However, the AT-1 had one major limitation: it was designed primarily for tempered tuning (standard 12-tone equal temperament). As music became more sophisticated, and as interest in just intonation, pure thirds, and vintage synthesis grew, Korg realized they needed an upgrade.
While smartphone apps have democratized tuning, they cannot match the hardware reliability of the AT2. An iPhone shuts down in the cold; the AT2 keeps running. An Android app lags by 250ms; the AT2 responds instantly. korg at2
For a studio engineer who has to tune a piano that was last serviced in 1965, being able to match the AT2 to the piano's current pitch (say, 435 Hz) before adjusting the strings is invaluable. This feature, combined with the user temperaments, makes the AT2 a de-facto tool for piano technicians and harpists. At the time of its release, the AT2 faced competition from the Peterson StroboStomp (guitar pedal) and the Boss TU-series. However, the AT-1 had one major limitation: it
| Feature | Korg AT2 | Peterson StroboStomp | Boss TU-2/TU-3 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ±0.1 cents | ±0.1 cents | ±1 cent | | Form Factor | Desktop/Floor | Pedal only | Pedal only | | Temperaments | 15 (incl. User) | 50+ (with presets) | 1 (Equal) | | Sound Out Mode | Yes (Built-in speaker) | No | No | | Built-in Mic | Yes | No | No | An iPhone shuts down in the cold; the AT2 keeps running
Released as the successor to the legendary AT-1 (which revolutionized the market with its "needle-less" design), the Korg AT2 isn't just a tuner; it is an ultra-high-precision, Auto-chromatic tuner designed to cater to the most demanding acoustic environments. Whether you are a luthier setting intonation on a vintage Martin, a bassist in a loud rock band, or a violinist in a silent rehearsal room, the AT2 promises one thing: absolute, undeniable tuning fidelity.
The when used in "Fine" mode.
If you find a Korg AT2 at a garage sale, a pawn shop, or a vintage gear auction, buy it. It is the tuner for the obsessive, the professional, and the curious. It is the bridge between the mathematical purity of a strobe tuner and the practical convenience of a chromatic clip-on.