Scala seq files as a replacement for midi

If we could get this accepted, it would be great. A
seq file player would be a good first step.

Scala seq files are mostly an ascii version of a
midi file, but the way pitch is specified differs.
There are four simple systems, and more complicated
systems. Those could be left for later.

With Scala, pitches are specified by giving a base
note pitch (middle C.) The four simple systems then
are:

(1) Pitch is specified by "note (float)", where the
number "float" is how many cents above or below the base.

(2) Pitch is specified by "note (N/D)", where N and D
are long ints. The ratio is an interval.

(3) Scale is specified by adding a line "0 equal n",
where n is a positive integer. This makes the scale
be n-equal, without requiring a scl file. Pitch
is now specified by "note n".

(4) Notation is specified by adding a line
"lt_gens generator period", where generator
and period are floating point numbers, which
must be made clear by using a decimal point.
The floating point numbers are cents. The
decimal point must be used since they could
also be integers or fractions, but we are
trying to keep it simple here. This is LT
(linear temperament) notation.

Pitch is specified by "note g.p", where g
and p are integers. Then g*generator+p*period
gives a number of cents, which defines the
interval above or below the base pitch.

More complicated would be scales other
than equal temperaments, which must be
introduced separately as scl files. Much
more complicated would be the plethora
of notations Scala can use. I would suggest
equal temperaments or LT be used instead
when possible. But the four simple systems
are really all that is needed; you have
a number of flexible and powerful
alternatives to choose from, any of which
should be pretty easy to deal with.

--- In tuning@yahoogroups.com, "Gene Ward Smith" <genewardsmith@...>
wrote:

> (3) Scale is specified by adding a line "0 equal n",
> where n is a positive integer. This makes the scale
> be n-equal, without requiring a scl file. Pitch
> is now specified by "note n".

Not the same n. Call it "note m".

> (4) Notation is specified by adding a line
> "lt_gens generator period",

"0 lt_gens generator.period".

Gene Ward Smith wrote:
> If we could get this accepted, it would be great. A
> seq file player would be a good first step.

I found a specification here:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~huygensf/scala/seq_format.html

Graham

--- In tuning@yahoogroups.com, "Gene Ward Smith" <genewardsmith@...>
wrote:
>
> --- In tuning@yahoogroups.com, "Gene Ward Smith" <genewardsmith@>
> wrote:

> > (4) Notation is specified by adding a line
> > "lt_gens generator period",
>
> "0 lt_gens generator.period".

"0 lt_gens generator period"

Sheesh.