Using the Tempest as a microtonal polysynth

[johyde]

Hi. New to the forum as I'm just contemplating my first DSI/Sequential purchase.

I want a polysynth that can use alternative tunings, specifically just intonation. I'm considering the Prophet 12, Rev 2 and 6 (though I think the 6 is out of my price range, sadly).

At the same time, I'm looking for a drum machine.

On a limited budget, I'm wondering if the Tempest might serve me for both, at least for now. I know it will have limitations (particularly polyphony, but I can live with that). I have two questions, which I really can't find answers for:

1) Does the '16 tunings' mode include a just intonation scale? I can't find a list of the scales available listed anywhere!

2) Can the '16 tunings' be accessed via polyphonic (external) MIDI anyway?

Really appreciate any answers anyone might have!

Thanks!

[muleskinner]

1) Does the '16 tunings' mode include a just intonation scale? I can't find a list of the scales available listed anywhere!

As far as I understand it, no. Though it does have an extremely wide range of scales on offer including a 'whole tone' scale.

Again, my understanding is limited as far as mictrotonal tuning goes but looking at the definition of an 'intonation scale' I'd have thought it would be possible to set this up by modulating frequency by note number.

2) Can the '16 tunings' be accessed via polyphonic (external) MIDI anyway?

Yes, you can set up one sound per beat for 'polyphonic' control via ext keyboard in which case it operates pretty much like any poly.