Hapax and Microtonality in 2026

Hapax
1

Hi everyone,

I’d really like to start experimenting with microtonal music using the Hapax, and I’m wondering what the best approach is at the moment.

Ideally, I’d like to use microtonal scales directly on the Hapax and sequence external synths such as the Dreadbox Artemis. Since the Artemis supports MPE, I’m wondering whether Hapax could use per note pitch bend to translate microtonal scales to MPE compatible synths.

A few questions:

• Is there currently any way to work with microtonal scales on Hapax, for example via Scala files, MTS or MPE pitch bend?

• Is native microtonal support something Squarp is considering or already planning for a future Hapax update?

• If not, what would be the recommended workflow today for sequencing a microtonal MPE synth from Hapax?

My ideal workflow would be: load or define a microtonal scale on Hapax, compose and sequence normally, and have Hapax automatically send the required per note pitch information to the synth.

I’d be very interested to hear how other Hapax users are currently doing this.

Thanks!

2 Likes
2

Hapax supports MPE. The spec is in the manual:

It does not support microtonal scales, Scala, etc.

My personal workflow: Let the synth handle the Scala/custom scale rather than the sequencer. In my case, that’s mostly Synclavier Regen.

I don’t have a good suggestion for trying to make the Hapax do this. My only thought is to apply pitch bend automation on the steps where the note needs to divert from 12tet. That’s probably easy for drone music, totally workable for slow-moving music, and untenable for music with tons of 16th notes.