From time to time there has been some discussion on the microtuning function in Zebra. I have earlier proposed an added function a la FM7-8 where you can choose a scale and a root note. I bring this subject up again. About twice a year I try to load a just intonation scale (1, 9/8, 5/4, 4/3, 3/2, 5/3,15/8, 2) with for example G as root. I fail miserably every time. I have tried different ways: With Scala, that produces one kind of file, that you have to convert to a .tun file. I have downloaded archives with different tunings, but it is hard do decipher what the different files represent, and hard to convert to .tun, I have tried a German program, (forgot the name) that produces .tun files, but that didn't work etc.
My question i twofold:
1. Please, can't we have an addendum to Zebra with the functionality mentioned above? It doesn't mean you have to take away the present microtuning system, which surely is more flexible if you can make it work.
2. Can anyone guide me through the process of loading a just intonation file in G? I am working with som picees that will probably incorporate live strings and brass, and it sounds so much nicer if the synths are in just intonation, which more closely resembles what string and horn players use.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Another take on Zebra micro tuning...
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- KVRer
- 15 posts since 18 Jun, 2011
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 15 posts since 18 Jun, 2011
Hmm, no replies. Regarding question 2: Does no reply indicate a boring, selfexplanatory question, or is it perhaps more users than me, that find the system confusing, and they can't help me? My guess is that the latter is true. Perhaps an indication for a simpler microtuning system? 
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Aroused by JarJar Aroused by JarJar https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=191505
- KVRian
- 1048 posts since 16 Oct, 2008
It's very simple!
In Scala, create or open your .scl tuning file.
set the Base Frequency to G, or wherever you'd like, under the menu "Edit", or use Ctrl + F.
then "copy to keyboard mapping" (also in the Base Frequency pop-up).
Then, down at the bottom of the Scala window, type in:
set synth
it'll prompt, then type in:
112
it'll say:
"Synthesizer 112: TUN standard .tun format for many softsynths, via text file"
now, type:
send/file
and it'll say "to" and you type in your file name (JustOnG.tun, for example).
You'll have to figure out for yourself which key you want what frequency on.
In Scala, create or open your .scl tuning file.
set the Base Frequency to G, or wherever you'd like, under the menu "Edit", or use Ctrl + F.
then "copy to keyboard mapping" (also in the Base Frequency pop-up).
Then, down at the bottom of the Scala window, type in:
set synth
it'll prompt, then type in:
112
it'll say:
"Synthesizer 112: TUN standard .tun format for many softsynths, via text file"
now, type:
send/file
and it'll say "to" and you type in your file name (JustOnG.tun, for example).
You'll have to figure out for yourself which key you want what frequency on.
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 15 posts since 18 Jun, 2011
Thanks. I'll try it when I get home.
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Aroused by JarJar Aroused by JarJar https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=191505
- KVRian
- 1048 posts since 16 Oct, 2008
After you figure out the technical aspect, you have to make musical decisions. Are you going to put G on the usual G key, or on the C keys?
Are you going to keep the G from A-440 12-tone equal temperament and retune the other notes, or are you going to tune G to, for example two pure fourths up from A-440? And so on.
Especially when your tuning has fewer or more tones than 12, you have to figure these things out with a bit of care.
Correction- of course FIRST you make the musical decisions, then the technical ones, but after making the technical adjustments you have to make sure everything lines up with your original musical intent!
Are you going to keep the G from A-440 12-tone equal temperament and retune the other notes, or are you going to tune G to, for example two pure fourths up from A-440? And so on.
Especially when your tuning has fewer or more tones than 12, you have to figure these things out with a bit of care.
Correction- of course FIRST you make the musical decisions, then the technical ones, but after making the technical adjustments you have to make sure everything lines up with your original musical intent!
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- KVRAF
- 26995 posts since 3 Feb, 2005 from in the wilds
I'm in the later category. Zebra has never seemed to come with any tuning files, and when I have tried ones I found on the internet they never worked. I gave up on it a long time ago.orebronerd wrote:Hmm, no replies. Regarding question 2: Does no reply indicate a boring, selfexplanatory question, or is it perhaps more users than me, that find the system confusing, and they can't help me? My guess is that the latter is true. Perhaps an indication for a simpler microtuning system?
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- KVRist
- 135 posts since 19 Dec, 2008
uhe synths are well facilitated to load tuning files. Creating your own tuning files is another matter entirely, which should be done elsewhere. I use 'Lil' Miss Scale oven' (which isn't available anymore). H-Pi Instruments do micro-tonal related software too and may have something for creating your own tunings with options for saving under different formats.