KORG Pitchblack XS - Pedal-Powered Chromatic Tuner with ULTRA BUFFER/True Bypass and Large Integrated Display

KORG Pitchblack XS - Pedal-Powered Chromatic Tuner with ULTRA BUFFER/True Bypass and Large Integrated Display

The KORG Pitchblack XS redefines the pedal tuner with a compact design and a large, built-in display —conveniently activated by pressing anywhere on the tuner’s bezel. Its tuning engine offers ultra-high accuracy of ±0.1 cent in strobe mode, four display modes (Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe, and Mirror), and “Just Tune” indication with triangular LEDs that confirm when your note is just right. To preserve your tone on pedalboards and long cable runs, it also offers switching between True Bypass and the next-generation ULTRA BUFFER .

Designed for live and studio use, the Pitchblack XS features Brilliant/Bright Mode with two brightness levels for easy readability in brightly lit settings. It works in equal temperament , detecting from E0 (20.60 Hz) to C8 (4,186 Hz) and supports A4 reference calibration between 436 and 445 Hz in 1 Hz steps. Connectivity is direct (INPUT and BYPASS on 6.35 mm mono jack and DC 9 V IN ), with automatic mute when the tuner is active for silent tuning. All this in a robust 70 × 80 × 47 mm and 198 g format, with a maximum consumption of 40 mA .

Main features

• Dual Bypass Mode : Switch between True Bypass and ULTRA BUFFER to maintain clarity and brightness over long chains.
• Professional accuracy up to ±0.1 cent (strobe mode) for critical fine-tuning.
• Four display modes : Regular, Strobe, Half-Strobe and Mirror, with visual confirmation of “just right” tuning .
• High visibility display with Bright Mode (2 levels) and large size in compact chassis.
• Wide chromatic range : E0–C8; A4 calibration : 436–445 Hz (1 Hz).
• Easy connectivity : INPUT and BYPASS (6.35mm TS) and DC 9V power input (center negative).
• Silent Operation : Audio is muted when tuner mode is activated for noise-free tuning.
• Robust construction with integrated switch in the frame and durable finish.

Benefits for the musician

• Preserved tone on complex pedalboards thanks to the switchable buffer without sacrificing true bypass when you prefer.
• Instant reading from different angles and outdoors with the large screen and adjustable brightness.
• Accurate and fast tuning: Strobe modes and “just-in-tune” indication speed up fine-tuning.
• Save space without sacrificing visibility or key features.

Use cases

• Pedalboards with long cable runs : activate ULTRA BUFFER to prevent treble loss.
• Studio and demanding scenarios : Use Strobe mode for takes or passages where tuning needs to be surgical.
• Versatile Backline : Toggle True Bypass when integrations with vintage pedals require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it possible to choose between True Bypass and Buffered Bypass? Yes, there is a BUFFERED/TRUE BYPASS switch .
• Does it work for bass? Yes, its E0–C8 range covers low electric bass tunings.
• Is it battery-powered? No, it's powered by a 9V DC adapter (center negative).
• Can I adjust the brightness or meter type? Yes, it offers two brightness levels and four display modes.

Description for projects

KORG Pitchblack XS pedal-based chromatic tuner; accuracy ±0.1 cent (strobe); range E0–C8; calibration A4=436–445 Hz (1 Hz); Regular/Strobe/Half-Strobe/Mirror modes with “just-in-tune” indication; switchable True Bypass/ULTRA BUFFER; INPUT and BYPASS inputs/outputs (6.35 mm mono jack), DC 9 V IN (center negative); max. consumption 40 mA; dimensions 70 × 80 × 47 mm; weight 198 g.