Planet Waves Full-Function Tuner and MetronomePlanet Waves Full-Function Tuner and Metronome

by Simon · January 2, 2010

The Planet Waves Full-Function Tuner and Metronome is absolutely packed with features and incorporates multiple functions into one small, handy device. The device also has two timing functions (stopwatch and countdown) that are useful for maintaing a structured practice routine and is a great idea that I have not seen included in other metronomes.
The construction is solid and compact with a simple set of five rubber buttons on the front.

Pros
By far the best aspect of this device is that it incorporates a good metronome, a good tuner and a very useful timer into one unit. Wit its compact, light and durable construction it is perfect for taking on a trip and it provides an all in one tool for your practice session. The metronome has a nice loud sound with an accompanying light display and the tuner is accurate. The variety of subdivisions on the metronome will please many users who have more complex rhythms.

Cons
With such a range of uses it seems like the individual functions have been sacrificed a little to be a multi purpose device. The tuner is accurate, however, I feel the light system used is not optimal and some of the modes, such as Strobe and Frequency, are a little redundant. With so many features and variables, cycling through to get to the setting you want can take longer than most other metronomes and tuners. One problem that I have experienced with some regularity is that the power has been switched ‘on’ while the metronome was in my
bag and, with no auto switch-off, this has led to several flat batteries.

Bottom Line
A good metronome, a good tuner and a great timer function but it won’t replace the the Korg KDM2 as a metronome or the Planet Waves Clip On as a Tuner.

Functions:

Metronome

The metronome function has four settings that can be changed:
Tempo M.M. 20 to M.M. 250
BPM (Beats Per Measure) ranges from 1 to 9 and also has combined
measures of 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 5:6, 6:5, 6:7, 7:6, 7:8,
8:7,8:9
SUBDIV (sub divisions) Up to 9 subdivisions at M.M. 250 and as many as
32 sub divisions at M.M. 20
Tap With this function you can tap the center button at the speed you
want the beats and the metronome will set itself at that speed.

Tuner

Pitch
The pitch function is essentially a digital pitch pipe that has a four octave chromatic range.
Sweep and Strobe
Sweep and Strobe functions basically work the same way with a slightly different light show. Sweep will pick up the pitch that you are playing and show you if the pitch is flat or sharp by lighting up red lights on the left for flat, and right for sharp. Strobe sends lights
going in circles (counterclockwise for flat and clockwise for sharp) in both cases once you get the green light, you’re golden.
Copy
Allows you to play a note and it will display the frequency.
Freq (frequency)
This allows you to set the frequency for your tuner, which is great
for period instruments. 415 to 466 Hz

Timer

Chrono
Essentially a stopwatch to time how long you have been practicing

Timer
A countdown timer that can be set up to 99 minutes.