How can i create 8 bit music

There are also massive libraries of presets that you can load onto Synth1 these need to be downloaded separately, but they are free! This app has a sequencer, sampler, and synthesizer all in one place. You can use 8 channels with 8 patterns each, where every step is available for change. Some people complain about the UX and we have to admit that it is quite specific and unique. Get it on: App Store Apple. TonePad is an easy and intuitive way to create music.

You get a screen where all you need to do is tap to create different notes and combine them into musical masterpieces. Even though this is an app made for beginners to experiment and learn about music, it still is a very good sequencer app. Get it on: Google Play. This app is a nice and easy free way to get some 8-bit music made on your Android device. You can use two full octaves, with unlimited tacts to create any music you want.

You can also save and export your music or just continue to work on your project from your mobile device. We hope that this article has helped shed some light on 8-bit and bit chip music. There are tons of options to choose from out there. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Policy — About — Contact. Related Articles. Just like the DAW y ou have, a tracker is a music sequencer. It is able to record music, but the way it is done is way different than what you would do in Logic or Cubase. With a tracker, you work with numbers, notes, samples, tracks, patterns, and orders. The music in the grid is not moving from left to right, but from top to bottom.

So, this is not like making music in the DAWs most people use. If you really want to get into the feel of being a programmer, this is for you. The tracker had its breakthrough in the late 80s Amiga Commodore and this is the music sequencer that made the iconic music for Game Boy, Nintendo, DOS and more in the 90s. Now that you know a little about how 8-Bit originated, and hopefully have gotten yourself one or two nice 8-Bit VSTs, you have laid the foundation for creating a great track in y our DAW.

Here are some typical traits of a great, retro 8-Bit track, which you could implement in your music:. It often operates within the BPM area. This is not so surprising, considering the arcade game era the 8-Bit music hails from. My guess is that they are pretty upbeat, right?

Listen to video game songs by the legendary Japanese composers, and you will soon discover that the music is actually rooted deeply in classical music, as well as ragtime and other music genres. Again, because of the restrictions of the sound chips, the composers were forced to come up with pretty creative solutions. The solution was to create easy, simple melodies, that was nearly impossible to not sing along with. And impossible to forget. Even if you can sing or not — try to sing your song while you create your 8-Bit track and see how easy it is to sing along to.

In order to produce an 8-Bit track that sounds as authentic as possible — keep it simple. In , I tried to create an 8-bit song for the first time ever. Ah, I will just load up some synths that sound sort of like an 8-bit sound and compose music the way I usually do, right?

With several instruments playing different melody parts simultaneously? The result? A way too complex, extremely annoying and not authentic track that I was too embarrassed to feature in the full soundtrack when I released it. You will actually be much more likely to create something that sounds really good and authentic if you are keeping it simple. Composers had limitations when using the sound chips back in the day. Historically, it is the simplicity that defines the sound of a real Chiptune.

Well, even though legendary 8-Bit tracks like Super Mario Bros indeed can be quite complex pieces you have probably heard an orchestra arrangement of it : try to really listen to how many notes are actually being played simultaneously.

This is why it is prefered and often used by experienced 8-bit artists. After developing a bit of mastery, you can then upgrade to a paid software. Below is a video that teaches you how to navigate and create your own chiptune using free music tracker software. Well, what if the only thing you have is your phone? There are also music tracking apps available for mobile download.

Just like the ones for desktops, they are not very easy to use. This way, you can get a lot more practice by using the software whenever and wherever. Before downloading any mobile music tracker, you have to consider compatibility.

You should be certain the app will work fine with your device. This is because mobile gadgets are more likely to have compatibility problems unlike desktops and PCs. To ensure that you are getting the right app, you should do a quick search on compatible free music tracker for your device.

Hopefully, you should find one that is good enough for you. To make this easier, some app companies are thoughtful enough to ask for details about your device.

This is to ensure that the app works perfectly. Also, check out for reviews about the app. Previous users are in a better position to know what the app offers. You should not opt for an app with a bad rating. One good thing about them is how they can run natively on most internet browsers. They also have easy-to-use interfaces. This is because the programs as a whole are not complex. If you opted for a mobile or an online chiptune maker, then you have an edge. You most likely would not need to install VST plug-ins.

You can make your chiptune very authentic by using synthesizers from an old gaming console, or coin-operated machines. When compared to the sound chips from PSG programmable sound generator , they sound more traditional and real. To make chiptune at large, you would need some equipment.

First, background knowledge on creating 8-bit music using downloaded sounds is very important. This is because as a beginner, the process might be a little cumbersome and tiring. Just like every other art form, listening to other artists is a great way to understand the trend. It also helps you get the needed inspiration to create your own song. You should also listen to chiptunes made with different sounds from different consoles.

This will give you a rough idea as to what sounds you prefer, as well as what works best for you. With the idea of the console and the type of sound sorted out, next in line is how to create a melody. The melody is the foundation of your song. It should not only be simple, but entertaining and very memorable. Now, melodies might not come when you expect. So, ensure you keep a recording device near you so that when the melody does come, you can easily save it.

Are you struggling with creating an ideal melody line? Watch the video below to learn 3 best tricks to help you create good melodies. Without a VST plug-in, it is a tedious process. This process might feel a little complicated and stressful. However, all you need to do is have some patience and keep trying. The great thing about being a beginner is that no one expects you to come out with the best.

So, no pressure, just have fun. Add arpeggios, tremolos, and vibratos. These are just a few of the effects you can play around with.