FamiTracker

Overview

FamiTracker gave modern musicians direct access to the NES sound hardware (via emulation). Using a tracker interface inspired by ProTracker and FastTracker, composers could create authentic NES music—complete with expansion chip support—that could be exported for use in actual NES homebrew games.

Fast facts

Author: jsr.
First release: 2006.
Platform: Windows (Wine compatible).
Export: NSF files, assembly source.

Supported hardware

Chip	Channels	Notes
2A03 (standard)	5	Base NES sound
VRC6	3	Extra pulse + saw
VRC7	6	FM synthesis
FDS	1	Wavetable
MMC5	2	Extra pulse
Namco 163	1-8	Wavetable
Sunsoft 5B	3	PSG-style

The interface

Component	Function
Pattern editor	Note entry across channels
Instrument editor	ADSR, duty, sequences
Frame editor	Song arrangement
DPCM sampler	Drum/voice samples

Instrument system

Deep sound design:

Volume envelopes
Arpeggio sequences
Pitch sequences
Duty cycle sequences
Hi-pitch macros

Effects

Effect	Code	Purpose
Volume	Axy	Volume slide
Speed	Fxx	Tempo change
Jump	Bxx	Pattern jump
Halt	Cxx	Stop playback
Delay	Gxx	Note delay
Sweep	Hxy/Ixy	Hardware sweep

NSF export

Output options:

NSF file (NES audio format)
Assembly source code
Raw binary data
Ready for homebrew integration

Community

Active FamiTracker community:

Covers of game music
Original compositions
YouTube tutorials
Module sharing

Use in homebrew

FamiTracker became standard for:

NES homebrew game soundtracks
Retro-style indie games
Demakes and fan projects
Chiptune releases

Modern alternatives

Tool	Features
0CC-FamiTracker	Extended features fork
Dn-FamiTracker	Modern continuation
FamiStudio	Simplified interface

Learning resource

FamiTracker teaches:

NES audio architecture
Tracker composition techniques
Sound chip limitations
Chiptune aesthetics

NES music for the modern age