ChipTone

ChipTone

ChipTone is a free and open-source chiptune tracker for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to compose and sequence chiptune or tracker music using custom instruments and effects.
ChipTone image
chiptune tracker sequencer instrument-editor

ChipTone: Free Chiptune Tracker

A free and open-source chiptune tracker for Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to compose and sequence chiptune or tracker music with custom instruments and effects.

What is ChipTone?

ChipTone is a free, open-source chiptune music tracker and sequencer for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Inspired by classic hardware trackers like FastTracker 2, ProTracker, and OctaMED, ChipTone aims to bring the beloved chiptune sound to modern computers.

With an intuitive and accessible interface, ChipTone allows users to easily compose chiptune songs and soundtracks using filters, arpeggiators, parameter locks, and other advanced sequencing tools. It comes bundled with a library of handcrafted chip instruments spanning classic consoles like the NES, SNES, Genesis, and more.

Users can create their own custom instruments as well, designing synthesizer parameters, waveforms, envelopes, LFOs, and effects. Compositions can be exported as high-quality WAV, AIFF, MP3, and other standard audio formats. An integrated module player allows for playback of classic tracker music modules like MOD, XM, S3M, and more.

As an open-source platform, ChipTone is completely free with no ads or hidden costs. It works on Windows 7 and newer, macOS 10.7+, and most modern Linux distributions. The project is under active development by a community of musicians and programmers.

ChipTone Features

Features

  1. Composing and sequencing chiptune/tracker music
  2. Custom instruments and effects
  3. Piano roll interface
  4. Support for VST plugins
  5. Export to WAV, MP3, OGG, and other formats

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Intuitive and easy to use interface

Powerful features for advanced users

Active community support

Cons

Limited compared to full DAWs

Steep learning curve for new users

Limited native effects/instruments

Can be CPU intensive


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