User:Mousemambo/Document draft: Difference between revisions

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* Live performance, when you don't want the complexity or CPU overhead of alternative methods.

* Causal playing, when you want to ~~begin quickly~~.

* Causal playing, when there isn't an existing tuning file you want to use.

* Playing a ~~soft~~ synth ~~with built-in retuning support~~ in standalone mode (i.e. not inside a DAW).

* Playing a synth in standalone mode (i.e. not inside a DAW).

'''Advantages'''

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

===Method 2: Set a tuning 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===

[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 method 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.

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

'''Scenarios'''

* ~~[What circumstances would lead~~ to ~~this being the best~~ (~~or at least~~ a ~~very good~~) ~~choice among the methods listed here? The "why that is" would be answered~~ in ~~the next two sections~~.]

* Using a synth that supports loading tuning files.

* Casual playing where you want to begin quickly.

* 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.

* When you only have one or a small number of instruments to retune together.

* When you are using an unusual MIDI controller.

'''Advantages'''

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* Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument.

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

* Scala keyboard mapping files can support many custom keyboard formats and unusual 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'''

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* Not supported by most software synths.

* Requires finding a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file for your desired tuning, else...

* Requires ~~development of~~ 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 [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Scale design software|scale design software]].

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

* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala tuning system. [[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. Conversely, other synths may support the Anamark format but not the Scala one. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Using 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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===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#~~Method 2:~~ Set a tuning using a Scala ~~tuning~~ 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.

===Scale design software ===

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* [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ Surge XT], by the Surge Synth Team (synth)

===~~Converting~~ Anamark tuning files===

===Using Anamark tuning files===

Surge XT does not support [[Anamark tuning file format|Anamark format (.tun) tuning files]], unlike some other synths. However, if you have only an Anamark format tuning file for your tuning, there are several converter tools that can seamlessly use that file to generate a tuning file in Scala format along with a keyboard mapping file if the .tun file includes the needed mapping data. [Do .tun files always include keyboard mapping data?] [Name some good converters and provide links here and below in External links, e.g. Scale Workshop, Scala....]

Surge XT does not support [[Anamark tuning file format|Anamark format (.tun) tuning files]], unlike some other synths. However, if you have only an Anamark format tuning file for your tuning, there are several converter tools that can seamlessly use that file to generate a tuning file in Scala format along with a keyboard mapping file if the .tun file includes the needed mapping data. [Do .tun files always include keyboard mapping data?] [Name some good converters and provide links here and below in External links, e.g. Scale Workshop, Scala....] Conversely, a Scale scale and mapping file pair can be converted into an Anamark v2 tuning file.

[Briefly, describe why you might or might not prefer to use an Anamark tuning file instead of the Scala two-file retuning system.]

[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==

@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 * Live performance, when you don't want the complexity or CPU overhead of alternative methods.
-* Causal playing, when you want to begin quickly.
+* Causal playing, when there isn't an existing tuning file you want to use.
-* Playing a soft synth with built-in retuning support in standalone mode (i.e. not inside a DAW).
+* Playing a synth in standalone mode (i.e. not inside a DAW).
 '''Advantages'''
@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 * 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 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===
 [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 method 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.
+Probably the most common method people choose to retune a synth in a DAW by loading prepared tuning files. For this method, we use the example of a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file, since the Surge XT synth supports the [[User:Mousemambo/Scala tuning system|Scala tuning system]]. Very briefly, the scale file sets the intervals of the scale and the keyboard mapping file places the tuning base of the scale file on a specific MIDI note, sets the tuning reference note and pitch, and maps the notes to a keyboard or other controller. See the sections "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" below for more about these tuning files.
 '''Scenarios'''
-* [What circumstances would lead to this being the best (or at least a very good) choice among the methods listed here? The "why that is" would be answered in the next two sections.]
+* Using a synth that supports loading tuning files.
+* Casual playing where you want to begin quickly.
+* 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.
+* When you only have one or a small number of instruments to retune together.
+* When you are using an unusual MIDI controller.
 '''Advantages'''
@@ Line 78: / Line 83: @@
 * Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument.
 * Many popular and rare tunings have tuning files already prepared and available online to download.
-* Scala keyboard mapping files can support many custom keyboard formats and unusual 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'''
@@ Line 84: / Line 89: @@
 * Not supported by most software synths.
 * Requires finding a Scala scale file and keyboard mapping file for your desired tuning, else...
-* Requires development of 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 [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Scale design software|scale design software]].
@@ Line 119: / Line 124: @@
 '''''Anamark tuning files'''''
-* Surge XT doesn't directly support Anamark tuning files (.tun), which are a one-file alternative to using the two-file Scala tuning system. [[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. Conversely, other synths may support the Anamark format but not the Scala one. [[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Using Anamark tuning files|Anamark tuning files]] are briefly described in the Appendix.
 ===Method 3: Set a tuning using a tuning plugin===
@@ Line 186: / Line 191: @@
 ===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#Method 2: Set a tuning using a Scala tuning 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.
 ===Scale design software ===
@@ Line 202: / Line 207: @@
 * [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ Surge XT], by the Surge Synth Team (synth)
-===Converting Anamark tuning files===
+===Using Anamark tuning files===
-Surge XT does not support [[Anamark tuning file format|Anamark format (.tun) tuning files]], unlike some other synths. However, if you have only an Anamark format tuning file for your tuning, there are several converter tools that can seamlessly use that file to generate a tuning file in Scala format along with a keyboard mapping file if the .tun file includes the needed mapping data. [Do .tun files always include keyboard mapping data?] [Name some good converters and provide links here and below in External links, e.g. Scale Workshop, Scala....]
+Surge XT does not support [[Anamark tuning file format|Anamark format (.tun) tuning files]], unlike some other synths. However, if you have only an Anamark format tuning file for your tuning, there are several converter tools that can seamlessly use that file to generate a tuning file in Scala format along with a keyboard mapping file if the .tun file includes the needed mapping data. [Do .tun files always include keyboard mapping data?] [Name some good converters and provide links here and below in External links, e.g. Scale Workshop, Scala....] Conversely, a Scale scale and mapping file pair can be converted into an Anamark v2 tuning file.
-[Briefly, describe why you might or might not prefer to use an Anamark tuning file instead of the Scala two-file retuning system.]
+[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==