Chiptune is a style of electronic music that uses sounds from vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. It is also known as 8-bit or 16-bit music and is often made using the programmable sound generator (PSG) sound chips or synthesizers. The term “chiptune” is commonly used to refer to tracker format music that uses extremely basic and small samples that an old computer or console could produce.
Chiptune music has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its retro sound and nostalgic appeal. It is often associated with video games and the early days of computing, and has been used in various forms of media, including TV shows, movies, and commercials. While it may seem simple on the surface, creating chiptune music can be a complex and challenging process that requires a deep understanding of sound synthesis and programming. In the following article, we will explore what chiptune music is, how it is made, and why it has become such a popular genre in the world of electronic music.
The World of Chiptune
Chiptune, also known as chip music, is a genre of electronic music that originated in the 1980s and is made using sound chips or synthesizers found in vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. In this section, we will explore the different aspects of the chiptune world, including hardware and software, instruments and sound, genres and styles, programming and production, artists and albums, the chiptune community, chiptune in popular culture, and the future of chiptune.
Hardware and Software
Hardware and software are the backbone of chiptune music. Chiptune artists use various instruments and sound chips to create their music. Some of the popular sound chips used in chiptune music are the MOS Technology SID chip found in the Commodore 64, the Yamaha YM2612 chip found in the Sega Genesis, and the Ricoh 2A03 chip found in the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Chiptune artists also use software such as music trackers and digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create their music. Some popular music trackers used in chiptune music are OpenMPT, MilkyTracker, and Nanoloop.
Instruments and Sound
Chiptune music is known for its unique sound, which is created using simple waveforms such as triangle waves, pulse waves, square waves, and noise waves. These waveforms are generated by sound chips and sound generators found in vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. Chiptune artists use these waveforms to create melodies, drums, and other sounds that are characteristic of chiptune music.
Genres and Styles
Chiptune music encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, including techno, 8-bit, electronic, and chip tuning. Some popular sub-genres of chiptune music are bitpop, glitch, and heavy metal. Chiptune music is also used in video game music (VGM), which is the music used in video games.
Programming and Production
Programming and production are essential skills for chiptune artists. Chiptune artists use programming languages such as Assembly and C to write code that replicates the sound of vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. They also use sampling to create new sounds and manipulate existing ones. Chiptune artists use a variety of techniques to produce their music, including using original hardware and emulators.
Artists and Albums
There are many chiptune artists and albums that have gained popularity over the years. Some of the most popular chiptune artists are Johan Kotlinski, YMCK, 8 Bit Weapon, Pixelh8, and Crystal Castles. Some of the most popular chiptune albums are “NES Greatest Hits Vol. 1” by Inverse Phase, “Power Up” by Anamanaguchi, and “Chiptuned Rockman” by Capcom.
The Chiptune Community
The chiptune community is a vibrant and active community of chiptune artists and enthusiasts. The chiptune community is known for its creativity, passion, and dedication to preserving the nostalgia and memories associated with vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. The chiptune community is also known for its inclusivity and diversity.
Chiptune in Popular Culture
Chiptune music has made its way into popular culture in various ways. Chiptune music has been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Chiptune music has also been used in video games such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Mega Man.
The Future of Chiptune
The future of chiptune music is bright, with many new artists and albums being released every year. Chiptune music is also being used in new and innovative ways, such as in the creation of online chiptune makers and VST plugins. As technology continues to evolve, chiptune music will continue to evolve with it, creating new and exciting possibilities for the future.
