Microtonal Tuning

[braincell]

I see with Pianoteq, it is easy to set up microtonal scales even pick from 4,000 free online Scala scales. The problem of course is your other software won't match. They don't make it easy, there is no standard for this.

The tuning system we use in most synthesizers is called "equal temperament." This temperment makes it possible to play the same thing in every key and have it sound the same (generally in tune). It's a compromise because intervals are slightly out of tune. Other tuning systems sound more in tune but only in some keys.

Musicians who have easy control over pitch, tune it to the best increment subconsciously but piano players have no option usually. There is a system called Hermode Tuning available (when switched on) in Cubase, Logic and other programs which does this but it has to be implemented by the VSTi plugin maker. It usually is not.

Bottom line, it's easier to just go with equal temperament but this could be remedied if the software makers would talk to each other and do this little thing, not a monumental programming task I imagine.

[Nestor]

My experience with microtonal music in general, is that ALL of the western musicians that I know that got involved in it, like myself, got rid of it pretty soon, it is not our cup of tea, you will get tired of it very fast, unless you are going for some experimental passages.