User:Mousemambo/Document draft: Difference between revisions

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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 about these tuning files.

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 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 sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more about these tuning files.

'''Scenarios'''

Line 95:

'''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. 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/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article is a better 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 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/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article is a better choice.]

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

Line 103:

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

* [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods to establish tunings. ~~Some of this might better be~~ located ~~in a "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article.]~~

* [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods to establish tunings. Mostly refer to the info located in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article.]

* [Say something here about tuning file naming standards/practices, and the extremely terse abbreviations used for some classes of tunings. This really should go in the ~~"[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala scale file|Scala scale file]]" article or that section of a~~ "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article.]

'''''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. 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.

*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."

*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~~.

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

*The four functions of the keyboard mapping file are to define the MIDI range to be used, the tuning base, the tuning center, and the mapping of the tuning's notes to the controller (e.g. keys on a keyboard controller). 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 although it is called the keyboard mapping file, that is only half its function. It is also critical for establishing on what note the tuning base (given in the scale file) is placed and also its pitch frequency (either directly by setting the tuning center to the tuning base, or indirectly by using some other note as the tuning center that then defines relatively the pitch frequency of the other notes).]

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

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

* Some popular music software, like Arturia's Pigments 3, Garritan's [https://www.garritan.com/products/personal-orchestra-5/aria-player/ Aria Player] sampler system and ~~AAS~~'s [https://www.applied-acoustics.com/chromaphone-3/ Chromaphone 3] support Scala scale files but not Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they will typically instead 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]].

* Some popular music software, like Arturia's [https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments/overview Pigments 3] synth, Garritan's [https://www.garritan.com/products/personal-orchestra-5/aria-player/ Aria Player] sampler system, and Applied Acoustic System's [https://www.applied-acoustics.com/chromaphone-3/ Chromaphone 3] synth support importing Scala scale files but not Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they will typically instead allow you to set the tuning base note of the Scala scale file and a reference tuning 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 instead 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]].

'''''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 retuning 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.]

* [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, 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. 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 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 a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala 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 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 about these tuning files.
+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 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 sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more about these tuning files.
 '''Scenarios'''
@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 '''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. 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/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article is a better 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 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/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]] article is a better choice.]
 '''''More about Surge XT'''''
@@ Line 103: / Line 103: @@
 '''''Scala scale file'''''
-* [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods to establish tunings. Some of this might better be located in a "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article.]
+* [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods to establish tunings. Mostly refer to the info located in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article.]
-* [Say something here about tuning file naming standards/practices, and the extremely terse abbreviations used for some classes of tunings. This really should go in the "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system#Scala scale file|Scala scale file]]" article or that section of a "[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]" article.]
 '''''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. 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.
+*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."
-*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.
+*For more detailed information about Scala keyboard mapping files, see [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]].
-*The four functions of the keyboard mapping file are to define the MIDI range to be used, the tuning base, the tuning center, and the mapping of the tuning's notes to the controller (e.g. keys on a keyboard controller). 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 although it is called the keyboard mapping file, that is only half its function. It is also critical for establishing on what note the tuning base (given in the scale file) is placed and also its pitch frequency (either directly by setting the tuning center to the tuning base, or indirectly by using some other note as the tuning center that then defines relatively the pitch frequency of the other notes).]
-*[Note that other keyboard layouts are supported by other keyboard mapping files.]
 '''''Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center'''''
-* Some popular music software, like Arturia's Pigments 3, Garritan's [https://www.garritan.com/products/personal-orchestra-5/aria-player/ Aria Player] sampler system and AAS's [https://www.applied-acoustics.com/chromaphone-3/ Chromaphone 3] support Scala scale files but not Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they will typically instead 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]].
+* Some popular music software, like Arturia's [https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments/overview Pigments 3] synth, Garritan's [https://www.garritan.com/products/personal-orchestra-5/aria-player/ Aria Player] sampler system, and Applied Acoustic System's [https://www.applied-acoustics.com/chromaphone-3/ Chromaphone 3] synth support importing Scala scale files but not Scala keyboard mapping files. However, they will typically instead allow you to set the tuning base note of the Scala scale file and a reference tuning 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 instead 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]].
 '''''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 retuning 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.]
+* [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, 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. 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 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 a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala 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===