MIDI
How to play quarter tones on MIDI synths >>>>>
- Using .TUN tuning files ;
Some software synths can load tuning files called .tun files made with Scala.
AnaMark, VAZ Plus, 2001, Modular; Big Tick Angelina, Rainbow, Rhino; LinPlug Albino2, Alpha2, CronoX, Octopus; Cameleon5000; VirSyn Cube, Tobybear Helios, TERA 2, Wusik Wusikstation, Zebra 2.0, Omnisphere, u-he Ace, Virsyn, Alchemy, Metasynth
DOWNLOAD .TUN FILES FOR MAQAM BAYATI RAST HOZAM HIJAZ
ALL .TUN FILES CAN BE EDITED WITH ANY TEXT EDITOR
JUST REMEMBER TO SAVE AS .TUN
- Using synths with a user scale function;
Some synths like the Korg M1 Native Instruments FM8 and Absynth have a user-scale function. Individual notes can be tuned -50 cents for a quarter-tone.
FM8 :
Absynth :
- Using pitch bend;
Uisng pitch bend in a midi sequencer it is possible to program quarter tones. Set the pitch bend range in the synth to 1 semitone.
download ableton pitchbend example set
- Using VST synths with a quarter tone function:
sika, nay, zourna etc:
Download synths here >> vst4free
- Using a sampler;
Put an audio sample on every key – the quarter tones can be tuned down by 50 cents.
- Using analog CV sequencers;
CV sequencers have an adjustable pitch for each step.
- Use plugins to re-tune audio to microtones;
Melodyne :
Autotune :
Autotune doesnt seem to have adjustable microtones however it has the scale “Arabic 2″ which is Bayati.
- KYMA Software;
>> full list of microtunable synths here <<
Pythagoras tunings in cents:
1 : 2 octave (1200 cents)
2 : 3 fifth (701.96 cents)
3 : 4 fourth (498.04 cents)
4 : 5 major third (386.31 cents)
5 : 6 minor third (315.64 cents)
