Now discontinued, the PolyTune 2 BlackLight has become a somewhat sought-after piece of gear, identical to the white PolyTune 2 except for the flecked black finish and ultra-cool blue and white LEDs. It delivers six-string polyphonic tuning capability and ±0.1 cent accuracy (in Strobe mode).
| TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Blacklight | |
|---|---|
| Street price | Discontinued. Search on Reverb |
| Key specs | |
| Detection Accuracy |
Needle Our test: ±3.35 centsCOMPARE Flat: ±3.09 cents | Sharp: ±3.62 cents Manufacturer's specs: ±0.5 cents ------------------------------------------------- Strobe Our test: Better than ±0.1 centCOMPARE Manufacturer's specs: ±0.1 cent ------------------------------------------------- Polyphonic Our test: ±5.55 centsCOMPARE Flat: ±5.63 cents | Sharp: ±5.47 cents Detection accuracy in Polyphonic mode is not specified by manufacturer |
| Detection Range | 27.50-4186.01 Hz (A0-C8)COMPARE |
| Calibration range | 435-445 Hz (In 1-Hertz steps) COMPARE |
| Responsiveness | Not testedCOMPARE |
| Notes: Test results above show results of tests of the PolyTune 2 | |
| Tuning | |
| Instrument tuning modes? | Chromatic, Guitar, Bass, Drop-D |
| Transposition options | 1-5 semitones flat, 1-7 semitones capo |
| Programmable? | No |
| Memory? | Yes |
| Polyphonic? | Yes |
| Display | |
| True analog strobe? | No |
| Display type | 2-color LED (blue and white) |
| Display resolution | 17 segments (8-/8+) x5 matrix |
| Optional meter modes? | Yes (Guitar Needle, Guitar Strobe, Bass Needle, Bass Strobe, Polyphonic) |
| Features | |
| Bypass mode | True bypass |
| Volume/Boost? | No |
| Mute? | Yes |
| USB? | Yes |
| Power | |
| Power source | 9V battery or 9V AC adapter |
| Battery life | Not specified |
| Auto-off/Power save? | No |
| Low battery indicator? | No |
| DC out? | Yes (provides up to 2A to daisy-chained pedals) |
| Power consumption | 45 to 50 mA (typical use) |
| Physical | |
| Enclosure | Die-cast aluminum |
| Dimensions | 72 x 122 x 50 mm ( 2.8 x 4.8 x 2.0 in) |
| Weight | 300 g (10.6 oz) including battery |
| Fine print | |
| Warranty | TC Electronic's 3- year warranty applies only if the product is registered online within 90 days of date of purchase. If you fail to register within 90 days, the term of warranty is 1 year. Foot switches are warranted for only 90 days. Digital displays/meters are warranted for only 1 year. Purchase receipt is required as proof of purchase. The warranty covers only the original buyer. |
| Release date | 2013 |
| Made in | Thailand |
| Included extras | Ambient light sensor; 3M hook-and-loop pads, easy battery access; "Tuner Magnet" feature in Needle Mode |
| Available accessories | TC Electronic PowerPlug 9 — Buy on Amazon ($24.99) |
| Notes | Discontinued. For a DC power supply, TC Electronic specifies a standard 9V DC center-pin negative providing greater than 100 mA |
Corrections? Suggestions? Please contact us.
Pros
Very good detection accuracy (in Strobe mode)
Ambient light sensor
Good transposition options
True bypass
USB port for updating firmware
Cons
Polyphonic mode is not very accurate
Not a true strobe tuner
User interface can be confusing
White and blue LEDs can be difficult to discriminate
Red Flags
Detection accuracy in Polyphonic mode is not disclosed
Battery life is not specified
