FastTracker clone

FastTracker clone

A FastTracker clone is a digital audio workstation (DAW) software that emulates the look, feel, and functionality of the classic FastTracker application used for tracking and sequencing MIDI and module files. It allows users to compose music using samples and VST instruments in a
FastTracker clone image
music-production sequencing sampling retro

FastTracker Clone: Retro-Style DAW Software

A FastTracker clone is a digital audio workstation (DAW) software that emulates the look, feel, and functionality of the classic FastTracker application used for tracking and sequencing MIDI and module files. It allows users to compose music using samples and VST instruments in a retro-style interface.

What is FastTracker clone?

A FastTracker clone is a type of digital audio workstation (DAW) application designed to emulate the classic FastTracker program first released in the 1990s. FastTracker pioneered tracking and sequencing of MIDI and module files for composing music on early home computers.

Modern FastTracker clones recreate the nostalgic look, feel, and functionality of the original interface within a more up-to-date software framework. They allow users to sequence melodies and rhythms, assign digital samples and VST virtual instruments, apply effects, and mix down tracks into a final stereo audio file.

Typical features of FastTracker clones include:

  • Recreation of the FastTracker 2 user interface with pattern editor, instrument list, effect panels etc.
  • Compatibility with common module file formats like XM, MOD, S3M
  • Support for VSTi virtual instruments and effects plugins
  • Built-in sample library and synthesizers for composing tracks
  • Automation of panning, volume, MIDI CC, effects and other parameters
  • Export to standard audio files like WAV and MP3

Some well-known FastTracker clones for Windows, Mac, Linux include OpenMPT, Schism Tracker, and MilkyTracker. For those familiar with the classic FastTracker workflow or interested in chiptune music, they provide a convenient and nostalgic environment for composing music.

FastTracker clone Features

Features

  1. Retro-style interface emulating classic FastTracker
  2. MIDI and module file tracking and sequencing
  3. Music composition using samples and VST instruments
  4. Pattern-based sequencer for creating music
  5. Support for IT, XM, S3M, MOD file formats
  6. Real-time audio processing and mixing
  7. Automation of parameters like volume, panning, effects
  8. Step sequencer for drums and percussion
  9. Piano roll editor for melodic instruments
  10. Effects like reverb, delay, distortion, EQ
  11. Export to WAV, MP3, OGG and other formats

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • One-time Purchase
  • Free

Pros

Nostalgic retro interface

Powerful tracking and sequencing features

Support for chiptune and module music formats

Lightweight and low resource usage

Free or inexpensive compared to major DAWs

Cons

Limited compared to full-featured DAWs

Steep learning curve for new users

Can only emulate classic FastTracker, not replicate it fully

Limited native effects and instruments

May lack support for latest standards and technologies


The Best FastTracker clone Alternatives

Top Audio & Music and Digital Audio Workstations and other similar apps like FastTracker clone


OpenMPT icon

OpenMPT

OpenMPT is an open-source digital audio workstation and module tracker application for Windows. It is primarily used to work with module files (.it, .xm, .s3m, .mod, etc.) which contain musical samples, instruments, and pattern data to create songs.Some key features of OpenMPT include:Supports a wide range of historical and modern...
OpenMPT image
Skale Tracker icon

Skale Tracker

Skale Tracker is an open-source web-based project management and bug/issue tracking tool. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for organizing tasks, features, bugs, and other items that need tracking across multiple projects and teams.Some key features of Skale Tracker include:Flexible issue tracking with custom fields and statusesProject overviews with...
VividTracker icon

VividTracker

VividTracker is a comprehensive time tracking and productivity software designed specifically for freelancers, agencies, and remote teams. It includes robust features to help users track time and bill clients more accurately while increasing team productivity and accountability.With VividTracker, users can track time manually or integrate with project management, billing, and...
VividTracker image
FastTracker icon

FastTracker

FastTracker is a music tracker program originally released for Windows in 1997. It was extremely popular in the 1990s tracking and demoscene communities for its ease of use and powerful functionality compared to other trackers at the time.Like other trackers, FastTracker allows users to create chiptune or module file music...
FastTracker image
Schism Tracker icon

Schism Tracker

Schism Tracker is a free, open-source, cross-platform digital audio workstation software designed primarily for creating and editing music modules using sampled sounds and synthesizers. It functions as a tracker application, sequencing musical notes for playback through a modular interface. Unlike traditional trackers which are used to sequence pure note data,...
Schism Tracker image
ChibiTracker icon

ChibiTracker

ChibiTracker is a free, open source pixel art and sprite animation program. It has a straightforward and intuitive interface that allows artists to quickly create pixel art for games, animations, and more.Some key features of ChibiTracker include:Supports indexed color palettes for authentic old-school pixel art looksOnion skinning to preview animations...
ChibiTracker image
MilkyTracker icon

MilkyTracker

MilkyTracker is a powerful, open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) and music tracker designed for composing chiptune, tracker, and module file music. Inspired by popular 1990s trackers like FastTracker 2, MilkyTracker aims to bring the creative workflow and sound of classic trackers into the modern era.At its core, MilkyTracker allows musicians...
MilkyTracker image
Renoise icon

Renoise

Renoise is a digital audio workstation (DAW) and music production software developed by Renoise Team. It features a tracker-based music sequencer that uses a vertical timeline interface, allowing fast and flexible music creation and editing.Unlike traditional DAWs that record music performance in real-time, Renoise sequences music using rows of note...
Renoise image
GoatTracker icon

GoatTracker

GoatTracker is a free and open-source time tracking application designed for freelancers, agencies, consultants, and small teams. With an easy-to-use interface, GoatTracker allows users to track time spent on client projects, generate reports and invoices, export data, and more.Some key features of GoatTracker include:Intuitive time tracking with the ability to...
GoatTracker image