8bit Music: Introduction to Chiptune Trackers
Creating Chiptune Music: A Guide to Tools and Resources
Several months ago, a previous article showcased excellent online resources for discovering 8-bit music, encompassing various MOD files and the necessary playback software.
This article will explore the tools required for chiptune creation, delving deeper into the process.
The Chiptune Community
The contemporary MOD scene thrives as a collaborative and supportive community.
It’s comprised of programmers who develop freely available software, composers who generously share their musical creations, and enthusiasts who appreciate the genre.
Software emulation has eliminated the necessity for original hardware, although a significant number of musicians still prefer utilizing classic technologies for their compositions.
Essential Tools for Chiptune Production
A diverse range of software options are available for crafting chiptune music.
- Trackers: These programs are central to chiptune creation, allowing users to input notes and effects in a pattern-based format.
- Synthesizers: While trackers often include built-in sound generation, external synthesizers can expand sonic possibilities.
- Editors: Specialized editors can assist in crafting individual instrument sounds and samples.
The accessibility of these tools contributes to the vibrant and growing nature of the chiptune community.
Many resources are freely available, fostering experimentation and innovation within the genre.
Trackers and the Art of 8-bit Music Creation
While not strictly required, a tracker is highly recommended for anyone dedicated to crafting authentic 8-bit music. Many composers successfully utilize digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as FLStudio or Audacity. However, a tracker provides a specialized environment optimized for this style.
Though individual trackers differ in their interfaces, the fundamental principles of music creation remain consistent across all software. The primary distinction between traditional DAWs and music trackers lies in the arrangement of the composition – a vertical timeline versus a horizontal one. This difference, however, represents only a fraction of the overall experience.
Patterns are built using vertical tracks, and modern trackers offer a significantly increased number of these compared to their older counterparts. Sound is generated through the use of samples, which are recordings imported into the tracker, or sometimes created directly within the software.
These samples are then manipulated using notes to define their pitch, enabling the creation of intricate melodies and harmonies from a limited sonic palette. Effects are integral to this process, modifying notes to introduce techniques like arpeggiation, vibrato, and portamento.
A pattern represents a complete musical section, comprised of multiple tracks playing simultaneously. The order list dictates the sequence of these patterns, controlling their playback duration and repetition.
Understanding these six core elements – tracks, samples, notes, effects, patterns, and orders – is crucial. Once mastered, the only limits to your creativity are your imagination and willingness to explore.
Music Trackers: A Software Overview
Presented below is a selection of the most effective, entirely free music trackers, alongside readily available documentation where applicable.
OpenMPT
Available On: Windows
Evolving from ModPlug Tracker, OpenMPT (Open ModPlug Tracker) expands upon its predecessor with numerous impressive capabilities. These include compatibility with VST effects and instruments. VST, representing virtual studio technology, enables the integration of instruments like synthesizers and drum kits, as well as various effects, within OpenMPT.
This feature is noteworthy, as few other free trackers offer similar support. OpenMPT continues to champion the resurgence of 8-bit music by accommodating newer file formats, such as Impulse Tracker (.IT/.ITP files), alongside classic, though sometimes restrictive, MOD and XM files.
Currently, OpenMPT is designed exclusively for Windows. Unfortunately, achieving functionality through WINE on Linux proved challenging.
It stands as one of the most comprehensive, potent, and user-friendly trackers available.
MilkyTracker
Available On: Windows, Mac, Linux
Widely appreciated, MilkyTracker strives to be a faithful reproduction of the renowned DOS tracker, FastTracker 2. Furthermore, it caters to Amiga enthusiasts by providing enhanced playback compatibility with the Amiga’s ProTracker. MilkyTracker facilitates the creation of MOD and XM tracks, features a distinctive custom user interface, and supports MIDI-in.
Unlike OpenMPT, MilkyTracker hasn't incorporated advancements like VSTs or support for cutting-edge formats. This is intentional, as its design prioritizes remaining a second-generation tracker.
SunVox
Available On: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
SunVox aims to function as a more self-contained workstation compared to Milky or OpenMPT. To achieve this, it includes a substantial collection of synthesizers and effects from the outset. Additionally, the software boasts a highly flexible architecture, enabling optimal performance on older machines, mobile devices, and even smartphones.
iOS and Android versions are available, though they require a purchase. However, all other versions are offered free of charge. Owners of legacy Windows Mobile or PalmOS devices will be pleased to learn that SunVox maintains full compatibility.
SchismTracker
Available On: Windows, Mac, Linux
SchismTracker is a free clone of Impulse Tracker, dedicated to replicating the experience and functionality of the original DOS application. While Impulse Tracker doesn't introduce entirely new features, it offers considerable flexibility in its construction. According to its creator, "Schism will most likely build on any architecture supported by GCC4 (e.g. alpha, m68k, arm, etc.)".
Beyond Windows, Mac, and several Linux distributions, SchismTracker can be downloaded for the Pandora and even the Nintendo Wii, although support for the Wii version has been discontinued.
SonantLive
Available On: Web app
For those eager to experiment with a tracker without the need for downloads or installations, SonantLive offers a music tracker that operates directly within your web browser! It functions effectively and provides a foundational understanding of patterns, sequences, waves, and the overall process of pattern construction.
While not as powerful as other trackers on this list, its web-based nature makes it ideal for quick experimentation, fun, and free access. Saving and loading functionality is also included.
Final Thoughts
A comprehensive discussion of hardware chiptune creation, the vast array of freely available samples online, and the numerous complimentary VST instruments and effects is beyond the scope of this article. These topics have been addressed in detail elsewhere on this platform.
Should you utilize trackers or software not mentioned here for your chiptune production, please feel free to share your recommendations in the comments section below.
Image Source: chuckchee via Shutterstock.com
