user manual
Copyright: LinPlug Virtual Instruments GmbH, 2010, All rights reserved.
Concept: Peter Linsener
Instrument: Pavol Markovič and Peter Linsener
Graphics: Branislav Pakic
Sounds: in alphabetic order
Bigtone
Cet Merlin
dubhad
Ed Ten Eyck
Ján Ančic
Luigi Raimondi
Summa
Vivolator
Manual: Peter Linsener
Thanks to all beta testers
All technical specifications of the products specified in this manual may be subject to change
without notice. The documents may not be changed, especially copyright notices may not be
removed or changed. MorphoX is a trademark of LinPlug Virtual Instruments GmbH. LinPlug
is a trademarks of LinPlug Virtual Instruments GmbH. VST is a registered trademarks of
Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the LinPlug MorphoX.
The LinPlug MorphoX is a morphing synthesizer designed for creating
music on your personal computer.
The LinPlug MorphoX's key features is the ability to morph between two
sounds. It comes with a set of high quality presets in a wide range of
styles, an easy-to-use interface and a highly flexible sound engine including
many processing and modulation options and a powerful, flexible
arpeggiator.
This manual describes all aspects of the LinPlug MorphoX synthesizer and
is designed so that your use of this software is as efficient and as
pleasurable as possible.
We feel that the LinPlug MorphoX is exceptional because of its audio
quality and its features, especially because of it real time morphing ability.
We are confident that you will get a lot of pleasure using the LinPlug
MorphoX synthesizer and that it will become an inspirational part of your
music-making.
the LinPlug team, September 2010
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 3
Table of Contents
INSTALLATION............................................................................................ 5
FEATURES...................................................................................................6
OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 7
OPERATION / CONTROLS..........................................................................9
MORPHING AREA AND GLOBAL AREA................................................... 10
OSCILLATORS...........................................................................................12
OSCILLATOR MIXER.................................................................................15
FILTER / FILTER ENV................................................................................ 16
FILTER MIX................................................................................................ 17
ADSR ENVELOPE..................................................................................... 18
MASTER / AMP ENV..................................................................................19
EFFECTS................................................................................................... 20
CHORUS.............................................................20
DELAY............................................................... 21
MODULATION............................................................................................ 22
LFO 1 AND LFO 2.............................................22
MODULATION MATRIX............................................ 23
MODULATION ENVELOPE.........................................24
GLIDE................................................................25
PRECISION.......................................................... 25
GLOBAL AREA........................................................................................... 26
THE ARPEGGIATOR................................................26
STAIR GENERATOR............................................... 30
LFO 3..............................................................31
MORPH SETTINGS................................................ 32
PRESET BROWSER / FILE CONTROLS........................33
VOICES.............................................................. 34
ECS (MIDI LEARN)............................................34
SETTINGS................................................................................................. 35
GLOSSARY................................................................................................ 37
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART.............................................................. 39
APPENDIX A: MODULATION SOURCES AND DESTINATIONS..............40
MODULATION SOURCES..........................................40
MODULATION DESTINATIONS.................................... 42
APPENDIX B: USING TUN FILES............................................................. 45
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 4
Installation
Installation on Mac
After downloading the LinPlug MorphoX for Mac you will find a file named
"MorphoX Installer xxx.dmg" located in your download folder. The xxx Is the
actual version number, in example 100.
Double-click this file to decompress and open the image, then double-click
the installer program which will guide you through the installation process.
The instrument file "MorphoX" and the factory presets will now be placed in
the right directory for virtual instruments on your Mac.
The next time you start your host software the LinPlug MorphoX will be
listed in the AU / RTAS / VST Instrument list.
Installation on PC
After downloading the LinPlug MorphoX for PC you will find a file named
"MorphoX Installer xxx.exe" located in your download folder. The xxx Is the
actual version number, in example 100.
Start this program and the Installer will guide you through the installation
process. Make sure you choose the right directory, so your host software
finds the MorphoX. Refer to your host software's manual if you are unsure
about where the host software plug-in directory is located.
The instrument file "MorphoX.dll" and the factory presets will be placed in
the chosen directory. The next time you start your host software the LinPlug
MorphoX will be listed in the VST Instrument list.
Common to Mac and PC
After you've installed and opened the LinPlug MorphoX, for the first time
you will see a “S/N” edit box on the Settings page, which should read
"Enter here" in red letters.
Enter the serial number you have received into this edit box. If the serial
number has not been entered or it has been entered incorrectly, the LinPlug
MorphoX will remain in demo mode. To switch back to the main edit
screen click the LinPlug MorphoX logo on the rear panel or the Edit
button located bottom right.
If you have any questions regarding the installation of LinPlug MorphoX
please contact our support team at
http://www.linplug.com/support/support.htm.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 5
Features
The LinPlug MorphoX combines a number of features which LinPlug is
famous for with some new, exciting features:
§ The sound can be continuously morphed between two individual
sounds in real time using the modulation wheel.
§ Two versatile oscillators with many modulation capabilities plus noise
oscillator.
§ Oscillator cross modulation (FM, AM, Ringmod), cross modulation
intensity itself can also be modulated
§ Individual spread (multiple voices) and saturation for both oscillators
§ Stereo Filter with simultaneous low pass, band pass and high pass
§ Filter FM, intensity itself can also be modulated
§ Three ADSR envelopes for filter, amplitude and general modulation,
the envelope times can be modulated
§ Two LFOs with various waveforms, delay, attack and tempo-sync, LFO
tempo can be modulated
§ Modulation Matrix which includes 10 routings with more than 20
sources and more than 40 destinations.
§ Adjustable Precision for recreating the warmth of analog synthesizers.
§ Mono- and polyphonic Portamento/Glide, morphing
§ Chorus and Stereo Delay effect units, fully morphing
§ 2 sound layers, each containing all above mentioned features
§ Arpeggiator with 16 step rhythm sequencer, step length, clock settings,
various modes including modulation and chord, switchable re-trigger,
save/load/copy/paste functionality
§ Two global LFOs, one with special, adjustable “stair” waveform
§ Morph Section, allowing setting the morph range and the morph curve
for fine adjusting the morphing
§ Sound programs are stored directly on hard disk. Sounds are sorted
into style-maps for easy search. Integrated Sound Browser, MIDI
program change supported.
§ Microtonal support (Scala file import) for different scales (Indian,
Arabic, etc.)
§ 32-voice polyphony, adjustable voice limit (mono, 1...12, 32).
§ MIDI Learn, settings can be saved / restored.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 6
Overview
The LinPlug MorphoX is a 32 note-polyphonic virtual subtractive-style
synthesizer, combining various oscillators, a special filter module, many
modulation and effects modules with its real time morphing capability.
The block diagram below shows the signal flow within the LinPlug MorphoX
synthesizer:
The shadow behind each module indicates that there are two complete
independent settings for all these modules, the sub-programs A and B
(actually there are even more modules morphing, in example all the LFO's
and Envelopes, but this is only audio signal flow).
Audio signals are generated by the oscillators who gets pitch information
from the host software. MorphoX receives its MIDI data on all Channels
simultaneously (Omni mode).
The LinPlug MorphoX has two oscillators plus a noise oscillator. Each
oscillator's pitch, amplitude, panning and more can be controlled using the
Modulation Matrix. Oscillator 2 is followed by a Ringmodulator which is also
feed from Oscillator 1.
The output of all of the oscillators and Ringmodulator is routed to the Filter.
The Filter modifies the frequency spectrum of the oscillator's output. The
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 7
filters works in stereo and has an envelope for controlling its cutoff
parameter.
Oscillators one's output can be used to independently modulate the
frequency of oscillators two and the filter cutoff. This option increases the
richness of the spectrum of the modulated oscillator and filter, producing
very interesting, harmonically-rich results.
The output of the Filter section is then sent to the Amp / FX (Effects)
section which contains two successive stereo effects modules: a Chorus
and a Delay. The output of the effects is send back to the host software's
mixer.
At various points throughout the signal path you can modulate the signal
using either envelopes, LFOs, the Arpeggiator or MIDI Controllers. The
LinPlug MorphoX contains 3 independent envelopes: one for the filter cutoff
frequency, one for the main amplitude and one general purpose envelope
designed for use with the Modulation Matrix. All of these can control any
available modulation destination via the Modulation Matrix.
The LinPlug MorphoX also contains 4 independent LFOs. Two LFOs allow
morphing, including their delay/attack envelopes. The other two LFOs are
not morphing but have other special features. LFOs can be routed to any
available modulation destination.
The Arpeggiator finally allows to create a vast variety of user-defined
arpeggios. Arpeggios are chords that are played as separate successive
notes or "broken chords". With the MorphoX's Arpeggiator you can control
the way the Arpeggio is played in many, unusual ways including some
wicked modulations.
More detailed information can be found in the following chapters.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 8
Operation / Controls
Users have the option of controlling all LinPlug MorphoX dials in either a
circular or a linear manner depending on the Dial Mode setting on the
LinPlug MorphoX's rear panel (see the Settings chapter of this manual for
more information about the MorphoX's rear panel).
Holding down the ALT key while clicking on a control changes the selected
control's value a minimum step upwards (when clicking in the upper half of
the control) or a minimum step downwards (when clicking in the lower half
of the control).
Holding down the CTRL key (Windows) or COMMAND key (Mac) while
clicking on a control sets the control to its default value (e.g. for Volume
controls it sets the control's value to 0 dB).
Holding down the SHIFT key while changing a control's value enables finer
control values to be set.
Double clicking once in a Modulation Matrix slot sets the value of the slot to
0.00. Double clicking in the same slot a second time resets the slot to its
previous value.
All Controls can be controlled using external MIDI messages. To do this you
need to use the LinPlug MorphoX's ECS which is described in detail later in
this manual.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 9
Morphing Area and Global Area
The upper part of the MorphoX user interface shows what we call the
Morphing Area. That's the area holding all the controls to operate the
modules which are morphing between the two sub-programs A and B. It's
not required to technically understand the process of morphing, especially
as it behaves differently for each module. The important thing is that it's not
just a volume crossfading, which would be quite boring, but a process
which gradually changes one sound to another, revealing some – often
unexpected – intermediate sounds between the two sub-programs A and B.
You surely already came across a sound where moving the modulation
wheel does open the filter, that's a very simple morphing process, having
two synth sounds, one with filter closed and one with the filter more open.
In MorphoX however, there is not changing just one property, but about 100
properties of a sound, from which some describe complex modulations (the
ones from the modulation matrix).
While the complete basic synth engine and the chorus and delay effect can
be morphed, there is also a Global Area. The Global Area, opposed to the
Morphing Area above, does hold modules and controls for the whole
instrument which does not depend on the modulation wheel and thus not
morph.
All aspects of the Morphing Area and the Global Area are described in
detail in the following chapters.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 10
The reason for having a not-morphing (or global) area are as follows (in
case you are interested, otherwise just skip this and continue with chapter
Oscillators):
The arpeggiator cannot really morph between two settings because there is
no way to musically morph from in example a 3 step pattern to a 5 step
pattern. Moreover, even if the amount of steps would be the same there still
could be “tied” notes in one pattern, but not in the other which forbids
morphing.
The Stair Generator and the LFO 3 are host synced LFO's. Opposed to the
morphing LFO's 1 and 2 (which are only tempo synced), the Stair
Generator and LFO 3 are also position-synced, which means they don't
depend on the triggering of a note but also run when no note is played, this
is useful for certain rhythmic patterns. However, once position-synced you
cannot morph them anymore.
Finally there are the morph-settings itself in the Global Area, preset
management, ECS (MIDI learn) and the amount of voices (polyphony also
cannot be musically morphed).
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 11
Oscillators
The LinPlug MorphoX contains 2 oscillators plus a noise source. The
oscillators are similar, but not identical.
Common to both oscillators
The LinPlug MorphoX's oscillators' outputs a waveform that is a
combination of two basic waveforms. These waveforms are constructed
from harmonic sine waves using a unique additive process which ensures a
smooth, high quality output signal.
The type of waveform is set by clicking on one of the Wave names below
the Waveform Display. This opens a menu that allows you to select from
the available waveforms. With the arrow keys next to the wave name you
can switch through all available waveforms one by one (good for checking
while playing). Left of the name you have the option to set various basic
frequency, where 8” is as played and 4” and 2” is 1 and 2 octaves higher
while 16” and 32” is 1 and 2 octaves lower as played.
The combined output waveform is shown in the Waveform Display.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 12
The Wave dial allows you to interpolate between the two basic waveforms.
When the dial is at its leftmost setting, the waveform consists of purely the
first waveform. Similarly, if the dial is moved all the way to the right the
waveform consists of purely the second waveform.
When in an intermediate position, the waveform is a mixture of the
harmonics of the basic waveforms. It's probably easier to see this (in the
display) rather than explain it, so try it for yourself: Set one wave to Sine (in
the Dark category) and the other to Sawtooth. As you move the Wave dial
from one end to the other you can see the wave changes between Sine
and Sawtooth.
The Symm (symmetry) dial right next to the display changes the waveform
symmetry. As the waveform display also shows the current symmetry
setting, we suggest you just play with dial with having two clear basic
waveform as Sine and Sawtooth to see how it affects he waveform. It's
pretty straightforward.
The F (free-run) button – located on top, just right of the oscillators label determines if the oscillator is re-triggered or not. When the Free-run button
is Off, the phase of each note is reset at each onset. When the Free-run
button is On, the phase of each note continues on from the phase of the
previous note.
Both oscillators of the LinPlug MorphoX allow Spread, which means
playing multiple detuned voices with one Oscillator without the loss of
voices (full polyphony). The Spread slider is used to set the degree of
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 13
detuning among these voices. When moved from the bottom position the
slider gradually detunes the voices to produce a thick and fat sound.
While oscillator one uses five voices and produces a more thick sound,
oscillator two uses three voices and thus sounds different which might be
better suited for certain sounds.
Oscillator 1
The Phase parameter does allow to specify at which point in the
waveforms cycle the oscillator starts from. This parameter has no effect in
case the oscillator is set to run free (see above: Free-run). The Phase is
particularly interesting for certain types of sounds (mainly Bass), but also
when Oscillator 1 is used for FM or AM (FM and AM are explained in the
Glossary) of either the Oscillator 2 or the Filter.
Between the two oscillators you find the Detune dial, which allows you to
adjust both oscillators' frequency in two different directions to create the
typical “swirling” or “detuned” sound.
Oscillator 2
The FM controller will adjust the amount of frequency modulation of
Oscillator 2 through Oscillator 1. This type of modulation is great for
producing metallic, bell-like tones and can also be used to produce rich and
complex waveforms.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 14
Oscillator Mixer
In the Oscillator Mixer you can adjust the volume of the two oscillators and
the noise source.
The dials Osc 1 and Osc 2 can be turned into “red”, which means that their
volume can be turned so high that it saturates at the filter input and thus
produces new harmonics.
The Ring (ring-modulation) parameter below the Osc 2 dial allows a
gradual adjustment of how the output of Oscillator 2 is made from Oscillator
2 and its integrated Amplitude- and Ring-Modulator (see glossary for
explanation of Amplitude- and Ring-Modulation).
Turned fully left the output of Oscillator 2 is purely Oscillator 2. Turned fully
right the output of Oscillator 2 is fully the ring modulation result of Oscillator
1 and Oscillator 2. In middle position the output is mix of Oscillator 2 and
the ring modulation result (which is the same as Amplitude Modulation or in
short AM).
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 15
Filter / Filter Env
The LinPlug MorphoX contains a special, newly designed filter, which
produces a unique, characteristic sound you won't find in any other
instrument. It supports morphing and offers three simultaneous outputs: low
pass, band pass and high pass.
The FM parameter determines how much the filters cutoff frequency is
modulated by Oscillator 1. Note, that even if Oscillator 1 is turned fully
silent in the Oscillator Mixer, it can be used to modulate the filter cutoff
frequency.
Cutoff is used to set the frequency at which frequencies are filtered out of
the signal. When using the Low Pass output, higher settings produce
brighter sounds while lower settings result in darker sounds. When using
the High Pass output higher settings produce thinner, brighter sounds,
while lower settings produce fatter, darker sounds.
When using the bandpass output, only the frequency spectrum around the
cutoff frequency is passing the filter.
Track (tracking) is used to control the degree to which the filter tracks the
note being played. So higher notes have a higher cutoff frequency, while
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 16
lower notes have a lower cutoff frequency. When the dial is moved to the
left the effect of filter tracking is just opposite as described.
The Depth dial is used to set the degree to which the filter's envelope
effects the Cutoff. Setting Depth to -100% (i.e. turning the dial completely
counter-clockwise) means that the envelope has full negative effect on the
filter. Adjusting the dial to the middle position means that it has no effect on
the filter. Turning the dial completely clockwise means that the filter is
modulated by the envelope's full range (100%).
The negative envelope depth can be used for special effects, in example
for opening the Filter when a note is released (this is impossible with a noninverted ADSR envelope).
Reso (resonance) is used to set the amount of emphasis around the cutoff
frequency, up to self resonance, thus adding something to the signal.
Higher settings create a more pronounced peak in the signal while lower
settings produce a flatter response.
Below the Filter you find the Filter Envelope, which is a standard ADSR
envelope, for more details see the chapter ADSR envelopes right after the
Filter Mix section.
Filter Mix
To the right of the filter there on three dials to mix the different outputs of
the filter. Each dial controls the volume of low pass, band pass and high
pass respectively.
LP (lowpass): This filter type allows frequencies that fall below the cutoff
frequency to pass.
HP (high-pass): This filter type allows frequencies above the cutoff
frequency to pass.
BP (bandpass): The frequency band directly surrounding the cutoff
frequency is allowed to pass. All other frequencies are cut.
By mixing LP and HP one can also create a band reject filter (BR or Notch
filter).
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 17
ADSR Envelope
ADSR envelopes can be found in the Filter Env section (controlling filter
cutoff, depending on the Depth dial in the Filter section), in the Amp Env
section (controlling the overall amplitude of the sound) and in the Mod Env
section (a general purpose envelope, routed in the modulation matrix).
The A (Attack Time)
Slider is used to set
the time it takes for the
envelope to reach its
full level. For example,
if the Attack Slider is
set at lowest position
(full down), the envelope will move from zero to peak level immediately. If
the Attack Slider is set to highest position, the envelope will move from zero
to peak level in the maximum time of about 16 seconds.
So by adjusting the slider position one can change the time it takes for the
envelope gradually from zero over some milliseconds up on many seconds
and finally 16 seconds.
The D (Decay Time) Slider determines the time it takes for the envelope to
move from the peak level to the Sustain level (which is set with the next
slider). Again, set to the lowest position, the envelope will move from the
peak level to the Sustain level immediately and set to top position it will
take about 16 seconds.
The S (Sustain Level) Sliders setting determines the envelope level after
the initial Attack/Decay phase while a note is being held. If set to the lowest
position the envelope will be at zero level when finishing the Decay phase.
If set to the maximum position the envelope will remain on peak level (so
actually it will not really decay when sustain is at maximum position).
The R (Release Time) Slider is used to set the time that the envelope takes
to move from their current level to silence after the note is released.
Typically this will happen from Sustain level, however, when the note is
being released before Sustain is reached, the release time starts right
where the envelope currently is.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 18
Master / Amp Env
The LinPlug MorphoX's Master section is located to the right of the Filter
Mix section. This section contains controls for overall- and effectsamplitude.
The Master sections follows right of the filter section. It features Vol
(volume) control to adjust the overall output volume.
The Vel (velocity) control allows adjustment of the influence that the note's
velocity has on volume. When turned fully to the left the velocity has no
influence on the volume while turned fully right means that the volume is
mainly depending on velocity.
The Chorus and Delay sliders control the amount of chorus and delay
which is added to the synth output signal. It's the same as the Wet control
you often find on effects plugins.
Right below the Master section is the Amp Env section which consists of a
standard ADSR envelope to control the overall volume. Refer to chapter
ADSR Envelope right prior this chapter for more details about ADSR
envelopes.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 19
Effects
The LinPlug MorphoX has two fully morphing stereo effects units: Chorus
and Delay.
Chorus
The Chorus effect can be used to "thicken" a single sound creating the
impression that it contains multiple voices. The Chorus works by mixing
delayed signals with the original signal.
The Chorus slider in the Master section left of the Chorus allows you to set
the amount of chorus mixed to the signal.
The Time dial is used for setting the delay time. Longer times produce a
"chorusing" effect while shorter times create a "flanging" effect.
The Rate dial sets the rate at which the delay time is modulated.
The Feedback dial allows you to send back the signal from the output of
the Chorus to its input. This is usually used when creating flanging sounds
with shorter delay times.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 20
Delay
The Delay functions as follows: the input signal is first delayed by Pre Time,
then it’s delayed by Left Time and finally by the Right Time. If Feedback is
applied the “Right” signal is fed back into the left delay line, so that an
alternating left-right delay is produced. The delayed signal usually appears
on the left first.
The Pre, Left and Right menus are used for setting the pre-delay, left and
right channel delay times (in note length, the delay is always temposynced).
The Stereo dial is used to set the pan position of the left and right delays.
When set fully right, the Left delay signal appears left and the Right delay
signal appears right, moving the dial gradually reduces stereo width. In the
middle position the output of the delay is centered. Turning the dial fully left
inverts the stereo positions, so the delayed signal appears on the right first.
The Feedback dial allows you to set the number of times the signal repeats
or echoes.
The small LP and HP dials gradually apply a low-pass or high-pass filter on
the delayed signal, so the signal changes its harmonics with every
repetition. This is both good for natural delays as well as some special
effects.
The Stereo/Mono switch in the Delay's title is usually set to Stereo,
however, for certain sounds (especially those with a stereo signal, in
example when the Oscillators are panned) it can sound better to mix down
the input of the delay to mono. Thus the delay can be switched to mono.
Note: It's still a Stereo delay with Stereo output, just its input is changed.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 21
Modulation
One of the key features of the MorphoX are its sophisticated modulation
capabilities. The instrument contains four independent LFOs (low frequency
oscillators, two of them described in this chapter, the other two located in
the Global Area and described there) as well as a Modulation Matrix that is
used to control modulation routing, the Modulation Envelope, Glide and
Precision (an analogue instability simulation).
LFO 1 and LFO 2
An LFO is an oscillator that generates low frequency signals that are used
to modulate other aspects of the signal.
To select one of the LFOs waveforms click on one of the waveform buttons
at the left of the respective LFO section. Seven LFO waveforms are
available and printed right onto the waveform buttons. It should be noted
that when the Noise and Sample and Hold waveforms are synced to
tempo, they run at a faster tempo than the other LFO waveforms. The
Sample and Hold and Noise waveforms will change their state exactly 12
times faster.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 22
The Freq (Frequency) parameter determines the LFO's frequency (within a
range from 0.01 to 32 Hz). This parameter has no function if Sync is used.
Right above the Freq dial is the Sync menu to sync LFO tempo with the
current host/song tempo. Note that the LFO is restarted with each Note's
start.
You can also apply a simple envelope to the LFO using the Delay, Attack
dials.
The Del (delay) parameter sets the time before the LFO begins running.
When set to the leftmost setting it starts immediately.
The Att (attack) dial next to it determines the time it takes for the LFO to
reach its full level (and thus the full modulation depth). This can be used to
slowly increase the amount of modulation applied. When turned fully left, it
means that modulation commences immediately.
Modulation Matrix
The MorphoX's Modulation Matrix allows you to create user-defined
modulation routings. Many parameters are available as modulation
destinations, which can be modulated by various modulation sources (see
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 23
Appendix A for a complete listing and description of all modulation sources
and destinations).
Modulation sources are shown in a column on the left of the display, while
the destinations are shown on the right. The modulation amount is
displayed in the middle. To change a routing click on the source or
destination that you want to change. A menu will appear which lets you
select the new source or destination. To remove a modulation source or
destination select the "- - - - -" entry in the menu.
To change the modulation depth click on the amount display and move the
mouse (while keeping the mouse button pressed) upwards or downwards
(increasing or decreasing the value) until the desired amount has been
reached. The further you move the mouse, the less sensitive it gets,
allowing more drastic changes.
A negative modulation depth inverts the waveform of the modulation
source. Double-clicking on a modulation depth display sets the value to
0.00 (disabled). Double-clicking again on the display restores the previous
value. This can be useful when creating new Presets to quickly disable
modulation routings.
The modulation of pitch has a special display for modulation depth. In
example a modulation depth of "2:50" means that the respective pitch is
modulated to a depth of 2 semitones and 50 cents.
Modulation Envelope
The Modulation Envelope is a general purpose envelope, used as
Modulation Source in the Modulation Matrix. See chapter Modulation Matrix
right before this chapter for more info on the matrix and chapter ADSR
Envelopes for more info about ADSR envelopes.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 24
Glide
Glide continuously changes the pitch from one note to the next, connecting
the notes and letting you smoothly "glide" from one to the other (sometimes
called portamento).
Glide has 3 modes: Off, Held and On. The On and Off functions turn "Glide"
on and off. The "Held" setting is similar to On, but works as follows: If
notes overlap then Glide is applied, however if they don't overlap then the
notes are played without Glide. This makes it possible to apply Glide only to
selected notes..
The Time dial controls the time it takes to move from one note to the next. It
will take the same amount of time to reach the destination pitch regardless
of whether the preceding notes are a semitone apart or an octave apart.
Precision
The "Precision" control below the Glide section can be used to set the
accuracy of the LinPlug MorphoX's signal generation. When the "Precision"
control is set to less than 100% small inaccuracies are introduced at
various points in the LinPlug MorphoX's signal chain. This is useful if you're
trying to replicate the warmth of an old analog synthesizer. Precision can
be set in a range from 90% to 100%.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 25
Global Area
In the global area there are the not-morphing parts, like the arpeggiator,
two global LFO's, the morph-settings and the preset handling controls.
The Arpeggiator
The MorphoX's Arpeggiator is the dominating module in the left of the
global area. It allows you to create a vast variety of user-defined arpeggios.
Arpeggios are chords that are played as separate successive notes or
"broken chords". With the MorphoX's Arpeggiator you can control the way
the Arpeggio is played in many, unusual ways including some wicked
modulations.
Clicking on the title "Arpeggiator" offers you a menu of functions that
includes saving and loading arpeggios; initialisation and copy and paste, so
you can easily transfer arpeggios to other presets or your own creations.
You can build an entire library of your own creative arpeggios.
The parameters of the MorphoX Arpeggiator are:
Arpeggiator / Step Display
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 26
The large display with the 16 step values is the heart of the Arpeggiator.
Here is where the rhythmic variations of the Arpeggiator can be defined.
As we said before an arpeggio is a Chord broken into Notes of equal
length (defined by using the Clock parameter). In the Steps you can give
these equal Notes different velocity values, make pauses instead of notes
or tie notes together to create notes with a different note length.
Each step can be set to it's own velocity value of 1..127, and also to the
value Off, which means that there is actually a pause, or to Tie which
means that the steps are bound together creating a longer note.
If you play a C-E-G chord in example, the step values of 127, 127, Off, 100,
Tie, 30, Off, Tie would result in the following (assuming a 1/16 clock, and
mode Up)
– Note C being played with maximum velocity, length 1/16
th
– Note E played just the same 1/16th length and 127 velocity
– then a 1/16th pause
– Note G played with velocity 100 (an average volume) and a note
length of 1/8th (as the next step is tied to this step)
– then Note C again, played with a very gentle velocity of 30 at
1/16th length
– finally a 1/8th pause
After reaching the end the arpeggio just starts over from the beginning.
Note that the arpeggio will variate the pattern such that when starting with
step one again it now plays a E with velocity 127 and 1/16th length first;
that's because we played a 3 note chord and have a 4 note step definition
(playing C-E-G-C, next round E-G-C-E and then G-C-E-G before starting
with the first pattern again).
Also note that a Tie after an Off is just the same as placing an Off behind
another Off, both resulting in a longer pause.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 27
Arpeggiator / Mode
Below the step display, on the very left, the Mode defines how the
Arpeggiator functions with several options available:
Chord: does not play the Chord as separate Notes but as a Chord in
rhythmic phrases defined by the other parameters.
Modulation: Basically the Arpeggiator is Off and does not influence Chords
(or single notes) being played. But the Arpeggiator is available as a
Modulation Source in the Modulation Matrix as if it were switched On.
Using the Arpeggiator in the Modulation Matrix is like having an LFO with
up to 16 individually definable steps.
Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, UpDown+ and DownUp+ modes play typical
arpeggiator patterns or arpeggios, which as we said before are the notes of
the chord being played successively instead of simultaneously.
In Up mode the notes are played from lowest Note on upward. In Down its
the other way around. UpDown and DownUp alternatively play the notes
from lowest to highest and from highest to lowest. With UpDown it's as the
name suggests, first, notes are played from the lowest note upward. With
DownUp it's just the opposite.
A + sign behind the mode indicates that the highest and lowest notes are
being played twice. For example, a C-E-G chord would be played in
UpDown-Mode C-E-G-E and again from the beginning, while in UpDown+
mode it will be played C-E-G-G-E-C and from the beginning on again.
AsPlayed Mode plays the notes in the order the Note On signal arrives or
simply, the way you actually played the chord. This effect is easiest to
understand when you play notes of a chord not exactly at the same time.
The order they are actually played is exactly as you played them.
Random Mode plays the notes of the chord in a random order
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 28
Arpeggiator / Clock
Next to the Mode is the Clock setting, which allows you to set the length of
the individual notes in which the chord is separated by the Arpeggiator. For
example, when set to 1/16 it will play all the notes as 1/16th notes.
Arpeggiator / Retrigger
The small Retrig (Retrigger) switch to the right of the clock parameter
defines whether a new chord will restart the Arpeggiator or not. If you have
a pause between two chords being played, the Arpeggiator will restart with
the first step when the Retrigger is activated. If it's deactivated it will
continue on the next step when a new chord is played.
Arpeggiator / Octave
This extends the note range being played regardless of the octave in which
you played them originally. For example, you can choose notes of the chord
and not only they will be played in the octave at which the chord is played,
but also in the octave above. This can be extended up to 4 octaves, again
we recommend you just try it to hear the obvious effect.
Arpeggiator / Steps
Steps allows you to define how many of the up to 16 steps are actually
used for a particular arpeggio. It could be a very short two step arpeggio or
anything up to 16 steps.
Arpeggiator / Gate
The Gate is the only morphing parameter in the Global Area, simply
because its technically possible and musically useful. The fact that its
morphable is indicated by the special label below it, which will also change
when changing from sub program A to B or vice versa.
Gate defines the length of the actual Note On time of a note (followed by a
certain Note Off time). As we said, clock defines the length of the steps,
such as a 1/16th note. With the Gate parameter you can define how much
of this time the note is actually On and how much it is Off. With a setting of
full right the note length is the same as the step length. A middle setting
allows the Note to be on just half of the time (for example a 1/32th of the
1/16th step). The more you turn the dial to the left the shorter the note is
played. The effect is most prominent with sounds that have a short release
time.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 29
Stair Generator
The Stair Generator is basically a globally running LFO. It has only two
controls, the lower one is setting the speed at which it proceeds from one
step of the stair waveform to the next.
The upper parameter defines how many
levels the stair is made of, and thus how
long it takes for a complete cycle. As you
can see from the below examples, there is
a fixed correlation between the amount of
levels and the length of a complete cycle:
This is the simplest stair, made of 2 levels which
makes a 2 step cycle. In MorphoX it is named 2-2.
This stair has 3 levels, the floor, one in the middle
and the highest. It takes 4 steps to complete one
cycle. Its named 3-4
This is the 4-6 as it consists of 4 levels and takes 6
steps.
The last example is the 5-8, you guess it: it has 5
levels and takes 8 steps, so at a speed of 1/16th it
takes 8*1/16th = half a note to complete.
The possible amount of levels goes way further up and finally produces a
more and more almost triangular-looking waveform; at the maximum
setting the waveform is hard to be perceived as steps anymore, depending
on the kind of modulation the Stair Gen is used for.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 30
LFO 3
The LFO 3 is a host synced LFO. It both synchronises with tempo as well
as song position, so the start of a bar in the song will also be the start of a
cycle of this LFO. This only works for speeds equal or faster than 1/1, if you
for example choose 4/1, of course the LFO can only starts its cycle every
4th bar.
The first parameter selects the Waveform, while the second selects the
Speed (in note's length).
When choosing Retrigger, the LFO is only tempos-synced to the host/song
(but not position-synced), it will start its cycle with each first note after a
pause.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 31
Morph Settings
The Morph Settings are best explained from right to left. On the very right
you find the modulation wheel, which serves both as a control you can click
and move with your mouse,as well as a status display of your (real world
keyboard's) modulation wheel. Moving this control or either your keyboard's
modulation wheel will morph the sound of MorphoX between the two sub
programs A and B.
You can switch the display between the two sub programs A and B by using
the A and B buttons left of the modulation wheel.
Between the A and B buttons you'll
find the Link button which serves as
a connection between the
modulation wheel and the A and B
buttons: whenever you move the
wheel above its center, button B will
become active and whenever you
move it below its center, button A will become active. This also works the
other way around, switching either the A or B button will make the wheel
move fully up or fully down. for
Using this Link button makes sure you always see and edit the sound
which corresponds best to the current sound you hear when playing.
Left of the three buttons are the two dials labeled max and min. Sometimes
you may find that the best sound for a particular purpose is not at the
outermost positions of the wheel. For this purpose you can limit the range
of morphing by using these two dials to a certain range.
On the very left of the morph section you find the morph curve. Usually the
morphing happens in a linear fashion, indicated by a straight line. By
moving this control downwards the morphing slowly moves from A to the
middle and quickly approaches B at the end. When moving this control
upwards however, the morphing quickly moves from A towards the middle
and slowly approaches B at the end.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 32
Preset Browser / File Controls
The Preset Browser consists of two displays. The left one shows the
Current Bank and the right one shows the Current Preset. Whenever a
Preset is loaded using
the file controls right of
these displays, the
Preset name is updated
with the name of the
loaded Preset and the
Bank name (that's the
name of the directory
that contains the
Preset).
By default the Preset
Browser points to the
factory presets installed
with the LinPlug
MorphoX.
Presets can be changed in three different ways. You can load a new Preset
with the file controls, which work by clicking the < (Previous) or > (Next)
arrow buttons located right of the Preset name.
You can select the desired Preset directly from the right display, which turns
into a menu when you click on it.
You can also change a Preset by sending a program change command
from your host to the synth (could be either a built in feature of the host or a
MIDI program change from your MIDI controller).
The Current Location can be changed by loading a Preset from a different
directory or by selecting the desired location from the left display, which
also turns into a menu when you click on it.
The File Controls located to the right of the arrow buttons are used for all
File-related operations. The Load button opens a dialog that lets you select
a file for loading. The Save button allows you to save the current Preset
settings.
Note that when you load a Preset using the Master section's file controls,
the previous Preset is erased so if you want to keep changes in a Preset,
make sure you save it before loading another one.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 33
Voices
The Voices control is used to set the polyphony available. The maximum
polyphony is 32 voices. A variety of settings are available for polyphony:
"mono", "2" to "12" and "oo".
Mono means, that, say that you hold down one key and then press and
release a second key. In the case of the "mono" voice setting, the first note
will sound, and then the second note sounds. When the second note is
released the first note sounds again. This is typical for MONO mode and
creates a "pedal tone" effect.
The oo setting allows maximum polyphony, which is 32 voices.
ECS (MIDI Learn)
The ECS (Easy Controller Setup) section makes it simple to control the
LinPlug MorphoX from an external MIDI controller (either hardware or
software). All you have to select Learn from the ECS menu, select a
LinPlug MorphoX parameter with the mouse and finally send some MIDI
messages from you MIDI source. That's all there is to do!
From now on you can change the parameter with that controller. You can
define up to 128 parameter-controller-combinations. This does not depend
on the type of controller you have nor the particular MIDI Control Change
messages it sends.
ECS settings are save automatically, but can be saved and restored
manually using the Load and Save functions from the menu. A single
controller assignment can be cleared using the Clear menu entry and move
controls that you wish to be cleared (de-assigned from MIDI CC's).
The Clear All function clears all controller assignments at once.
Don't forget to switch Off the ECS after you have finished making or
clearing assignments!
A special feature in MorphoX is the ability of ECS to control both the
parameters of the A and B sound, this is described in detail as “ECS to A
and B” in the next chapter Settings.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 34
Settings
The Settings on the "Rear Panel" of the LinPlug MorphoX are accessed by
clicking on the LinPlug MorphoX logo at the bottom left of the LinPlug
MorphoX's front panel or the Setup button at the bottom right of the front
panel. Several controls have been located here to make the front panel
less crowded, and also so that they are not changed accidentally while the
LinPlug MorphoX is in use.
Dial Mode is used to select the LinPlug MorphoX's dial operation mode.
Two modes are available: Circular and Linear. In Circular mode the
MorphoX's dials track cursor movement in a circular fashion around the
dial. In Linear mode the MorphoX's dials track vertical cursor movement.
It's important to note that some sequencers can override the instrument's
dial mode settings so if the MorphoX's dials are not operating in the correct
manner, check the host program's settings.
Master Tune is used to set the overall tuning of the LinPlug MorphoX if no
micro-tuning file is loaded . Tuning can be set from 415.3 Hz to 466.2 Hz.
ECS to A and B when this option is checked, the MorphoX's MIDI Learn
will not only allow to control a certain parameter, but will also support
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 35
changes to both part A and part B, depending on which page you are
currently editing the sound.
When using MIDI controllers to perform live or to automate parameters its
recommended to have this switched Off. When using MIDI controllers to
edit a patch you might find it useful to have this switched On.
The Bend Up Range control is used to set the LinPlug MorphoX's
response to pitch bend messages. Bend Range can be set from 0 to 24
semitones. A setting of 0 means that the Pitch Wheel won't affect the
sounds pitch.
The Bend Down Range control is used to set the LinPlug MorphoX's
response to pitch bend messages. Bend Down Range can be set from 0 to
24 semitones.
The Bend Down Range control can also be set to “Link” in which case the
Bend Down Range is the same as the Bend Up Range.
Scale: See Appendix B for a complete description of how to use TUN files
in the LinPlug MorphoX.
Startup is used to define a preset that is loaded upon startup of MorphoX
(when you insert a new instance of MorphoX in your host).
Below this you find the actual version of MorphoX you are running and in
the S/N field whether it runs as a “Demo” (showing “Enter Serial here”) or
full product (showing “Valid”)
To switch back to the Front Panel click the LinPlug MorphoX logo on the
Rear Panel or the Edit button bottom right.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 36
Glossary
AM: AM or "Amplitude Modulation" is a process where the
amplitude of one oscillator (the carrier) is controlled by
another (the modulator). When the frequency of the
modulator is periodic and below the audio range (less than
20 Hz) tremolo is produced. When the modulation
frequency is within the audio range metallic overtones are
produced.
Amplifier: A signal processing device that changes the amplitude, and
hence the volume, of a signal.
Effect: A signal processing device that changes some aspect of
the input signal. An enormous number of different effect
types are available. These include Chorus (which produces
a thickening of the signal), Delay (adding echoes to the
signal) and Distortion (which changes the shape of the
waveform usually adding overtones).
Envelope: A time-varying signal used to control the development of
another signal after it has been triggered. Envelopes are
often used for controlling a signal's amplitude or filter's
frequency. The shape of the envelope is determined by the
number of control parameters. Usually four parameters are
available: Attack Time, Decay Time, Sustain Level and
Release Time.
Filter: A signal processing device that suppresses or "filters" out
specific parts of a signal's frequency spectrum. Numerous
types of filter are used in audio synthesis. These include
Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass and Notch.
FM: FM or "Frequency Modulation" is a process where the
frequency of one oscillator or filter (the carrier) is controlled
by another (the modulator). When the frequency of the
modulator is periodic and below the audio range (less than
20 Hz) vibrato is produced. When the modulation frequency
is within the audio range, Frequency Modulation is
produced.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 37
LFO: An LFO or "Low Frequency Oscillator" is a periodic signal
source (usually below audio frequency range) used to
modulate another module's parameter. An LFO can be
used for a variety of effects including vibrato (by modulating
the pitch) and tremolo (by modulating the volume).
Modulation
Matrix: A signal "junction" where a source signal can be patched so
that it controls a destination signal. The MorphoX's
Modulation Matrix is used for tasks such as modulating an
oscillator's amplitude by an LFO.
Oscillator: A signal source that generates a periodic waveform at a
given frequency.
Ring
Modulation: The process of combining two audio signals by
multiplication. Ring Modulation produces sidebands but
suppresses both the carrier and modulating frequencies.
Noise: Specifically White Noise is a signal which contains equal
energy over its frequency range, compared to other types
of noise, white noise has a "bright" sound.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 38
MIDI Implementation Chart
Product: MorphoX Version 1.x Date: 10.September 2010
Manufacturer LinPlug Virtual Instruments GmbH
Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks
Basic Channel
Default no no
Changed no no
Mode
Default no Omni
Changed no no
Note Number
no yes
True Voice no no
Velocity
Note On no yes
Note Off no no
Aftertouch
Poly (Key) no yes
Mono (Channel) no yes
Pitch Bend no yes
Control Change no yes
Program Change no yes
System Exclusive no no
System Common
Song Position no no
Song Select no no
Tune Request no no
System Realtime
Clock no no
Commands no no
Aux Messages
Local On/Off no no
All Notes Off no yes
Active Sensing no no
System Reset no yes
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 39
Appendix A: Modulation Sources and Destinations
Modulation Sources
Keyfollow The note being played with a linear response. The
modulation value follows the note number
(bipolar).
Velocity The MIDI note-on velocity information. The harder
the key is hit, the higher the modulation value
(unipolar).
Aftertouch The Aftertouch, also sometimes called Pressure
value (either Mono or Poly, whatever your
keyboard supports) is used as modulation source.
Your MIDI keyboard must support this. If this
doesn't work it is likely that your keyboard has no
aftertouch (unipolar).
Pitch Wheel The value of the Pitch-Wheel is taken as
modulation source, maybe it makes sense to
reduce the Pitch Wheel range on the Settings page
to 0 when using the Pitch Wheel as modulation
source. The Pitch Wheel is bipolar
Modulation Wheel The MIDI modulation wheel (MIDI CC 1)
(unipolar ). This one is mainly used to control the
morphing. Thought it might make sense to use it in
the modulation matrix.
Breath Controller MIDI CC 2 (unipolar).
Foot Controller MIDI CC 4 (unipolar).
Expression Contr. MIDI CC 11 (unipolar).
Amp Envelope The Main Amplitude envelope. This envelope
controls the overall output Volume, however if it
makes sense within the preset to do so, the
envelope can be used as a modulation source
(unipolar).
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 40
Filter Envelope The envelope of the Filter. This envelopes control
the Filter cutoff frequency, however if it makes
sense within the preset to do so, the envelope can
be used as a modulation source (unipolar).
Mod Envelope The Mod-Envelope is dedicated to be used in the
matrix and can be routed to any available
modulation destination (unipolar).
Glide Envelope The envelope of the Glide effect (when used). This
envelopes control the gradual frequency change of
the played note when Glide is activated. However if
it makes sense within the preset to do so, this
envelope can be used as a modulation source
(unipolar).
LFO 1 LFO 1 (bipolar).
LFO 2 LFO 2 (bipolar).
LFO 3 LFO 3 (bipolar).
Arpeggiator As a special modulation source the Arpeggiator is
useable as modulation source too. Usually it then
runs in Mod-Only mode, but every mode other than
Off will work. (unipolar)
Stair Generator The Stair Generator is a special, globally running
LFO. It is quite similar to LFO 3, however it has a
different, stair alike waveform.
Random Unipolar A random unipolar source. The value of this
source is the same if used in several modulation
routing. If you for example route it to filter and
amplitude both will be modulated with the same
random amount . The amount of course changes
randomly on each note being played. Unipolar
means that the source is only increasing (or if
applied with negative depth, decreasing) the
targets value.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 41
Random Bipolar Similar to Random Unipolar, however a random
bipolar source. Bipolar means that the source is
randomly increasing or decreasing the target's
value.
Alternate The Alternate modulation source changes
between values of 1 and -1 for each note. This is
useful for modulation effects such as autopanning (bipolar).
Const The Modulation Amount is used as a constant
modulation value (unipolar).
Modulation Destinations
Osc 1 or 2 Amplitude The amplitude (volume) of the respective
Oscillator. In order to create the classic tremolo
effect it is better to use Main Amplitude as the
modulation destination as this is applied to the
whole voice.
Osc 1 or 2 Pitch The pitch of the respective Oscillator. In order to
create the classic vibrato effect it is better to use
Main Pitch as the modulation destination as this is
applied to the whole voice.
Osc 1 or 2 Symmetry Pulsewidth or Symmetry of the respective
Oscillator waveform, used to thicken a sound or
make it swirl, effect depends on intensity and
modulation speed, typically with LFO.
Osc 1 or 2 Panning Pan position of the oscillator output, used for
stereo effects, for example, with an LFO as the
source for a permanently moving sound, or with
Envelopes to let the oscillator output move through
the stereo panorama.
Osc 1 Start Phase Modulates the start point in the waveform of
oscillator 1, if its not set to Free-Run.
Osc 1 or 2 Spread Pitch If Spread is used in the respective oscillator, one
can hereby control the amount of detuning within
the range null (no detune) up to the value as set by
the Spread slider.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 42
Osc 1 or 2 Spread Volume If Spread is used in the respective
oscillator, one can hereby control the volume of
the additional voices within the range null (no
additional sound) up to the full volume.
Osc 2 Ringmod Controls the output of oscillator 2 in the same way
as the Ringmod parameter below osc 2 in the
mixer, thus allows to dynamically change the mix of
oscillator 2 and the ring modulators output.
Osc 2 FM Amount Controls the amount of frequency modulation of
oscillator two by oscillator one.
Filter Cutoff Cutoff frequency of the Filter, often used with an
LFO to create filter sweeps or with Velocity to
simulate an acoustic instrument's response to note
attack.
Filter Cutoff FM The intensity of the FM modulation of the filters
cutoff frequency.
Filter Resonance Resonance of the Filter, sometimes a rather subtle
effect, sometimes drastic.
Filter Env-Depth Controls with how much the filter envelope affects
the filter cutoff frequency.
Filter LP Volume The volume of the low pass output of the filter.
Filter BP Volume The volume of the band pass output of the filter.
Filter HP Volume The volume of the high pass output of the filter.
Main Amplitude Used to control the overall volume of the patch.
Main Pitch Used to control the overall pitch of this patch.
Main Noise Volume Allows modulation of the noise amount in the
oscillator mixer.
Main Osc Stereo When oscillator one or oscillator two runs in
Spread mode, the different voices are usually
centered.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 43
However when increasing the value of this
modulation target, the voices are gradually spread
in stereo panorama.
Matrix Depth 1,2,3,4 Intensity of the first four entries (line 1 to 4) in the
Modulation Matrix, often used with the ModWheel
as source to control a specific modulation
parameter (e.g. Vibrato).
LFO Speed 1,2,3 Speed of LFO 1 to 3, this allows tempo changes of
the LFO to be programmed. Typically this is used
with Mod-Env as the source. Another example is
Key Lin which can be used to make the LFO run
faster with higher notes.
Envelope Xxx Att The Attack Time of the respective Envelope
(either Amp=Amplitude, Fil=Filter or
Mod=Modulation).
Envelope Xxx Dec The Decay Time of the respective Envelope.
Envelope Xxx Rel The Release Time of the respective Envelope.
Note that the envelope modulation targets will not allow continuous
modulation. This modulation is always applied once when the note starts.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 44
Appendix B: Using TUN Files
By Jacky Ligon
About Microtuning
Microtuning, or "microtonality" are methods for tuning musical instruments
whereby musicians may explore and compose with ethnic, historical and
contemporary tuning-systems. Microtuning musical instruments allows one
to use scales which may have pitches lying between the notes of our
familiar Western 12 tone scale. These pitches which are found in the
'cracks' of 12 Tone Equal Temperament are one of the things that give
music's of Bali, India, Africa, Thailand, Turkey and the Middle East (to name
but a few) a special intonational flavor, but is something that is of
immeasurable value to the contemporary acoustic and electronic
composer, who may require a more broad palette of musical pitches for
their music.
The quest for creating beautiful and musically useful tuning-systems has
been an unending process of discovery and debate amongst musical
theorists, mathematicians, physicists and musicians going back to early
history. Quite often the reasons for micro-tuning instruments may involve
improving the consonant intervals of a tuning-system for sweeter sounding
harmonies, as well as offering wider variety of choices for melody.
"Microtuning" an instrument can sometimes mean there may be less or
more than 12 tones in an octave, or even that the octave itself may be
stretched or compressed. Microtuning is a vast topic, rich with lore, music
and an infinity of musical possibilities for the sonic explorer.
Creating TUN microtuning files with SCALA
Scala is a freeware utility developed by Manuel Op de Coul in the
Netherlands, which can be used for the creation and analysis of historical,
ethnic and contemporary microtunings. A powerful capability of Scala is
that it enables the user to create the proprietary tuning data required for
microtuning a wide range of hardware and software synthesizers and
samplers.
Scala may be used to create the TUN format microtuning-files needed to
explore microtunings with this instrument.
The Scala home page is http://www.xs4all.nl/~huygensf/scala/
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 45
Specifying the Reference Frequency of a Microtuning
One of the powerful capabilities of the TUN file format and Scala, is the
ability to specify the pitch and midi note which will be the reference pitch for
the microtuning in use. This becomes a very important consideration when
one is using a number of different synthesizers and wishes to keep them in
tune with a given base frequency. It is very common for one to specify a
chosen concert pitch such as A440 Hz or C261.6256 Hz as a reference for
a microtuning, however, the flexibility of the TUN format and Scala enables
one to specify this frequency arbitrarily. In Scala this reference is called
Map Frequency.
As well as being able to specify the Map Frequency, one can also specify a
central midi-note, which will become the starting point for the microtuning in
use. Being able to specify a particular midi-note on the controller, provides
a way to map a microtuning beginning on any desired midi key, making it
easier to navigate the keyboard when there may be more or less than 12
tones per octave, or where one may desire to have the notes of a tuning fall
on certain physical keys.
Important Note
When one uses a TUN microtuning-file in the MorphoX, the above specified
mapping properties will override the Master Tuning reference. Normally
when one is using the default 12 Tone Equal Tempered Scale, the Master
Tuning will be used to make fine pitch adjustments around the standard
concert pitch of A440 Hz, but when one has specified another pitch base
for a microtuning when the TUN file is created in Scala, such as C261.6256
Hz, the data in the TUN microtuning-file will provide a new pitch reference.
LinPlug MorphoX 1.0 46
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