ProTracker
The sound of the Amiga
ProTracker became the standard tool for Amiga music creation, establishing the tracker interface and MOD format that influenced music production software for decades.
Overview
ProTracker democratised music production on the Amiga. Its four-channel sample-based interface let anyone with an Amiga create music—no formal training required. The MOD files it produced spread across BBSes and demo scene networks, creating a shared musical language that echoes in modern DAWs.
Fast facts
- Original author: Lars “Zap” Hamre (from Amiga Noisetracker).
- First release: 1990.
- Channels: 4 (matching Paula hardware).
- Format: .MOD files became universal standard.
The tracker interface
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Pattern editor | Note entry in vertical columns |
| Sample list | Loaded instruments |
| Song sequence | Pattern playback order |
| Sample editor | Cut, loop, tune samples |
Pattern format
Each row contained:
Note Sample Effect
C-3 01 C10 (C-3 with sample 1, volume slide)Patterns typically 64 rows, tempo adjustable.
Effects
| Effect | Code | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Arpeggio | 0xy | Rapid note cycling |
| Portamento | 1xx/2xx | Pitch slide |
| Vibrato | 4xy | Pitch wobble |
| Volume slide | Axy | Fade in/out |
| Pattern break | Dxx | Jump to next pattern |
| Set speed | Fxx | Change tempo |
Workflow
Creating a track:
- Load or sample instruments
- Create patterns (4-channel chunks)
- Arrange patterns into song
- Fine-tune with effects
- Save as .MOD
Sample-based music
ProTracker’s approach:
- Record or find samples
- Loop points define sustain
- Pitch shifted for different notes
- Memory limited total samples
The MOD format
.MOD files were self-contained:
- Samples embedded in file
- Portable across platforms
- Small file sizes
- Easy to share on BBSes
Scene adoption
Demo scene embraced ProTracker:
- Standard for Amiga demos
- Competitions for tracked music
- Established composers emerged
- Music traded alongside demos
Notable composers
| Composer | Known for |
|---|---|
| Jester (Sanity) | Technical excellence |
| Heatbeat | Melodic compositions |
| Purple Motion | Future Crew demos |
| Skaven | Second Reality soundtrack |
Lineage
Tracker evolution:
| Tracker | Platform | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Soundtracker | Amiga | 1987 |
| Noisetracker | Amiga | 1989 |
| ProTracker | Amiga | 1990 |
| FastTracker II | PC | 1994 |
| Impulse Tracker | PC | 1995 |
| Renoise | Modern | 2000s |
Legacy
ProTracker established:
- Tracker interface as standard
- Sample-based composition techniques
- Cross-platform music formats
- DIY music production culture