The tuner output can be a very useful feature that expands the functionality of your setup. The latest and upgraded 4X4 and 8X7 amp switchers from N-audio also include some improvements in this area. In this topic, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the tuner output and how to get the most out of it.
How the Tuner Output Works
The goal of all N-audio amp switchers is to keep the tone intact! Even a small amount of extra circuitry or load can slightly change the tone, and nobody wants that. That’s why the signal path between the guitar and the amps uses only relays.
The tuner output works only when the unit is in mute mode! This has several benefits: it keeps the sensitive guitar signal completely isolated from the tuner while playing, lets you tune silently – just like any pedalboard tuner, and expands the functionality of the tuner output. If you prefer your tuner to stay active all the time, plug the guitar into the tuner first, then connect the tuner’s output to your amp switcher. In that setup, the tuner remains active and acts as a buffer.
Tuner output for DAW recording
The amp switcher is usually used to switch between amplifiers, but its tuner output opens up even more possibilities. You can use it to send your guitar signal directly to anything you want. Once the amp switcher is in mute mode, the signal can go straight to your DAW or modeller, where you can shape or emulate your tone.
If you have a modern amp modeller like the Quad Cortex, you can connect it to the tuner output and easily switch between your real amps and the modeller’s sound. It’s a great feature that lets you compare both worlds – real amps and simulations without unplugging or rerouting cables.
Chris Holland from CDH Guitars, who has extensive experience with studio setups, made an excellent review explaining this exact use of the N-audio 8×7 amp switcher. You can watch it here:
The High-Pitched Noise Issue
Over the years, stage tuners have been designed differently. Some used proper 3-pin mains plugs, older models were powered by transformer-based external power adapters, while newer ones use modern switch-mode power adapters that have no ground connection. The problem with the switch-mode adapters is that their output is floating and often noisy due to high-frequency switching. In most rack setups, this isn’t an issue. Once the tuner connects to grounded gear like your amplifier, the noise disappears. But when used with an amp switcher, the tuner ground remains floating while the tuner isn’t active, which can cause high-pitched noise to leak into the signal through capacitive coupling inside the amp switcher.
One of our clients, Dirk Baranowski from GittarSchool in Germany, experienced this issue when using a modern Korg rackmount tuner with his 4X4 amp switcher. To address it, the hardware of the 8X7 and 4X4 switchers was upgraded with a ground lift switch placed next to the tuner output.
The normal position of this switch should be LIFT, which is also the recommended setting if you want to use the tuner output to connect your amp modeller. If you use a stage tuner that creates noise, switch to GND.
If you have a noisy tuner power supply and an older 8X7 or 4X4 amp switcher without this button, there’s a simple solution. Plug a short patch cable between the rear tuner output and the Slave input on your switcher. This pulls the noisy tuner ground down to the switcher’s internal signal ground, eliminating the noise. The Slave input is automatically disabled when you use the front-panel input, so this grounding trick won’t interfere with normal operation. This method solves the issue entirely!
Niki Hristov