# Carnatic Tuner

> A music app for tuning and checking swara accuracy in Carnatic music. (iPhone/iPad app by Ramachandra Mallappa.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carnatic-tuner/id1132878013 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ramachandra Mallappa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1132878012)
- Category: Music, Education
- Price: Free (on sale, was $2.99)
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-07-11
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carnatic-tuner/id1132878013/reviews.md

## What is Carnatic Tuner?

Carnatic Tuner

Want to check if the swara (note) you are singing or playing is accurate? Use this tuner. It will listen to you and show you exactly how accurate your swara is.

To use:
- Set the pitch you are tuning for.
- Start singing or playing a swara (or note).


Tip: If you are singing, please listen to your sruthi box/your tambura machine using a headphone for best results. Because, sound of the Sruthi/Tambura box interferes when the app is trying to listen to you.

When headphone arrangement is not possible, having the sruthi box at very low volume, little further away from your iOS device helps.

## Key features

- Swara accuracy check
- Note tuning
- Real-time feedback
- Pitch setting
- Headphone usage recommended

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carnatic-tuner/id1132878013/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Previous UI was better

*2024-12-20*

The developer should seriously consider going back to the previous UI which served the purpose of this app in a much cleaner way.  Flashing raga names for each note at the bottom is a useless distraction.  The app stops functioning and needs to be restarted if other apps using the microphone are turned on - like after receiving a phone call.

### 1/5 — Very bad

*2023-01-22*

No explanation of how to use this app. How do I set it to maya malava goula ragam. It keeps moving. Even when no one is singing it shows

### 1/5 — Does this even work?

*2022-04-25*

I purchased the app and installed it. When I open it the needle spins around crazily flashing several raaga names.  No way to get it to stop. Then I close the app and reopen it sometimes the needle is just stationary no movement even if I try to play my instrument or sing.  

Either I am confused or this app does not work.  Or how does it work??? If it does not work, I need a refund.

### 4/5 — M1 on my keyboard is showing as G3

*2020-12-28*

I like the app and use it a lot. It has an easy to use interface.

**Developer response:** Hello, do you have any other sound in background like Sruthi box? Sruthi box can interfere with the listening of the app. 

Also, please check your keyboard volume is high enough for your iOS device to listen.

### 5/5 — Most useful - Simple to use - Loving it

*2020-10-13*

I am a beginner learning Carnatic vocal. Found this app most useful as it tells precisely how I sound. Cross checked this app with a few seasoned vocalists. It points the needle so correctly in the swarms they sing. I love the App.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2020-10-08*

It is a very nice app to check if the swarasthana is correct. I also found another interesting use. If you hum a song, with a base pitch selected, you can get the swaras for the song. Very useful if you are trying to get swaras for a song. One additional feature to record the swaras and display as a string of text will greatly help music learners to easily learn new songs(especially instrumentalists). Please add this feature.

### 4/5 — Liked the older UI

*2020-01-31*

It was easier to see where exactly your singing pitch was with the older UI. 

Can we get an option to stick with the older UI version.

**Developer response:** Could you please update and try the latest version? New UI shows all notes in a clock face. Hopefully easier to read.

### 5/5 — Not working!

*2020-01-23*

The app suddenly stopped working. When opened it shows ‘OM’ and suddenly closes. It does not even show in family sharing area.

### 1/5 — Do NOT buy this

*2017-02-13*

It is a scam. No frequencies are played to support your tuning. Random visual, with a scrolling animation. Does not work. DO NOT BUY THIS.

## Frequently asked questions about Carnatic Tuner

### How does Carnatic Tuner help me improve my singing?

Carnatic Tuner listens to the swara (note) you sing and provides real-time feedback on its accuracy. This allows you to identify and correct any deviations from the intended pitch, helping you refine your vocal performance.

### What devices does Carnatic Tuner support?

Carnatic Tuner is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple users.

### Is Carnatic Tuner free to use?

Yes, Carnatic Tuner is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees required to use its core tuning functionalities.

### Does Carnatic Tuner have ads?

No, Carnatic Tuner does not contain advertisements. Users can enjoy an ad-free experience while practicing and tuning their music.

### When was Carnatic Tuner last updated?

The latest version of Carnatic Tuner was released on October 7, 2021. This indicates it receives periodic updates to maintain compatibility and performance.

### What is the age rating for Carnatic Tuner?

Carnatic Tuner has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for users of all ages interested in music tuning and practice.

### How accurate is Carnatic Tuner?

While specific accuracy metrics are not provided, the app is designed to listen and show exactly how accurate your swara is. User reviews indicate a rating of 3.3 stars, suggesting a generally functional but perhaps not universally perfect tuning experience.

### What is the best way to use Carnatic Tuner for singing?

For the best results when singing, it is recommended to use headphones to listen to your sruthi box or tambura machine. This prevents interference from the sruthi box's sound, allowing the app to accurately capture your vocal notes.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2 — 2021-10-07

- Clock face style display introduced

### 2.1 — 2021-10-05

- Names of swaras are displayed in 12 and 22 Sruthi mode.
- Names of common Raga that uses shown note is displayed.

### 2.0 — 2021-10-03

Features 22 Shruti based tuning option.

### 1.2 — 2020-01-22

Issue of device going to sleep while using app has been fixed.

### 1.1 — 2020-01-21

Updated UI.
Better microphone sensitivity

## Apps similar to Carnatic Tuner

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Piano Composer: Listen & Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piano-composer-listen-and-learn/id6754206303) | — | $4.99 | Music |
| [Radio: Create Stations](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/radio-create-stations/id6474629581) | 4.6 (5) | Free | Music |
| [Piano Memo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piano-memo/id6754459869) | — | $0.29 | Music |
| [Tenney – JI Tuner & Lattice](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tenney-ji-tuner-and-lattice/id6753315813) | — | Free | Music |
| [Drum Play](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-play/id6751737105) | — | $1.99 | Music |
| [SongDetect - Music Recognition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/songdetect-music-recognition/id6753138898) | 4.2 (5) | $0.99 | Music |

## More apps by Ramachandra Mallappa

- [Shruti Laya](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shruti-laya/id1497345955)
- [Sunny - Music Player](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunny-music-player/id6763420597)
- [Shruti - Musical Tuner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shruti-musical-tuner/id6772645275)

All apps by Ramachandra Mallappa: https://appshunter.io/developer/1132878012

## Related topics

[carnatic tuner](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/carnatic-tuner)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*