Superbooth 24: Korg ST1K is a new battery-powered high-precision tuner for analog and modular synthesizers
For your instrument to sound right, it must be in tune. Guitarists use small, inexpensive tuners for this. It’s different for Synthesizer players. Yes, ,any people use the classic guitar tuner devices. However, they are not perfect because synths often have different signal levels, especially modular synths.
Korg has a solution. For Superbooth 24, Korg announces a new tuner specially for synths.
Korg ST1K
The Korg ST1K is a new high-precision tuner specially designed for analog and modular synthesizers. It offers an instrument input that seamlessly work with high voltages of analog sound generators without causing interference from LED noise.
Then, it features a bright, futuristic 3D display with three modes that can also be read clearly under the most difficult lightning conditions and from almost all conceivable angles. Thanks to its tuning accuracy of ±0.1 cent, even the finest tunings (and deliberate detunings) of oscillators can be achieved precisely.
Further, it includes an adapter for Eurorack usage from a 3.5mm mini jack (mono) to a 6.3mm jack(mono). Korg ST1K unit is super portable (99 mm x 65 mm x 16 mm), light (83 grams), and is powered by 2 AAA batteries, giving you up to 50 hours of power.
Other Details
- scale: 12 notes, equal temperament
- detection range: A0 (27.50 Hz) to C8 (4,186.00 Hz)
- concert pitch frequency: 436 Hz – 445 Hz (in 1 Hz steps)
First Impression
At first glance, it’s a very useful tool, making tuning synths and oscillators very easy and quick. There really was a lack on the market. The NTS-2 can do that, too, but it’s three times more expensive. This tune is cheaper and more accessible to everyone.
Korg ST1K will be available for 62€ (incl. VAT)—availability TBA.
More information here: Korg
The important spec is the pitch range is from C0 to C8.
This makes it far better then a guitar tuner or a DAW plugin.
Not sure about the eye candy display but a very useful tuner for analog modular.
I have the Strobostomp HD by Peterson. Bought for guitar, but works for synths as well (as it goes from C0 to A#8). Are those last few notes really that special?
I think it’s the combination of affordable pricing, compatibility with line and modular levels that makes the Korg unit interesting.
I’m curious, do you know if the Strobostomp able to handle modular levels without any trouble ? Looks like a very cool unit.
My moog voyager has a future not having to send it to Moog fir calibration. 🙏😎
This has exactly the same specs as the Korg GA Custom chromatic tuner which is 13 euros cheapers, it’s just a marketing re-brand. I’ve been using the GA custom for years now though and very happy with it for synth tuning and calibration. It’s very precise.