WaveTracker is a free and open-source wave-based chiptune tracker software powered by wavetable synthesis and sampling.
In recent years, trackers have made a comeback in hardware form. See the XOR NerdSEQ module, the Polyend Tracker, or the tiny, mighty Dirtywave M8. On the other hand, there is software from which the tracker idea comes (1987 Ultimate Soundtracker on the Amiga).
The spirit of it has been continued, for example, by the Renoise software since 2002. If you prefer to delve into this retro music making world for free, there is now an open-source tracker which is worth a look.
WaveTracker
WT is a free and open-source chiptune music-making tracker software by game developer Squiggly Games. At the moment, the software is only available for Windows. But since it is open-source, I assume that a Mac version will be released at some point.
Like with other trackers, you compose vertically from top to bottom, a unique way of composing. You have different channels on which you can set notes that then trigger sounds.
The core of WaveTracker’s sound engine uses wavetable synthesis and sampling. In a dedicated wave editor, you can generate your own 8-bit sounds by drawing up to 100 waveforms. This technique allows you to modify, warp, and distort waves on the fly.
Then, you can import samples into the built-in instrument sampler. WaveTracker allows you to set up to 100 instrument macros to control various aspects of the sound. Besides this, it comes with a built-in oscilloscope and piano roll visualizer. So you always know exactly what is happening with your track
Further, it has MIDI input support and offers functionality to export your tracks in .wav files.
First Impression
Since I don’t use Windows, I haven’t been able to try the WaveTracker yet. Thus, I can’t give you a deeper first look, but it looks like an exciting project. I’m curious to see how it develops in the future.
Wavetracker is now available for free download as a 32-bit and 64-bit application for Windows only.
More information here: WT
Hi,
one typo fix: Renoise since 2022 -> 2002
one amazing documentary about trackers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roBkg-iPrbw
a ft2-clone that works on macOS!! https://16-bits.org/ft2.php. (ft2 was my first love)
The limited wavetable support just leads me to want a tracker with full wavetable support — that is to say, no limit on the number or size of wavetables, possibly even compatability with Serum wavetables. And while we’re at it, since trackers are (mostly) just sampler-DAW hybrids, why aren’t we seeing other sample-based technologies built into trackers? Granular synthesis comes to mimd as an obvious example…
polyend tracker has wavetable and granular synthesis.
At least in the case of Renoise the answer is simple. Renoise will run properly on a knackered 2gb netbook if you use it as a traditional tracker (ie limited samples and DSP). Need wavetables and granular? Renoise.runs VST2/3 – problem solved.
One of Renoises major strengths is the lack of bloatware crap like piano roll that one or two demented individuals seem to constantly request 😂
Renoise is the best software purchase I’ve ever made bar none, an outstanding tracker.
Can’t wait for the Mac, iPad and…. Steam Deck adaptation with game pad controls mapped !