MOD Format
The tracker music revolution
The MOD format combined samples with pattern-based sequencing, becoming the standard for game music on the Amiga and beyond.
Overview
The MOD format, introduced with the Ultimate Soundtracker in 1987 for the Amiga, revolutionised game and demo music. It stores both samples and the pattern data to play them, creating a self-contained music format that’s far smaller than recorded audio.
Technical Structure
A MOD file contains:
- Samples: Short audio recordings (instruments, drums)
- Patterns: Sequences of notes referencing samples
- Song data: Pattern order and tempo information
- Effects: Commands for volume, pitch, and other modulations
Advantages
- Small file size: Kilobytes instead of megabytes
- Flexible: Change samples to completely alter the sound
- Portable: Same file plays on different hardware
- Extensible: Led to S3M, XM, IT formats
Cultural Impact
The MOD format enabled:
- Demo scene music culture
- Game soundtracks on limited storage
- Early internet music sharing
- Influence on later electronic music