English

Owner’s Manual © 2009 Roland Corporation

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (supplied on a separate sheet). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate
reference.
A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since its primary purpose was to enable testing.

Main Features Panel Descriptions

77High Brightness mode enhances meter visibility outdoors. 12. DC OUT Jack
77Accu-Pitch Sign function uses the motion of the meter’s lights to When an AC adapter is used, you can connect a PCS-20A parallel
show when tuning is completed. DC cord (optional) to supply power to effects processors and
other PSA adaptor-compatible gear.
77Guitar/Bass mode lets you tune by string number, with support for
* Power cannot be supplied from the DC OUT jack when the TU-3 is running
7-string guitars and 6-string basses. on batteries.
77Flat tuning is supported with Guitar Flat mode, which allows for * The PSA series includes two different adaptor types; one with a maximum
“down” tunings up to six semitones below standard pitch. output current of 200 mA (0.2 A) and the other 500 mA (0.5 A). If you use the
PCS-20A to supply power to devices that are compatible with PSA adaptors,
77Switching on the tuner automatically mutes the output signal,
make sure that the total current consumption of all devices (including the
allowing you to tune without outputting the sound. TU-3) does not exceed the maximum output current of the PSA series unit
you’re using. The maximum output current is listed in the OUTPUT field of
the label affixed to the adaptor itself.

How to Use the Tuner 13. AC Adaptor Jack

1. Connect the guitar or bass you want to tune to the INPUT jack. Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSA series: optional). By
(This switches on the power.) using an AC Adaptor, you can play without being concerned
about how much battery power you have left.
2. Press the pedal switch to turn the tuner on. * Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA series), and connect it to an AC
The CHECK indicator will light. outlet of the correct voltage. Do not use any other AC adaptor, since this
3. Play a single note on your guitar or bass, and tune it. may cause malfunction.

The note name or string number closest to the tone being played 1. CHECK Indicator * We recommend that you keep batteries installed in the unit even if
you’ll be powering it with the AC adaptor. That way, you’ll be able to
appears in the display. Tune the instrument so that both Tuning This indicator shows whether the effect is on or off, and also
continue a performance even if the cord of the AC adaptor gets accidently
Guide indicators are lit and the center of the meter is lit green. doubles as the battery check indicator. disconnected from the unit.
(Cent display) * If you’re powering the unit with a battery and the CHECK indicator goes
The meter will light farther toward the left as the pitch gets dim—or doesn’t light at all—when you try to turn the effect on, the battery
flatter, or farther toward the right as the pitch gets sharper. is near depletion and should be replaced. For instructions on changing the
battery, refer to “Changing the Battery.”
Precautions When Connecting
2. Tuning Guide Indicator 77To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other
Indicates when the proper tuning is reached. devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on
all devices before making any connections.
Pitch is flat Pitch is in tune Pitch is sharp
77Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.
77If you’ll be using the TU-3 for an extended time, we recommend
* When the Accu-Pitch Sign function is on, the meter lights stream toward the that you use an AC adaptor.
center of the display when stable tuning at the correct pitch is reached. 3. Meter 77Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to
Indicates the tuning of the input sound’s pitch.
* The meter behavior described here is when the CENT display is selected (the your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices
factory setting). The behavior is different when you’ve selected the STREAM 4. STREAM/CENT button in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage
display. Switches the meter’s display pattern. to speakers and other devices.
* The sound from the OUTPUT jack is muted when the tuner is on. * This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off. When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp last.
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.
CENT display
The meter lights farther toward the left as the pitch gets flatter, or 77This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval
Convenient Functions farther toward the right as the pitch gets sharper. (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will
When the pitch is correct, the center of the meter lights green. operate normally.
Having the Meter Indicate Completion of Tuning * The center of the meter and the tuning guide indicator remain lit for several 77When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will
seconds after you’ve selected this setting. become dim when battery power gets too low. Replace the battery
(Accu-Pitch Sign function) as soon as possible.
STREAM display
When the Accu-Pitch Sign function is on, the meter lights stream
The meter lights stream toward the left if the input pitch is flat, or
toward the center of the display when stable tuning at the correct
pitch is reached.
toward the right if the input pitch is sharp.
The lights flow more slowly as the pitch discrepancy decreases,
Changing the Battery
and stop flowing when the pitch is exact. When the indicator goes dim or no longer lights while the effect is
1. While holding down the STREAM/CENT button, turn on the * The meter lights stream toward the left for several seconds after you’ve on, it means that the battery must be replaced.
power (insert a plug into the INPUT jack).
selected this setting. Replace the battery following the steps below.
2. Press the STREAM/CENT button again to toggle the Accu-Pitch 5. Note Name/String Number Indicator * Please be sure to read the separate sheet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” for details
Sign function on/off.
Indicates the note name, string number, or reference pitch. on battery handling.
On: The meter lights stream to the center from the left and right.
Off: The meter lights up at the left and right. Note indicator 1. Hold down the
pedal and loosen
* The TU-3 returns to its normal state when several seconds have elapsed the thumbscrew,
without the STREAM/CENT button being pressed. then open the pedal
* This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off. upward.
* The pedal can be opened
6. MODE Button without detaching the
Changing the Reference Pitch The tuning mode changes each time you press the MODE button. thumbscrew completely.
The meter lights at the position of the currently selected mode.
You can adjust the reference pitch over a range of 436–445 Hz. 2. Remove the old
* When you turn on the power, the current tuning mode will be displayed for battery from the
* 440 Hz is the factory default. several seconds.
battery housing, and
* This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off. remove the snap
1. Press the MODE button and STREAM/CENT button simultaneously. In this example, the Tuning mode is set to GUITAR. cord connected to it.
The lowest digit of the current reference pitch (e.g., “0” when set
to 440 Hz) blinks in the Note Name/String indicator. 3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery, and place the
battery inside the battery housing.
2. Press the MODE button or STREAM/CENT button to change the * Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+ versus -).
reference pitch.
MODE button: Raises the reference pitch by 1 Hz.
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the
pedal, and then close the pedal.
STREAM/CENT button: Lowers the reference pitch by 1 Hz.
* Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the pedal, coil spring, and
* If you allow several seconds to elapse without pressing the MODE button or battery housing.
STREAM/CENT button, the TU-3 will return to normal operation.
* When you turn on the power, the current reference pitch will be displayed Mode Explanation Indicator Status 5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole and
for several seconds. Lets you tune all twelve chromatic fasten it securely.
Chromatic
* This setting remains stored even after the power is turned off. steps of the octave. The note name is
Chromatic Lets you tune one semitone lower (²) displayed.
flat or two semitones lower (2). Storefront Demo Display
Changing the Meter’s Brightness (High Brightness mode) Guitar
Lets you tune by guitar string
The guitar string 1. While holding down the STREAM/CENT button and Pedal
numbers.
switch, turn the power on (insert a plug into the INPUT jack).
Lets you tune one semitone lower (²) (7th string is displayed
By switching the meter to High Brightness mode, you can increase its number is displayed.
visibility when performing outdoors. Guitar flat or anywhere from two to six semitones The storefront display appears.
as “7.”)
To switch to High Brightness mode, hold down the STREAM/CENT lower (2–6). The storefront display remains until you turn the TU-3’s power off
button for two seconds or longer. To return to normal brightness, The bass string and then on again, or until you press the Pedal switch.
hold down the STREAM/CENT for two seconds or longer once again. Bass Lets you tune by bass string numbers. number is displayed.
(Hi-C string is

Bass flat
Lets you tune one semitone lower displayed as “C,” Lo-B
(²) two semitones lower (2), or three string is displayed
Specification
semitones lower (3). as “b.”)
Tuning Range C0 (16.35 Hz)–C8 (4186 Hz)
Reference Pitch A4 = 436–445 Hz (1 Hz step)
7. INPUT Jack Tuning Accuracy ±1 cent
Connect the guitar or bass guitar to be tuned here. DC 9 V: Dry battery 6F22 (9 V) type (carbon), Dry battery
* The INPUT jack doubles as the power switch. Power to the unit is turned on Power Supply 6LR61 (9 V) type (alkaline)
when you plug into the INPUT jack; the power is turned off when the cable AC Adaptor (PSA series: optional)
is unplugged. 20 mA (DC 9 V)
Current Draw
8. OUTPUT Jack 80 mA (DC 9 V, when High Brightness mode is on)
73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
Connect an effects processor, guitar amp, or other such device Dimensions
2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
here. Weight 390 g / 14 oz (including battery)
* The output is muted when the tuner is on. Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and
9. BYPASS Jack Accessories “Information”)
Dry battery/9 V type (6F22)
Connect an effects processor, guitar amp, or other such device AC adaptor: PSA series
here. Options
Parallel DC cord: PCS-20A
This jack will always output the signal from the instrument
* Duration of continuous use with battery operation:
connected to the Input jack.
These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Use this jack if you want to be heard while you tune. When the tuner is on for one
When the tuner is continuously on
minute and off for three minutes
10. Pedal Switch Battery When High When High When High When High
This switch turns the effect on/off. Brightness Brightness Brightness Brightness
mode is off mode is on mode is off mode is on
11. Thumbscrew Carbon 3.5 hours 0.5 hours 5 hours 1.5 hours
When this screw is loosened, the pedal will open, allowing you to Alkaline 10.5 hours 3 hours 21 hours 9.5 hours
change the battery. * If you use the unit with High Brightness mode turned on, we recommend that
For instructions on changing the battery, refer to “Changing the you use an alkaline battery.
Battery.” * The battery that was supplied with the unit is for temporary use, intended
primarily for testing the unit’s operation.
* This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the
document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

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