Just a quick microtuning tutorial. Are you using a synthesizer instrument which loads the TUN (.tun) tuning file format? Let’s learn how to create one of these .tun files using Scala.
Before you start, make sure you’re using a synthesiser that supports .tun files.
You could load a file from Scala’s huge scale database, or you could generate new pitches by typing a command into the command bar (at the bottom of the window). For example let’s create a 13 note equal scale (13-EDO):
equal 13
Tip: Type “show” to display your the tuning in the main window.
show
Type the following into the command bar:
set synth 112
Scala will output “Synthesizer 112: TUN standard .tun format for many softsynths, via text file”. You’re doing OK.
Go to File > Export synth tuning. Or press Shift+Ctrl+T instead. Choose a new location to save the file. All done!
This is very similar to the process of making a MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS) tuning dump. To make an MTS .mid file, use “set synth 107” instead.
Jam away!
I find scala very difficult to use. I have been trying to understand it for awhile now and i am not musically trained. I want to use the scala files with my eurorack modular setup using an algorithm on the Disting MK4. The problem i am facing is that i need to create keyboard maps for the scales and i really dont have a clue how to do that. The scala file i choose from the list of nearly 5000 will often tell you how many notes there are in the scale but there are no default keyboard maps for a given number of scale steps. This is the limit of my understanding as it all gets too much like computer programming and gets in the way of what i want to experiment with. Can you offer me any advice on this please?
I can’t get Scala to work at all. I’ve tried for several days to install it and just keep getting new and different errors.
You need to install gtk+ library…
https://www.gtk.org/download/windows.php
First – it is a real shit to complain for a free soft, actually I have to thanx programmers for effort – unfortunately that is were my thanx has to finish.
If there would be no program at all and vst would use notepad like Kaleidoscope – it would be awesome.
I would be fine with 80s graphics, even absurd non-codes like “set synth 112” (which nobody ever mention except this site.
No manual for soft where you have to type “set synth 112” just export is a thing, for which should one can go to jail for years.
Damn it 21 century – cyber age – and electronic music can use only scale set up before Jesus, or use 80s soft without manual to at lest slightly taste what we are missing….
Would you please create a more in depth tutorial for using MTS in Reaper?
Also any tutorials for Alda?
Hey Cletus, I’m not sure I can help here as I don’t have access to Reaper and Alda. I heard that Reaper does indeed support MTS SysEx messages – you could try looking for plugins/instruments that support MTS.