Peterson StroboSoft 2.0 User Manual

StroboSoft 2.0

VST/AU STROBE TUNING SOFTW ARE

Owners Manual

StroboSoft Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………..…..…….2

About Peterson……………….………..……….…………………………….4
Licensing Contract……………………………………………………………5

Getting Started………………………………………………………...………...…...7

Input Device Setup……………………….………………………….………7
Audio Tips……………………………….………………………………….10

sLINK™ VST/AU………………………..………………………………....12

Chromatic Tuning Screen…………………………………………………………..13

Manual Note Select………….………..……………………………………15
Global Cents Offset…….………………..……………………………..…..16
Concert A Range………………………..…………………………….……17
Temperaments……………………..………………………………..…..….18

Transpose/Drop/Capo…………..….…………………….…………..…....20

Target Tune…………………………..….…………………...……………..21
Tap Tuning………………………………..…………………………………22

Instrument Tune Screen………………………………………………………….…26

Instrument Presets…………………………………………….….……..…28
Tunings………………………………………………………………...……29
Sweeteners…………………………………………………………..….….30
Manual String/Intonate………………………………………………..…...32

Set Up Screen…………………………………………………………...…………..34

Creating Temperaments……………………………………….……....….38

Calibrate Screen…………………………………………..……….….……40
User Preferences…………………………………………...………………43

General Tuning Workshop……………………………………………...…………..45

Intonating with StroboSoft……………………………….…….…….…….47
Intonating with Buzz Feiten®………………………….………….……….50

Intonating with Earvana ®……………………………....……..……..……51

Tuning Pedal Steel………………………………………….…….………..52

Troubleshooting……………………………..…………………………………..…...54
Upgrading StroboSoft Standard………………………………………………….…57
Glossary………………………………………………………………………….……59

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

Welcome to StroboSoft by Peterson and congratulations on choosing the

most accurate and advanced tuning software from the tuner company,

Peterson Strobe Tuners.

StroboSoft uses the power of your computer and its high resolution to accurately display
the pitch of your instrument as compared to traditional tuning standards, our Peterson
Sweetened™ settings, other company's tunings, or contributor settings. With the 0.1 cents
accuracy and sophistication of StroboSoft, Peterson's 60+ years of tuning experience has now
taken tuning from plain black and white to the world of high definition color!

StroboSoft is simple to use in its chromatic tune mode and also has an exclusive
instrument mode that allows you to define your instrument to StroboSoft and store those settings
in presets to be quickly recalled at any time. After storing your presets, tuning multiple
instruments with StroboSoft is quick and easy. Create a library of tunings for one instrument or
better yet, all of your instruments!

Add professional tuning power to your DAW with StroboSoft's sLINK™ Technology.
sLINK allows you to add a VST/AU tuner to you favorite recording host application. Plug
StroboSoft in your recording sessions to have an accurate Peterson strobe tuner at your disposal
any time!

We have added many new features that we feel would be desired in a professional tuning
application and developed many user-inspired features.

StroboSoft 2.0 Features at-a-glance:

Standard & Deluxe Versions

 Support for multi-channel input devices.
 +24db input boost available for low output instruments
 Illuminated sharp and flat indicators make it easier to determine strobe direction
 Compact mode to save screen space (<50% size of main interface)
 Basic chromatic tuning
 Cents/Hertz/MIDI note number output
 Noise filter
 Selectable sampling rate up to 96khz
 12 temperaments (Equal, 1/4 Comma Meantone, 1/6th Comma Meantone, Rameau,

Zarlino, Just Major, Kellner, Kirnberger III, Pythagorean, Valloti, Werckmeister III, Young)

 Manual note select
 Capo and drop tune settings
 Target tune function
 Global cents offset
 Selectable Concert A reference (340hz - 540hz)

2

Deluxe Only

 Added "themes" or skins to provide alternative look and feel
 Import/export temperaments, instrument tunings, and sweeteners
 "Pitch graph" to show real-time plot of pitch variation
 Close button on pop-up windows (scope, spectrum, pitch graph)
 "Tap tuning" functionality
 sLINK™ micro-host allow VST/AU capability
 Detachable strobe display
 Added a small marker (a red 'x') to the spectrum display to indicate approximately which

frequency is being measured (Identifies the fundamental easily)

 Buzz Feiten tuning system® support (open string and intonation settings)
 38 exclusive Peterson Sweetened™ tunings
 Instrument tune mode with 27 preset instrument profiles
 59 preset alternate tunings for various instruments
 Unlimited programmable user instrument presets/tunings
 Create unlimited user temperaments and sweeteners
 Selectable channel inputs
 Oscilloscope
 Spectrum analyzer

[Note: The StroboSoft website offers a variety of interactive tutorials for viewing. Please
visit www.strobosoft.com for further tutorials or visit the StroboSoft Frequently Asked
Question section on the StroboSoft product page.]

3

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

About Peterson Electro-Musical Products, Inc.

In 1948, 10 years after the invention of the strobe tuner, the Chicago-based Peterson
Electro-Musical Products was founded. Led by Dick Peterson, a pioneer of solid state electronics,
its first product was the Model 150 instrument tuner in 1952 and, realizing the need for a light but
accurate device, Peterson engineer Bill Hass built the first battery powered handheld tuner in
1964, the Model 70. Soon to follow was the Peterson Model 400 strobe tuner in 1967. This was
the world's first solid-state strobe tuner. With rock musicians´ increasing fascination with all things
technical, and the accompanying strive for excellence & perfection in the audio arena; the strobe
tuner began to be a common sight on stage and in the recording studio. Many will recall first
seeing the mysterious flickering dials behind such luminaries as the Grateful Dead, The Who,
Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young et al. It also took its place as a must-have in
the road cases of their touring crews, still the case today.

Due to the rapid advances in electronic engineering in the 70s, many companies built
tuners as a by-product in their quest to find uses for the many & varied parts left over from other
concepts. These units were simple reference devices, and found increasing favor with musicians
through the decade. Accuracy was not really an issue, except for the major bands, studios,
schools & instrument manufacturers for whom compromise was not an option, and the strobe
tuner became a sign of professionalism & high standards.

In the 80´s, the strobe tuner continued its dominance, with rivaling manufacturers seeking
& failing to emulate the elusive strobe display by other means. The Conn tuner dynasty faded to
an end in 1985, and what was left of their Strobotuner division was bought by Peterson who, after
acquiring new engineering blood, introduced 12 wheel Strobe Center 5000™ in 1994 and the
single wheel Autostrobe™ in 1997, presently the standard in professional circles. Peterson is in
an enviable position as sole manufacturers of strobe tuners globally.

In 2001, befitting the year, the strobe tuner also became a hand-held device known as
the Peterson VS-1 Virtual Strobe™, a brand new concept, combining the time-proven advantages
of the stroboscopic display with battery-powered portability in a compact format. This new tuner
can boast of a 65-year-old legacy, as the Strobe Tuner continues to dominate as the professional
choice of musicians, technicians, manufacturers & educators worldwide.

The VS-II and V-SAM Virtual Strobes followed in 2003 and the first ever True Bypass
tuner of any kind, the Peterson StroboStomp™ made its entrance in 2004.

Continuing this innovative tradition in 2005, Peterson became the first ever tuner
manufacturer to offer both hardware and software tuners with the debut of StroboSoft™ Standard
and Deluxe Edition software strobe tuners as the latest chapter in Peterson's 70-year-old strobe
tuner legacy.

For more information on Peterson Electro-Musical Products, Inc, please visit:

www.petersontuners.com

4

SOFTWARE LICENSING CONTRACT

This is a legal agreement between you ("User") and Peterson Electro-Musical Products, Inc.
(Peterson). BY INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE
TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SO BOUND DO NOT INSTALL
THE SOFTWARE AND CONTACT PETERSON FOR A FULL REFUND.

1. License

Peterson hereby grants User a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use two
copies of Peterson's software product (the "Program") as acquired with this license in accordance
with any user documentation supplied with the Program and in accordance with the terms of this
agreement. User may use one copy of the Program on a single stand-alone computer and the
other copy on another single stand-alone computer at any time. User may make one back-up
copy of the Program, provided that such copy shall be subject to the terms of this agreement.

2. Copyright and other intellectual property rights

All intellectual property rights in the Program and user documentation are owned by or licensed to
Peterson and are protected by UK copyright laws, US copyright laws, international treaty
provisions and other applicable national laws.

3. Further restrictions

User may not loan, rent, lease or license the Program or any copy. User may not use the
Program for or on behalf of anyone else (which includes operating any form of facility on behalf of
anyone else or operating a software bureau service). User must not reverse engineer or de­compile the Program save to the extent permitted by applicable law despite any contractual
prohibition. If User wishes to obtain interface information relating to the Program, to achieve inter­operability, a request should be made in writing to Peterson.

4. Warranties

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE BY THIS AGREEMENT, NO
CONDITIONS, WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR OTHER TERMS APPLY TO THE
PROGRAM OR USER DOCUMENTATION (INCLUDING ANY SUCH TERMS RELATING TO
QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE). Peterson DOES
NOT WARRANT OR ENTER INTO ANY TERM TO THE EFFECT THAT THE PROGRAM WILL
BE ENTIRELY FREE FROM DEFECTS OR THAT ITS OPERATION WILL BE ENTIRELY
ERROR FREE.

5. Exclusion of liability/damages

Except as and to the extent provided in this agreement, Peterson (or any related company) will
not in any circumstances be liable for any other damages whatsoever (including, without
limitation, damages for loss of business, business interruption, loss of business information or
other indirect or consequential loss) arising out of the use or inability to use or supply or non­supply of the Program and any accompanying written materials. Peterson’s (or any related
company’s) total liability under any provision of this agreement is in any case limited to the
amount actually paid by you for the Program.

5

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

6. Termination

User’s license to use the Program automatically terminates if User fails to comply with any
provisions of this agreement or if User has a receiver or administrative receiver appointed,
passes a resolution for winding up (other than as part of a reconstruction), enters into any
voluntary arrangement with User’s creditors or becomes subject to an administration order.

7. Sub-license and Assignment

User may not sublicense the Program. User may assign all its rights to use the Program to
another person or entity provided that: (a) User transfers this agreement, the physical medium in
which the Program is made available, user documentation and all copies of the Program and user
documentation; (b) User retains no copies of the Program, including copies stored on a device;
and (c) User remains liable under this agreement for any breach of its terms by the assignee.

8. Statutory rights

If User purchased the copy of the Program covered by this agreement as a consumer, the
exclusions and limitations contained in this agreement do not affect any statutory rights to which
User is entitled and which may not under applicable law be excluded or limited.

9. Title

User owns only any media on which the Program is supplied and may retain this media on
termination of this agreement provided that the Program is erased. Peterson shall at all times
retain ownership of the Program.

10. Entire agreement, applicable law and jurisdiction

This agreement sets out all of the terms that have been agreed between Peterson and User in
relation to the subjects covered by it. This agreement is governed by United States law and both
parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Court in relation to any dispute
concerning this agreement, but Peterson is also entitled to apply to any court worldwide for
injunctive and other remedies in order to protect or enforce its intellectual property rights.

6

Getting Started - Input Device Set-up

Setting Up Device Properties

1. Sample rate selector: Set this to your project settings or sound card rate if other than 44.1kHz. AUTO is the default setting and appropriate for standard use with most systems.

2. / 3. Left and Right Selectors: (Deluxe only) StroboSoft can tune two different instruments at the same time each with their own settings by using these selectors.

4. Mono selector: Combine the signal from both channels of the sound card in.

5. Clip indicators. These indicators will follow the input levels. If the input is clipping, adjust the volume downward as to not saturate the input into StroboSoft. StroboSoft may provide erratic results if the input is left clipping.

6. Sound card selector: Select the desired audio input here. Ensure this setting is reflective of
what the computer's operating system or the selected sound interface is set to. Refer to the
system's user guide for setting the audio device input or your interface manual.

To Configure Your Sound Card For Use With StroboSoft:

1. Click on the SET-UP button.

2. Click on the SET-UP tab inside the window.

3. Select the MONO, L, or R button to choose the channel StroboSoft should use for
measuring input signals.

When MONO is selected, StroboSoft will access the sound card using its mono input.
Typically, this uses the left input of a stereo device, but the sound card may mix the left and

7

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

right channels to create mono; this is not under the control of StroboSoft and different devices
may do different things. This is the setting most users will choose since they will only be
connecting one instrument into StroboSoft at a time.

The Left and Right selectors allow StroboSoft to individually access the left and right
channels of a stereo input. This is useful if there are two instruments connected at the same
time, one on the left channel and one on the right: StroboSoft can easily switch between
these instruments without having to physically reconnect them. (For example, a 6-string
acoustic can go into the Left channel while a 5-string bass can be fed into the Right channel.)

4. Select the desired sample rate. This rate should match the sound card's rating or the
recording project's settings. A sample rate mismatch may lead to StroboSoft changing the
project settings or the sound card settings creating a conflict. (Default setting is AUTO.)

5. Select the sound card type. Multiple sound card users can select a particular card to use
or if the sound card has multiple inputs, select the inputs individually for StroboSoft to
use.

[Note: It's important to note which settings are stored with each INPUT DEVICE. These are the
MONO, L, and R settings. When selected, StroboSoft can respectively save noise filter, sample

rate, sensitivity, and calibration settings. Different devices can have varied settings, which can be
very useful especially if these devices have different characteristics (e.g., noise levels). ]

Audio Device Problem Detected

If the selected sound card cannot "stream" data smoothly to StroboSoft, the AUDIO DEVICE
PROBLEM DETECTED message will display in the strobe display window (above).

8

Generally, the AUTO setting will work with most sound cards.

The AUTO function (default) samples audio at 11025Hz. This sample rate will preserve all
information up to frequencies up to 5512.5Hz (Nyquist's Theorem). Most instruments do not
produce fundamental tones above 5512.5Hz. Thus, measurement at 11025Hz is acceptable.

When 24kHz, 48kHz, or 96kHz sample rates are selected, StroboSoft will down-sample the
sample rate to run internally at 12kHz. This extends the high-frequency range and may assist in
measuring troublesome upper end frequencies.

Alternatively, if you are using a pro-audio sound card that has a higher sample rate capability,
switch StroboSoft to match it to avoid conflicts with the selected sound card settings and/or
recording session settings.

9

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

10

Getting Started - StroboSoft Audio Tips

There are a few items that you will require before using StroboSoft:

1. An instrument cable long enough to allow positioning and free movement near the
computer. Access to the mouse and keyboard will be required in certain instances.

2. A 1/4" to 1/8" mini adaptor to plug into the stock sound card will be required. Pro-Audio
sound cards typically have a direct 1/4" input that can be used, often with direct
instrument inputs. The adaptor is not required in this case.

3. Most acoustic instruments will require a microphone if they are not equipped with an
electronic pick-up device. A simple omni-directional microphone will suffice. Suction cup
devices and clip-on pickups will work also.

General StroboSoft Tuning Tips

1. Use the proper input. If using an electric instrument, it's best to plug it into the "line in"
connection instead of the "microphone" connection. This will provide much better signal
quality. The line-level signal of an electric instrument is strong and will allow for a good
measurement.

2. Use a good microphone. Inexpensive computer microphones may not be able to
accurately reproduce the frequency range of your instrument signal. This will create a
false measurement.

3. Use the Spectrum Analyzer. (Deluxe Version Only) The Spectrum Analyzer will allow
immediate viewing of the input signal StroboSoft is trying to measure. If there are large
spikes or high background noise levels present, run the noise filter. Use the numbers at
the bottom of the graph and the Multi-Function Window to compare Hz measurements
instantly. (This is a great function to view harmonic tone sets of a particular note also.)

4. Are you sharp or flat? The display scrolls up when the string is sharp and down when it
is flat.

5. Watch the display. The individual vertical bands represent different octave ranges.
There are 4 (Low to high = Left to right) different octave ranges. Ideally, you will focus on
making the left-most band stand still; although you will notice the others slow to a stop as
well. If you play a note in an octave higher than the area of pitch covered by a particular
band, it disappears and the next strobe band is the one to watch.

6. Use your finger. It is best to not use a pick. Use the fleshy side of your thumb and gently
pluck the string.

7. You don't need to constantly pick the string. Unlike needle and LED tuners, there is
no need to pluck the string repeatedly. Generally, pulling the string once every 5-7
seconds or until the note's sustain is no longer heard is suffice. In StroboSoft, the strobe
window will dim when the signal has gone below the tuning threshold, indicating that it is
time to pluck the string again.

8. Lower the volume. In certain cases, it may help to adjust the guitar's volume pot down to
about 1/4 to 1/2 of its full potential. Not much signal is required to get a very accurate
reading.

9. Practice a "light" hand. Make very slight adjustments to the tuning pegs until the strobe
display stops moving. There will be random shifts every once in a while; this is normal.
The tuner is hearing everything that your pickups are giving it; noises and all. When the
display is standing still, or extremely close to being locked...the note being tuned is within
1/10th of a cent.

11

10. Use the NOISE FILTER when using an external mic. Plug in the mic, place the
instrument in tuning position, open the application and run the filter. Doing so will reduce
the room noise threshold and allow for easier tuning. Be careful to not make any noise
that the filter may pick-up. Any noise made during the noise filtering process will be
interpreted as ambient noise. Any frequency or frequencies captured inside the "noise
band" will be severely attenuated during tuning and may prohibit a successful
measurement.

11. Do not use the noise filter if tuning electric instruments or devices with a line-level input.

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

12

StroboSoft sLINK®

StroboSoft V2 Deluxe as a VST/AU¹
StroboSoft can be used as a VST/AU plug-in when the included sLINK module is installed. This
will allow you to open StroboSoft and insert an instance on any track in your favorite DAW that is
capable of hosting VST and or AU plug-ins. The sLINK module will bridge audio from the host
application into StroboSoft.

You can use StroboSoft to check tuning during a session, check intonation on vocal tracks, tune
samples, verify correct tuning before punch-in recording, and more!

To install on PC:

1. Install StroboSoft as an administrator.

2. Double-click the .msi file to install the sLINK module in your system plug-in folder.

3. Refresh your plug-in folder from inside your recording software to ensure StroboSoft is
listed as a plug-in.

To install on Mac:

1. Install StroboSoft into the Application folder as an administrator.

2. Drag the sLINK AU or VST .dmg into your desired plug-in folder.

3. Refresh your plug-in folder from inside your recording software to ensure StroboSoft is
listed as a plug-in.

IMPORTANT: The StroboSoft.app file must be installed into the Applications folder for sLINK to
function properly. Please check that it is installed correctly in the Applications folder in the event
your host will not update to show StroboSoft in the plug-in/effects list.

Pro Tools¹ users will require a VST-to-RTAS adaptor to use StroboSoft inside a session. A native
RTAS/TDM version of StroboSoft will be available soon.

Please visit www.strobosoft.com for more details when available.

¹ VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Audio Units is a trademark of Apple, Inc. RTAS and ProTools are

trademarks of Avid, Inc. All other trademarks and brand identities are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their
respective owners.

13

StroboSoft™ Interface Tour: Chromatic Screen

Features and Functions: Chromatic Screen

1. When the strobe display rolls up, tuning is sharp. The arrow will illuminate indicating the
scrolling direction in the event that it may be difficult to determine which way the display is
moving.

2. Deluxe only: Click this button to maximize the strobe display. Resizing is accomplished by
dragging the corners to fit the display.

3. When the display rolls down, tuning is flat. The arrow will illuminate indicating the scrolling
direction in the event that it may be difficult to determine which way the display is moving.

4. These buttons allow navigation between the StroboSoft modes. (StroboSoft Standard will have
access to the INSTRUMENT TUNE page but all options will be grayed out.)

5. The StroboSoft power button enables the user to relieve system resources when running
processor intensive applications. It also releases the audio driver for systems that only have 2­channels and need to share audio inputs.

6. User settings:

Global Cents Offset: Global Cents Offset will offset all measurements by the value
entered. Use this when an off-zero reference point for measurements is desired.

Concert A: Concert A has a selectable range of 340Hz-540Hz to cover a wide variety of
string, brass, and woodwind instruments.

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

14

Temperament: Preset and user-created temperaments are displayed here. 12-selectable
preset temperaments are available to choose from to cover a wide range of instruments.
(User temperaments only available in the Deluxe version.)

Transpose/Drop/Capo: Transpose settings up to +/- one full octave. StroboSoft is 'smart'
enough to transpose the desired tuning setting when using a drop or capo setting.

7. The input LEDs displays the strength of the input signal. Be careful not to clip the input as it
may impede a good measurement.

8. Global Cents Offset will offset all measurements by the value entered. Use this when an off­zero reference point for measurements is required. Double-click the knob to reset back to zero.

9. The Manual Note Select feature heightens the tuner's sensitivity to the selected note and helps
determine the fundamental in events where the harmonic may be preventing a successful
measurement.

10. Deluxe only: Clicking this button brings the user back to the chromatic screen when inside
the tap tuning function.

11. Click here to run the Help file.

12. Click here to open the Quick Tips. (Checking the box in the tip window at any time can disable
the tips.)

13. Deluxe only: This button allows a user access to the tap tuning function. When inside the tap
tune screen, click the TAP TUNING ENABLE function to turn on the tap tuning utility.

14. Multi-Function Lever: This controls what is displayed depending on the setting. Toggle
between the cents output, the frequency in Hertz, or the MIDI note # for the given note.

15. This window displays the current NOTE/OCTAVE reading.

16. Strobe window. When the strobe speed slows, the note is closer to tune. The strobe is
accurate to 0.1 cent. The distance the note is from being in tune determines the strobe speed; the
further it is, the faster it will scroll. The object is to lock all the bands together and "cage" the
strobe display from moving to consider the note in tune. A slight "warbling" movement is
acceptable and should not be considered an "out of tune" indicator.

17. Click to enable "compact" mode. This will shrink the interface down and free up more screen
area. Great when used with multi-track programs that require more viewing area.

18. Click the "T" to place StroboSoft "always on top". This is useful when multiple windows are
open and the desire is to maintain StroboSoft as the active window.

19. Click to close StroboSoft. . (Not available on Mac.)

20. Click to close StroboSoft. (Not available on Mac.)

21. The TARGET/INPUT switch allows toggling between the actual input and the target note. Use
the Target function in combination with the Manual Note Select option to limit what StroboSoft
'sees' when tuning.

15

Chromatic Tune - Manual Note Select

StroboSoft™ Manual Note Select

When tuning under unusual circumstances, tuning extremely high-pitched notes, or in noisy
environments it may be necessary to manually select the note to which to tune.

StroboSoft's MANUAL NOTE SELECT will allow users to select their notes and tune with
complete confidence that their notes are being measured accurately.

Using the MANUAL NOTE SELECT also assists the user in tuning to different offsets whether
original or proprietary since the CENTS display will output the current cents position on a
NOTE/OCTAVE basis.

MANUAL NOTE SELECT limits the range of notes StroboSoft looks for so it can potentially detect
harmonics from other notes and assume that was the note desired. This can be useful if trying to
detect harmonics from other notes. For example, playing an E2 and setting MANUAL NOTE
SELECT to E3, will measure the pitch of the first harmonic instead of the fundamental frequency.

To Use Manual Note Select:

1. Enable the MANUAL NOTE SELECT feature by clicking the LED (or the text) above the
MANUAL NOTE SELECT knob.

2. Drag the knob with the mouse to select the desired note or for more precise setting, use
the mouse wheel to scroll to the desired NOTE/OCTAVE combination.

3. The notes will display in the NOTE/OCTAVE window.

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

16

Chromatic Tune - Global Cents Offset

To Manually Change Global Cents Offset:

1. CLICK in the GLOBAL CENTS OFFSET text box.

2. TYPE in the desired setting. Increments of 0.1 are allowed.

3. PRESS ENTER.

Adjusting the GLOBAL CENTS OFFSET in StroboSoft imposes a global offset value to all measurements StroboSoft processes.

Setting the GLOBAL CENTS OFFSET to something outside of 0.0 will provide an "off zero"
reference for tuning to custom offsets.

Double clicking the top of the GLOBAL OFFSETS knob will reset it to zero.

Note: There are some mouse drivers that will allow "fine-tuning" (settings of 0.1 cents) the
GLOBAL CENTS OFFSET by holding down the right mouse button while scrolling the mouse
wheel. This will vary from computer to computer. This will not impede the performance of
StroboSoft. If there is any issue with using the mouse to input global offsets, simply manually
change the offset by clicking in the text box and typing it in.

17

Chromatic Tune - Concert A Range

To Change the Concert A Frequency Range:

1. CLICK in the CONCERT A text box.

2. TYPE in your new setting.

3. PRESS ENTER.

StroboSoft Concert A Range: 340Hz - 540 Hz

StroboSoft has a default reference frequency of 440Hz (Concert A). The range of reference
frequencies within StroboSoft can be changed from 340Hz to 540Hz in 0.1 Hz increments.

Adjusting the CONCERT A reference can be useful to allow tuning to recordings that have
different reference frequencies or tune to instruments that do not use the typical 440Hz reference.

Also, depending on the tone desired, tuning to a higher CONCERT A frequency provides a
brighter sound to the overall tuning.

The CONCERT A setting in StroboSoft is a global value that is not stored in the instrument
presets. Make sure this is set at 440Hz when tuning regularly or measurements may be incorrect.

StroboSoft 2.0 Help

18

Chromatic Tune - Temperaments

To Change Temperaments:

1. CLICK in the TEMPERAMENT text box.

2. A dialog box opens.

3. SELECT the new setting.

4. PRESS ENTER.

Lately, the word "temperament" has entered the language of many musicians (notably guitarists
and bassists) who never before had a term that could describe the tuning shortcomings of their
instruments. Many modern instruments are constructed assuming "equal tempered" scale-note
intervals. This is simply one of an infinite number of ways to tune one scale note relative to
another, and it can create serious tuning shortcomings. However, by taking advantage of the
distinct characteristics of certain instruments (guitar, bass, steel guitar) or prevalent key
signatures (for the remaining "historical temperaments" in the list), alternate temperaments are
possible which generally "sweeten" the chords and intervals played on these instruments without
compromising the overall tuning relative to other pitched instruments being played.

By nature of a temperament being "unequal", some chords and keys—generally, major and minor
keys at (or diatonically related to) the ROOT note on which the temperament is built—are
"favored" while more remote keys have chords that sound worse than those of Equal
Temperament. In order to guarantee that a user can achieve a "favored sound" with any chosen
temperament regardless of key signature, StroboSoft™ provides a ROOT setting (accessed
under the TEMP menu item by pressing SET-UP then the TEMP button). The ROOT setting
realigns the temperament to the "concert pitch" chosen. Thus, if one wants to play perfect 3rds in
the diatonic key of D major, for example, one might choose the JSTM temperament with ROOT
set to "D".

User Temperaments

 These Temperaments are created by the user and displayed in the drop down box for

quick access. Upon initial installation of StroboSoft, there will not be any user
Temperaments displayed.

Equal Temperament

 EQU (Equal) is "standard" modern tuning (that would appear in a typical keyboard

synthesizer, for example).

Meantone Temperaments

 4MNT (1/4 Comma Mean Tone) is a fairly flexible "compromise temperament" producing

good results in all major/minor keys based on the diatonic notes from the chosen root
(except VII major and IV minor). It is a popular "historic" tuning for piano, organ, and
baroque keyboard instruments (harpsichord, clavichord, etc).

 6MNT (1/6th Comma Meantone) Widely used for Lute & Viol tuning, this temperament is

milder than 1/4 comma Meantone.

 RAM (Rameau) Baroque temperament also known as "Temperament Ordinaire". It

allows for four pure thirds on Bb,F,C,G and an almost pure third on D.

 ZAR (Zarlino) Only the C,F & G major and minor chords are purely consonant in this

tuning.