A compact guitar tuner built with an ESP32, a MEMS microphone, and an OLED display — real-time pitch detection in the Arduino framework.
Tiny Tuner is a compact guitar tuner built using an ESP32 microcontroller, a MEMS microphone, and an OLED display. Pitch detection is implemented in the Arduino framework using the YIN algorithm and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to maximize robustness.
I was motivated to start this project by frustrating experiences using “free” guitar tuner apps. These apps’ business models consist of heavy ads and paywalling key features. Not wanting to pay a monthly subscription to tune my guitar, I decided to make my own. Along the way, I learned about the challenges of detecting pitch in real time, especially on the time scales needed to tune an instrument.
Designed a custom PCB in Fusion 360 and had it manufactured. Learned basic PCB design and used SMD soldering for the first time.
Designed and 3D printed a PLA case in Fusion 360, learning key aspects of designing for 3D printing and the importance of manufacturability.
UI display created with the Adafruit_SSD1306 and Adafruit_GFX libraries, inspired by the tuner UI on my amp.