MOD Format
Music in modules
The MOD format stored music as patterns and samples in a single file, enabling the tracker music scene and portable compositions across platforms.
Overview
The MOD format packaged everything needed to play a song: instrument samples and pattern data describing when to play them. This self-contained approach meant songs could travel between computers without requiring specific sound hardware. Created for Amiga trackers, MOD files spread across BBSes and became the soundtrack of the demoscene.
Fast facts
- Origin: SoundTracker on Amiga (1987).
- Structure: samples + patterns in one file.
- Size: typically 100KB-1MB.
- Portability: plays anywhere with a MOD player.
- Evolution: XM, IT, S3M extended the format.
Technical structure
What a MOD contains:
- Samples: digitised instrument sounds.
- Patterns: note and effect data in rows.
- Sequence: order patterns play in.
- Effects: volume, pitch, timing commands.
Cultural significance
Why MOD mattered:
- Demoscene standard: demos included MOD soundtracks.
- BBS distribution: small files for modem sharing.
- Cross-platform: players existed everywhere.
- Composing accessibility: anyone could create.