User:Mousemambo/Document draft: Difference between revisions

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'''DRAFT''' ==== Proposed page title: '''<big>Guide to tuning a software synth in a DAW</big>''' ==== '''DRAFT'''

This guide describes some common methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative tuning systems, by using a [[List of microtonal software plugins#Instrument plugins with microtonal support|software synthesizer]] running inside a [[DAWs|digital audio workstation (DAW)]]. It describes scenarios in which each of those methods are effective, and instructions for configuring the software using that method.

This guide describes some common methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative [[Tuning system|tuning systems]], by using a [[List of microtonal software plugins#Instrument plugins with microtonal support|software synthesizer]] (soft synth) running inside a [[DAWs|digital audio workstation (DAW)]]. It describes scenarios in which each of those methods are effective, and instructions for configuring the software using that method.

The examples given use the [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ Surge XT] synth as a musical instrument plugin running inside the [https://www.reaper.fm/ Reaper] DAW, but similar procedures and reasoning will apply to other synths (or [[Wikipedia:Sampler (musical instrument)|samplers]]) and DAWs. Therefore this guide will go into some detail to help you gain the understanding needed to use these tuning methods with other instrument-DAW combinations.

* '''You just want to start making music''' set in a non-standard tuning in your DAW? You can skip to the instructions in "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#~~Method 2:~~ Set a tuning using ~~a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file~~|Set a tuning using ~~a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file~~]]."

* '''You just want to start making music''' set in a non-standard tuning in your DAW? You can skip to the instructions in "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files|Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files]]."

* '''You don't want to use a DAW?''' See "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode|Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode]]."

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==Methods for setting a tuning==

[''I need to think further about how I want to name these use cases. I might prefer something that says more about why rather than what or how. But there can be several different "why" use cases for each the configurations named. So I might leave them as they are, call this section "Methods" and have the first section after the title and before "Advantages" be "Scenarios" for describing typical use cases for that method. I might remove the "Method N" prefix, but its useful in this doc to quickly refer people to a method by number rather than writing out the whole name.] [I don't like the "Method 1 Scenarios" style of sub-section heading, nor "Scenarios (Method 1)" or anything other than "Scenarios" — but then I can't make them link targets because there would be multiple occurrences of a "Scenarios" sub-section heading. Need to ponder more''.]

Four common instrument-DAW configurations for alternative tunings, here called "methods," are presented below. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, given the scenarios described. There are also other less common methods that might be appropriate or necessary for other instruments and DAWs and for special cases. If none of the offered scenarios describe your own situation, then you're invited to review the extensive "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article to explore more possibilities.

~~To use this Methods section~~, ~~you can choose just to read the "Scenarios" section of each method to find something~~ that ~~is close to the actual scenario in which~~ you ~~plan~~ to ~~use Surge XT~~ and ~~Reaper~~. ~~Then follow the "Instructions" for that method. Or you may want to read all the "Scenarios~~,~~" "Advantages,"~~ and ~~"Disadvantages" of every method to gain a strong understanding of all these possibilities~~ and ~~be prepared for many scenarios~~.

There are several references below to scale designers or tuning editors, which are software tools that allow you to create custom scales and tuning systems, or modify existing ones. To learn more about them, and some distinctions between scales and tuning systems, see the [[Scale design software]] article.

=== Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself ===

[~~''Briefly: What is a~~ tuning editor?'']

Some synthesizers include support for setting a tuning directly, as opposed to loading a tuning file or being retuned by some other component. At its simplest, this built-in facility may be limited to setting a 12-note scale's pitch frequencies or its offsets in [[cents]] from [[12edo]]. Other instruments offer support for more notes per octave, or even more sophisticated [[Scale design software|scale designers or tuning editor]]<nowiki/>s. Scala XT, used in these examples, offers an unusually advanced tuning editor for a synth. If your instrument doesn't directly support the scale and tuning you wish to use, you'll need to try another method offered below.

'''Scenarios'''

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'''Disadvantages'''

*Very few synths include a ~~tuning editor~~.

*Very few synths include a scale designer.

*Can be time consuming with an unfamiliar or complex tuning, compared to using a tuning file.

*Needs to be redone for each new instrument instance.

*Tuning doesn't automatically apply to an ensemble of instruments together.

*Tuning can't be easily ~~changed~~ during a performance.

*Tuning usually can't be changed easily during a performance.

'''Instructions'''

[''Use Surge's ~~tuning editor~~ to recreate a custom tuning, perhaps using the example of Ptolemy's Intense Diatonic or something more unusual.'']

[''Use Surge's scale designer to recreate a custom tuning, perhaps using the example of Ptolemy's Intense Diatonic or something more unusual.'']

'''Notes'''

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*Some Kontakt instrument include their own re-tuning system. More complex tunings or keyboard mapping in Kontakt require a custom script, as described in the [to be written] [[User:Mousemambo/Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system|Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system]]. Or watch the video "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcWtlF2uJSY How to microtune in Kontakt]" by benyamind on YouTube (posted Jun 17, 2020).

===Method 2: Set a tuning in the synth using a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file~~===~~

===Method 2: Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files===

[~~''This section could be renamed "Set~~ a tuning in the ~~synth using~~ tuning files~~" perhaps~~.~~'']~~

Probably the most common method people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is by loading prepared tuning files. Tuning files provide all or most of the specification for a scale or tuning, and might be loaded using a drop-down selector or a file loading dialog.

For this method, we will use the example of a Scala scale file and Scala keyboard mapping file, since the Surge XT synth supports the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file places the tuning base of the scale file on a specific MIDI note, sets the tuning reference note and pitch, and maps the notes to a keyboard or other controller. See the section "Scala scale and keyboard mapping files" below for more about these tuning files.

~~Probably~~ the ~~most common method people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is~~ by ~~loading prepared tuning files~~. ~~Tuning files provide all or~~ most of the ~~specification for a scale or~~ tuning~~, and might be loaded using a drop-down selector or a~~ file ~~loading dialog~~. ~~For this method~~, ~~we use~~ the ~~example of a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping~~ file, ~~since~~ the ~~Surge XT synth supports the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala~~ tuning system]]. ~~Very briefly~~, ~~the scale file sets the intervals of the scale~~ and ~~the keyboard mapping~~ file ~~places the tuning base of~~ the ~~scale~~ file ~~on a specific MIDI note~~, ~~sets the tuning reference note and pitch~~, ~~and maps the notes~~ to ~~a keyboard or other controller. See~~ the ~~section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Scala scale and keyboard mapping files|Scala scale and keyboard mapping files]]" below for more about these tuning files~~.

Other tuning file systems besides the Scala's are used by other instruments. The most popular at the time of this writing is the Scala tuning file system (.scl), followed by the Anamark tuning file system (.tun), much less frequently the MIDI tuning file system (.mts), and there are others. These tuning file systems are sometimes referred to by the file extension they use (e.g. scl, tun, mts). It's mostly easy to convert between them using available tools, although they don't all support exactly the same set of features.

'''Scenarios'''

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*Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument.

*Many popular and rare tunings have tuning files already prepared and available online to download.

*Scala ~~keyboard mapping files can~~ support many custom keyboard formats and unusual MIDI controller devices (e.g. [https://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument Linnstrument], [[Harpejji]], or [[Lumatone]] controllers).

*Less likelihood of typo errors compared to manually entering detailed tuning info.

*May, like the Scala tuning file system, support many custom keyboard formats and unusual MIDI controller devices (e.g. [https://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument Linnstrument], [[Harpejji]], or [[Lumatone]] controllers).

'''Disadvantages'''

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#Load a [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala scale file|Scala scale file]] (.scl) into Surge XT as follows, to establish the tuning system with relative intervals:

##In Surge XT's Menu (found in the bottom right corner) select the Tuning option, then choose "Load .scl tuning..."

## Use the resulting file selection popup to choose one of the [''ideally 12-tone for keyboard mapping simplicity''] Scala scale files that come with Surge XT, e.g. [''something beginners might have read about and would recognize,''] like just intonation's Ptolemy_intense_diatonic.scl or meantone's WerckmeisterIII_equal_beating.scl, or instead choose [''something named in condensed code like''] ED3-12.scl. [''I realize Scala XT at this moment only comes with two tuning files beginners are likely to recognize by name, and one is 12-EDO. Also, the more commonly known JI and meantone scale files are 7-note not 12-note so they won't map properly by themselves. Ptolex is a 12-tone Ptolemeic JI tuning, but not widely known. Also, many people will be unable to distinguish Ptolex by ear from 12-EDO. So what example to use?'']

## Use the resulting file selection popup to choose one of the [''ideally 12-tone for keyboard mapping simplicity''] Scala scale files that come with Surge XT, e.g. [''something beginners might have read about and would recognize,''] like just intonation's Ptolemy_intense_diatonic.scl or meantone's WerckmeisterIII_equal_beating.scl, or instead choose [''something named in condensed code like''] ED3-12.scl. [''I realize Scala XT at this moment only comes with two tuning files beginners are likely to recognize by name, and one is 12-EDO. Also, the more commonly known JI and meantone scale files are 7-note not 12-note so they won't map properly by themselves. Ptolex is a 12-tone Ptolemeic JI tuning, but not widely known. Also, many people will be unable to distinguish Ptolex by ear from 12-EDO. So what example to use?'' Some suggestions from #wiki at the Xen Discord server:

### Ptolex ([[Ptolex|Xen wiki]])

### [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150191961991544925 Otonal duodene] or [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150379784619184138 centered one] or [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150401859115286608 Duodene marvel] ([https://sevish.com/scaleworkshop/?n=12_duodene_marvel&l=37.ek_5l.6s_8s.lc_an.nq_dv.ai_g9.02q_jg.ha_mo.42_oj.6g_s9.13_u4.d8_xc.&version=2.1.0 Scale Workshop]) ([[Duodene]])

###[https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/1077259345873608734/1146973629691744389 Bicycle] ([[Bicycle|Xen Wiki]] | [https://sevish.com/scaleworkshop/?l=dFc_9F8_7F6_5F4_4F3_bF8_3F2_dF8_5F3_7F4_bF6_2F1&version=2.1.0 Scale Workshop])

### [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150390774601633822 12-note starling] ([https://sevish.com/scaleworkshop/?n=12_starling_WE&l=3f.d9_6g.e9_8n.5i_c2.ir_du.pj_ha.b0_jh.029_mi.39_px.gi_s4.7r_v5.8r_xc.&version=2.1.0 Scale Workshop])]

# Load a [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala keyboard mapping file|Scala keyboard mapping file]] (.kbm), to anchor the scale file data to a tuning base and set the tuning reference note and pitch. A good choice for example is the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file, which on a standard piano-style keyboard will set the scale to the ISO tuning standard ([https://cdn.standards.iteh.ai/samples/3601/3e7b175fdcae4a2aa09f9d0db4ac099d/ISO-16-1975.pdf ISO 16:1975]) of A4 = 440 Hz. See "Scala scale and keyboard mapping files" below to learn a little more about these tuning files.

#Optionally, if you understand Scala scale and keyboard mapping data, you may wish to open Surge XT's ~~tuning editor~~ at this time (Menu > Tuning > Open tuning editor...) to confirm the correct data was loaded from the files.

#Optionally, if you understand Scala scale and keyboard mapping data, you may wish to open Surge XT's built-in scale designer at this time (Menu > Tuning > Open tuning editor...) to confirm the correct data was loaded from the files.

#Optionally, [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#How to test the tuning|test the tuning]] to ensure it's correct.

'''Notes'''

[''This whole section needs extensive review with regard to what should be moved out to the [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Appendix|Appendix on this page]], or the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article, what belongs in the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] article, or perhaps is best rendered in duplicate for reading simplicity. Also, I need to settle on a consistent terminology and apply it to all three articles.I am removing as much as possible from the Instructions section, but to where? For example, the complexity of the relationship between the Scala scale file's base note, the tuning's tuning center, and the music's tonic (if it has one) makes this a very difficult topic for beginners but it's critical for JI so something needs to be said in this article. But this doesn't seem to be the right place to explain it in great detail — the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] article is probably a good choice''.]

[''This whole section needs extensive review with regard to what should be moved out to the [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Appendix|Appendix on this page]], or the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article, what belongs in the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]] article, or perhaps is best rendered in duplicate for reading simplicity. Also, I need to settle on a consistent terminology and apply it to all three articles.I am removing as much as possible from the Instructions section, but to where? For example, the complexity of the relationship between the Scala scale file's base note, the tuning's tuning center, and the music's tonic (if it has one) makes this a very difficult topic for beginners but it's critical for JI so something needs to be said in this article. But this doesn't seem to be the right place to explain it in great detail — the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]] article is probably a good choice, although for now some of that is reasonably'' found in the [[Scale design software]] article.]

'''''More about Surge XT'''''

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'''''Scala scale and keyboard mapping files'''''

*[''This section needs extensive reconsideration and revision given the creation of a separate [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] article. Keep only what needs to be here. -> This work is in progress''.]

*[''This section needs extensive reconsideration and revision given the creation of a separate [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]] article. Keep only what needs to be here. -> This work is in progress''.]

*[''Say something brief about tuning files and what they do. Mostly refer to the info located in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article''.]

*[''Say something brief about tuning files and what they do. Mostly refer to the info located in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]" article''.]

*[''Say something about available tuning file conversion tools.'']

*[''Maybe this Note topic and the next one "Anamark tuning files" need to be combined into a "Tuning files" section of the Appendix.'']

*Note that without a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) also loaded, the resulting tuning may not be what you expect. Surge XT like most synths will assume a default tuning center frequency and keyboard mapping that sets the first (implied) note of the tuning file -- the tuning base -- as MIDI Note C.60 and the tuning center (diapason, reference pitch) as international ISO standard pitch (MIDI A.69=440.000Hz). [''Or will it? Seems undocumented. In fact, it '''does not'''. Default in Surge XT 1.2.3 is a tuning base note of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is very close to but not exactly international standard because it uses three-digit precision. I've read that this (at 2-4 digit precision) is the most common default for retunable synths when you don't load a keyboard mapping file''.] However, if for example we are using a just intonation scale and music with a tonic of F (F4, MIDI note 65, 349.23 Hz), it becomes critical that that tuning base note is set to the tonic F. Ideally we use a keyboard mapping file to do that, but if keyboard mapping files are not supported see the section "Alternative for setting the tuning base note and tuning reference."

*For more detailed information about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the article "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]."

*For more detailed information about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the article "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]."

'''''Anamark tuning files'''''

* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala tuning file system. Conversely, other synths may support the Anamark format but not Scala format, for example Omnisphere 2 from Spectrasonics, and Serum from Xfer Records. It's not difficult to convert between Anamark and Scala tuning files, to provide whichever your instrument requires. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Using Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] and conversion are briefly described in the Appendix.

'''''Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center'''''

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*[''Vital allows Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) import as well as Scala scale file (.scl) import. The specific instructions for Vital are different than for Surge XT but might be worth briefly including. AFAIK, there is still no way in Vital (as opposed to Surge XT) to apply retuning to the filters as required for some synthesis techniques, and [https://forum.vital.audio/t/veena-sarod-sarangi/9436 in Vital one currently must use its Mod Remap system] for that instead of the tuning file import system. This limit won't affect you if precisely tuned filters aren't needed for the sounds you use. Vital is not the only popular synth with full keyboard microtuning, but it's powerful, extremely popular and free-to-modestly priced, so a good direction to steer beginners''.]

~~'''''Anamark tuning files'''''~~

* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala tuning system. Conversely, other synths may support the Anamark format but not Scala format, for example Omnisphere 2 from Spectrasonics, and Serum from Xfer Records. It's not difficult to convert between Anamark and Scala tuning files, to provide whichever your instrument requires. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Using Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] and conversion are briefly described in the Appendix.

===Method 3: Set a tuning using a tuning plugin===

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==Appendix==

=== Scale designers and tuning editors ===

[''Moved to [[Scale design software]]'']

===Set up an instrument track in the Reaper DAW===

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===Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode ===

Surge XT can also run in standalone mode, without any DAW. A significant drawback to that configuration is you won't be able to record your playing as MIDI notes, unless you have some additional component doing the recording. The common use cases for running Surge XT in standalone mode are for live performance where you don't want the extra complexity of running a DAW, or when you're just playing casually and don't need to record MIDI. In standalone mode, only [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]] or [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set a tuning in the synth using ~~a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file~~|Method 2]] given above can be used to re-tune Surge XT.

Surge XT can also run in standalone mode, without any DAW. A significant drawback to that configuration is you won't be able to record your playing as MIDI notes, unless you have some additional component doing the recording. The common use cases for running Surge XT in standalone mode are for live performance where you don't want the extra complexity of running a DAW, or when you're just playing casually and don't need to record MIDI. In standalone mode, only [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]] or [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files|Method 2]] given above can be used to re-tune Surge XT.

===Using Anamark tuning files===

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*[[User:Mousemambo/Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system|Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system]]

*[[User:Mousemambo/Guide to using tuning plugins|Guide to using tuning plugins]]

*[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]

*[[Scale design software]]

*[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]

*[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]

==External links ==

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 '''DRAFT''' ==== Proposed page title: '''<big>Guide to tuning a software synth in a DAW</big>''' ==== '''DRAFT'''
-This guide describes some common methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative tuning systems, by using a [[List of microtonal software plugins#Instrument plugins with microtonal support|software synthesizer]] running inside a [[DAWs|digital audio workstation (DAW)]]. It describes scenarios in which each of those methods are effective, and instructions for configuring the software using that method.
+This guide describes some common methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative [[Tuning system|tuning systems]], by using a [[List of microtonal software plugins#Instrument plugins with microtonal support|software synthesizer]] (soft synth) running inside a [[DAWs|digital audio workstation (DAW)]]. It describes scenarios in which each of those methods are effective, and instructions for configuring the software using that method.
 The examples given use the [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ Surge XT] synth as a musical instrument plugin running inside the [https://www.reaper.fm/ Reaper] DAW, but similar procedures and reasoning will apply to other synths (or [[Wikipedia:Sampler (musical instrument)|samplers]]) and DAWs. Therefore this guide will go into some detail to help you gain the understanding needed to use these tuning methods with other instrument-DAW combinations.
-* '''You just want to start making music''' set in a non-standard tuning in your DAW? You can skip to the instructions in "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 2: Set a tuning using a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file|Set a tuning using a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file]]."
+* '''You just want to start making music''' set in a non-standard tuning in your DAW? You can skip to the instructions in "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files|Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files]]."
 * '''You don't want to use a DAW?''' See "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode|Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode]]."
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 ==Methods for setting a tuning==
-[''I need to think further about how I want to name these use cases. I might prefer something that says more about why rather than what or how. But there can be several different "why" use cases for each the configurations named. So I might leave them as they are, call this section "Methods" and have the first section after the title and before "Advantages" be "Scenarios" for describing typical use cases for that method. I might remove the "Method N" prefix, but its useful in this doc to quickly refer people to a method by number rather than writing out the whole name.] [I don't like the "Method 1 Scenarios" style of sub-section heading, nor "Scenarios (Method 1)" or anything other than "Scenarios" — but then I can't make them link targets because there would be multiple occurrences of a "Scenarios" sub-section heading. Need to ponder more''.]
 Four common instrument-DAW configurations for alternative tunings, here called "methods," are presented below. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, given the scenarios described. There are also other less common methods that might be appropriate or necessary for other instruments and DAWs and for special cases. If none of the offered scenarios describe your own situation, then you're invited to review the extensive "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article to explore more possibilities.
-To use this Methods section, you can choose just to read the "Scenarios" section of each method to find something that is close to the actual scenario in which you plan to use Surge XT and Reaper. Then follow the "Instructions" for that method. Or you may want to read all the "Scenarios," "Advantages," and "Disadvantages" of every method to gain a strong understanding of all these possibilities and be prepared for many scenarios.
+There are several references below to scale designers or tuning editors, which are software tools that allow you to create custom scales and tuning systems, or modify existing ones. To learn more about them, and some distinctions between scales and tuning systems, see the [[Scale design software]] article.
 === Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself ===
-[''Briefly: What is a tuning editor?'']
+Some synthesizers include support for setting a tuning directly, as opposed to loading a tuning file or being retuned by some other component. At its simplest, this built-in facility may be limited to setting a 12-note scale's pitch frequencies or its offsets in [[cents]] from [[12edo]]. Other instruments offer support for more notes per octave, or even more sophisticated [[Scale design software|scale designers or tuning editor]]<nowiki/>s. Scala XT, used in these examples, offers an unusually advanced tuning editor for a synth. If your instrument doesn't directly support the scale and tuning you wish to use, you'll need to try another method offered below.
 '''Scenarios'''
@@ Line 46: / Line 44: @@
 '''Disadvantages'''
-*Very few synths include a tuning editor.
+*Very few synths include a scale designer.
 *Can be time consuming with an unfamiliar or complex tuning, compared to using a tuning file.
 *Needs to be redone for each new instrument instance.
 *Tuning doesn't automatically apply to an ensemble of instruments together.
-*Tuning can't be easily changed during a performance.
+*Tuning usually can't be changed easily during a performance.
 '''Instructions'''
-[''Use Surge's tuning editor to recreate a custom tuning, perhaps using the example of Ptolemy's Intense Diatonic or something more unusual.'']
+[''Use Surge's scale designer to recreate a custom tuning, perhaps using the example of Ptolemy's Intense Diatonic or something more unusual.'']
 '''Notes'''
@@ Line 65: / Line 63: @@
 *Some Kontakt instrument include their own re-tuning system. More complex tunings or keyboard mapping in Kontakt require a custom script, as described in the [to be written] [[User:Mousemambo/Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system|Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system]]. Or watch the video "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcWtlF2uJSY How to microtune in Kontakt]" by benyamind on YouTube (posted Jun 17, 2020).
-===Method 2: Set a tuning in the synth using a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file===
+===Method 2: Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files===
-[''This section could be renamed "Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files" perhaps.'']
+Probably the most common method people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is by loading prepared tuning files. Tuning files provide all or most of the specification for a scale or tuning, and might be loaded using a drop-down selector or a file loading dialog.
+For this method, we will use the example of a Scala scale file and Scala keyboard mapping file, since the Surge XT synth supports the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file places the tuning base of the scale file on a specific MIDI note, sets the tuning reference note and pitch, and maps the notes to a keyboard or other controller. See the section "Scala scale and keyboard mapping files" below for more about these tuning files.
-Probably the most common method people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is by loading prepared tuning files. Tuning files provide all or most of the specification for a scale or tuning, and might be loaded using a drop-down selector or a file loading dialog. For this method, we use the example of a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file, since the Surge XT synth supports the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file places the tuning base of the scale file on a specific MIDI note, sets the tuning reference note and pitch, and maps the notes to a keyboard or other controller. See the section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Scala scale and keyboard mapping files|Scala scale and keyboard mapping files]]" below for more about these tuning files.
+Other tuning file systems besides the Scala's are used by other instruments. The most popular at the time of this writing is the Scala tuning file system (.scl), followed by the Anamark tuning file system (.tun), much less frequently the MIDI tuning file system (.mts), and there are others. These tuning file systems are sometimes referred to by the file extension they use (e.g. scl, tun, mts). It's mostly easy to convert between them using available tools, although they don't all support exactly the same set of features.
 '''Scenarios'''
@@ Line 83: / Line 83: @@
 *Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument.
 *Many popular and rare tunings have tuning files already prepared and available online to download.
-*Scala keyboard mapping files can support many custom keyboard formats and unusual MIDI controller devices (e.g. [https://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument Linnstrument], [[Harpejji]], or [[Lumatone]] controllers).
+*Less likelihood of typo errors compared to manually entering detailed tuning info.
+*May, like the Scala tuning file system, support many custom keyboard formats and unusual MIDI controller devices (e.g. [https://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument Linnstrument], [[Harpejji]], or [[Lumatone]] controllers).
 '''Disadvantages'''
@@ Line 96: / Line 97: @@
 #Load a [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala scale file|Scala scale file]] (.scl) into Surge XT as follows, to establish the tuning system with relative intervals:
 ##In Surge XT's Menu (found in the bottom right corner) select the Tuning option, then choose "Load .scl tuning..."
-## Use the resulting file selection popup to choose one of the [''ideally 12-tone for keyboard mapping simplicity''] Scala scale files that come with Surge XT, e.g. [''something beginners might have read about and would recognize,''] like just intonation's Ptolemy_intense_diatonic.scl or meantone's WerckmeisterIII_equal_beating.scl, or instead choose [''something named in condensed code like''] ED3-12.scl. [''I realize Scala XT at this moment only comes with two tuning files beginners are likely to recognize by name, and one is 12-EDO. Also, the more commonly known JI and meantone scale files are 7-note not 12-note so they won't map properly by themselves. Ptolex is a 12-tone Ptolemeic JI tuning, but not widely known. Also, many people will be unable to distinguish Ptolex by ear from 12-EDO. So what example to use?'']
+## Use the resulting file selection popup to choose one of the [''ideally 12-tone for keyboard mapping simplicity''] Scala scale files that come with Surge XT, e.g. [''something beginners might have read about and would recognize,''] like just intonation's Ptolemy_intense_diatonic.scl or meantone's WerckmeisterIII_equal_beating.scl, or instead choose [''something named in condensed code like''] ED3-12.scl. [''I realize Scala XT at this moment only comes with two tuning files beginners are likely to recognize by name, and one is 12-EDO. Also, the more commonly known JI and meantone scale files are 7-note not 12-note so they won't map properly by themselves. Ptolex is a 12-tone Ptolemeic JI tuning, but not widely known. Also, many people will be unable to distinguish Ptolex by ear from 12-EDO. So what example to use?'' Some suggestions from #wiki at the Xen Discord server:
+### Ptolex ([[Ptolex|Xen wiki]])
+### [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150191961991544925 Otonal duodene] or [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150379784619184138 centered one] or [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150401859115286608 Duodene marvel] ([https://sevish.com/scaleworkshop/?n=12_duodene_marvel&l=37.ek_5l.6s_8s.lc_an.nq_dv.ai_g9.02q_jg.ha_mo.42_oj.6g_s9.13_u4.d8_xc.&version=2.1.0 Scale Workshop]) ([[Duodene]])
+###[https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/1077259345873608734/1146973629691744389 Bicycle] ([[Bicycle|Xen Wiki]] | [https://sevish.com/scaleworkshop/?l=dFc_9F8_7F6_5F4_4F3_bF8_3F2_dF8_5F3_7F4_bF6_2F1&version=2.1.0 Scale Workshop])
+### [https://discord.com/channels/332357996569034752/780300193110818826/1150390774601633822 12-note starling] ([https://sevish.com/scaleworkshop/?n=12_starling_WE&l=3f.d9_6g.e9_8n.5i_c2.ir_du.pj_ha.b0_jh.029_mi.39_px.gi_s4.7r_v5.8r_xc.&version=2.1.0 Scale Workshop])]
 # Load a [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala keyboard mapping file|Scala keyboard mapping file]] (.kbm), to anchor the scale file data to a tuning base and set the tuning reference note and pitch.  A good choice for example is the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file, which on a standard piano-style keyboard will set the scale to the ISO tuning standard ([https://cdn.standards.iteh.ai/samples/3601/3e7b175fdcae4a2aa09f9d0db4ac099d/ISO-16-1975.pdf ISO 16:1975]) of A4 = 440 Hz. See "Scala scale and keyboard mapping files" below to learn a little more about these tuning files.
-#Optionally, if you understand Scala scale and keyboard mapping data, you may wish to open Surge XT's tuning editor at this time (Menu > Tuning > Open tuning editor...) to confirm the correct data was loaded from the files.
+#Optionally, if you understand Scala scale and keyboard mapping data, you may wish to open Surge XT's built-in scale designer at this time (Menu > Tuning > Open tuning editor...) to confirm the correct data was loaded from the files.
 #Optionally, [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#How to test the tuning|test the tuning]] to ensure it's correct.
 '''Notes'''
-[''This whole section needs extensive review with regard to what should be moved out to the [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Appendix|Appendix on this page]], or the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article, what belongs in the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] article, or perhaps is best rendered in duplicate for reading simplicity. Also, I need to settle on a consistent terminology and apply it to all three articles.I am removing as much as possible from the Instructions section, but to where? For example, the complexity of the relationship between the Scala scale file's base note, the tuning's tuning center, and the music's tonic (if it has one) makes this a very difficult topic for beginners but it's critical for JI so something needs to be said in this article. But this doesn't seem to be the right place to explain it in great detail — the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] article is probably a good choice''.]
+[''This whole section needs extensive review with regard to what should be moved out to the [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Appendix|Appendix on this page]], or the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article, what belongs in the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]] article, or perhaps is best rendered in duplicate for reading simplicity. Also, I need to settle on a consistent terminology and apply it to all three articles.I am removing as much as possible from the Instructions section, but to where? For example, the complexity of the relationship between the Scala scale file's base note, the tuning's tuning center, and the music's tonic (if it has one) makes this a very difficult topic for beginners but it's critical for JI so something needs to be said in this article. But this doesn't seem to be the right place to explain it in great detail — the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]] article is probably a good choice, although for now some of that is reasonably'' found in the [[Scale design software]] article.]
 '''''More about Surge XT'''''
@@ Line 110: / Line 115: @@
 '''''Scala scale and keyboard mapping files'''''
-*[''This section needs extensive reconsideration and revision given the creation of a separate [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] article. Keep only what needs to be here. -> This work is in progress''.]
+*[''This section needs extensive reconsideration and revision given the creation of a separate [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]] article. Keep only what needs to be here. -> This work is in progress''.]
-*[''Say something brief about tuning files and what they do. Mostly refer to the info located in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article''.]
+*[''Say something brief about tuning files and what they do. Mostly refer to the info located in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]" article''.]
+*[''Say something about available tuning file conversion tools.'']
+*[''Maybe this Note topic and the next one "Anamark tuning files" need to be combined into a "Tuning files" section of the Appendix.'']
 *Note that without a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) also loaded, the resulting tuning may not be what you expect. Surge XT like most synths will assume a default tuning center frequency and keyboard mapping that sets the first (implied) note of the tuning file -- the tuning base -- as MIDI Note C.60 and the tuning center (diapason, reference pitch) as international ISO standard pitch (MIDI A.69=440.000Hz). [''Or will it? Seems undocumented. In fact, it '''does not'''. Default in Surge XT 1.2.3 is a tuning base note of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is very close to but not exactly international standard because it uses three-digit precision. I've read that this (at 2-4 digit precision) is the most common default for retunable synths when you don't load a keyboard mapping file''.] However, if for example we are using a just intonation scale and music with a tonic of F (F4, MIDI note 65, 349.23 Hz), it becomes critical that that tuning base note is set to the tonic F. Ideally we use a keyboard mapping file to do that, but if keyboard mapping files are not supported see the section "Alternative for setting the tuning base note and tuning reference."
-*For more detailed information about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the article "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]."
+*For more detailed information about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the article "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]."
+'''''Anamark tuning files'''''
+* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala tuning file system. Conversely, other synths may support the Anamark format but not Scala format, for example Omnisphere 2 from Spectrasonics, and Serum from Xfer Records. It's not difficult to convert between Anamark and Scala tuning files, to provide whichever your instrument requires. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Using Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] and conversion are briefly described in the Appendix.
 '''''Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center'''''
@@ Line 122: / Line 131: @@
 *[''Vital allows Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) import as well as Scala scale file (.scl) import. The specific instructions for Vital are different than for Surge XT but might be worth briefly including. AFAIK, there is still no way in Vital  (as opposed to Surge XT) to apply retuning to the filters as required for some synthesis techniques, and [https://forum.vital.audio/t/veena-sarod-sarangi/9436 in Vital one currently must use its Mod Remap system] for that instead of the tuning file import system. This limit won't affect you if precisely tuned filters aren't needed for the sounds you use. Vital is not the only popular synth with full keyboard microtuning, but it's powerful, extremely popular and free-to-modestly priced, so a good direction to steer beginners''.]
-'''''Anamark tuning files'''''
-* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala tuning system. Conversely, other synths may support the Anamark format but not Scala format, for example Omnisphere 2 from Spectrasonics, and Serum from Xfer Records. It's not difficult to convert between Anamark and Scala tuning files, to provide whichever your instrument requires. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Using Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] and conversion are briefly described in the Appendix.
 ===Method 3: Set a tuning using a tuning plugin===
@@ Line 187: / Line 192: @@
 ==Appendix==
+=== Scale designers and tuning editors ===
+[''Moved to [[Scale design software]]'']
 ===Set up an instrument track in the Reaper DAW===
@@ Line 192: / Line 200: @@
 ===Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode ===
-Surge XT can also run in standalone mode, without any DAW. A significant drawback to that configuration is you won't be able to record your playing as MIDI notes, unless you have some additional component doing the recording. The common use cases for running Surge XT in standalone mode are for live performance where you don't want the extra complexity of running a DAW, or when you're just playing casually and don't need to record MIDI. In standalone mode, only [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]] or [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set a tuning in the synth using a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file|Method 2]] given above can be used to re-tune Surge XT.
+Surge XT can also run in standalone mode, without any DAW. A significant drawback to that configuration is you won't be able to record your playing as MIDI notes, unless you have some additional component doing the recording. The common use cases for running Surge XT in standalone mode are for live performance where you don't want the extra complexity of running a DAW, or when you're just playing casually and don't need to record MIDI. In standalone mode, only [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]] or [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set a tuning in the synth using tuning files|Method 2]] given above can be used to re-tune Surge XT.
 ===Using Anamark tuning files===
@@ Line 204: / Line 212: @@
 *[[User:Mousemambo/Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system|Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system]]
 *[[User:Mousemambo/Guide to using tuning plugins|Guide to using tuning plugins]]
+*[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning file system]]
+*[[Scale design software]]
 *[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]
-*[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]
 ==External links ==