FamiStudio
FamiStudio is a free and open-source chiptune music editor that allows users to compose music for the NES/Famicom sound chip. It has features like tempo control, effects, pattern support, and export to NSF file format.
chiptune
music-editor
nes
famicom
nsf
FamiStudio: Free Chiptune Music Editor
Free and open-source chiptune music editor for NES/Famicom sound chip, with features like tempo control, effects, pattern support, and NSF file export
What is FamiStudio?
FamiStudio is a feature-rich, cross-platform chiptune tracker for composing music for the NES/Famicom audio processor. As an open-source DAW tailored for writing authentic 8-bit music, FamiStudio aims to strike a balance between usability and accuracy to the hardware's capabilities.
Key features include:
- Emulation of the Ricoh 2A03 sound chip found in the NES/Famicom
- Tempo/speed control from 20 to 300 BPM
- Effects like arpeggio, pitch bend, duty cycle, and vibrato
- Support for patterns and pattern sequences
- Export to NSF format to create authentic NES music files
- Piano roll editor for graphical note entry
- Table editor for manual note/effect entry
- MIDI in/out support
- VST plugin support
With its intuitive interface and detailed control options, FamiStudio gives chiptune composers and sound designers a powerful way to create music as if programming the NES hardware directly. And by exporting to NSF format, the music files can be played back on NES emulators or flash cartridges.
FamiStudio Features
Features
- Chiptune music editor for NES/Famicom sound chip
- Tempo control
- Effects
- Pattern support
- Export to NSF file format
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Intuitive interface
Active community support
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Cons
Limited to NES/Famicom sound chip
Steep learning curve for beginners
Lacks some advanced features of paid DAWs
Official Links
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