FamiTracker CX

FamiTracker CX

FamiTracker CX is a free, open source chiptune tracker for composing NES/Famicom-style 8-bit music on modern PCs. It features an intuitive interface, MIDI and audio export options, support for expansion chips, and more.
FamiTracker CX image
chiptune tracker nes famicom 8bit open-source

FamiTracker CX

FamiTracker CX is a free, open source chiptune tracker for composing NES/Famicom-style 8-bit music on modern PCs. It features an intuitive interface, MIDI and audio export options, support for expansion chips, and more.

What is FamiTracker CX?

FamiTracker CX is a free, cross-platform chiptune tracker application designed for composing music in the style of the Nintendo Entertainment System and Famicom consoles. Developed as an open source project, it builds on FamiTracker for Windows to offer an improved user experience, new features, and support across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Some of the notable capabilities of FamiTracker CX include:

  • An easy-to-use interface with a keyboard graphic providing intuitive access to 2A03 scales and effects
  • Emulation of the 2A03, MMC5, VRC6, VRC7, FDS, and other NES/Famicom sound chips to accurately simulate different console hardware
  • MIDI and WAV export options to convert chiptunes into standard digital audio files
  • A collection of instruments, samples, and predefined songs to help jump start new music projects
  • Support for custom instruments and shipping songs as standalone player packages
  • Versioning system to easily revert or branch compositions during development

Overall, FamiTracker CX aims to make chiptune music creation accessible, authentic, and productive across a variety of modern platforms. With its open source status and cross-platform support, it represents the most flexible and future-proof iteration of the FamiTracker tracker concept.

FamiTracker CX Features

Features

  1. Intuitive interface for composing chiptune/8-bit music
  2. Support for NES/Famicom sound chips like VRC6, VRC7, FDS, MMC5, and more
  3. MIDI and audio export options
  4. Emulation of NES audio hardware for accurate sound
  5. Step sequencer and piano roll editors
  6. Supports custom instruments and samples
  7. Effects like arpeggios, vibrato, portamento/glissando
  8. Full VST plugin support
  9. Project saving and loading

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Active development and community support

Powerful editing features

Accurate NES sound emulation

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation for new users

No mobile/touch support

Lacks some features of paid trackers


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