Korg CA-50 Chromatic Tuner Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Korg CA-50 Chromatic Tuner is a portable, high-precision tuning solution designed for orchestral instruments. Its slim and compact design, combined with an easy-to-read display, makes it a standard choice for musicians seeking accurate and intuitive operation.

2. Safety Precautions

• Do not expose the unit to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the unit to strong impacts.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the unit. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Keep out of reach of small children.
• Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.

3. Package Contents

Please check that all the following items are included in your package:

• Korg CA-50 Chromatic Tuner Unit
• User Manual (this document)

Note: 2 AAA batteries are required for operation. Please check your packaging as batteries may or may not be included depending on the region or retailer.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Installation

1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the back of the unit.
2. Insert two AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

4.2 Power On/Off

• To power on, press the [ON/OFF] button.
• To power off, press and hold the [ON/OFF] button for a few seconds. The unit also features an auto power-off function to conserve battery life after 20 minutes of inactivity.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Tuning an Instrument (Using Built-in Mic)

The CA-50 features a built-in microphone for acoustic instrument tuning.

1. Ensure the unit is powered on.
2. Place the tuner near your instrument.
3. Play a single note on your instrument. The display will show the detected note name and pitch deviation.
4. Adjust your instrument's tuning until the needle on the display is centered and the green indicator light illuminates. Red lights indicate sharp or flat.

5.2 Tuning an Instrument (Using Optional Contact Mic)

For noisy environments or enhanced precision, an optional contact microphone (e.g., Korg CM-400) can be used.

1. Connect the contact microphone to the [INPUT] jack on the right side of the tuner.
2. Attach the contact microphone to your instrument.
3. Follow steps 3 and 4 from section 5.1.

Figure 1: Front view of the Korg CA-50 Chromatic Tuner, showing the display, controls, and microphone.

5.3 Adjusting Calibration

The reference pitch (A4) can be adjusted from 410 Hz to 480 Hz.

1. Press the [CALIB/NOTE] button to enter calibration mode. The current A4 pitch will be displayed.
2. Use the [UP] and [DOWN] buttons to adjust the reference pitch.
3. The setting is automatically saved.

5.4 Using Sound Out Mode (Reference Tone)

The Sound Out mode allows the tuner to emit a reference tone through its internal speaker, useful for tuning by ear or pitch recognition training.

1. Press the [SOUND] button to activate Sound Out mode. A reference tone will be emitted.
2. Use the [CALIB/NOTE] button to cycle through different notes (C4 to C5).
3. Adjust the volume using the volume slider on the side of the unit.
4. To exit Sound Out mode, press the [SOUND] button again.

Figure 2: Back view of the Korg CA-50 Chromatic Tuner, showing the battery compartment and kickstand.

5.5 Memory and Auto Power-Off

• The CA-50 retains its last used calibration and mode settings even after being powered off.
• The auto power-off function automatically turns off the unit after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity to save battery life.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: If the unit will not be used for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and corrosion. Store in a cool, dry place.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

• Tuning Range: A0 (27.50 Hz) – C8 (4186.01 Hz)
• Reference Pitch: A4 = 410 – 480 Hz (1 Hz steps)
• Detection Accuracy: +/- 1 cent
• Sound Accuracy: +/- 1.5 cent
• Input: Built-in microphone, 1/4" mono jack
• Output: 1/4" mono jack
• Power Supply: 2 x AAA batteries
• Battery Life: Approximately 200 hours (continuous A4 input, zinc-carbon batteries)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 100 x 67 x 17 mm (3.94 x 2.64 x 0.67 inches)
• Weight: 81 g (2.86 oz) (including batteries)
• Material: Plastic

9. Warranty and Support

KORG products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official KORG website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For further assistance, please contact KORG customer support.