KORG has introduced the TM-1 Combo Tuner Metronome, a compact practice tool that lets musicians monitor pitch and rhythm simultaneously. At just 51 grams without batteries, it’s the smallest and lightest model in KORG’s TM Series yet.
Key Features
- Simultaneous tuner and metronome operation
- C1–C8 tuning range with accuracy within ±1 cent
- 30–252 BPM metronome with Tap Tempo
- 15 rhythm and beat variations
- Optional CM-400 contact microphone support
Tuners and metronomes aren’t exactly the most glamorous things in the gear bag, but they’re probably among the most useful. KORG’s new TM-1 keeps both close at hand, shrinking the familiar tuner/metronome combination into something small enough to permanently live in an instrument case.
The main trick is being able to use the tuner and metronome at the same time. You can monitor intonation on the display while moving dots provide a visual indication of the beat, making it particularly handy for practising scales, technical exercises or passages where pitch and timing need attention together.
On the tuning side, the TM-1 covers C1 through C8 with measurement precision within ±1 cent. Reference pitch can be adjusted between A4 = 438 and 450 Hz, while a Sound Out function provides reference tones from C4 to C5.
The metronome runs from 30 to 252 BPM in single-BPM increments, with Tap Tempo available when it’s quicker to simply tap in the pace you’re after. There are also 15 rhythm and beat variations covering everything from straightforward beats to eighth notes, triplets, shuffle and sixteenth-note patterns.
Small enough to take everywhere
The TM-1 measures 100 x 60 x 16 mm and weighs just 51 grams without batteries. A foldable stand is built into the body, so it can sit upright on a desk or music stand during practice.
For noisier rehearsal spaces, there’s also a 3.5 mm input for KORG’s optional CM-400 Contact Microphone, which picks up vibrations directly from the instrument rather than relying on the TM-1’s built-in microphone.
Power comes from two AAA batteries, with KORG quoting up to approximately 400 hours of tuner use or 200 hours when running the metronome under its specified test conditions.
Available in black or white, the TM-1 is a pretty straightforward little bit of kit – tuner, metronome, chuck it in the instrument case and forget about it until you need it. Sometimes that’s exactly what good practice gear should be.
