Microtuning/Scala Support

[bridgevilleman]

As a digital synth called the MicroFreak, it would be very fitting for there to be Micro tuning options!

This could be implemented as Scala support, via Utility menu per patch.

This could allow you to set the awesome keyboard to any musical scale, western or otherwise possible.

Scala files themselves are tiny so including at least a handful could still be very useful.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scala_(software)

http://www.huygens-fokker.org/scala/

[SynthWizard]

Yes! Microtuning would be great! It's a feature I've been wishing for as well.

[chapelierfou]

+1.

[interzone]

Yes please!

[megamarkd]

It was one of the first things I looked for in the Utility menu and when I couldn't find it, I was sad....

[Mescalina]

+1

[SynthWizard]

+1!

[VAU]

+1

[Roseweave]

This could be implemented via the Scale Quantise menu, I think, except have it use the black keys.

[fallenturtle]

+1

There are are some parameter combinations with the FM oscillator that are out of tune with the keyboard, and it would be nice to be able to tune them back to the keyboard.

[euklides]

Yes please!

For a synth that positions itself as experimental and weird, microtuning is NECESSARY.

The way the Korg Monologue and the Minilogue XD implemented it is great. The way it works on Cirklon or the Prophet rev2 is a bit more tricky, but still works really well.

The world has moved on from the stale 19th century piano standard of twelve tone equal temperament. Arturia needs to get on board or get left behind.

[MajorFubar]

The world has moved on from the stale 19th century piano standard of twelve tone equal temperament. Arturia needs to get on board or get left behind.

Rubbish. It might be a desirable feature, but it's not indispensable. Give me ten songs that reached the UK or US Top 40 which can't be played successfully without microtuning. Take as long as you like.

[euklides]

The world has moved on from the stale 19th century piano standard of twelve tone equal temperament. Arturia needs to get on board or get left behind.

Rubbish. It might be a desirable feature, but it's not indispensable. Give me ten songs that reached the UK or US Top 40 which can't be played successfully without microtuning. Take as long as you like.

https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/27567/aphex-twin/

Here's an easy to understand interview between a synth designer at KORG and Aphex Twin (arguably the "Mozart" of electronic music) where they talk about microtuning: https://www.warp.net/editorial/richard-d-james-speaks-to-tatsuya-takahashi

Huge props to manufacturers like Sequential/DSI, KORG, Novation, Roli and Ableton for supporting non-"standard" tuning! Arturia, catch up!

Here's deeper discussion as to why forcing composers to use only a standardised 19th century western piano tuning is a bad thing: https://cdm.link/2022/03/ableton-releases-free-microtuner-but-tuning-is-more-than-spaces-between-12-semitones/

There is a multitude of technical, artistic, historical and cultural reasons as to why it's a good move to support microtuning.

Here's a beautiful microtonal Aphex Twin piece that wouldn't work without it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYrQC-jWMFM

And a beautiful classical electric organ piece from 1980 by Terry Riley of which you would have to say the same: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcos1twObz0

Keep in mind that just because something suits your needs doesn't mean it suits everybody else's.

[Polish_Prince]

I Vote NO for this feature. Don't bastardize this awesome synth with microtuning.

[euklides]

Excuse me, but it would obviously be optional. Doesn't mean you can't use 12TET as usual. Just like on all other microtonally capable instruments.

For an instrument which is made for "freaky" experimentation (it's even in the name) — for us to not be able to change the tuning is an oversight and a missed opportunity. Everything else about the instrument is amazing.