Tuning project settings in Logic Pro for Mac

Tune slider: Determines the global tuning of all software instruments. The default is concert pitch A (440 Hz). Detuning is in cent (1/100 of a semitone) steps.

Equal Tempered: Turns off any tuning, and uses an equal tempered scale.

Fixed: Activates a number of fixed tuning scales and keys. Fixed Tuning mode tunes musical keys (to different degrees) for scaled tuning systems, and delivers a key signature character. When playing mostly white keys (in the Pure setting, and with C as the root key), C major is the main focus, and tuning is scaled to that chord. An A major chord that is played immediately after a C major (and is therefore subject to C major scaled tuning) is affected somewhat by the scaled tuning effect, but does not sound completely tempered. If you normally play polyphonic music, this mode (when using the Pure setting) sounds most pleasing to your ears. The Fixed Tuning scales are ideal for a number of Baroque and Medieval instruments and styles of music.

• Type pop-up menu: Offers the most important historic tuning scales, as well as a few others.

• Root Key pop-up menu: Allows you to choose a global key (C-B) for the chosen scale. This provides an easy way to reference the chosen scale to any root note.

• Copy to User: Click to copy the values of the currently selected tuning table to the semitone boxes in the User section.

User: Allows you to detune each semitone in steps. Drag vertically in each semitone box until you reach the value you want, or double-click in a box and enter a value. The first semitone box (root key) is dimmed and can’t be changed.

• Reset: Click to reset all of your tuning adjustments to their default values (0.000).

• Export: Click to export your tuning adjustments as a settings file to the Music > Audio Music Apps > Tuning Tables folder.

  Note: Exported tuning tables in the Tuning Table folder are listed in the Type pop-up menu, grouped in the User section.

• Stretch Upper slider: Determines the deviation (from the equal tempered scale) in the treble end of the sound. The higher the value, the farther down the low notes are tuned. A setting of 0 results in an equal tempered scale tuning.

• Stretch Lower slider: Determines the deviation (from the equal tempered scale) in the bass end of the sound. The higher the value, the farther down the low notes are tuned. A setting of 0 results in an equal tempered scale tuning.

• Root Key pop-up menu: Allows you to choose a global key (C-B) for the chosen scale. This provides an easy way to reference the chosen scale to any root note.

Hermode Tuning (HMT): Allows you to set different Hermode Tuning (HMT) modes and degrees of effect. Select this when you wish to adjust the purity of 3rd and 5th intervals between notes while retaining the pitch relationship between keys and notes.

• Type pop-up menu: Allows you to set different Hermode Tuning modes.

  • Classic (3/5-all): This mode provides a broad and regular tuning of pure 5ths and 3rds. In cases of conflict, the degree of purity is temporarily reduced. This mode can be used for all types of music. The value of the Depth parameter indicates the degree of the 5th and 3rd purity. A setting of 100% determines maximum purity. A 10% value is the lowest purity setting. Off sets the tuning to an equal tempered scale.

  • Pop/Jazz (3/5/7-all): 5ths, 3rds, and 7ths are changed in this mode. It’s great for Pop and Jazz styles, especially when using sustained chords. It’s less suitable for polyphonic music, as the detuning of the natural 7th is significant. This mode should always be used with a Depth of 90% or 100%, as other values render the natural 7th acoustically ineffective.

  • Baroque (3/5-adaptive): This mode tunes pure 5ths and 3rds (with changing characteristics). In tonal music, with a clear harmonic center, the middle chords are tuned very purely, whereas more distant chords are tuned with less purity. If the harmonic center becomes unclear, all chords are tuned with equal purity. As with the other mode parameters, a Depth value of 100% determines the highest purity, and a value of 10%, the lowest purity.

• Depth slider: Allows you to set degrees of effect between 0% and 100%.