note readout when the strings are tuned
directly on pitch.
The Mini’s range is designed to handle
polyphonic modes all the way down to
B, but it also works pretty well in single-note mode for tunings that go even lower.
With a 2011 Gibson Les Paul Baritone
already set to C standard, I was able to
accurately tune the low string down to G
before the tuner’s readout started to quiver
with uncertainty. It took a bit longer for
me to allow the string to vibrate open
before the pedal could register, but after
a few tries I was up and running with a
bowel-shaking tuning.
The tuner’s new modes are really
handy too. The Drop-D mode worked
great for adjusting my SG to this heavier,
more drone-friendly tuning, and the
Capo tuning modes were as effective as
I’d hoped.
The new pint-sized Poly Tune does
have some tradeoffs. Most players who
gig frequently use power supplies, but
some pack batteries for those shows where
power outlets aren’t readily available, like
on a larger stage. The Poly Tune Mini
requires a 9V wall-wart to function, sim-
ply because there isn’t any room to stuff a
cell inside. I can forego that convenience,
but I was disappointed to see the second
power jack from the bigger Poly Tune
disappear. I’ve found it extremely handy
to power other pedals from the Poly Tune
itself. If you already use a separate power
supply, such as a Voodoo Labs Pedal
Power, you needn’t worry, but if you rely
on that secondary output jack to power
your board, you’re out of luck with the
Poly Tune Mini.
The Verdict
TC Electronic has managed to improve on
the already impressive Poly Tune formula
with this diminutive iteration, complete
with their newest software all of us have
been waiting for. To put it simply, the
Poly Tune Mini is one of the best tuners
on the market, period. Its accuracy and
readout are just as great as its big brother,
which costs $10 more. But for the extra
bucks, you can run on a 9V battery, and
presents
TM
REVIEW > TC ELECTRONIC
you get the ability to power your other
pedals and update the software via USB.
However, if pedalboard real estate is
scarce, the Poly Tune Mini is one of the
best options out there.
RATINGS
TC Electronic
tcelectronic.com
Poly Tune Mini
Street $89
Tones N/A
Ease of Use
Build
Value
Pros
Killer tuning accuracy. Bright LED readout.
Small footprint.
Cons
No battery option. Can’t power other pedals. No software update USB jack.
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*Prize package replicas may not be exact pedalboard depicted in the photographs.
