TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini

What it is

The PolyTune 3 Mini is a small tuner pedal from TC Electronic, a reduced-size version of the full-size PolyTune 3. It tunes all strings at once in polyphonic mode, or one string at a time in chromatic or strobe modes. The enclosure is metal, and the listing in the sources is for the white finish. A black version sold as the PolyTune 3 Mini Noir appears under a separate product name. The pedal includes an all-analog buffer based on TC's Bonafide buffer circuit, which can be switched in or out. Bypass is either true or buffered, and a third setting keeps the display always on. Two DIP switches on the side select these modes. The display uses 109 LEDs. Tuning presets include standard, drop tunings and several capo modes. TC presents the unit as the successor to the earlier PolyTune Mini. Reviewers describe it as a shrunken version of TC's full-size tuner. They generally praise its display, its ease of use and its buffer. One Sound on Sound review reported reliability problems in polyphonic mode, though the notes do not clearly confirm which unit that criticism applied to.

Specifications

Tuning modes

Polyphonic, chromatic, strobe

Tuning presets

Standard, drop tunings, several capo modes

Input

One 1/4 inch TS Hi-Z instrument input

Output

One 1/4 inch TS line output

Power

9 VDC; AC adapter not included; TC specifies a supply rated above 100 mA

Bypass

Switchable true bypass or buffered bypass, plus buffered bypass with always-on display (set by two DIP switches)

Buffer

All-analog buffer based on TC's Bonafide buffer circuit; Sound on Sound reports 1 MΩ input impedance

Display

109 LEDs

Accuracy

Sources conflict: ±0.02 cents (B&H title and Sweetwater); chromatic to 0.5 cents and strobe to ±0.05 cents (B&H overview). Treat as manufacturer or retailer claims

Construction

Metal enclosure, white finish (B&H listing)

Included

Pedal, quick-start guide; B&H lists a 1-year warranty serviced by B&H

How it's used

Tuning on a pedalboard, using polyphonic strum-to-tune mode between songs. The buffer is used for long cable runs or large pedal chains. The always-on display mode is used for tuning while playing. Used with guitar and bass. Typically placed at the start of the signal chain, where a buffer is usually placed.

Suggested usage

• Set bypass with the DIP switches

  Both switches off gives true bypass. Switch 1 on and switch 2 off gives buffered bypass. Both on gives buffered bypass with the display always on.

• Use a suitable power supply

  The pedal takes 9 VDC and no adapter is included. TC specifies a supply rated above 100 mA.

• Tune polyphonically, then check single strings

  Strum all strings for polyphonic tuning. Pick a single string to check it alone.

• Switch tuning modes with the footswitch

  Press and hold the footswitch to toggle standard and drop-D. The tuning-mode control selects standard, drop or capo. Holding the switch changes between chromatic and strobe display.

• Consider buffer placement

  Sound on Sound notes that some germanium fuzz pedals may not work well after a buffer. The buffer can be switched off if needed.

What reviewers said

• MusicRadar

  Reviewer calls it TC's best guitar tuner so far, citing a bright display, strong accuracy, many features and good value for a pedalboard tuner.

• Guitar World

  Describes it as a shrunken version of TC's best tuner pedal, easy to use, durable and highly accurate, with multiple tuning modes.

• Sound on Sound

  Reviewer praises the quiet buffer and its ability to drive long cables, but reports that the unit was unreliable in polyphonic mode and most useful as a single-string tuner.

• Tunedstrings

  Detailed hands-on review noting the pedal weighs about as much as other pedals but takes up less board space, and suits players who prefer a pedal tuner to a clip-on.

Sources

• POLYTUNE 3 MINI
• TC Electronic POLYTUNE 3 MINI Polyphonic Tuner Pedal with Buffer
• TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini review
• TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini review
• TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini
• TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini: A Review by Tuning Expert
• TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini Polyphonic Tuning Pedal Reviews
• tc electronic Polytune 3 Mini