User:Mousemambo/Document draft: Difference between revisions
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* No additional components, so less complexity. | * No additional components, so less complexity. | ||
* Can be quick and easy to set up for simple tunings that you're very familiar with. | * Can be quick and easy to set up for simple tunings that you're very familiar with. | ||
* May sometimes include a [[ | * May sometimes include a [[Scale design software|scale designer]] for exploring new scales or tunings. | ||
'''Disadvantages''' | '''Disadvantages''' | ||
* Very few synths include a tuning editor. | *Very few synths include a tuning editor. | ||
* Can be time consuming with an unfamiliar or complex tuning, compared to using a tuning file. | *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. | *Needs to be redone for each new instrument instance. | ||
* Tuning doesn't automatically apply to an ensemble of instruments together. | *Tuning doesn't automatically apply to an ensemble of instruments together. | ||
* Tuning can't be easily changed during a performance. | *Tuning can't be easily changed during a performance. | ||
'''Instructions''' | '''Instructions''' | ||
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'''''Direct tuning in Kontakt''''' | '''''Direct tuning in Kontakt''''' | ||
* 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). | *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. | *#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. | *#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. | ||
* 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). | *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 a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file=== | ||
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'''Scenarios''' | '''Scenarios''' | ||
* Using a synth that supports loading tuning files. | *Using a synth that supports loading tuning files. | ||
* Casual playing where you want to begin quickly. | *Casual playing where you want to begin quickly. | ||
* Playing a synth in standalone mode (i.e. not inside a DAW) | *Playing a synth in standalone mode (i.e. not inside a DAW) | ||
* Playing in a scale or tuning for which tuning files are already conveniently available. | * Playing in a scale or tuning for which tuning files are already conveniently available. | ||
* When you only have one or a small number of instruments to retune together. | *When you only have one or a small number of instruments to retune together. | ||
* When you are using an unusual MIDI controller. | *When you are using an unusual MIDI controller. | ||
'''Advantages''' | '''Advantages''' | ||
* Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument. | *Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument. | ||
* Many popular and rare tunings have tuning files already prepared and available online to download. | *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). | *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). | ||
'''Disadvantages''' | '''Disadvantages''' | ||
* Not supported by most software synths. | *Not supported by most software synths. | ||
* Requires finding a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file for your desired tuning, else... | *Requires finding a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file for your desired tuning, else... | ||
* Requires developing a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file(s), and learning how to prepare them. | * Requires developing a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file(s), and learning how to prepare them. | ||
* Generally doesn't include [[ | *Generally doesn't include [[scale design software]]. | ||
'''Instructions''' | '''Instructions''' | ||
#Launch the Reaper application, create a [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set up an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|new instrument track in Reaper]], and add Surge XT as a plugin on that instrument track. Note: If you are not using a DAW, but [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode|using Surge XT in standalone mode]] instead, replace this step with: Launch the Surge XT standalone application. | #Launch the Reaper application, create a [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Set up an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|new instrument track in Reaper]], and add Surge XT as a plugin on that instrument track. Note: If you are not using a DAW, but [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Tuning Surge XT without a DAW in standalone mode|using Surge XT in standalone mode]] instead, replace this step with: Launch the Surge XT standalone application. | ||
#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: | #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..." | ##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?] | ||
#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. | # 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 tuning editor 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. | #Optionally, [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#How to test the tuning|test the tuning]] to ensure it's correct. | ||
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'''''More about Surge XT''''' | '''''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. | ||
'''''Scala scale and keyboard mapping files''''' | '''''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 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 system]]" article.] | ||
*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." | *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." | ||
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'''''Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center''''' | '''''Alternatives for setting the tuning's base note and tuning center''''' | ||
* 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 some 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 anchoring the Scala scale file's tuning base 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 tuning base note and the reference note and pitch 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 some 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 anchoring the Scala scale file's tuning base 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 tuning base note and the reference note and pitch 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 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 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.] | *[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''''' | '''''Anamark tuning files''''' | ||
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[Rather than provide instructions for using a tuning plugin here, I could instead do that in a different Guide for using a synth that requires one. If I expand this doc to include another synth, I probably will need to split this Method into 3a ... using a tuning plugin with MPE, and 3b ... using a tuning plugin with multichannel pitch bend (and there are more possibilities). That seems like a lot! I think that a separate article "[[User:Mousemambo/Guide to using tuning plugins|Guide to using tuning plugins]]" is almost certainly the way to go, with sections for MPE, monophonic pitch bend, polyphonic pitch bend (through multichannel), etc. using a few different tuning plugins (e.g. select among [https://oddsound.com/mtsespsuite.php MTS-ESP Suite], [https://entonal.studio/ Entonal Studio], [https://wilsonic.co/ Wilsonic MTS-ESP], [https://infinitone.com/ InfinitoneDMT], or [https://www.pitchinnovations.com/products/fluid-pitch/ Fluid Pitch]).] | [Rather than provide instructions for using a tuning plugin here, I could instead do that in a different Guide for using a synth that requires one. If I expand this doc to include another synth, I probably will need to split this Method into 3a ... using a tuning plugin with MPE, and 3b ... using a tuning plugin with multichannel pitch bend (and there are more possibilities). That seems like a lot! I think that a separate article "[[User:Mousemambo/Guide to using tuning plugins|Guide to using tuning plugins]]" is almost certainly the way to go, with sections for MPE, monophonic pitch bend, polyphonic pitch bend (through multichannel), etc. using a few different tuning plugins (e.g. select among [https://oddsound.com/mtsespsuite.php MTS-ESP Suite], [https://entonal.studio/ Entonal Studio], [https://wilsonic.co/ Wilsonic MTS-ESP], [https://infinitone.com/ InfinitoneDMT], or [https://www.pitchinnovations.com/products/fluid-pitch/ Fluid Pitch]).] | ||
* '''Scenarios''' | *'''Scenarios''' | ||
** ... | **... | ||
* '''Advantages''' | *'''Advantages''' | ||
** Support for many synths that can't be re-tuned any other way. | **Support for many synths that can't be re-tuned any other way. | ||
** When new technologies become available, new plugins can provide a supporting bridge to older instruments. | **When new technologies become available, new plugins can provide a supporting bridge to older instruments. | ||
** May include [[ | **May include [[scale design software]] to assist with developing new scales and tunings. | ||
* '''Disadvantages''' | *'''Disadvantages''' | ||
** Added complexity. | **Added complexity. | ||
** Some experimentation may be necessary to find appropriate settings. | **Some experimentation may be necessary to find appropriate settings. | ||
'''Instructions''' | '''Instructions''' | ||
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... | ... | ||
===Method 4: Set a tuning using MTS-ESP=== | === Method 4: Set a tuning using MTS-ESP=== | ||
[Briefly: Add an MTS-ESP tuning source plugin on one track, and Surge XT on another. Load a tuning file into the MTS-ESP source plugin. Set Surge XT to listen to MTS-ESP. Confirm that the MTS-ESP source has connected. Note that, unlike Surge XT, most available electronic instruments at this time (August 2023) don't support MTS-ESP tuning although some do. Note that if I choose to expand by mentioning other synths, I need to say that some of those can be re-tuned by adding a tuning plugin that **does** support MTS-ESP... Method 4a: ...using MTS-ESP, Method 4b: using an MTS-ESP tuning plugin. Other ways to structure this are possible and will be considered.] | [Briefly: Add an MTS-ESP tuning source plugin on one track, and Surge XT on another. Load a tuning file into the MTS-ESP source plugin. Set Surge XT to listen to MTS-ESP. Confirm that the MTS-ESP source has connected. Note that, unlike Surge XT, most available electronic instruments at this time (August 2023) don't support MTS-ESP tuning although some do. Note that if I choose to expand by mentioning other synths, I need to say that some of those can be re-tuned by adding a tuning plugin that **does** support MTS-ESP... Method 4a: ...using MTS-ESP, Method 4b: using an MTS-ESP tuning plugin. Other ways to structure this are possible and will be considered.] | ||
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'''Scenarios''' | '''Scenarios''' | ||
* When you have an ensemble of instruments that need shared retuning. | *When you have an ensemble of instruments that need shared retuning. | ||
* When you want to change the scale or tuning in mid-performance using presets. | * When you want to change the scale or tuning in mid-performance using presets. | ||
* When you need to bypass a glitch, bug, or incompatibility sometimes seen with pitch bend retuning methods. | *When you need to bypass a glitch, bug, or incompatibility sometimes seen with pitch bend retuning methods. | ||
'''Advantages''' | '''Advantages''' | ||
* MPE-ESP source plugins often include [[ | *MPE-ESP source plugins often include [[scale design software]] to assist with creating new tunings. | ||
* Convenient quick switching between different tunings through the source plugin. | *Convenient quick switching between different tunings through the source plugin. | ||
* Can tune an entire ensemble of instruments with one controller, the source plugin. | *Can tune an entire ensemble of instruments with one controller, the source plugin. | ||
'''Disadvantages''' | '''Disadvantages''' | ||
* Supported by relatively few software synths. | *Supported by relatively few software synths. | ||
* Requires an extra component, the MTS-ESP source. | *Requires an extra component, the MTS-ESP source. | ||
* The technology may only really be needed for certain cases, e.g. tuning an ensemble of instruments, or for special effects. | *The technology may only really be needed for certain cases, e.g. tuning an ensemble of instruments, or for special effects. | ||
'''Instructions''' | '''Instructions''' | ||
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[How to create an instrument track in Reaper. And how to use it by loading 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=== | ===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 a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file|Method 2]] given above can be used to re-tune Surge XT. | ||
===Using Anamark tuning files=== | ===Using Anamark tuning files=== | ||
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[Briefly, describe why you might or might not prefer to use an Anamark tuning file instead of the Scala two-file retuning system, i.e. advantages & disadvantages.] | [Briefly, describe why you might or might not prefer to use an Anamark tuning file instead of the Scala two-file retuning system, i.e. advantages & disadvantages.] | ||
==See also== | == See also == | ||
*[[DAWs#Approaches%20to%20Microtonal%20Composition%20in%20a%20DAW|DAWs § Approaches to Microtonal Composition in a DAW]] | *[[DAWs#Approaches%20to%20Microtonal%20Composition%20in%20a%20DAW|DAWs § Approaches to Microtonal Composition in a DAW]] | ||
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*[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] | *[[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]] | ||
==External links== | ==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 retuning ability but making it work can be complex. | *[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 retuning ability but making it work can be complex. | ||
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*[https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ Surge XT]. A powerful and fully free soft synth with outstanding support for non-standard tunings, supporting a variety of tuning methods. | *[https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ Surge XT]. A powerful and fully free soft synth with outstanding support for non-standard tunings, supporting a variety of tuning methods. | ||
*[https://vital.audio/ Vital]. A free to low-cost powerful software synthesizer with excellent support for alternative tuning systems. Unfortunately there is currently (Aug 2023) no mechanism for tuning the filters using tuning files (only [https://forum.vital.audio/t/veena-sarod-sarangi/9436/11 through Mod Remap]), which can rule out some sound design techniques. | *[https://vital.audio/ Vital]. A free to low-cost powerful software synthesizer with excellent support for alternative tuning systems. Unfortunately there is currently (Aug 2023) no mechanism for tuning the filters using tuning files (only [https://forum.vital.audio/t/veena-sarod-sarangi/9436/11 through Mod Remap]), which can rule out some sound design techniques. | ||
* YouTube tutorials | *YouTube tutorials | ||
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxrpZ4L404M Using Microtones in Electronic Music (microtonal tutorial)], by [[Sevish]], posted Jan 23, 2020. | **[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxrpZ4L404M Using Microtones in Electronic Music (microtonal tutorial)], by [[Sevish]], posted Jan 23, 2020. | ||
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QNnVndGLmw How to export microtonal tuning files using Scala], by Sevish, posted Sep 17, 2016. | **[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QNnVndGLmw How to export microtonal tuning files using Scala], by Sevish, posted Sep 17, 2016. | ||