Settings

Settings

Logic Pro includes a real-time tuning system, for use with the included software instruments. You can configure the tuning system in the Tuning settings.

Figure. Tuning settings.

When Show Advanced Tools is selected in Advanced preferences, the following are available:

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

  • Software Instrument Scale: Equal Tempered:Disables any tuning, and uses an equal tempered scale.

  • Software Instrument Scale: 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. Click the Reset button to reset all of your tuning adjustments to their default values.

  • Software Instrument Scale: Hermode Tuning (HMT):Allows you to set different Hermode Tuning (HMT) modes and degrees of effect.

When Advanced Editing is selected in Advanced preferences, the following are available:

  • Software Instrument 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 will not sound completely tempered. If you normally play polyphonic music, this mode (when using the Pure setting) will sound most pleasing to your ears. The Fixed Tuning scales are ideal for a number of Baroque and Medieval instruments and styles of music.

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

  • Fixed: 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.

  • User: 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.

  • User: 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.

  • User: 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: 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 will 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.

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