarter note through 32nd note).
The metronome has both audio and visual indicators. The first beat of every sequence is emphasized with a slightly louder tone and a red light. All other beats are accompanied by a green light and a slightly softer tone. Simultaneously, a digital needle swings back and forth with the beat.
There is also a convenient flip-out stand on the back of the PW-CT-08 so you can set it down but still clearly see the display.
If you press the power/mode button a third time, you enter Pitch Pipe mode. While most people will use the chromatic tuner, some may have a use for an audible pitch. For example, if you're trying to learn how to tune by ear, you could turn on Pitch Pipe mode, then switch over to the chromatic tuner mode to see how well you did.
Just as with Metronome mode, you can adjust the volume. You can also change the pitch from C2 to C8. If you have changed the tuner calibration, the Pitch Pipe pitch is changed as well.
The PW-CT-08 Metronome Tuner from Planet Waves is very compact (about the size of an iPod Nano) but packs two key features into a very usable package. On top of that, you get a pitch pipe thrown in! I think it will end up in my gig-bag, and stay there for a long time.
The Planet Waves Metronome Tuner has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $49.99. Want one? Check the latest price here.
