KORG Pitchblack XS Chromatic Pedal Tuner

Parts of the Pitchblack XS

The Pitchblack XS features the following components:

• TUNER ON/OFF switch: Activates/deactivates the tuner.
• DC 9V IN jack: For connecting a power adapter.
• AC adapter (9V, ⊕, ⊝, sold separately): Power source.
• External Equipment: Effect pedal, guitar amp, or mixer etc.
• Tuning guide LEDs: Visual indicators for tuning status.
• BYPASS jack (mono): Output for bypassed signal.
• DISPLAY/BRIGHT button: Controls display mode and brightness.
• CALIB button: Used for calibration and reference pitch settings.
• BUFFERED/TRUE BYPASS switch: Selects bypass mode.
• Tuning LED meter: Displays tuning accuracy.
• INPUT jack (mono): Input for instrument signal.
• Note name display: Shows the detected note name.

The diagram illustrates the layout of the Pitchblack XS pedal tuner, showing the placement of switches, jacks, LEDs, and the display.

Connections

Important: Turn off all connected devices before making any connections to prevent equipment damage.

Note: The INPUT and BYPASS jacks are mono. Stereo (TRS) cables are not compatible.

DC 9V IN Jack

Connect a Korg-recommended AC adapter (9V, ⊕, ⊝, sold separately) to this jack. Using an unauthorized adapter may cause malfunctions or damage.

INPUT Jack

Connect your instrument's output cable to the INPUT jack. The unit powers on when a cable is connected. The reference pitch setting will blink on the note name display for a few seconds. Connecting a cable powers the unit on but does not activate tuner mode; press the TUNER ON/OFF switch to engage tuner mode.

BYPASS Jack

Connect a cable from the BYPASS jack to your amplifier or other effect pedals. When the tuner is active, the signal from the INPUT jack is muted for silent tuning. The signal is output from this jack when the tuner is off.

Buffer/True Bypass Switch

This switch toggles between ultra-buffer bypass and true bypass.

• Ultra-buffer bypass: Expands the sound's dynamic range, preventing signal thinning with long cables or multiple pedals.
• True bypass: Passes the input audio signal through unchanged.

Tuning Procedure

1. Press the TUNER ON/OFF switch to activate the tuner. The LED meter or note name display will illuminate. The signal from the INPUT jack will not be output from the BYPASS jack. The TUNER ON/OFF switch only functions if an instrument is connected to the INPUT jack.
2. If necessary, set the reference pitch and display mode (refer to relevant sections).
3. Play a single note on your instrument and tune it until the desired note appears in the note name display. The display shows the closest note name.
4. Tune your instrument using the tuning LED meter. The method of indication (sharp, flat, in tune) depends on the selected display mode.
5. After tuning, press the TUNER ON/OFF switch to turn the tuner off. The LED meter and note name display will go dark. The signal from the INPUT jack will be output to the BYPASS jack. Reference pitch, display mode, and brightness settings are preserved even when the AC adapter is removed. To reset to factory defaults (reference pitch = 440 Hz, display mode = regular, brightness = brighter), hold the CALIB button and press the TUNER ON/OFF switch while powering on the tuner.

Reference Pitch Settings

Set the reference pitch (A note in the middle of the piano keyboard, A4) between 436-445 Hz. The Pitchblack XS is factory-set to A=440 Hz.

1. Press the CALIB button. The current setting will blink on the note name display.
2. While the setting is displayed, press the CALIB button to adjust the reference pitch. Each press cycles through the following settings: 0: 440Hz, 1: 441Hz, 2: 442Hz, 3: 443Hz, 4: 444Hz, 5: 445Hz, 6: 436Hz, 7: 437Hz, 8: 438Hz, 9: 439Hz.
3. After setting, wait approximately two seconds without pressing any buttons. The note name display will blink three times to confirm the setting. The Pitchblack XS will automatically return to tuner mode. Reference pitch settings are preserved even when the AC adapter is removed.

Display Mode Settings

Select one of four display patterns to indicate tuning status. The factory setting is Regular mode.

Note: In all display modes, tuning guide LEDs indicate pitch. Correct tuning: and light up. Flat: lights up. Sharp: lights up.

1. Press the DISPLAY/BRIGHT button. The current setting blinks on the note name display.
2. While the setting is displayed, press the DISPLAY/BRIGHT button to select a display pattern. Each press cycles through the four modes.
3. 1: Regular: Tune until the center LED of the meter lights brightly. LEDs light from center-right for sharp, center-left for flat.

   Visuals show LED meter states for "The pitch is flat.", "In tune.", and "The pitch is sharp."

4. 2: Strobe: Tune until the LEDs stop running for greater accuracy. LEDs run left-to-right for high pitch, right-to-left for low pitch.

   Visuals show LED meter states for "The pitch is flat.", "In tune.", and "The pitch is sharp."

5. 3: Half-strobe: Tune until LEDs stop running, with only the center LED lit. Right LEDs strobe for high pitch, left LEDs strobe for low pitch.

   Visuals show LED meter states for "The pitch is flat.", "In tune.", and "The pitch is sharp."

6. 4: Mirror: Tune until the center LED lights brightly. The greater the pitch variation, the more LEDs on either side light up.

   Visuals show LED meter states for "The pitch is flat.", "In tune.", and "The pitch is sharp."

7. After setting, wait approximately two seconds without pressing buttons. The note name display blinks twice to confirm. The Pitchblack XS returns to tuner mode. Display mode settings are preserved even when the power is off.

Bright Mode (Brightness) Settings

Adjusts display brightness in two levels. Factory setting is the brighter level.

1. Hold down the DISPLAY/BRIGHT button. The display brightness will change. The Pitchblack XS returns to tuner mode. Brightness settings are preserved even when the AC adapter is removed.

Specifications

• Scale: 12-note equal temperament
• Detection range: E0 (20.60 Hz)C8 (4,186 Hz)
• Reference pitch: A4=436445 Hz (1 Hz steps)
• Detection accuracy: +/-0.1 cent (display mode: Strobe)
• Input impedance: 1 M-ohm (tuner on)
• Connection jacks: INPUT jack (6.3 mm monaural phone jack), BYPASS jack (6.3 mm monaural phone jack), DC 9V IN jack
• Power supply: AC adapter (9 V, ⊕, ⊝, sold separately)
• Current consumption: maximum 40 mA
• Dimensions (W D H): 70 80 47 mm / 2.76 3.15 1.85 inches (including protrusions)
• Weight: 198 g / 6.98 oz.
• Included items: Customer Notice, Precautions, Rubber feet (1 sheet)
• Accessories (sold separately): AC adapter (9 V, ⊕, ⊝)

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

* All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Warranty and Support

This product is sold for use in Japan. For warranty service or inquiries, please contact the Korg customer support center. Details regarding warranty terms and after-sales service are available in the original manual.