User:Contribution/Chanofreq Project

Chanofreq Project

Objective: Develop a standardized file format that allows each note on every MIDI channel to be tuned to a specific frequency, using the simplest possible data structure.

File Extension: .cnf

Format Name: Chanofreq

Etymology: Channel + Note + Frequency

File Structure

A Chanofreq file is a straightforward text file with instructions formatted as follows:

channel X note Y frequency Z

• X: An integer ≥ 1 (or 0, which does not control a MIDI channel but instead controls the internal keyboard independent of the plugin, such as the built-in sequencer in ABL3).
• Y: An integer ≥ 0.
• Z: A 64-bit floating-point number ≥ 0.

Instructions can be separated either by a semicolon (";") or a newline.

Examples:

channel X1 note Y1 frequency Z1; channel X2 note Y2 frequency Z2
channel X3 note Y3 frequency Z3

Behavior on Loading

When the file is loaded, all notes are initially deactivated. Each instruction activates or updates the frequency of a note.

For instruments with internal notes that are not MIDI-controlled, use the following instruction:

channel 0 note Y frequency Z

Channel 0 also assign a frequency to any note Y that remains deactivated after the file is processed, regardless of the MIDI channel.

Planned Projects

1. Web Interface: Create an online tool for generating .cnf files easily.
2. Virtual Synthesizer: Develop a basic virtual synthesizer to serve as a reference implementation for developers.
3. Presentation Video: Produce a compelling video introducing the .cnf format, featuring a demonstration of the synthesizer, designed to attract and convince developers and users of its potential.
4. Collaboration with Oddsound: Engage with Oddsound to integrate the .cnf format into their MTS-ESP Mini and MTS-ESP Master plugins.
5. Update Xen Wiki: Add a "Multi-Channel Tuning Ability" column to the List of Microtonal Software Plugins, giving a green highlight to developers who properly implement the .cnf format or MTS-ESP Multi-Channel.
6. Advocacy: Promote the adoption of the .cnf format and MTS-ESP Multi-Channel among tuning-friendly companies such as these ones: https://oddsound.com/usingmtsesp.php