Tune with the built-in tuner

By Landon McCoy · Updated October 3, 2026

The chromatic tuner mutes Stratus’s audio while showing tuning feedback. Exit the tuner to restore your playing sound.

Software preview · September 2026. This guide includes the latest app and firmware workflow. Recent changes are not yet verified as available in every public release. If your controls differ, use the update available to you; do not install development firmware just to match this guide.

Tune

  1. Hold the Multiknob and footswitch together to toggle the tuner, or use the tuner control available in your connected app. MIDI CC18 value 3 also enters tuner mode.
  2. Play one open string at a time and let it ring clearly.
  3. Adjust the string toward the displayed note and centered tuning feedback.
  4. Exit the tuner to return to playing. If there is no sound afterward, check that tuning has actually ended.
Tune, then return to playing. Enter tuner: Hold Multiknob + footswitch together. Play one string: Let the note ring and follow the LEDs. Exit tuner: Leave tuning to restore your audio. The tuner mutes Stratus. Check that it is off if your rig stays silent.
The tuner mutes Stratus. Check that it is off if your rig stays silent. Open image at full size.

Mode switching is separate

The both-controls tuner shortcut remains available in the latest firmware even though single-control holds no longer switch ordinary playing modes.

Tuning problems

  • Check that the guitar is connected and its volume is up.
  • Mute unused strings and play one note at a time.
  • Confirm the device supports the tuner feature and install the appropriate firmware update if needed.

Read the tuning feedback

  • Center green: the detected note is in tune or close to it.
  • Left of center: flat; raise the pitch toward the intended note.
  • Right of center: sharp; lower the pitch toward the intended note.
  • Yellow, orange, or red farther from center: a larger tuning error.

Check the intended note as well as the centered indicator; a chromatic tuner can center on a different note from the one you intended. With the app connected and compatible firmware, the tutorial shows an enhanced chromatic display with the note and cents deviation. If that screen does not appear, confirm the connection and available app/firmware updates.

Hold both hardware controls together again to exit, using the roughly three-second gesture shown in the tutorial. The documented workflow returns to the previous playing mode. Tuner audio is muted while tuning.

Watch this task

From the Full Uncut Stratus Tutorial, recorded October 2, 2026. App screens and available controls can vary by version.

More visual references
Top view of Stratus with LED strip above the Multiknob and footswitch below.
Hardware reference: LED strip, Multiknob, and footswitch. Their functions depend on the selected mode. Open image at full size.
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Start here: get your first sound from StratusConnect your guitar, power Stratus, and check a basic sound before building your first effects chain.Stratus hardware and connectionsStratus has mono instrument input and output, a Multiknob, a footswitch, an LED strip, a 9V power input, and USB-C.Power Stratus and prevent power noiseUse a center-negative 9V DC supply rated for at least 400mA. An isolated power output is recommended.Use headphones or record directly with StratusConnect Stratus OUT to an audio interface, mixer, or headphone amplifier. Stratus does not have a dedicated headphone output.Update Stratus firmwareUse the official Stratus Update Tool and a USB data cable. Keep Stratus connected and powered until the tool confirms completion.