Different device, different sounding tunings?

KrisKlein

I am curious if anyone has tried different devices, such as an iPad mini or the iPad Pro. Do you experience different quality of tunings since the microphone count or quality is less or different.

I had started out with the iPhone Max and got excellent sounding tunings. Then I switched to the iPad Pro 13” for the larger screen and it also created beautiful sounding tunings. But I am finding the iPad Pro just too big to carry around, so I am considering the iPad mini but learned there are only two microphones and a different quality of microphone.

Cheer’s
Kris

Frank Illenberger

KrisKlein From my experience, the quality of the MEMS microphones built into iPhones and iPads is sufficient for piano tuning purposes. Newer devices like the iPhone 16/17 Pro have better microphones (Apple calls them "Studio Quality") because they have a more linear frequency curve, a better bass response and a lower noise level. All three improvements are great for music recording, but don't play a large role for piano tuning.
We are lucky that the mics don't need to pick up the first partial of bass notes as they are not important for tuning.
And we are also lucky that the frequency response curve does not have to be linear either. The most important aspect is a good and stable A/D conversion which all Apple mics offer.

KrisKlein

Hi Frank,

Thank you for this — it really helped. I’d been struggling to understand what makes the difference with microphones, and your point about the A/D conversion mattering more than a linear frequency curve cleared it up.

What I’ve noticed most is how smooth the indicator is on my iPad Pro 13”, especially with automatic key selection turned off in the upper treble — it’s so easy to get a smooth reading.

Thank you for the great algorithm!

Best,
Kris