Topic by Tarek

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Topic: How to write a Scala file with microtonal starting note

Hey guys, been struggling with this: I need to make scala files which has A and/or C micro-tuned. Whenever I try this with these notes the whole scale's tuning shifts. I can't figure out how to change the reference note to neither A or C.

Eventually I need this as TUN file (so a solution which involves kbm + scl won't be entirely sufficient).

Here are 2 examples of the scales in question:

1: F - G - A (half-flat) - Bb - C - D - E (half-flat)
2: Ab - Bb - C (half-flat) - Db - Eb - F - G (half-flat)

Any help is much appreciated!

Reply by dazric

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Re: How to write a Scala file with microtonal starting note

I think I've figured out how to do this, but it uses Keyboard mapping, so I'm not sure it's completely what you want, but it may give you a start. In Keyboard mapping, select '7 tone scale on white keys'. Use the + - buttons on the top note (set to C3 by default) to set the key centre to F. Then (from Equal temperament), set A3 to 350, B3 to 500, and E4 to 1050. That should give you your first scale.
(You might be able to set this up in normal mapping, I haven't tested that).

Update: this setting IS possible with normal (12-note) mapping, but I think you would have to either leave the black keys as they are or retune them to duplicate 5 of the white keys. I'm not familiar with TUN files but this may be helpful (an online converter for SCL to TUN): http://www.microtonalsoftware.com/scl-s...erter.html

That's a fascinating scale, by the way. Does it have a name? Alternative tunings always intrigue me!

Last edited by dazric (28-01-2019 17:46)

Reply by Tarek

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Re: How to write a Scala file with microtonal starting note

dazric wrote:

Update: this setting IS possible with normal (12-note) mapping, but I think you would have to either leave the black keys as they are or retune them to duplicate 5 of the white keys. I'm not familiar with TUN files but this may be helpful (an online converter for SCL to TUN): http://www.microtonalsoftware.com/scl-s...erter.html

Dazric you just saved the day This converter is gold, all I needed. THANK YOU.

Reply by Tarek

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Re: How to write a Scala file with microtonal starting note

dazric wrote:

That's a fascinating scale, by the way. Does it have a name? Alternative tunings always intrigue me!

Yes that's the godfather of Arabic scales (ie maqams) called Rast. Usually starts on C. The degrees in which the 3rd and 7th are half-flatted differs from region to region, it fluctuates so the term quarter-tone is to be taken loosely. You can find a lot of great material and examples on this website http://maqamworld.com

Reply by dazric

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Re: How to write a Scala file with microtonal starting note

Wow, that maqam site looks fascinating, it's all new to me. Glad to be of help.