Software
This page lists notable software (excluding plugins atm) that can be used to create microtonal music. This page is currently a work in progress.
DAWs
Ableton Live
In Ableton, it is possible to specify a global tuning by importing a .scl file or .ascl (Ableton's format) file. Doing so will retune all native Ableton instruments as well as any other instruments that have MPE enabled.
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio has a built in micro-pitch plugin. There are two settings: A setting to adjust each note of a 12-note octave-repeating scale from 0-24 semitones, and a setting to use an ED dividing an interval between 0-24 semitones into x steps. Since Bitwig uses a proprietary retuning protocol, this plugin does not work with non-native instruments (with the exception of Surge XT).
The Surge Synth Team has also developed Tuning Note CLAPs that use the Bitwig retuning protocol.
- The EDN-M to Note Expression plugin supports EDs dividing any whole number harmonic from 2-6 into 3-72 steps.
- The MTS-ESP to Note Expression plugin is a MTS-ESP client, and supports both Note On retuning and Real Time retuning.
Both the native micro-pitch plugin and the Tuning Note CLAPs are Note FX plugins, so to use them you must place them before your instrument, or in the instrument's note chain.
Reaper
[i will compile all of the reaper tools later, there's a ton of stuff]
FL Studio
It is possible to use FL's patcher for microtuning.
The plugins Harmor and Sytrus (included in All Plugins Edition and Producer Edition respectively) are microtunable using a pitch map (.fmv). Harmor can also be retuned with a .scl file.
Logic Pro
It is possible to set a global tuning for a Logic Pro project, however it is limited to a 12-note octave-repeating scale where you can adjust each note by +/-100c. It is possible to import a .scl file, but Logic Pro will only understand files that follow this limitation.
Beat DJ
Beat DJ is a command-based software that allows you to set a JI scale, an EDO, or import/export your own .scl file using the scale or sc command.
