Line #73 Main/Chiptune


1	[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ae_8bit1_928.jpg]]
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3	Chiptunes are songs -- or song data -- usually designed to be played back by a specific sound chip with limited capabilities. The sound is often associated with early VideoGame and computer systems, though many early synthesizers also often contain similar (or even the same) sound chips. While the term may apply to old or antiquated hardware, it is not specifically exclusive to game music or old songs. Many have repurposed game hardware, and even the sound chips contained inside, to build inexpensive instruments or synths. Nowadays however, chiptunes are only used by stylistic choice.
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5	So, while some might consider Chiptunes to epitomize the overuse of synthesizers typical of [[TheEighties Eighties]] SynthPop, other listeners consider them a way of demonstrating the composer's mastery over a limited electronic instrument, and likewise many of those composers enjoy that challenge. Fans and composers of the genre will be quick to point out that the resulting sound is the entire point of writing such tunes. Like any music played by a computer, Chiptunes are meticulously calculated, and it's probably a combination of this perfectionism with a touch of nostalgia that their fans love.
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7	Chiptune music has had a long-standing relationship with wider ElectronicMusic. The TropeMaker for chiptune was Music/YellowMagicOrchestra, a SynthPop {{supergroup}} who featured three tracks on [[Music/YellowMagicOrchestraAlbum their debut album]] in 1978 that recreate jingles and sound effects from popular arcade games of the era with industry-standard synthesizers. YMO leader Music/HaruomiHosono also supervised the production and release of the first all-chiptune album, a 1984 compilation of Creator/{{Namco}} tunes aptly titled ''Music/VideoGameMusic''. Consequently, while chiptune hasn't reached mainstream status off the internet, electronic music has taken heavy influence from the genre over the years. It has reached a point that truly distinguishing between chiptunes and some subgenres of electronic music such as {{Techno}} and {{Glitch}} is becoming increasingly difficult.
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9	An interesting quirk of Chiptunes is that they come out either sounding awesome or like crap, and there is generally no middle ground. And on the listener side, well, you'll either think it's great, or you'll think it rubbish. [[TakeAThirdOption On the other hand, though, depending on what kind of listener you are, you may also think it doesn't interest you OR it has one flaw among the other awesome aspects of composition OR the Capcom's monkiers have become too old and such, so]] decide for yourself!
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11	Another interesting quirk that chiptunes share with General Platform/{{MIDI}} is that they can be stored in numerous native formats that take up very little space. A full song can be stored in around 10 kilobytes, compared to perhaps 10 megabytes for an [=MP3=] file. This makes them the ultimate in bandwidth friendly music, particularly if you are stuck on dial-up Internet.
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13	A distinct sub-genre is Keygen. Keygen arose out of a simple way to show that someone had devised a program to [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin generate a key]] for an illegally downloaded program, and the music came as a form of signature. However by its very nature as existing as a bonus rather than a form of music, it's less known, though its influences (namely a much more flowing style and slurred notes) have noticeably seeped into the mainstream chiptune scene.
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15	And lastly, if you have 20 year-old hardware, fear not! By their very nature, chiptunes are designed to be replayed on something old. Even replayers that emulate the sound chips tend to require very little in the way of resources. It should be no surprise, because of this, that Chiptunes (especially in tracker form) have long been a staple of the {{Demoscene}} and continue to be so to this day. Thus, a lot of chipmusic is available online for free.
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17	As with most nerdy fandoms, many camps of chiptuners and chiptune fans have emerged:
18	* Extreme purists that are only interested in writing or hearing music specifically reproduced by the sound chip in question (or ''maybe'' an emulator for that chip). Examples: music written in LSDJ on a Platform/GameBoy, or NSF / SID files written in a system-specific tracker (to be replayed by the system or at least some plugin)
19	* Somewhat-purists that at least want to write or hear music that is '''possible''' on the sound chip in question. Examples: [[Platform/{{MOD}} MOD/[=S3M=]/XM/IT]] (tracker) files utilizing carnal knowledge of a specific sound chip. Sometimes also referred to as "Fakebit".
20	* A more extreme version of Fakebit, which utilizes chiptune sounds but pays no mind to what is actually possible on a sound chip. Sometimes also referred to as "riptunes". Examples: improper use of the Triforce MIDI plugin, "8-Bit Remixes" made with GXSCC, or compositions designed to simulate two consoles running at once.
21	* Composers or bands that utilize chiptunes as one of the many elements in their music. This can range from using a sound chip in combination with a rock guitar, to using only a sound chip and drums.
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23
24	!!'''Notable and/or popular chips used in chiptunes and example systems:'''
25
26	Programmable Sound Generators ([=PSGs=]) are often known for their simplistic wave forms:
27	* Creator/{{Atari}} produced custom chips called TIA and POKEY. The TIA was found in the Platform/{{Atari 2600}} and Platform/{{Atari 7800}}, and it also drove graphics. The POKEY, which did Potentiometer (rotary paddles) and Keyboard handling, was in Platform/Atari8BitComputers, the Platform/{{Atari 5200}}, various UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s (some even used two or four), and even some 7800 cartridges as expansion sound.
28	* The Platform/{{NES}}, Platform/TurboGrafx16, and Platform/GameBoy, where sound generation is built into each system's custom CPU. The Famicom Disk System was also capable of primitive FM synthesis.
29	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Instrument_AY-3-8910 General Instrument AY-3-8910]]: Platform/AmstradCPC, Platform/AtariST, Platform/{{Intellivision}}, Platform/{{MSX}}, Platform/{{Vectrex}}, Platform/ZXSpectrum 128K. Many early 1980s UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s used two AY-3-8910s; the ''VideoGame/{{Gyruss}}'' arcade board had five.
30	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SN76489 Texas Instruments SN76489]]: Platform/{{Colecovision}}, Platform/BBCMicro, Platform/SegaMasterSystem, Platform/GameGear (with added stereo support), Platform/NeoGeoPocket (another stereo variant), Platform/IBMPCjr and many PC clones (e.g. Tandy 1000) claiming "3 voice" sound. Called [=TMS9919=] when Texas Instruments first used it in the [[Platform/{{TI99}} TI-99/4]].
31	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_SID MOS Technology SID]]: Platform/{{Commodore 64}} in two variants, the 6581 and 8580.
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33	Many Yamaha FM synthesis chips are known for a warmer and/or fuller sound. Tend to be less user-friendly than PSG because of complexity:
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35	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM2413 OPLL]]: Japanese Platform/SegaMasterSystem, "MSX-Music" on later Platform/{{MSX}} machines
36	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM3812 OPL2]]: Mainly Adlib and early Sound Blasters
37	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YMF262 OPL3]]: Later Sound Blaster cards
38	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM2151 OPM]]: Platform/SharpX68000, numerous UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s by Creator/{{Atari}}, Creator/{{Capcom}}, Creator/{{Irem}}, Creator/MidwayGames, Creator/{{Namco}}, Creator/{{Sega}}, etc.
39	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM2203 OPN]]: [[Platform/{{PC88}} PC-8801mkIISR]], numerous UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s
40	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM2608 OPNA]]: Later [[Platform/PC88 PC-88]] and [[Platform/PC98 PC-98]] models
41	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM2610 OPNB]]: Platform/NeoGeo, most 16-bit UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s by Creator/{{Taito}}
42	* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_YM2612 OPN2]]: The Platform/SegaGenesis / Platform/MegaDrive and Platform/FMTowns; patch-compatible with the famous Yamaha DX-7
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44	More modern sound chips are based on Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
45	* MOS Technology 8364 "Paula": Platform/{{Amiga}}
46	* Sony [=SPC700=]: Platform/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem
47	* Ensoniq [=ES5503=] "DOC": Platform/{{Apple II}}GS, Mirage and ESQ-1 synthesizers/samplers
48	* Ensoniq [=ES5505=] "OTIS": Creator/{{Taito}} F3 UsefulNotes/{{Arcade Game}}s
49	* Ensoniq [=ES5506=] "OTTO": Soundscape ISA cards
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51	----
52	!!'''Notable artists that are at least somewhat chiptune in nature:'''
53
54	[[index]]
55	* The websites [[https://8bc.org/ 8bitcollective]] and [[http://www.8bitpeoples.com/ 8bitpeoples]] contain many examples, including some from bands listed here [[note]] Collective is more about single songs, and artists will generally upload songs to get feedback from other artists, while peoples focuses on album releases[[/note]].
56	** [[http://ubiktune.org/ Ubiktune]] is another site that releases albums.
57	** Music/OverClockedRemix is heavily associated with the Chiptune scene as well; however in general they tend to make instrumental versions of originally Chiptune songs.
58	* [[Music/OneUp 1-Up]]
59	* [[Music/EightBitArcade 8 Bit Arcade]]
60	* [[Music/EightBitWeapon 8 Bit Weapon]]
61	* [[Music/EightBitUniverse 8 Bit Universe]]
62	* Music/{{Anamanaguchi}} (Fused with punk rock and became very popular with their work in ''VideoGame/ScottPilgrimVSTheWorldTheGame'')
63	* [[http://rivalrivalrival.bandcamp.com/ A-Rival]] (Fused with hip-hop)
64	* Music/{{Balloonsex}}
65	* [[http://bit.shifter.net/ Bit Shifter]], who also helps run 8bitpeoples.
66	* Music/ChaosConQueso
67	* Music/{{chipzel}}, best known for creating the soundtrack to ''VideoGame/{{Super Hexagon}}''.
68	* Music/{{colonopenbracket}}
69	* [[https://wearecrying.bandcamp.com/album/get-olde Crying]]
70	* [[https://computeher.bandcamp.com ComputeHer]]
71	* Music/{{Crystal Castles\|Band}}
72	* [[http://danrogersmusic.com/ Dan "Myoosic" Rogers]] (composer of the ''VideoGame/MystikBelle'' and ''Spunk and Moxie'' soundtracks)
73	* [[Music/DbSoundworks dB Soundworks]]
74	* Music/{{Disasterpeace}}
75	* Music/DJScotchEgg (and many of Shige Ishihara's other projects)
76	* [[http://dma-sc.atari.org/ DMA-SC]]
77	* Music/DragonForce (fused with HeavyMithril)
78	* [[Music/DotAy Dot-AY]]
79	* Music/{{Dubmood}}
80	* Music/{{Duracell}}
81	* Music/TheFollinBrothers, known for giving C- games A+ soundtracks and using programming tricks to create unique sound patterns
82	* Music/{{Foozogz}} (combined with happy hardcore, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUdy8-AB2gk as heard in this song]])
83	* Creator/TobyFox
84	** 2022 - "Music/SkiesForeverBlue" (with Itoki Hana)
85	* [[http://freemusicarchive.org/music/glomag/ Glomag]]
86	* Music/FreakyDNA (also {{Ambient}})
87	* Music/{{GBR}}
88	* Music/{{Hertzdevil}}, who uses [=LSDj=] as one of his tools. His most prolific album is the [[Franchise/MegaMan MEGA]] [[Franchise/TouhouProject ZUN]] collection.
89	* Music/HORSETheBand (Fused with {{Metalcore}})
90	* Music/HaruomiHosono (oversaw the making of the first all-chiptune album, a compilation of Creator/{{Namco}} soundtrack pieces)
91	** 1984 - ''Music/VideoGameMusic''
92	* Music/IFightDragons, a mixture of rock and chiptunes and an all-around nerdcore band.
93	* Music/{{iamerror}}
94	* Music/{{IAYD}}
95	* [[http://infinityshred.com/ Infinity Shred]] (formerly Starscream)
96	* Music/InformationSociety's remix/cover of Music/{{Devo}}'s [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuqBmJqqSH0 "Beautiful World."]]
97	* [[http://inversephase.bandcamp.com/ Inverse Phase]]
98	* Janne "Tempest" Sunni, famous for a legal scuffle with Hip-Hop producer Music/{{Timbaland}}, over an uncleared sample of his song "Acidjazzed Evening."
99	* [[http://www.jaytholen.net/ Jay Tholen]]
100	* Music/{{Listie}} used to upload "MIDIS shoved through GXSCC".
101	* Music/NeilLandstrumm's ''Bambaataa Eats his Breakfast'' album combines this with dubstep.
102	* Music/MachinaeSupremacy (Use a synthesizer with a Commodore 64 sound chip in addition to normal rock instruments to creature an unusual brand of metal.)
103	* [[Creator/LapfoxTrax Renard Queenston]] and their alter egos:
104	** Kitsune^2
105	** Klippa
106	** Mayhem
107	* [[Music/MagnusPalsson Magnus Pålsson]], aka [[http://www.souleye.se/home SoulEye,]] best known for composing the soundtrack for ''VideoGame/{{VVVVVV}}''.
108	* [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEVndLRqBDNcZhBdWo5oepg Master Boot Record]] (bandcamp [[https://masterbootrecord.bandcamp.com/ link]])
109	* Music/MakeupAndVanitySet
110	* [[Music/MindInABox Mind.in.a.box]]'s ''Retro'' album.
111	* Music/MoonsetMusic does chiptune remixes of other musical tracks, especially video game music.
112	* [[http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Norrin_Radd/ Norrin Radd]] (fused with DeathMetal)
113	* [[http://www.nullsleep.com/ Nullsleep]]
114	* Music/{{Rainbowdragoneyes}}
115	* Music/TheReignOfKindo, normally a jazz-influenced indie rock band, made the last-minute decision to record "8Bit Remixes" of every track on their album ''This Is What Happens'', and release it concurrently under the title ''This Is Also What Happens''. Just one look at the [[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rLdX4QsMbn4/TIbfK8X3-5I/AAAAAAAAAVg/HN2FbrtWssg/s1600/The+Reign+Of+Kindo+-+This+Is+Also+What+Happens.jpg cover]] tells you what you're in for.
116	* Music/RushCoil
117	* [[http://sabrepulse.blogspot.com/ Sabrepulse]], barring two [=EPs=].
118	* Music/SasakureUK
119	* Music/{{Saskrotch}}
120	* Music/{{Savant}}
121	* Music/{{SDFDM}}
122	* [[http://shemusic.org/ she]]
123	* Music/SpacemanFantastiques
124	* Music/{{sylcymk}}
125	* Creator/HirokazuTanaka: A former Creator/{{Nintendo}} composer who transitioned into professional music work as a chiptune artist under the stage name Chip Tanaka.
126	* [[http://trash80.net/ Trash80]] (Also makes piano music)
127	* Music/UnicornKid
128	* [[http://www.biglionmusic.com/ virt]] (AKA Creator/JakeKaufman)
129	* Music/{{Viznut}}
130	* [[http://yerzmyey.i-demo.pl Yerzmyey]]
131	* Music/YellowMagicOrchestra: TropeMaker for the genre.
132	** 1978 - ''Music/YellowMagicOrchestraAlbum''
133	* Music/YouLoveHerCosShesDead
134	* [[http://www.ymck.net// YMCK]]
135	* Music/{{Zabutom}}
136	* [[Franchise/TouhouProject ZUN]]
137	** In turn, [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDv8Wzo_VjBfHnqWQaLvCJw Hertz Devil]] has produced a series of 8-bit PSG ''Touhou'' remixes, collectively known as ''Mega ZUN'' after ''Franchise/MegaMan''.
138	* Music/{{peepeepo}}
139	[[/index]]

Context Main / Chiptune