FAC Tuning: Adjusting the “A” Multiplier Default for SAT IV

The default setting for the “A” Multiplier in FAC tuning is 1.0. This value remains unchanged unless it is manually altered or modified through the MENU feature in the SAT IV device. By default, the “A” Multiplier is always set to 1.0.

Importance of Adjusting the “A” Multiplier

The need to adjust the “A” Multiplier has existed for several years, but it is especially crucial when using FAC tuning. Without making this adjustment, FAC tunings result in A4 being slightly sharp to the standard A440 pitch. The amount of sharpness can vary depending on the specific piano being tuned.

Jim Coleman Sr.’s Solution

Jim Coleman Sr. developed a practical solution to address this issue. He found that multiplying the measured “A” number by 0.8 allows FAC tuning to produce an A4 note that is nearly perfectly aligned with A440. For instance, if the FAC’s “A” number reads 10, entering 0.8 as the “A” multiplier results in A4 being tuned to A440.

Incorporation into SAT IV

Because this adjustment is so effective, it was integrated into thSAT IV’s MENU system. Users of the SAT IV are encouraged to access the device’s MENU and set the ‘A’ Multiplier Default to 0.8 instead of the original 1.0. Making this change greatly enhances the accuracy of the “A” tuning process.

Instructions and Further Guidance

Comprehensive instructions for adjusting the “A” Multiplier Default can be found in the SAT IV instruction manual. Additionally, a video demonstration is available to illustrate the procedure.

Setting the A Multiplier Default on SAT IV and Older SAT Models

Adjusting the A Multiplier Default with SAT IV

To set the A Multiplier Default using the SAT IV:

  1. Turn on the device.
  2. While in calibration mode, press and hold the BluShift button until the device enters the MENU.
  3. Use the Note Up button to scroll through menu options until you reach “A MULTIPLIER DEF.”
  4. Press the BluShift button to view the current setting.
  5. The desired setting is 0.8, replacing the default 1.0. If the display shows 1.0, press Note Down to change it to 0.8.
  6. Once 0.8 is displayed, press the BluShift button again, returning to the MENU screen.
  7. To exit, press Note Up to highlight “EXIT,” then press BluShift to leave the menu.
  8. The SAT should now be in calibration mode again. Press the Tune button to complete the process.

With these steps, the SAT is set to the 0.8 default, ensuring that FAC tuning’s A4 is much closer to the standard 440 Hz.

Manually Setting the A Multiplier Default on Older SAT Models

For older SAT models, the adjustment must be performed manually. Measure your “A” number as usual. Before storing the measurement, multiply it by 0.8 and record the resulting value. A calculator, such as the one on your phone, may be useful for this calculation.

  • If your measured A4 number is 10.0, store 8.0 (10.0 × 0.8 = 8.0).
  • If the measured A number is 9.0, store 7.2 (9.0 × 0.8 = 7.2).
  • If you measure 9.4, store 7.5 (9.4 × 0.8 = 7.52).
  • If your measurement is 11.3, store 9.0 (11.3 × 0.8 = 9.04).

This adjustment to a lower A4 number also serves to tighten the temperament area.