Toniset

Toniset is a term found in music technology and theory that denotes a predefined collection of tones, timbres, or pitches that can be selected or applied within a device, program, or composition. The word combines tone with set, and while it is not a standardized term in formal music theory, toniset appears in product documentation, software manuals, and casual discussions about synthesis and performance.

In practice, tonisets are used as presets or banks in synthesizers, samplers, and digital audio workstations. A single instrument or software instrument may offer multiple tonisets to represent different timbral palettes or tuning systems, enabling performers to switch sounds rapidly during live play or during sequencing. In microtonal or experimental contexts, a toniset can refer to a defined group of pitches drawn from a scale or alternative tuning, helping to organize sonic material for composition or analysis.

Etymology and precise usage vary by context, and the term is not universally standardized. Some writers use toniset as a generic shorthand for “a set of tones,” while others treat it as a product-specific feature or a brand name. Because meanings differ across manufacturers and communities, readers should consult the relevant documentation for a given instrument or software to determine the exact scope of a toniset.

See also: tone, timbre, scale, tuning, pitch class set, preset, multitimbral.