User:Mousemambo/Document draft: Difference between revisions

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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.

The examples given use the Surge XT synth as a musical instrument plugin running inside the Reaper DAW, but similar procedures and reasoning will apply to other synths (or 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.

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]]."

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There are many possible methods for configuring a soft synth in a DAW to create music set in diverse tuning systems. Which you choose will depend on the larger context in which you're working and your specific needs, which will be explored here in a general way. You'll also find links to sections of the Xen wiki's "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article [currently still a draft], which offers a deeper understanding of the components used here and how they work.

The tutorials below assume you already have the Surge XT synth and Reaper DAW software installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also may assume you are using a standard MIDI [[Keyboard|piano keyboard]] (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form, although [[Isomorphic keyboard|non-standard keyboards]] are supported by some tuning methods.

The tutorials below assume you already have the Surge XT synth and Reaper DAW software installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also may assume you are using a standard MIDI [[Keyboard|piano keyboard]] (i.e. [[Halberstadt keyboard|Halberstadt]] format) in virtual or physical form, although [[Isomorphic keyboard|non-standard keyboards]] are supported by some tuning methods.

Surge XT is a free and powerful software synthesizer that has extensive support for alternative tunings. Reaper is a popular and free-to-inexpensive DAW that fully supports all of Surge XT's possibilities for using alternative tuning systems. This tutorial was last verified using Surge XT version 1.2.3 and Reaper version 6.80 in August 2023.

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'''''Direct tuning in Kontakt'''''

* If you are using a Kontakt sampler system instrument that is not locked, and whose operation will not be disrupted by the needed script changes (e.g. like some legato patches will be), there are two easy methods that may work to create certain tunings in Kontakt. Note that as of August 2023 the Kontakt 7 Factory library instruments are all locked, although the Kontakt 6 Factory library was is~~/was~~ not. If the instrument shows a wrench/spanner button in its upper left corner it is unlocked, but if there is instead a two-gears button it is locked (clicking it opens Options).

* If you are using a [https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/software/samplers/ Kontakt sampler system] instrument that is not locked, in a paid Kontakt version (not Kontakt Player), and whose operation will not be disrupted by the needed script changes (e.g. like some legato patches will be), there are two easy methods that may work to create certain tunings in Kontakt. Note that as of August 2023 the Kontakt 7 Factory library instruments are all locked, although the Kontakt 6 Factory library was and is not. If the instrument shows a wrench/spanner button in its upper left corner it is unlocked, but if there is instead a two-gears button it is locked (clicking it opens Options).

*# Kontakt offers a simple microtuning script for creating 12-notes per octave tunings. [Find an online illustration.] In brief: Wrench > Script editor > Preset > Factory > Tuning > Microtuning > Adjust each slider to an offset in cents from 12-EDO tuning.

*# You can quickly set an [[EDO]] of any size, as illustrated on this [https://chrisvaisvil.com/how-to-adjust-kontakt-4-instruments-to-any-edo/ page by Chris Vaisvil]. In brief: Wrench > Script editor > Preset > Factory > Tuning > Notes per Octave > Notes > Set the number of notes. Unfortunately, Kontakt does not offer easy custom keyboard mapping for your custom EDO — [https://sevish.com/2017/mapping-microtonal-scales-keyboard-scala/ linear keyboard mapping] will apply.

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[Briefly: SOME OF THE FOLLOWING GOES IN AN INTRO IN THIS SPACE, SOME IN THE NOTES, SOME ELSEWHERE UNDER METHOD 2, SOME IN THE APPENDIX. A Scala scale file is used to establish a tuning's [[period]] (octave or [[equave]]), its interval relationships, and other properties. A Scala keyboard mapping file is used to set the tuning's base note or tonic, tuning center, and keyboard map. The Scala format scale files and keyboard mapping files together work to .... If you omit using a keyboard mapping file the consequences may be.... For more about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article. Ultimately, there should be articles that are companions to the existing "[[Anamark tuning file format]]" page (which almost certainly should be renamed "Anamark tuning file"; the existing page title should redirect to a section of the new page), named "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala scale file|Scala scale file]]" and "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala keyboard mapping file|Scala keyboard mapping file]]" or a single "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article might incorporate both those as sections at least initially.]

Probably the most common way people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is with a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file, if the synth supports those. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file establishes the scale file base note's frequency and maps the pitches to a keyboard or other controller. See the sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more ~~details~~.

Probably the most common way people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is with a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file, if the synth supports those. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file establishes the scale file base note's frequency and maps the pitches to a keyboard or other controller. See the sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more about these tuning files.

'''Scenarios'''

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

Surge XT also provides a button "Tune" under the label "Status" along the top of its window. If a custom tuning has not yet been added during the current session, clicking the button will reveal the same list of options as Menu > Tuning. If a custom tuning has been loaded, the Tune button will be lit (bright not dark), and clicking it will turn that tuning off (back to the software's default [[12edo|12-EDO tuning]]) or back on.

* Surge XT also provides a button "Tune" under the label "Status" along the top of its window. If a custom tuning has not yet been added during the current session, clicking the button will reveal the same list of options as Menu > Tuning. If a custom tuning has been loaded, the Tune button will be lit (bright not dark), and clicking it will turn that tuning off (back to the software's default [[12edo|12-EDO tuning]]) or back on.

~~'''''Vital synth'''''~~

[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 re-tuning to the filters, 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.]

'''''Scala scale file'''''

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'''''Scala keyboard mapping file'''''

*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 note specified in the tuning file 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 base note of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is very close to but not exactly international standard.] 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), we need to ensure the base note is set to the tonic F, and ideally will use a keyboard mapping file to do that.

*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 note specified in the tuning file 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 base note of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is very close to but not exactly international standard. I've read that this 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), we need to ensure the base note is set to the tonic F, and ideally will use a keyboard mapping file to do that.

*Remember that when you load a Scala scale file you should always prevent mistuned surprises by loading a keyboard mapping file, if your instrument supports that. However, your instrument may instead allow you set a base note for your tuning as described in the Method 2 Notes below, under "Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center." To learn more details about how to use Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, including what to do when your instrument doesn't offer the option to load a keyboard mapping file, read the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] or [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] articles.

*See [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning base, tuning center, and tonic|Tuning base, tuning center, and tonic]] in the Appendix for more about setting a tuning's base note, tuning center, and addressing keyboard mapping issues, including the tuning system meanings of the terms ''base note'', ''reference pitch'', ''tuning center'', ''diapason'', and ''tonic''.

*[Note that other keyboard layouts are supported by other keyboard mapping files.]

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

* Some software, like Garritan's Aria Player sampler system [list others here], ~~can use~~ Scala scale files but do not ~~support loading~~ Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they may allow you to set the base note of the Scala scale file and its pitch. This fulfills two of the functions of the keyboard mapping file and you should use this method if it's all your instrument ~~supports~~. If you are using a just intonation, for example, then setting the Scala scale file's base note to the music's tonic is essential.

* Some software, like Garritan's Aria Player sampler system [list others here], support Scala scale files but not Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they may still allow you to set the base note of the Scala scale file and its pitch. This fulfills two of the functions of the keyboard mapping file and you should use this method if it's all your instrument allows. If you are using a just intonation, for example, then setting the Scala scale file's base note to the music's tonic is essential. In the same way, instead of using a keyboard mapping file in Surge XT, you could also set the base for your scale using Surge XT's tuning editor as described in [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]].

* Instead of using a keyboard mapping file in Surge XT, you ~~can~~ also set the base for your scale using Surge XT's tuning editor as described in [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]]. This can be convenient for tunings with a 12-note scale that maps to a standard piano keyboard but may lead to problematic results otherwise. See [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning base note, tuning center, and tonic|Tuning base note, tuning center, and tonic]] in the Appendix for more about setting a tuning'~~s base note, tuning center, and addressing keyboard mapping issues, including the tuning system meanings of the terms~~ ''~~base note~~'', ''~~reference pitch~~'', ''tuning ~~center'', ''diapason''~~, and ~~''tonic''~~.

'''''Vital synth'''''

* [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 re-tuning to the filters, 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.]

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

Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are an alternative to using the Scala two-file tuning system. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Converting Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] are briefly described in the Appendix.

* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are an alternative to using the Scala two-file tuning system. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Converting Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] are briefly described in the Appendix.

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

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==Appendix==

=== Tuning base ~~note~~, tuning center, and tonic ===

=== Tuning base, tuning center, and tonic ===

[Explain these key concepts and describe how they interact using the example of a traditional just intonation system. Tuning center = reference pitch = diapason.]

[Explain these key concepts and describe how they interact using the example of a traditional just intonation system. Tuning center = reference pitch = diapason. Tuning base - base note = tuning base note. Tonic not the same as root (scales and music have tonics, chords have roots) but root is often used to mean tonic.]

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

[How to create an instrument track in Reaper. And how to use it~~... load~~ Surge XT as a plugin virtual instrument.]

[How to create an instrument track in Reaper. And how to use it by loading Surge XT as a plugin virtual instrument.]

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

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==External links==

*[https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/software/samplers/ Kontakt sampler system]. Very widely used, this sampler system from [https://www.native-instruments.com/ Native Instruments] offers some re-tuning ability but making it work can be complex.

*[https://www.reaper.fm/ Reaper]. A low-cost, powerful and popular DAW with excellent support for microtuning and other xenharmonic tunings.

*[https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/ Scala]. The big Swiss army knife of alternative tunings, Scala is a powerful tool but with a steep learning curve. It can be used to create custom tuning files.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 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.
-The examples given use the Surge XT synth as a musical instrument plugin running inside the Reaper DAW, but similar procedures and reasoning will apply to other synths (or 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.
+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]]."
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 There are many possible methods for configuring a soft synth in a DAW to create music set in diverse tuning systems. Which you choose will depend on the larger context in which you're working and your specific needs, which will be explored here in a general way. You'll also find links to sections of the Xen wiki's "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article [currently still a draft], which offers a deeper understanding of the components used here and how they work.
-The tutorials below assume you already have the Surge XT synth and Reaper DAW software installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also may assume you are using a standard MIDI [[Keyboard|piano keyboard]] (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form, although [[Isomorphic keyboard|non-standard keyboards]] are supported by some tuning methods.
+The tutorials below assume you already have the Surge XT synth and Reaper DAW software installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also may assume you are using a standard MIDI [[Keyboard|piano keyboard]] (i.e. [[Halberstadt keyboard|Halberstadt]] format) in virtual or physical form, although [[Isomorphic keyboard|non-standard keyboards]] are supported by some tuning methods.
 Surge XT is a free and powerful software synthesizer that has extensive support for alternative tunings. Reaper is a popular and free-to-inexpensive DAW that fully supports all of Surge XT's possibilities for using alternative tuning systems. This tutorial was last verified using Surge XT version 1.2.3 and Reaper version 6.80 in August 2023.
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 '''''Direct tuning in Kontakt'''''
-* If you are using a Kontakt sampler system instrument that is not locked, and whose operation will not be disrupted by the needed script changes (e.g. like some legato patches will be), there are two easy methods that may work to create certain tunings in Kontakt. Note that as of August 2023 the Kontakt 7 Factory library instruments are all locked, although the Kontakt 6 Factory library was is/was not. If the instrument shows a wrench/spanner button in its upper left corner it is unlocked, but if there is instead a two-gears button it is locked (clicking it opens Options).
+* If you are using a [https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/software/samplers/ Kontakt sampler system] instrument that is not locked, in a paid Kontakt version (not Kontakt Player), and whose operation will not be disrupted by the needed script changes (e.g. like some legato patches will be), there are two easy methods that may work to create certain tunings in Kontakt. Note that as of August 2023 the Kontakt 7 Factory library instruments are all locked, although the Kontakt 6 Factory library was and is not. If the instrument shows a wrench/spanner button in its upper left corner it is unlocked, but if there is instead a two-gears button it is locked (clicking it opens Options).
 *# Kontakt offers a simple microtuning script for creating 12-notes per octave tunings. [Find an online illustration.] In brief: Wrench > Script editor > Preset > Factory > Tuning > Microtuning > Adjust each slider to an offset in cents from 12-EDO tuning.
 *# You can quickly set an [[EDO]] of any size, as illustrated on this [https://chrisvaisvil.com/how-to-adjust-kontakt-4-instruments-to-any-edo/ page by Chris Vaisvil]. In brief: Wrench > Script editor > Preset > Factory > Tuning > Notes per Octave > Notes > Set the number of notes. Unfortunately, Kontakt does not offer easy custom keyboard mapping for your custom EDO — [https://sevish.com/2017/mapping-microtonal-scales-keyboard-scala/ linear keyboard mapping] will apply.
@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 [Briefly: SOME OF THE FOLLOWING GOES IN AN INTRO IN THIS SPACE, SOME IN THE NOTES, SOME ELSEWHERE UNDER METHOD 2, SOME IN THE APPENDIX. A Scala scale file is used to establish a tuning's [[period]] (octave or [[equave]]), its interval relationships, and other properties. A Scala keyboard mapping file is used to set the tuning's base note or tonic, tuning center, and keyboard map. The Scala format scale files and keyboard mapping files together work to .... If you omit using a keyboard mapping file the consequences may be.... For more about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article. Ultimately, there should be articles that are companions to the existing "[[Anamark tuning file format]]" page (which almost certainly should be renamed "Anamark tuning file"; the existing page title should redirect to a section of the new page), named "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala scale file|Scala scale file]]" and "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala keyboard mapping file|Scala keyboard mapping file]]" or a single "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article might incorporate both those as sections at least initially.]
-Probably the most common way people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is with a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file, if the synth supports those. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file establishes the scale file base note's frequency and maps the pitches to a keyboard or other controller. See the sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more details.
+Probably the most common way people choose to retune a synth in a DAW is with a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file, if the synth supports those. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file establishes the scale file base note's frequency and maps the pitches to a keyboard or other controller. See the sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more about these tuning files.
 '''Scenarios'''
@@ Line 99: / Line 99: @@
 '''''More about Surge XT'''''
-Surge XT also provides a button "Tune" under the label "Status" along the top of its window. If a custom tuning has not yet been added during the current session, clicking the button will reveal the same list of options as Menu > Tuning. If a custom tuning has been loaded, the Tune button will be lit (bright not dark), and clicking it will turn that tuning off (back to the software's default [[12edo|12-EDO tuning]]) or back on.
+* Surge XT also provides a button "Tune" under the label "Status" along the top of its window. If a custom tuning has not yet been added during the current session, clicking the button will reveal the same list of options as Menu > Tuning. If a custom tuning has been loaded, the Tune button will be lit (bright not dark), and clicking it will turn that tuning off (back to the software's default [[12edo|12-EDO tuning]]) or back on.
-'''''Vital synth'''''
-[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 re-tuning to the filters, 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.]
 '''''Scala scale file'''''
@@ Line 112: / Line 108: @@
 '''''Scala keyboard mapping file'''''
-*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 note specified in the tuning file 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 base note of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is very close to but not exactly international standard.] 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), we need to ensure the base note is set to the tonic F, and ideally will use a keyboard mapping file to do that.
+*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 note specified in the tuning file 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 base note of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is very close to but not exactly international standard. I've read that this 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), we need to ensure the base note is set to the tonic F, and ideally will use a keyboard mapping file to do that.
 *Remember that when you load a Scala scale file you should always prevent mistuned surprises by loading a keyboard mapping file, if your instrument supports that. However, your instrument may instead allow you set a base note for your tuning as described in the Method 2 Notes below, under "Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center." To learn more details about how to use Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, including what to do when your instrument doesn't offer the option to load a keyboard mapping file, read the [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] or [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] articles.
+*See [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning base, tuning center, and tonic|Tuning base, tuning center, and tonic]] in the Appendix for more about setting a tuning's base note, tuning center, and addressing keyboard mapping issues, including the tuning system meanings of the terms ''base note'', ''reference pitch'', ''tuning center'', ''diapason'', and ''tonic''.
 *[Note that other keyboard layouts are supported by other keyboard mapping files.]
 '''''Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center'''''
-* Some software, like Garritan's Aria Player sampler system [list others here], can use Scala scale files but do not support loading Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they may allow you to set the base note of the Scala scale file and its pitch. This fulfills two of the functions of the keyboard mapping file and you should use this method if it's all your instrument supports. If you are using a just intonation, for example, then setting the Scala scale file's base note to the music's tonic is essential.
+* Some software, like Garritan's Aria Player sampler system [list others here], support Scala scale files but not Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they may still allow you to set the base note of the Scala scale file and its pitch. This fulfills two of the functions of the keyboard mapping file and you should use this method if it's all your instrument allows. If you are using a just intonation, for example, then setting the Scala scale file's base note to the music's tonic is essential. In the same way, instead of using a keyboard mapping file in Surge XT, you could also set the base for your scale using Surge XT's tuning editor as described in [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]].
-* Instead of using a keyboard mapping file in Surge XT, you can also set the base for your scale using Surge XT's tuning editor as described in [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself|Method 1]]. This can be convenient for tunings with a 12-note scale that maps to a standard piano keyboard but may lead to problematic results otherwise. See [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning base note, tuning center, and tonic|Tuning base note, tuning center, and tonic]] in the Appendix for more about setting a tuning's base note, tuning center, and addressing keyboard mapping issues, including the tuning system meanings of the terms ''base note'', ''reference pitch'', ''tuning center'', ''diapason'', and ''tonic''.
+'''''Vital synth'''''
+* [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 re-tuning to the filters, 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.]
 '''''Anamark tuning files'''''
-Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are an alternative to using the Scala two-file tuning system. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Converting Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] are briefly described in the Appendix.
+* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are an alternative to using the Scala two-file tuning system. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Converting Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] are briefly described in the Appendix.
 ===Method 3: Set a tuning using a tuning plugin===
@@ Line 182: / Line 181: @@
 ==Appendix==
-=== Tuning base note, tuning center, and tonic ===
+=== Tuning base, tuning center, and tonic ===
-[Explain these key concepts and describe how they interact using the example of a traditional just intonation system. Tuning center = reference pitch = diapason.]
+[Explain these key concepts and describe how they interact using the example of a traditional just intonation system. Tuning center = reference pitch = diapason. Tuning base - base note = tuning base note. Tonic not the same as root (scales and music have tonics, chords have roots) but root is often used to mean tonic.]
 ===Set up an instrument track in the Reaper DAW===
-[How to create an instrument track in Reaper. And how to use it... load Surge XT as a plugin virtual instrument.]
+[How to create an instrument track in Reaper. And how to use it by loading Surge XT as a plugin virtual instrument.]
 === Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode ===
@@ Line 209: / Line 208: @@
 ==External links==
+*[https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/software/samplers/ Kontakt sampler system]. Very widely used, this sampler system from [https://www.native-instruments.com/ Native Instruments] offers some re-tuning ability but making it work can be complex.
 *[https://www.reaper.fm/ Reaper]. A low-cost, powerful and popular DAW with excellent support for microtuning and other xenharmonic tunings.
 *[https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/ Scala]. The big Swiss army knife of alternative tunings, Scala is a powerful tool but with a steep learning curve. It can be used to create custom tuning files.