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Master Mode
Master Mode Page 1 (MAST 1)
Intonation
Most modern western music uses what is known as equal temperament. This means that the
interval between each semitone of the 12-tone octave is precisely the same as every other
semitone. However, many different intonation intervals have evolved over the centuries and
across cultures and instruments, so equal temperament will not sound appropriate for certain
styles of music. The PC3LE supplies you with 17 different factory intonation maps which are
useful for a range of different styles. By changing the value for this parameter, you select from
among the intonation maps stored in the PC3LE’s memory. Each of these maps defines different
intervals between each of the semitones in a single octave (used for all octaves) by setting pitch
offsets for each note in cents.
Scroll through the list of Intonation maps, and listen for the differences between semitones.
Some of the intervals between semitones may be quite different from equal temperament, but
you’ll notice that all notes are precisely tuned with notes that are an octave apart. This is because
the intonation maps set the intervals within a single octave, and apply those intervals to each
octave.
Like many instruments before the adaptation of equal temperament, most of these intonation
maps were designed to sound best in one specific key. Though some may have historically been
in a different key, all of the PC3LEs factory intonation maps are set to root note C by default. You
can change the root key of the current intonation map by using the Int.Key parameter (see the
Intonation Key (Int.Key) section below.)
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