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Revision as of 08:26, 9 August 2023 by Mousemambo (talk | contribs)
Please use this page's Discussion page for comments and suggestions. Or you can join the discussion in the #wiki channel of the Xenharmonic Alliance's Discord server. This developing page was initially just an outline, and I have been expanding it into a proper page. I am using square brackets to enclose editing notes to myself, which will eventually all be removed.
This page is a detailed thinking-out-loud sketch of what a guide might look like for teaching how to use Surge XT set to alternative (non-12-EDO) tunings in Reaper. It might become a (re-titled) main-area Xen wiki page. It might become part of a larger document also describing how other popular but less full-featured synths or samplers can be used for microtonal music in Reaper. It might become part of a larger document also describing how Surge XT can be used for microtonal music in other DAWs. ALERT: I am currently exploring the option of expanding it just a bit to incorporate another synth or two that has to be used differently than Surge XT, but some sections still include older text that presumes the article is just about Surge XT and Reaper. Also, I'm exploring what could/should be split out into a separate "Scala tuning system" article.

DRAFT ==== Proposed page title: Guide to tuning a software synth in a DAW ==== DRAFT

This guide describes some common methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative tuning systems, by using a software synthesizer running inside a 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 give you the understanding needed to use these tuning methods with other instrument-DAW combinations.

There are many other ways to create music with alternative tuning, like using other software, your voice, or a physical musical instrument. This guide only explores one: a synth in a DAW. Don't know what "alternative tuning" means? Please visit the Xenharmonic wiki's Main page.

Introduction

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 "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 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 "Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW." The instructions also may assume you are using a standard piano keyboard (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form, although non-standard keyboards are supported by some 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.

Some samplers or sampler systems also support re-tuning using the methods described here.

Methods for setting a tuning

[I need to think further about how I want to name these use cases. I might prefer something that says more about why rather than what or how. But there can be several different "why" use cases for each the configurations named. So I might leave them as they are, call this section "Methods" and have the first section after the title and before "Advantages" be "Scenarios" for describing typical use cases for that method. I might remove the "Method N" prefix, but its useful in this doc to quickly refer people to a method by number rather than writing out the whole name.] [I don't like the "Method 1 Scenarios" style of sub-section heading, nor "Scenarios (Method 1)" or anything other than "Scenarios" -- but then I can't make them link targets because there would be multiple occurrences of a "Scenarios" sub-section heading. Need to ponder more.]

Four common instrument-DAW configurations for alternative tunings, here called "methods," are presented below. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, given the scenarios described. There are also other less common methods that might be appropriate or necessary for other instruments and DAWs and for special cases. If none of the offered scenarios describe your own situation, then you're invited to review the extensive "Tuning methods" article to explore more possibilities.

To use this Methods section, you can choose just to read the "Scenarios" section of each method to find something that is close to the actual scenario in which you plan to use Surge XT and Reaper. Then follow the "Instructions" for that method. Or you may want to read all the "Scenarios," "Advantages," and "Disadvantages" of every method to gain a strong understanding of all these possibilities and be prepared for many scenarios.

Method 1: Set a tuning directly in the synth itself

[Briefly: What is a tuning editor?]

Scenarios

  • ...

Advantages

  • No additional component complexity.
  • Can be quick and easy to set up for simple tunings you're very familiar with.
  • May include a tuning development environment to assist with developing new tunings.

Disadvantages

  • Very few synths include a tuning editor.
  • 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.
  • Tuning doesn't apply to an ensemble of instruments together.
  • Tuning can't be easily changed during a performance.

Instructions

...[Use Surge's tuning editor to recreate a custom tuning, perhaps using the example of Ptolemy's Intense Diatonic or something more unusual.]

Notes

The Kontakt sampler system offers a simple microtuning script for re-tuning 12-note scales. [briefly describe how to use it.] For more complex scales in Kontakt, see this Guide to tuning the Kontakt sampler system.

Method 2: Set a tuning 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.... For more about Scala scale and keyboard mapping files, see the 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 "Scala scale file" and "Scala keyboard mapping file" or a single "Scala tuning system" article might incorporate both those as sections at least initially.]

Introduction paragraph goes here....

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.]

Advantages

  • Quickly apply a prepared tuning to your musical instrument.
  • Numerous popular and rare tunings have existing tuning files already prepared and available online.
  • Scala keyboard mapping files can support many custom keyboard formats and controller devices.

Disadvantages

  • 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.
  • Generally doesn't include a tuning development environment.

Instructions

  1. Launch the Reaper application, create a 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 using Surge XT in standalone mode instead, replace this step with: Launch the Surge XT standalone application.
  2. Load a Scala scale file (.scl) into Surge XT as follows:
    1. In Surge XT's Menu (found in the bottom right corner) select the Tuning option, then choose "Load .scl tuning..."
    2. 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?]
  3. Load a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm), for example the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file [which *is* international ISO tuning standard].
  4. 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.
  5. Optionally, test the tuning to ensure it's correct.

Notes

[This whole section needs extensive review with regard to what should be moved to the Appendix here, or the Tuning methods article, what belongs in the 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. This doesn't seem to be the right place to explain it in great detail -- the Tuning methods article is a better choice.]

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 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 instructions for Vital are a little different but might be worth briefly including. AFAIK, there is still no way to apply re-tuning to the filters without using the Mod Remap system instead of the tuning file import system.]

Scala scale file

  • [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods of establishing tunings. Some of this might better be located in a "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 "Scala scale file" article or that section of a "Scala tuning system" article.]

Scala keyboard mapping file

  • [Note that other keyboard layouts are supported by other keyboard mapping files.]
  • 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.
  • 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. Or your instrument may let 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 Tuning methods or Scala tuning system articles.

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

  • Some software, like Garritan's Aria Player sampler system [others?], 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.
  • Instead of using a keyboard mapping file, you can also set the base for your scale in Surge XT using its tuning editor as described in 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 Tuning methods for more about setting a tuning's base note, tuning center, and keyboard mapping issues, including the tuning system meanings of the terms base note, reference pitch, tuning center, diapason, and tonic.

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, and briefly described in the Appendix.

Method 3: Set a tuning using a tuning plugin

[What is a tuning plugin, also called a re-tuning plugin?] [What different mechanisms do tuning plugins use to control a musical instrument?]

There is no convincing case for using this tuning method with Surge XT, AFAIK. If you want to set a custom tuning, or load a tuning file, or respond to an MTS-ESP tuning source, you can do all those in Surge XT without any need for an additional plugin. For more about tuning plugins, see the Tuning methods article.

[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 "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 from MTS-ESP Suite, Entonal Studio, Wilsonic MTS-ESP, InfinitoneDMT, or Fluid Pitch).]

  • Scenarios
    • ...
  • Advantages
    • 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.
    • May include a tuning development environment to assist with developing new tunings.
  • Disadvantages
    • Added complexity.
    • Some experimentation may be necessary to find appropriate settings.

Instructions

...

Notes

...

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.]

Scenarios

  • ...

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Supported by relatively few software synths.
  • Requires an extra component, the MTS-ESP source.
  • Technology is only really needed for certain circumstances.

Instructions

...

Notes

...

How to test the tuning

[Briefly: If you're familiar enough with the tuning to recognize its correctness by ear, play the scale. Otherwise, test the frequency of played notes using the tuner that comes with your DAW, or an external (e.g. phone-based) tuner. This may require using a prepared data sheet or making one using an appropriate utility like Scala or the simpler Scale Workshop. In Reaper do this....]

Appendix

Tuning base note, tuning center, and tonic

[Explain these key concepts and describe how they interact using the example of a traditional just intonation system.]

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.]

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 Method 1 or Method 2 given above can be used to re-tune Surge XT.

Tuning development environment

[What is a tuning explorer or tuning development environment? E.g. Scala, Entonal Studio, MTS-ESP Suite.]

Anamark tuning files

Scala does not support Anamark format (.tun) tuning files, which some other synths do support. 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.]

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

See also

External links

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