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Are there any Native Instruments Synths that allow pitch to be set via automated frequency data?

Beethoven1111

I am exploring experimental music that bypasses any tuning system and operates in a free pitch space defined by Hz.

I'm looking for a synth that can compose and automate pitch in absolute frequency (Hz) rather than traditional note pitch.

To clarify, I'm not looking for microtuning, alternate temperaments, MPE, pitch bend, or a synth that simply displays frequencies in Hz. I'm looking for an oscillator mode where pitch is treated as a fixed frequency and can be automated directly as frequency values.

I've read FM8 may be able to do this but I cannot verify through its manual.

Can anyone help out?

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Jeremy_NI

@Beethoven1111 There is not such a feature on NI synths. Absynth 6 does have microtuning/MPE features that could help you achieving what you are trying to do. Not sure what DAW you're using but in Ableton 12 for exmaple there are a lot of possibilities. You can create scala files (used for microtuning) without octaves, just a series of frequencies and then play synths that have MPE or the MTS-ESP format, like Absynth 6.

With Reaktor 6 you could probably find existing user ensembles or make your own.

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PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/50969/are-there-any-native-instruments-synths-that-allow-pitch-to-be-set-via-automated-frequency-data

I've read FM8 may be able to do this but I cannot verify through its manual.

Google AI claims that FM8 can do that but from what I can see then it is using not direct hertz settings.

AI :

Step-by-Step Guide: Tuning by Frequency

Open the Operators View: Open FM8 and click on the Expert tab at the top of the interface, then select Operators from the sidebar on the left.

Select the Operator: Click on the specific Operator (A, B, C, D, etc.) you want to tune.

Switch to Absolute Frequency: Look at the parameter fields directly below the operator's waveform display. Locate the Ratio/Fixed toggle. By default, it is likely set to Ratio mode. Click and drag the toggle to switch it to Fixed.

Enter Your Exact Frequency: Double-click the number field to highlight it, type your desired frequency in Hertz (e.g., (110.0) or (440.0)), and hit Enter.

But from what I can see on videos then it does not use direct hertz settings

A beginner’s guide to FM8

Oscillator Frequency Settings for the Native Instruments FM8 Synthesizer

Trifonic: FM Synthesis 101

Trifonic: FM Synthesis 101 (Continued)

Massive X apparently can do it but frequency is set by slider and knob :

Quote manual page 119

In Free mode, the Rate is absolute and independent from the host tempo. The slider subdivision are replaced with a continuous knob to control the speed of the LFO. The range, in Hz, extends from very slow to very fast rates. The knob is scaled in this respect, giving finer control in the middle ranges. The overall rate range is 0.004 Hz to approximately 60 Hz. Centre position is around 5.3 Hz, which is ideal for pitch vibrato.

I am not that experienced in this matter but it looks like Absynth 6 can do that also (?)

Also I am sure that must exist one or more ways in Reaktor 6 that can facilitate that , e.g. : Reaktor Quick Tips - Controlling an Oscillator with the Freq Input

Big Gnome

FM8 certainly can—just set ratio to 0.00, and use frequency offset, which caps out at 9999Hz. I'm pretty sure that Absynth can as well, although it's been quite a while since I've used it; and of course Reaktor can do anything, but you may have to 'roll your own' there.

Beethoven1111

I'm trying FM8 and Absynth 6 in demo mode.

It's a no-go on FM8 - yes, you can automate the oscillator Hz frequencies to some capacity, but by changing ratio to 0 for all oscillators, you destroy the timbre of the patch + have to automate some 6 ocsillators.

Absynth 6 shows promise, its oscillators have a Hz mode, however, you can only set frequency automation of is oscillators to a modulation, which seems to limit the range I can get the frequencies to automate to.
You can also automate the Hz value in an envelope over any range you wish, but this is only really effective for some 3 seconds when you play a note and release it - it doesn't seem there's a way to automate the oscillators core Hz value via a parameter in Ableton / DAW, which is a bummer - so close. Because the instrument displays it can essentially do this, but there doesn't seem to be a way for a workflow / composition that's entirely in hertz. But perhaps I'm missing something with the envelope

Jeremy_NI

With Reaktor 6 you could probably find existing user ensembles or make your own.

Beethoven1111

Thank you all for your input.

Absynth 6 actually does allow me to essentially do what I'm trying to do, more or less. I started with the demo version first and later purchased once I more or less was able to configure it in a way that allows this sort of setup. It's not 100% perfect yet, but to any future readers;
You can set its oscillators in Hz mode. While the frequency of the oscillator cannot be directly automated, you can assign oscillator A/B/C's main pitch to a macro under the "assign" tab, which can be automated in Ableton. Unfortunately, either due to the density of Ableton's macro or another issue, it doesn't always land 100% perfectly on the frequency programmed in Ableton, but typically it is within 2Hz or so.
Jeremy also has a good idea that while you may not be able to work 100% in a free pitch space, you could indeed load a Scala file into it that is tailored to the exact frequencies you are trying to reach.

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