[sdiy] Black Magic oscillator cans

[Magnus Danielson]

From: Tim Ressel <madhun2001 at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [sdiy] Black Magic oscillator cans
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2003 18:17:26 -0700 (PDT)

> Yo,
> 
> The units tell you what scale is being referenced. At
> least in theory. So when someone says 'cents' we all
> know that the log note scale is being talked about.

Actually, no. cent is just the same as percent and centi, i.e. a scale prefix
meaning a hundred of the unit. A cent is a hundred of some unit (seminote,
USD, CAD, EUR, meter, liter etc.)

> The measure of percent is unitless, hence the
> confusion. We should say 'percent frequency' or
> 'percent semitone'. Assuming the 'cent' in the word
> 'percent' means 'cents' as in intervals is a result of
> the above confusion. 

All dimensionless units must give the unit when used for absolute measures but
does not need to give it in relative measures.

> So if 100% means 100 cents then yes, 100% is a semitone.

Well, 100% means 100 cents, but nothing gives away which unit it is...

... however, in music theory 100 cent is a seminote, and 12 seminotes makes an
octave.

> My diatribe (no, the previous one) was referring to linear frequency scale.
> 
> Still confused? Try beer. works for me.  ;-)

Hey! Good idea, but I am out of beer right now! (Preparing to go home from my
summerhouse, so cleaning up the stock of food is on priority!)

Cheers,
Magnus - who did have red wine to dinner