Xenharmonic Reference - User contributions [en]

User:ArcusRays

2026-05-13T20:20:34Z

ArcusRays:

I am Arcus (aka dotuXil)

I am XenGrove (self-proclaimed) Director of Friendship

Check out my [https://www.youtube.com/@dotuxil YouTube], [https://dotuxil.bandcamp.com Bandcamp], [https://zenithinformation.xyz Website], and other [https://dotuxil.github.io Website].

Contact me via discord/XenGrove, not on my talk page

Todo:

* Work on [[Software]]
* Work on [[Common tuning methods for software plugins]]
* Work on [[22edo]]

Software

2026-02-23T22:49:48Z

ArcusRays:

{{Wip}}

This page lists notable software (excluding plugins atm) that can be used to create microtonal music.

== DAWs ==

=== Ableton Live ===
In Ableton, it is possible to specify a global tuning by importing a [[Common tuning methods for software plugins# .scl/.kbm file|.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 [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#tuning-note-claps 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.

=== Other DAWs ===
Here is a list of lesser known DAWs that support microtuning:

[Table WIP]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!Description
!OS
!Plugin Support
!Tuning Method & Ability
!License/Cost
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

== Notation Software ==
=== Musescore ===
[https://github.com/AzureDevs/XenKit XenKit]
[https://github.com/euwbah/musescore-xen-tuner XenTuner]
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Description
!Tuning Method & Ability
!Compatibility
|-
|XenKit
|
|
|
|-
|XenTuner
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

=== Dorico ===

== Other Composing Software ==
{{Cat|Praxis}}

Common tuning methods for software plugins

2026-02-23T22:49:30Z

ArcusRays:

{{Wip}}

This page aims to explain a basis of the different common tuning methods you may encounter when using software plugins in a DAW, so you can be more informed of the differences between them.
This page is currently a work in progress.

== File import ==
Probably the most common method, typically for this method you would need to download a file such as from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop] (a great resource for creating these tuning files), and there would be a setting in your chosen plugin where you would be able to import the file. This will usually have to be done individually for each plugin instance.

=== .scl/.kbm file ===
The Scala file format (.scl) is currently the most popular and supported microtonal file format. In addition, it is the format used by the [https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/downloads.html#scales Scala scale archive] and the software of the same name.

Details of the Scala file format can be found here: https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/scl_format.html

Sometimes, you may also want a .kbm file to map an accompany .scl file to start on a specific MIDI note or frequency, so you may want to choose a plugin that supports both formats.

=== .tun file ===
.tun files are known as the Anamark tuning format.

=== Kontakt Script ===
Kontakt (and NOT Kontakt Player) has its own separate method for microtuning, and that is through its script editor accessible through Edit Mode. To use it for microtuning, you either have to import a Kontakt script, or use one of the preset Kontakt microtuning scripts and choose the settings of your liking. Beware however, the effectiveness of Kontakt's microtuning varies by the library, and not all libraries allow you to access Edit Mode.

To access Edit Mode, load in an instrument in Kontakt, and check the top left corner for a wrench icon.

[[File:Kontaktwrench.png|300px]]

If instead, you find a cogs icon, that means the library you are using does not allow you to use Edit Mode and thus this method cannot be used. Rarely some of these libraries have built-in tuning capabilities, but they are usually very limited. (eg. Kontakt Factory Library 2)

[[File:Kontaktcogs.png|300px]]

Once you are in Edit Mode, click the Script Editor button and then click the first tab that says <empty>.

[[File:Kontaktselect.png|500px]]

You can choose whether you want to use one of the default presets (via Preset -> Factory -> Tuning) or import your own. Clicking Edit will open up a large text box. If you downloaded a Kontakt Script from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop], you will have plaintext that you can copy and then paste into the script editor by clicking Apply from... -> ... Clipboard and then clicking Apply.

[[File:Kontaktscript.png|500px]]

From there on you should test your instrument to see whether it works with microtuning, as some libraries break or do not tune correctly.

=== Other tuning file formats ===

todo: table of plugin / etc specific tuning files and etc

== MTS-ESP ==
MTS-ESP is also a common way of microtuning plugins. Typically you will have to open and retune a MTS-ESP source/master (how you do so is dependent on the specific one), and it will automatically retune other plugins that are open and support MTS-ESP.

A list of MTS-ESP sources and clients can be found here: https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#mts-esp

== Other ==
For more description on DAW-specific tuning methods, see [[Software#DAWs]].

=== MPE ===

{{Cat|Praxis}}

User:ArcusRays

2026-02-16T09:22:22Z

ArcusRays:

ArcusRays is a pseudonym of musician dotuXil.

People call me Dee, Arcus, Dotu, and other things. I go by any pronouns. I'm a microtonal musician and multimedia creative and paracosm holder and all the good stuff. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I live to make things.

I believe everywhere, and especially in xenharmony, people should inspire and encourage others to grow and learn and be kind to each other. Making art and contributing to this wiki is how I give back to the community and carry out my dreams.

Check out my [https://www.youtube.com/@dotuxil YouTube], [https://dotuxil.bandcamp.com Bandcamp], [https://zenithinformation.xyz Website], and other [https://dotuxil.github.io Website].

My discord handle is dotuxil and I'm very active on XenGrove. If you wanna contact me, contact me there, not on my userpage. I check this website very sporadically.

Todo:

* Work on [[Software]]
* Work on [[Common tuning methods for software plugins]]
* Work on [[22edo]]

Software

2026-02-16T08:56:23Z

ArcusRays:

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 [[Common tuning methods for software plugins# .scl/.kbm file|.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 [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#tuning-note-claps 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.

=== Other DAWs ===
Here is a list of lesser known DAWs that support microtuning:

[Table WIP]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!Description
!OS
!Plugin Support
!Tuning Method & Ability
!License/Cost
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}

== Notation Software ==
=== Musescore ===
[https://github.com/AzureDevs/XenKit XenKit]
[https://github.com/euwbah/musescore-xen-tuner XenTuner]
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Description
!Tuning Method & Ability
!Compatibility
|-
|XenKit
|
|
|
|-
|XenTuner
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

=== Dorico ===

== Other Composing Software ==
{{Cat|Praxis}}

Combination product set

2026-01-31T11:39:07Z

ArcusRays: music

{{Problematic}}
{{Expert}}
A '''combination product set''' (CPS) is a scale (usually [[Just intonation|JI]]) generated by the following procedure:

# A list of chosen intervals (usually odd harmonics) is the starting point.
# All the combinations of some number of distinct intervals from the list are obtained. The same number of intervals is used for every combination.
# Each of the above combinations of intervals is stacked together into one interval.
# This results in a list of notes. One note is chosen as the tonic.
# The resulting intervals relative to the tonic are octave-reduced.

CPSes are notable as ''every'' note of a CPS has a different JI chord on it.

A CPS is a subset of an iterated [[cross-set]] of a chord with itself. Specifically, a CPS of chord X is the subset of all elements of cross-set(X, cross-set(X, cross-set(..., cross-set(X, X)...))) that do not stack any ratio of X more than once. CPSes were developed by Erv Wilson.
== Example (1, 3, 5, 7 hexany) ==
# In this example we choose four odd harmonics: 1, 3, 5, 7.
# We get all combinations of 2 different odd harmonics: [1, 3], [1, 5], [1, 7], [3, 5], [3, 7], [5, 7].
# For each combination of intervals, stack the intervals together: 3, 5, 7, 15, 21, 35.
# Choose 3 as the tonic. (This choice just amounts to choosing a mode of the final scale.)
# Measure all the other notes relative to the chosen tonic: 1/1, 5/3, 7/3, 15/3 = 5/1, 21/3 = 7/1, 35/3.
# Octave-reduce everything: 1/1, 5/3, 7/6, 5/4, 7/4, 35/24.
This results in the 6-note scale [1/1, 7/6, 5/4, 35/24, 5/3, 7/4, 2/1], hence "hexany".

== Types of CPSes ==
Common sizes for CPSes have specific names:
# '''Hexany''': Choose 2 out of a list of 4 intervals
#* '''Stellated hexany''': A hexany combined with combinations of 1 and combinations of 3
#* '''Bihexany''': Superimposition of two offset hexanies
# '''Dekany''': Choose 2 (or 3) out of a list of 5 intervals
# '''Pentadekany''': Choose 2 (or 4) out of a list of 6 intervals
# '''Eikosany''': Choose 3 out of a list of 6 intervals, creating a 20-note scale

== Playing with CPSes ==
ScaleWorkshop 3 allows you to make JI CPSes:
# Go to https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org
# Click "New scale"
# Select "Combination product set"

== Music ==
* [https://youtu.be/62FggGa9bMg Eikosany Study - Daniel Corral (1 3 5 7 9 11 eikosany)]
* [https://youtu.be/AWeFIOwGBh8 Nodial - Outward Once (an eikosany)]
* [https://youtu.be/0n1AqB_SY7c Sevish - Murmurations (1 3 5 7 9 dekany)]
* [https://youtu.be/5IyRbPr9QV0 dotuXil - waterpad (1 3 5 7 9 dekany)]
{{Cat|Scale construction}}

Equiheptatonic

2026-01-31T11:04:21Z

ArcusRays: yeah theres no reason to include that lmao

[[File:Qetqbnx.png|thumb|The derivation of [[equipentatonic]] and equiheptatonic scales by adding melodic steps to [1/1 4/3 3/2 2/1].]]
An equiheptatonic scale is a scale with 7 approximately equally spaced notes within the octave. A tuning system that generates an equiheptatonic scale may be conceptualized with the '''7-form'''. Below are several examples of equiheptatonic scales.

== 7edo ==
7edo is the basic equiheptatonic, where all the steps are tuned to be precisely equal. It features steps of (1200/7) ~= 171.4 cents.

=== Theory ===

===== Edostep interpretations =====
7edo's edostep has the following interpretations in the 2.3.5 subgroup:

* 9/8 (the diatonic major second)
* 10/9 (the interval separating 9/8 and 5/4)
* 16/15 (the interval separating 5/4 and 4/3)

===== JI approximation =====
7edo is, very crudely, a 2.3.5 system, and strength in 2.3.5 is generally what carries into other equiheptatonic scales. It can also be viewed in various other subgroups, most notably 2.3.13. The diatonic scale in 7edo is equivalent to every note in the tuning system; sharps and flats are not meaningful and all intervals are perfect.
{{Harmonics in ED|7|31}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Thirds in 7edo
!Quality
|'''Neutral'''
|-
!Cents
|'''343'''
|-
!Just interpretation
|'''11/9'''
|}
Diatonic thirds are bolded.

===== Chords =====
7edo features, for tertian triadic harmony, only a neutral chord [0 2 4] and the (rather discordant) sus chords [0 1 4] and [0 3 4]. Regardless, due to its triads and due to representing all seven degrees of the diatonic scale, it is the smallest edo where Western functional harmony works.

===== Scales =====
7edo is the first edo to distinguish the modes of the [[pentic]] scale. However, it is still small enough that it is well-temperable into scales (specifically, those of the 7-form discussed elsewhere in this article). In real world musical cultures which use near-equal 7-note scales, perfect 7edo is almost never used.

=== Notation ===
In 7edo, pretty much all reasonable notation schemes collapse to ABCDEFG on A=440Hz. Accidentals are not used.

=== Whitewood temperament ===
7edo may be interpreted as ''Whitewood'' temperament, which tempers out the Pythagorean [[chromatic semitone]]. The most obvious rank-2 extension is to add a free generator corresponding to 7/4, resulting in a system containing multiple copies of 7edo separated by the interval 7/4. This extension is supported by [[21edo]], which, along with 14edo, supports the [[Diatonic|omnidiatonic]] ternary diatonic scale.

== Equitetrachordal scale ==
The equitetrachordal scale is the scale sssLsss where L represents 9/8, and s represents the cube root of 4/3. If s is taken to be 11/10 and s+s to be 6/5, the result is Porcupine temperament, the most common temperament interpretation of the equitetrachordal scale. It is tuned close to just in 29edo.

== Just equiheptatonic scale ==
This is Ptolemy's equable diatonic, the otonal or utonal series 18:20:22:24:27:30:36, which has steps of 10/9, 11/10, and 12/11 in each tetrachord and 9/8 separating them.

== Other equiheptatonic scales ==
Any heptatonic MOS has a range of equiheptatonic tunings. The following is a table of equiheptatonic MOSes with related temperaments, expressed here as temperaments of the 2.3.5 subgroup (though often, other more accurate interpretations are available). Unlike equipentatonic systems, the scale is usually not tuned quite as equally, so extensions to 7 are more common.
{| class="wikitable"
!MOS
!Pattern
!Temperament
!EDO
|-
|6L 1s
|LLLLLLs
|Tetracot
|27
|-
|5L 2s
|LLsLLLs
|Meantone
|26
|-
|4L 3s
|LLsLsLs
|Sixix
|25
|-
|3L 4s
|LssLsLs
|Dicot
|24
|-
|2L 5s
|LssLsss
|Mavila
|23
|-
|1L 6s
|Lssssss
|Porcupine
|22
|}

== Table of equiheptatonic intervals ==
{| class="wikitable"
!#
!Name
!Tuning range
!Just intonation
!Equal-tempered
!Equitetrachordal
!Equable diatonic
!Soft antidiatonic
!Soft diatonic
!Soft mosh
|-
|0
|Unison
|0c
|1/1
|0c
|0c
|0c
|0c
|0c
|0c
|-
|1
|Second
|130-210c
|10/9, 11/10, 12/11, 16/15, 9/8
|171c
|166c
|182c, 151c
|157-208c
|138-185c
|150-200c
|-
|2
|Third
|310-380c
|5/4, 6/5, 11/9
|343c
|332c
|351c, 316c
|313-365c
|323-369c
|343-350c
|-
|3
|Fourth
|480-550c
|11/8, 4/3
|514c
|498c
|498c
|514-522c
|508-514c
|500-550c
|-
|4
|Fifth
|650-720c
|3/2, 16/11
|686c
|702c
|702c
|678-686c
|686-692c
|650-700c
|-
|5
|Sixth
|820-890c
|5/3, 8/5, 18/11
|857c
|868c
|884c, 849c
|835-887c
|831-877c
|850-857c
|-
|6
|Seventh
|990-1070c
|20/11, 9/5, 16/9, 11/6, 15/8
|1029c
|1034c
|1018c, 1049c
|992-1043c
|1015-1062c
|1000-1050c
|-
|7
|Octave
|1200c
|2/1
|1200c
|1200c
|1200c
|1200c
|1200c
|1200c
|}

User:ArcusRays

2026-01-14T03:46:40Z

ArcusRays:

ArcusRays is a pseudonym of musician dotuXil.

Software

2025-12-11T08:17:55Z

ArcusRays: removing helio cause it isnt notable enough sorry

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 [[Common tuning methods for software plugins# .scl/.kbm file|.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 [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#tuning-note-claps 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 ===
[https://www.soniare.net/beatdj 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 <code>scale</code> or <code>sc</code> command.

== Notation Software ==
=== Musescore ===
[https://github.com/AzureDevs/XenKit XenKit]
[https://github.com/euwbah/musescore-xen-tuner XenTuner]

=== Dorico ===

== Other Composing Software ==

[[Category:Praxis]]

Xenharmonic Reference:Guidelines

2025-12-11T06:43:57Z

ArcusRays:

The purpose of XenBase is to facilitate finding and making music, rather than pure theory. It is a place for approaches of all kinds, especially those that break from the established language of the xenharmonic community, such as regular temperament theory.

Browsing some special pages may be helpful for understanding the way XenBase works, namely [[Special:AllPages]] and [[Special:Log/upload]].

If certain theory would be useful for the average xenharmonist to know about when trying to understand or use a particular interval, tuning, temperament, or scale, then it belongs here. Theory information on a normal page that is still important but difficult for beginners to understand should be put in <code><nowiki>{{adv|}}</nowiki></code>, like: {{adv|advanced temperament data}}.

Temperaments should all redirect to the page [[List of regular temperaments]] unless there is enough practical compositional information to write an article. The same goes for edos in [[EDO#List of edos]]. In general, long pages with many related topics are preferable to a plethora of stub pages.

Articles should preferably contain much more text content than image/table content.

<code><nowiki>'''Bold'''</nowiki></code> is to be used for title terms, and <code><nowiki>''italics''</nowiki></code> to be used for emphasis.

See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Text_formatting and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:List_of_guidelines

2.3.7 subgroup

2025-12-11T06:36:23Z

ArcusRays:

The '''septal lattice''' is a tuning space in the 2.3.7 subgroup.

== Aberrismic theory ==
The fundamental aberrismic scale is septal diasem.

==Tunings==

===Septimal Meantone===

Here I need to put a chart of the continuum with 43, 74 (37x2), 31, 81 (27x3), and 50edo (25x2).

[[Category:Aberrismic]]

Software

2025-12-11T05:38:59Z

ArcusRays:

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 [[Common tuning methods for software plugins# .scl/.kbm file|.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 [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#tuning-note-claps 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.

=== Helio ===
[https://helio.fm/ Helio] is an open-source DAW with customizable microtonal piano roll support.

=== Beat DJ ===
[https://www.soniare.net/beatdj 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 <code>scale</code> or <code>sc</code> command.

== Notation Software ==
=== Musescore ===
[https://github.com/AzureDevs/XenKit XenKit]
[https://github.com/euwbah/musescore-xen-tuner XenTuner]

=== Dorico ===

== Other Composing Software ==

[[Category:Praxis]]

Common tuning methods for software plugins

2025-12-11T05:30:54Z

ArcusRays:

This page aims to explain a basis of the different common tuning methods you may encounter when using software plugins in a DAW, so you can be more informed of the differences between them.
This page is currently a work in progress.

== File import ==
Probably the most common method, typically for this method you would need to download a file such as from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop] (a great resource for creating these tuning files), and there would be a setting in your chosen plugin where you would be able to import the file. This will usually have to be done individually for each plugin instance.

=== .scl/.kbm file ===
The Scala file format (.scl) is currently the most popular and supported microtonal file format. In addition, it is the format used by the [https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/downloads.html#scales Scala scale archive] and the software of the same name.

Details of the Scala file format can be found here: https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/scl_format.html

Sometimes, you may also want a .kbm file to map an accompany .scl file to start on a specific MIDI note or frequency, so you may want to choose a plugin that supports both formats.

=== .tun file ===
.tun files are known as the Anamark tuning format.

=== Kontakt Script ===
Kontakt (and NOT Kontakt Player) has its own separate method for microtuning, and that is through its script editor accessible through Edit Mode. To use it for microtuning, you either have to import a Kontakt script, or use one of the preset Kontakt microtuning scripts and choose the settings of your liking. Beware however, the effectiveness of Kontakt's microtuning varies by the library, and not all libraries allow you to access Edit Mode.

To access Edit Mode, load in an instrument in Kontakt, and check the top left corner for a wrench icon.

[[File:Kontaktwrench.png|300px]]

If instead, you find a cogs icon, that means the library you are using does not allow you to use Edit Mode and thus this method cannot be used. Rarely some of these libraries have built-in tuning capabilities, but they are usually very limited. (eg. Kontakt Factory Library 2)

[[File:Kontaktcogs.png|300px]]

Once you are in Edit Mode, click the Script Editor button and then click the first tab that says <empty>.

[[File:Kontaktselect.png|500px]]

You can choose whether you want to use one of the default presets (via Preset -> Factory -> Tuning) or import your own. Clicking Edit will open up a large text box. If you downloaded a Kontakt Script from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop], you will have plaintext that you can copy and then paste into the script editor by clicking Apply from... -> ... Clipboard and then clicking Apply.

[[File:Kontaktscript.png|500px]]

From there on you should test your instrument to see whether it works with microtuning, as some libraries break or do not tune correctly.

=== Other tuning file formats ===

todo: table of plugin / etc specific tuning files and etc

== MTS-ESP ==
MTS-ESP is also a common way of microtuning plugins. Typically you will have to open and retune a MTS-ESP source/master (how you do so is dependent on the specific one), and it will automatically retune other plugins that are open and support MTS-ESP.

A list of MTS-ESP sources and clients can be found here: https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#mts-esp

== Other ==
For more description on DAW-specific tuning methods, see [[Software#DAWs]].

=== MPE ===

[[Category:Praxis]]

Common tuning methods for software plugins

2025-12-11T05:02:31Z

ArcusRays: kontakt

This page aims to explain a basis of the different common tuning methods you may encounter when using software plugins in a DAW, so you can be more informed of the differences between them.
This page is currently a work in progress.

== File import ==
Probably the most common method, typically for this method you would need to download a file such as from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop] (a great resource for creating these tuning files), and there would be a setting in your chosen plugin where you would be able to import the file.
This will usually have to be done individually for each plugin instance.

=== .scl/.kbm file ===
The Scala file format (.scl) is currently the most popular and supported microtonal file format. In addition, it is the format used by the [https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/downloads.html#scales Scala scale archive] and the software of the same name.

Details of the Scala file format can be found here: https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/scl_format.html

Sometimes, you may also want a .kbm file to map an accompany .scl file to start on a specific note or frequency; so you may want to choose a plugin that supports both formats.

=== .tun file ===
.tun files are known as the Anamark tuning format.

=== Kontakt Script ===
Kontakt (and NOT Kontakt Player) has its own separate method for microtuning, and that is through its script editor accessible through Edit Mode. To use it for microtuning, you either have to import a Kontakt script, or use one of the preset Kontakt microtuning scripts and choose the settings of your liking. Beware however, the effectiveness of Kontakt's microtuning varies by the library, and not all libraries allow you to access Edit Mode.

To access Edit Mode, load in an instrument in Kontakt, and check the top left corner for a wrench icon.

[[File:Kontaktwrench.png|300px]]

If instead, you find a cogs icon, that means the library you are using does not allow you to use Edit Mode and thus this method cannot be used. Rarely some of these libraries have built-in tuning capabilities, but they are usually very limited. (eg. Kontakt Factory Library 2)

[[File:Kontaktcogs.png|300px]]

Once you are in Edit Mode, click the Script Editor button and then click the first tab that says <empty>.

[[File:Kontaktselect.png|500px]]

You can choose whether you want to use one of the default presets (via Preset -> Factory -> Tuning) or import your own. Clicking Edit will open up a large text box. If you downloaded a Kontakt Script from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop], you will have plaintext that you can copy and then paste into the script editor by clicking Apply from... -> ... Clipboard and then clicking Apply.

[[File:Kontaktscript.png|500px]]

From there on you should test your instrument to see whether it works with microtuning, as some libraries break or do not tune correctly.

=== Other tuning file formats ===

todo: table of plugin / etc specific tuning files and etc

== MTS-ESP ==
MTS-ESP is also a common way of microtuning plugins. Typically you will have to open and retune a MTS-ESP source/master, which will automatically retune other plugins that are open and support MTS-ESP.

== Other ==

=== MPE ===

[[Category:Praxis]]

File:Kontaktscript.png

2025-12-11T04:58:44Z

ArcusRays:

File:Kontaktselect.png

2025-12-11T04:35:39Z

ArcusRays:

File:Kontaktcogs.png

2025-12-11T04:27:51Z

ArcusRays:

File:Kontaktwrench.png

2025-12-11T04:27:15Z

ArcusRays:

Software

2025-12-11T03:58:21Z

ArcusRays: daws

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 [[Common tuning methods for software plugins# .scl/.kbm file|.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 [https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/tuning-guide/#tuning-note-claps 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.

=== Helio ===
[https://helio.fm/ Helio] is an open-source DAW with customizable microtonal piano roll support.

=== Beat DJ ===
[https://www.soniare.net/beatdj 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 <code>scale</code> or <code>sc</code> command.

== Notation Software ==
=== Musescore ===

=== Dorico ===

== Other Composing Software ==

Common tuning methods for software plugins

2025-12-10T03:12:09Z

ArcusRays:

This page aims to explain the different common tuning methods you may encounter when using software plugins in a DAW, so you can be more informed of the differences between them.
This page is currently a work in progress.

== File import ==
Probably the most common method, typically for this method you would need to download a file such as from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop] (a great resource for creating these tuning files), and there would be a setting in your chosen plugin where you would be able to import the file.
This will usually have to be done individually for each plugin instance.

=== .scl/.kbm file ===
The Scala file format (.scl) is currently the most popular and supported microtonal file format. In addition, it is the format used by the Scala scale archive.

too lazy 2 do this rn so https://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/scl_format.html

Sometimes, you may also want a .kbm file to map an accompany .scl file to start on a specific note or frequency; so you may want to choose a plugin that supports both formats.

The .kbm file format

[insert stuff here]

=== .tun file ===
.tun files are known as the Anamark tuning format.

=== Kontakt Script ===
Kontakt has its own separate method for microtuning, and that is through its script editor. To use it for microtuning, you either have to import a Kontakt script, or use one of the preset Kontakt microtuning scripts and choose the settings of your liking.

While Kontakt Scripts typically come in the .nkp format, downloading a Kontakt Script from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop] will give you plain text, which you can copy and paste into the script editor.

Beware, the effectiveness of Kontakt's microtuning varies by the library, and not all libraries allow you to access the script editor.

=== Other tuning file formats ===

todo: table of plugin / etc specific tuning files and etc

== MTS-ESP ==
MTS-ESP is also a common way of microtuning plugins. Typically you will have to open and retune a MTS-ESP source, which will automatically retune other plugins that are open and support MTS-ESP.

== Other ==

=== MPE ===

[[Category:Praxis]]

Common tuning methods for software plugins

2025-10-20T20:06:22Z

ArcusRays: i'm taking a break for now and posting what i have for this

This page aims to explain the different common tuning methods you may encounter when using software plugins in a DAW, so you can be more informed of the differences between them.
This page is currently a work in progress.

== File import ==
Probably the most common method, typically for this method you would need to download a file such as from [https://scaleworkshop.plainsound.org/ Scale Workshop] (a great resource for creating these tuning files), and there would be a setting in your chosen plugin where you would be able to import the file.
This will usually have to be done individually for each plugin instance.

=== .scl/.kbm file ===
.scl is the Scala file format, and it supports full-keyboard microtuning, meaning you will be able to store and use every kind of scale.

=== .tun file ===
.tun files are known as the Anamark tuning format. This file format also supports full-keyboard microtuning.

=== Kontakt Script ===
Kontakt has its own separate method for microtuning, and that is through its script editor. To use it for microtuning, you either have to import a Kontakt script, or use one of the preset Kontakt scripts and choose the settings of your liking.

Beware, the effectiveness of Kontakt's microtuning varies by the library, and not all libraries allow you to access the script editor.

== MTS-ESP ==
MTS-ESP is also a common way of microtuning plugins. Typically you will have to open and retune a MTS-ESP source, which will automatically retune other plugins that are open and support MTS-ESP.

== Other ==

=== MPE ===

[[Category:Praxis]]

Aberrisma

2025-10-20T00:19:24Z

ArcusRays: copying over stuff from the abberismic discord

An '''aberrisma''' is an interval between roughly 20 and 55 cents representing some comma as an additional smaller type of melodic step. The aberrisma is used as one of the parameters in constructing an aberrismic scale, a type of ternary scale. For example, blackdye is a 10-note aberrismic superset of the 7-note nicetone, but with a more distinctive set of three step sizes and added opportunities to avoid pythagorean and wolf intervals.

Aberrismic/split-prime accidentals:
Plus / Minus
+/- : These tune a note sharp or flat by a small aberrisma. They reference Johnston notation because 81/80 is a common aberrisma, but they can also represent 64/63 or any other interval of similar function. They're also used to denote split primes, like 3+ and 3- (in a dual-3 subgroup, these can be abbreviated as 3±). This results in some pretty heavy overloading, but +/- are only used on notes when they represent an aberrisma and only used on ratios when they represent split primes.
Duplus / Duminus
≠/= : Short for ++/--, most often representing 36/35~33/32~1053/1024, which is the large aberrisma in scales like penslen, or two small aberrismas in Akea temperament. Of all options, this set of characters is the easiest to type, looks the best in various fonts, and is least likely to be confused for the similar semisharp accidental (although they happen to represent the same size of interval).

'''Abberismic theory''' is the subset of microtonal theory pioneered by [[User:Ground|Ground]] and Inthar that deals with abberismas.

User:ArcusRays

2025-10-19T23:58:48Z

ArcusRays: Created page with "I'm ArcusRays, a music producer of 6 years, a microtonal musician of 3, a visual artist since who knows how long, and a thinker ever since I was born. Nice to meet you. I'm the creator of ArcusRays' Zenith Information Project (ARZIP), an ongoing multimedia art project involving microtonal music, art, worldbuilding, and more."

I'm ArcusRays, a music producer of 6 years, a microtonal musician of 3, a visual artist since who knows how long, and a thinker ever since I was born. Nice to meet you.

I'm the creator of ArcusRays' Zenith Information Project (ARZIP), an ongoing multimedia art project involving microtonal music, art, worldbuilding, and more.

Main Page

2025-10-19T23:43:36Z

ArcusRays: Undo revision 11 by ArcusRays (talk)

<div class="center"><big><strong>Welcome to XenBase, a place for documentation and sharing of xenharmonic music.</strong></big>
This wiki is mostly empty at the moment.

[[File:Xenbase.png|700px]]</div>

Main Page

2025-10-19T23:00:11Z

ArcusRays:

Main Page

2025-10-19T22:18:43Z

ArcusRays: big and strong