ChuckTune

A Tuning Visualizer

Description

ChuckTune is a program designed to explore non-standard tuning systems, such as microtones and non-equal temperaments. The user can compare intervals and chord varieties of multiple tunings side-by-side in an approachable and colorful way.

Code

View the code on GitHub

Running ChuckTune is as simple as downloading the code and running `chuck main.ck` from the command line.

Milestone B

Milestone A

Ideas

1. ChuckTune (Tuning Visualizer)

This is my primary idea and the one that I will be building.

• A keyboard instrument that the user can play to visually and audibly learn different tunings.
• As I am learning more about non-12-TET tunings, I want to build a tool that can visualize the new intervals/chords that are available which each tuning and be able to compare them to each other.
• See each tunings unique "color" to compare/contrast.
• Isomorphic keyboard:
  • Build isomorphic layouts on top of the built-in keyboard / external keyboard. Isomorphism lends itself well to learning new tunings, and the keyboard layout is close enough to existing isomorphic instruments (and significantly more accessible).
• Supports multiple tunings:
  • 12TET, mean-tone / well-tempered tunings for 12 notes
  • EDO tunings (31, 19, 22)
  • Just-intonation
  • Non-equal tunings (Pelog)? Non-octave tunings?
  • Support additional tunings by reading in tuning files
• Visualizer modes:
  1. Color Gradient: Each pitch is represented as a color that overlaps based on its distance from other pitches. The color corresponds to its frequency (so there will be subtle differences between a Maj3 in 12TET vs. a Maj3 in 31EDO).
  2. Interval Analyzer: Visual the notes in space to see all available intervals (such as Neutral 3rds / Sub-minor 3rds)
  3. Timeline: Sort of like a spectrogram, play the keyboard in real-time and its Color Gradient will be drawn on the screen
• Ability to compare:
  • Be able to "freeze" a chord / interval / pitch from a different tuning on the screen, and then play the keyboard in a different tuning in real-time to compare.

2. Modular Synth

• An interactive, visual component to the standard synthesis objects that Chuck supports (Ugens). 
• This would be like VCV Rack but in Chuck for maximum flexibility/extensibility.
• Add "modules" that correspond to Ugens (lowpass filter, oscillator bank, etc.) to the screen. The user click-drags from inputs to outputs to draw patch cables.
• Modules can be extended through the graphic interface (such as adding more outputs / inputs)
• Ability to save and load presets.

3. Generative Musical Video Game

• This would be a rework / extension of a game that I built for my application.
• As the player plays the game, music is generated and modulated based on their actions and performance.
• Space-themed 2d bullet-hell shooter.

 

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