This program is designed to allow a user to quickly calculate and sonify different types of scales.
The left column will always calculate a 12 Tone Equal Temperment (12TET) scale. The cents calculation on the far left will always be comparing the novel scale to that of a 12TET scale. The center column is where the novel scale will be displayed.
TET:
Choosing "TET" will calculate a new scale in the same way that a 12TET scale is created.
f(n) = f * 2^n/12
The difference is that it allows the user to input any number of octave subdivision that they would like. The program will compare the newly created TET scale with that of a 12TET major scale and will select eight tones that best fit that of a 12TET. This is why regardless of how many subdivision are chosen, the program will only display 8 tones. Note: Choosing an octave divider that is a whole number multiple of 12 will yield a standard 12TET scale.
Just:
The "Just" scale (Sometimes referred to as the Pure Tone Scale) is a scale that is based off of the small whole number ratios of the harmonic series. Those ratios are [1, (9/8), (5/4), (4/3), (3/2), (5/3), (15/8), 2].
Pythagorean:
The "Pythagorean" scale is created with the idea of using the most harmonious interval 3/2 (second most harmonious, the first being the octave) to generate a scale. The eight tones are realized by starting at a pitch and going up a fifth(3/2) or doing down a fourth (4/3). Using the fourth doesn't break the rules of only using 3/2 because a fourth is simply an inverted fifth.
Ratio:
The "Ratio" option is less musical and more proof of concept. Just like how the Pythagorean scale is created from a generator interval of 3/2. The ratio option allows you to compose a scale that is generated from other small whole number ratios of the harmonic series.
Step One:
Download SuperCollider at the following link.
https://supercollider.github.io/download
Now you will be able to open up the following file.
OSCRecieve.sc
Once opened, follow the instructions in OSCRecieve.sc to set up the sound engine.
Step Two:
In the top hand corner select
File >> Midi / OSC Config
Once in this window select your midi device form the drop down menu and enter in the IP Address where you want to send your signals. Once completed click the SAVE SETTINGS button and then exit the window. You should notice now, on the main interface, in the bottom status bar your midi device and IP Address. This confirms that you have entered all your information correctly.
Pressing the SAVE SETTINGS button also sets up your OSC Client.
Step Three:
At this point you should already have a scale selected.
At the bottom of the main interface you will see two buttons labled 12 TET and New Scale. These two buttons let you toggle between which scale you would like to sonify.
You should notice now that the 8 roman numeral buttons are no longer greyed out. Assuming that your SuperCollider server is running and you have instantiated the appropriate code blocks in the OSCReceive.sc file, you can now select the 8 roman numeral buttons to begin hearing the chords 1 - 8 of your scale. You can change between 12TET or New Scale at anytime to compare the difference. (Note: Changing from 12TET to New Scale wont take effect until you select a new chord or the same chord again)
The START MIDI button works after the steps listed above have already been completed.
Once selected, you can now start to play your midi keyboard in the scale that you have designated (Note: This will be monophonic). Regardless of the scale, the 8 frequencies displayed in your list will map to all the white keys from C3 to C5. C3 will be set to the frequency that you entered above to generate your scale.
The black keys are used to control what chords are being played. From D#3 to G#4 you can use the black keys to change between the different chords of the scale. (Note: The black keys in this range performs the same function as the eight chord buttons in the main program. Assigning them to the black keys has simply made them accessible during real time midi playback). To silence the chords simply press A#4.
You will note that after you engage START MIDI, the program will be unresponsive. To end midi playback and return to the main program you must hit C#3 on your midi keyboard. To resume midi playback simply press the START MIDI button again. Repeat this process to change between scales.
pythonosc
SuperCollider
Python 3
Tkinter
Mido