Today’s review will be on the Donner DT-1 Chromatic Guitar Tuner Pedal – another fantastic pedal released by Donner. We will be checking out its features, sound, performance, durability, and provide you with our overall opinion of the pedal.
BACKGROUND
Donner is a relatively new company that was founded back in 2006. They produce two series of musical products (max and mini), both of which boast high quality and ease-of-use for the customer.
SPECIFICATIONS*
Chromatic | |
Tuning range: | A0(27.5Hz)~C8(4186Hz) |
Precision: | ±1cent |
Detection method: | Audio Signal Input |
Tuning method: | Auto |
Display: | LCD screen |
Power: | DC9V adaptor |
Dimensions: | 95 x 46 x 49 cm |
Weight: | 112g |
*(Listed according to the information provided at Donner's official website)
CONTROLS
Toggle Switch
Toggles the unit into an on/off state
ON = Tuning mode
OFF = Bypass mode
FEATURES
I tested out the DT-1 in light and dark conditions to evaluate the readability of the screen. The backlight on the pedal is actually fantastic. It’s bright, and makes the screen easily readable from most distances. The tunings displayed by the screen are nice and large, which is exactly what you want from a tuner when you’re playing on stage in a live setting. The display turns completely green when you’ve dialled in the right tone, and blue when you’ve not quite hit the mark. There should be no issues regarding overall readability of the pedal when you’re using it.
The Donner DT-1 works well with both guitars and basses. I tested the pedal out with both my 8-string, and 4-string basses. It should be noted that both were tuned down very low.
You have the ability to tune to any tuning imaginable with the pedal. Since the DT-1 is a chromatic tuner it will display any of the 12 possible notes you are playing.
With this pedal you only have the option to power it with an 9V power supply. In order to limit the size of the pedal the battery space has been removed, which can be taken as a good or a bad thing depending on your taste.
Included in the package with the DT-1 pedal is a simple-to-read user manual that is not really needed, but is still a nice piece to add.
After some reading online I found that several people had complications with the pedal. For example when the unit was turned on/off it produced an unwanted hiss, and also cases that presented some lag associated with tuning different strings. Although my unit had none of these complications you should be wary that others have. I can understand that a problem like that would be pretty major for live use when you’re having to constantly tune your guitar. So that’s just something to note if you are planning on purchasing the Donner DT-1.
SOUND AND PERFORMANCE
While you’re busy tuning your guitar the output of the pedal will become muted. Furthermore, the pedal features true bypass – so when the DT-1 is powered off there’s no need to worry about any interference on your overall tone.
The pedal is quite remarkably accurate and fast. I find it to be just as good, or even better than some of the more expensive tuners I’ve used in the past.
DURABILITY
The DT-1 boasts a solid metal case, which feels very sturdy. The toggle-switch found on the front of the pedal feels solid enough to do the job. From the time of writing this review I have not had any complications with the overall durability of the Donner DT-1 chromatic tuner.
FINAL VERDICT
We’ve been reviewing a lot of Donner products lately, and they always seem like fantastic pedals. The Donner DT-1 is no exception to this.
The pedal is inexpensive while remaining very functional and durable. It comes as no surprise that Donner was the one that produced this unit. I have to take some marks off due to some of the customer complaints about the DT-1 found online. I’m just going to assume they had received some defective pedals as I never experienced any of those issues.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to most of the other chromatic tuner pedals out in the market then the Donner DT-1 is a must-buy.
Agree or disagree with our review? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.
Thanks for the review.i had bought this pedal before I read your review.
Only because I had purchased a donner chorus pedal that worked great.
No problem at all Terry! I hope you’re enjoying the DT-1 as much as your chorus pedal. Both are terrific pedals to use.