How to Make 8-Bit Music (With Free & Paid Plugins)
Do you love the nostalgic sound of 8-bit video games? Do you want to create your own retro-style music for fun or for your projects? If so, you're in luck! In this article, I will teach you how to make 8-bit music using free and paid software tools.
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But first, let's understand what 8-bit music is and why it is so popular.
What is 8-bit music and why is it popular?
8-bit music is a style of electronic music that uses the sound chips of vintage consoles and computers to produce retro sounds and melodies. It is also known as chip music or chiptune, and it has been used in many video games, especially in the 80s and 90s.
The term "8-bit" refers to the number of bits that the sound chips could process at a time. For example, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) had a sound chip that could generate four channels of sound: two pulse waves, one triangle wave, and one noise channel. Each channel could only play one note at a time, with limited pitch, volume, and timbre control.
Despite these limitations, composers of the 8-bit era managed to create catchy and memorable tunes that matched the mood and gameplay of their games. Some examples of famous 8-bit composers are Koji Kondo (Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda), Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy), Tim Follin (Silver Surfer, Ghouls 'n Ghosts), Rob Hubbard (Monty on the Run, Commando), Martin Galway (Times of Lore, Wizball), Hirokazu Tanaka (Metroid, Tetris), Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, The Revenge of Shinobi), David Whittaker (Shadow of the Beast, Xenon), and many more.
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Today, 8-bit music is still popular among gamers, musicians, and fans of retro culture. It has a nostalgic appeal that evokes childhood memories and simpler times. It also has a unique aesthetic that stands out from modern music. Many indie games, such as Shovel Knight, Celeste, Undertale, Cave Story, Super Meat Boy, Fez, VVVVVV, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, etc., use 8-bit music as part of their retro-inspired style and gameplay.
But you don't have to be a game developer to make 8-bit music. You can also make it for fun, for learning, or for your own creative projects. Making 8-bit music can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that lets you express yourself and explore your musical potential.
What are the characteristics and limitations of 8-bit music?
Before you start making 8-bit music, you should know some of the basic characteristics and limitations of the genre. These will help you create authentic and realistic 8-bit sounds and melodies.
Some of the common characteristics and limitations of 8-bit music are:
Low resolution: 8-bit music has a low resolution, meaning that it has a low sample rate and bit depth. This results in a lo-fi sound quality that is often noisy, distorted, and crunchy. The sample rate is the number of times per second that the sound is recorded or played back. The bit depth is the number of bits that are used to represent each sample. For example, the NES had a sample rate of 22.05 kHz and a bit depth of 7 bits, while the Game Boy had a sample rate of 11.025 kHz and a bit depth of 4 bits.
Limited polyphony: 8-bit music has a limited polyphony, meaning that it can only play a few notes or sounds at the same time. This forces the composer to use simple and sparse arrangements that focus on the melody and rhythm. The polyphony is determined by the number of channels or voices that the sound chip can generate. For example, the NES had four channels, while the Game Boy had three channels plus one noise channel.
Basic waveforms: 8-bit music uses basic waveforms, such as square, triangle, sawtooth, and noise, to create sounds and melodies. These waveforms have simple shapes and harmonics that give them a distinctive timbre and character. The waveform is the shape of the sound wave that determines its frequency and amplitude. For example, a square wave has a square shape that alternates between high and low amplitude, while a triangle wave has a triangular shape that rises and falls linearly.
Minimal effects: 8-bit music has minimal effects, such as volume, pitch, and duty cycle modulation, to add variation and expression to the sounds and melodies. These effects are achieved by changing the parameters of the waveforms over time. The effects are usually applied to individual channels or notes rather than to the whole mix. For example, volume modulation changes the loudness of the sound, pitch modulation changes the frequency of the sound, and duty cycle modulation changes the ratio of high to low amplitude in a square wave.
These characteristics and limitations may seem restrictive, but they also offer some benefits for making 8-bit music.
What are the benefits of making 8-bit music?
Making 8-bit music can be beneficial for several reasons:
Creativity: Making 8-bit music can boost your creativity by challenging you to work with limited resources and tools. You have to think outside the box and find clever ways to overcome the constraints of the genre. You also have to focus on the essential elements of your music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, structure, and mood.
Skill: Making 8-bit music can improve your skill by teaching you the fundamentals of music theory, composition, and production. You have to understand how to use scales, chords, intervals, keys, modes, progressions, patterns, motifs, etc., to create coherent and catchy tunes. You also have to learn how to use different software tools and techniques to create and edit your sounds and tracks.
Fun: Making 8-bit music can be fun by letting you explore your musical tastes and preferences. You can experiment with different genres, styles, influences, moods, etc., to create your own unique sound and identity. You can also share your music with others who appreciate retro culture and nostalgia.
Now that you know what 8-bit music is and why it is worth making, let's see how you can make it using different methods.
Method 1: Using VST plugins with your DAW
The first method for making 8-bit music is using VST plugins with your digital audio workstation (DAW). A VST plugin is a software component that adds a specific function or feature to your DAW. A DAW is a software application that allows you to record, edit, mix, and master your audio tracks.
There are many VST plugins that can help you create 8-bit music with your DAW. VST plugins are software components that add a specific function or feature to your DAW, such as a synthesizer, an effect, or a sampler. You can find many free and paid VST plugins for making 8-bit music online, but here are some of the best ones:
Name
Description
Price
Website
Peach
A plugin based on the NES sound chip that offers 30 waveforms, envelope control, and bitcrushing effects.
Free
[Peach](^1^)
ymVST
A plugin that emulates the Yamaha YM2149 sound chip used in the Atari ST and other machines.
Free
[ymVST](^1^)
Super Audio Cart
A plugin that features over 5,500 samples from 8 classic video game systems, including the NES, SNES, Genesis, and more.
$149
[Super Audio Cart](^1^)
Magical 8bit Plug
A plugin that generates simple and pure 8-bit sounds with three waveforms: square, triangle, and noise.
Free
[Magical 8bit Plug](^1^)
chipsounds
A plugin that accurately emulates 15 vintage sound chips from various consoles and computers.
$95
[chipsounds](^1^)
TAL-NoiseMaker
A plugin that is a versatile subtractive synthesizer with a lot of modulation options and effects.
Free
[TAL-NoiseMaker](^1^)
To use VST plugins with your DAW, you will need to install them on your computer and load them into your DAW. The installation process may vary depending on the plugin and the DAW, but generally, you will need to download the plugin file, unzip it, and copy it to the appropriate folder on your computer. Then, you will need to open your DAW, scan for new plugins, and add them to your project.
Once you have loaded the VST plugins into your DAW, you can start composing and producing 8-bit music with them. You can use the plugin interface to adjust the parameters and settings of the sound chip, such as the waveform, the pitch, the volume, the envelope, the effects, etc. You can also use your MIDI keyboard or controller to play and record notes and melodies. You can also use your DAW's built-in features and tools to edit, arrange, mix, and master your tracks.
Here are some tips and examples of how to make 8-bit music with VST plugins:
Use simple and catchy melodies: 8-bit music is known for its simple and catchy melodies that stick in your head. You can use scales and modes that fit the mood and style of your music, such as major, minor, pentatonic, blues, etc. You can also use intervals and chords that create tension and resolution, such as octaves, fifths, thirds, sevenths, etc. You can also use motifs and patterns that repeat and vary throughout your music.
Use different channels for different sounds: 8-bit music is composed of different channels or voices that play different sounds or roles in your music. You can use one channel for the lead melody, one channel for the bass line, one channel for the chords or harmony, and one channel for the drums or percussion. You can also use different waveforms for different sounds, such as square waves for leads and basses, triangle waves for chords and harmonies, noise waves for drums and percussion, etc.
Use effects to add variation and expression: 8-bit music uses effects to add variation and expression to the sounds and melodies. You can use volume modulation to create fades, swells, tremolos, etc. You can use pitch modulation to create vibratos, slides, bends, etc. You can use duty cycle modulation to create pulse width modulation (PWM), which changes the timbre of square waves. You can also use bitcrushing effects to create distortion and noise.
Here are some examples of 8-bit music made with VST plugins:
[Super Audio Cart Demo]
[chipsounds Demo]
[Peach Demo]
Method 2: Using online tools and websites
The second method for making 8-bit music is using online tools and websites. Online tools and websites are web-based applications that allow you to create 8-bit music in your browser without downloading or installing anything.
There are many online tools and websites that can help you make 8-bit music online. Some of them are free and some of them are paid or require registration. Here are some of the best ones:
Name
Description
Price
Website
BeepBox
A simple and intuitive online tool that lets you create 8-bit music with up to six channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments.
Free
[BeepBox]
Bfxr
An online tool that lets you create 8-bit sound effects for your games or music. You can use presets or tweak the parameters to generate different sounds.
Free
[Bfxr]
ChipTone
An online tool that lets you create 8-bit sound effects and music. You can use a keyboard or a mouse to play and record notes and sounds.
Free
[ChipTone]
JummBox
An online tool that lets you create 8-bit music with up to eight channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments. You can also import and export MIDI files.
Free
[JummBox]
PulseBoy
An online tool that lets you create 8-bit music with four channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments. You can also export your music as WAV or MP3 files.
Free
[PulseBoy]
SoundBox
An online tool that lets you create 8-bit music with four channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments. You can also export your music as WAV or JS files.
Free
[SoundBox]
8-Bit Music Maker
An online tool that lets you create 8-bit music with two channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments. You can also save and load your music as TXT files.
Free
[8-Bit Music Maker]
To use online tools and websites to make 8-bit music, you will need to access them from your browser and follow their instructions and features. The process may vary depending on the tool or website, but generally, you will need to select the waveform, the channel, the note, the octave, the volume, the effect, and the instrument for each sound or melody. You can also use your keyboard or mouse to play and record notes and sounds. You can also edit, arrange, mix, and master your tracks using the tool or website's interface.
Once you have created your 8-bit music online, you can export it as a file or a link that you can save, share, or download. Some tools and websites may also allow you to import and export MIDI files or other formats.
Here are some tips and examples of how to make 8-bit music online:
Use online tools and websites that suit your needs and preferences: There are many online tools and websites that can help you make 8-bit music online, but not all of them may suit your needs and preferences. You should choose the ones that offer the features and functions that you want and need, such as the number of channels, the waveforms, the effects, the instruments, the export options, etc. You should also choose the ones that have a user-friendly and intuitive interface that you can easily navigate and use.
Use online tools and websites that are compatible with your browser and device: Not all online tools and websites may work well with your browser and device. You should check the compatibility and requirements of the tool or website before using it. You should also make sure that you have a stable internet connection and enough storage space on your device.
Use online tools and websites that are safe and reliable: Not all online tools and websites may be safe and reliable. You should be careful about the security and privacy of your data and files when using them. You should also be aware of the terms and conditions of the tool or website before using it. You should also backup your files regularly in case of any loss or damage.
Here are some examples of 8-bit music made with online tools and websites:
[BeepBox Demo]
[Bfxr Demo]
[ChipTone Demo]
Method 3: Using dedicated software and hardware
The third method for making 8-bit music is using dedicated software and hardware. Dedicated software and hardware are specialized devices or applications that are designed specifically for making 8-bit music. They usually emulate or replicate the sound chips of vintage consoles and computers, or they offer unique features and functions that allow you to create original 8-bit sounds and melodies.
There are many dedicated software and hardware that can help you make 8-bit music. Some of them are free and some of them are paid. Here are some of the best ones:
Name
Description
Price
Website
FamiTracker
A free Windows software that lets you create 8-bit music using the NES sound chip. You can use up to five channels and various effects and instruments.
Free
[FamiTracker]
LSDj
A software that lets you create 8-bit music using the Game Boy sound chip. You can use up to four channels and various effects and instruments. You can run it on a Game Boy emulator or on a real Game Boy with a flash cartridge.
$5
[LSDj]
Nanoloop
A software that lets you create 8-bit music using the Game Boy sound chip. You can use up to four channels and various effects and instruments. You can run it on a Game Boy emulator or on a real Game Boy with a flash cartridge.
$19.99
[Nanoloop]
DefleMask
A free cross-platform software that lets you create 8-bit music using various sound chips from different consoles and computers, such as the NES, Genesis, Commodore 64, and more. You can use up to eight channels and various effects and instruments.
Free
[DefleMask]
Little Sound DJ
A hardware device that lets you create 8-bit music using the Game Boy sound chip. It is a custom-made cartridge that plugs into your Game Boy and turns it into a portable music workstation. You can use up to four channels and various effects and instruments.
$99
[Little Sound DJ]
To use dedicated software and hardware to make 8-bit music, you will need to download or purchase them and install or connect them to your computer or device. The installation or connection process may vary depending on the software or hardware and your system, but generally, you will need to follow the instructions and requirements of the software or hardware.
Once you have installed or connected the dedicated software or hardware, you can start making 8-bit music with them. You can use the software or hardware interface to adjust the parameters and settings of the sound chip, such as the waveform, the pitch, the volume, the envelope, the effects, etc. You can also use your keyboard, mouse, or controller to play and record notes and melodies. You can also edit, arrange, mix, and master your tracks using the software or hardware features and tools.
Here are some tips and examples of how to make 8-bit music with dedicated software and hardware:
Use dedicated software and hardware that suit your needs and preferences: There are many dedicated software and hardware that can help you make 8-bit music, but not all of them may suit your needs and preferences. You should choose the ones that offer the features and functions that you want and need, such as the sound chip emulation or replication, the number of channels, the waveforms, the effects, the instruments, the export options, etc. You should also choose the ones that have a user-friendly and intuitive interface that you can easily navigate and use.
Use dedicated software and hardware that are compatible with your system and device: Not all dedicated software and hardware may work well with your system and device. You should check the compatibility and requirements of the software or hardware before using it. You should also make sure that you have enough storage space and memory on your system or device.
Use dedicated software and hardware that are safe and reliable: Not all dedicated software and hardware may be safe and reliable. You should be careful about the security and privacy of your data and files when using them. You should also be aware of the terms and conditions of the software or hardware before using it. You should also backup your files regularly in case of any loss or damage.
Here are some examples of 8-bit music made with dedicated software and hardware:
[FamiTracker Demo]
[LSDj Demo]
[Nanoloop Demo]
Conclusion
In this article, I have shown you how to make 8-bit music using three different methods: using VST plugins with your DAW, using online tools and websites, and using dedicated software and hardware. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all can help you create authentic and realistic 8-bit sounds and melodies.
Making 8-bit music can be a fun and rewarding hobby that lets you express yourself and explore your musical potential. It can also help you improve your creativity, skill, and knowledge of music theory, composition, and production. It can also give you a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for retro culture.
If you want to learn more about 8-bit music, here are some resources that you can check out:
[How to Make Chiptune Music: A Beginner's Guide]
[The Ultimate Guide to Chiptune]
[Chiptune Music Theory: How To Write Chip Music]
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. Now it's time for you to try making your own 8-bit music. Have fun!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about 8-bit music:
What is the difference between 8-bit music and 16-bit music?
8-bit music is a style of electronic music that uses the sound chips of 8-bit consoles and computers, such as the NES, Game Boy, Commodore 64, etc. 16-bit music is a style of electronic music that uses the sound chips of 16-bit consoles and computers, such as the SNES, Genesis, Amiga, etc. 8-bit music has a lower resolution, polyphony, and variety of sounds than 16-bit music, but it also has a more distinctive and nostalgic sound. 16-bit music has a higher resolution, polyphony, and variety of sounds than 8-bit music, but it also has a more realistic and diverse sound.
How can I make 8-bit music on my phone or tablet?
There are some apps that can help you make 8-bit music on your phone or tablet. Some of them are:
[Nanoloop]: An app that lets you create 8-bit music using the Game Boy sound chip. You can use up to four channels and various effects and instruments. You can also export your music as WAV or MIDI files.
[SunVox]: An app that lets you create 8-bit music using various synthesizers, samplers, and effects. You can use up to 32 channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments. You can also export your music as WAV or XM files.
[PixiTracker]: An app that lets you create 8-bit music using a simple and intuitive interface. You can use up to 16 channels and various waveforms, effects, and instruments. You can also export your music as WAV or MOD files.
How can I make 8-bit music with vocals?
There are some ways that you can make 8-bit music with vocals. Some of them are:
Use a vocoder: A vocoder is an effect that modulates the voice with a carrier signal, such as a synthesizer or a noise generator. This creates a robotic or distorted sound that can fit the 8-bit style. You can use a vocoder plugin with your DAW or an online tool to process your vocals.
Use a speech synthesizer: A speech synthesizer is a software or hardware that converts text into speech. This creates a synthetic or computerized voice that can fit the 8-bit style. You can use a speech synthesizer plugin with your DAW or an online tool to generate your vocals.
Use a sampler: A sampler is a device or software that records and plays back sounds. This allows you to record your own vocals and manipulate them with various parameters, such as pitch, speed, volume, etc. You can also use effects such as bitcrushing, filtering, reverb, etc., to create different sounds. You can use a sampler plugin with your DAW or an online tool to sample your vocals.
How can I make 8-bit music sound more modern?
There are some ways that you can make 8-bit music sound more modern. Some of them are:
Use hybrid sounds: Hybrid sounds are sounds that combine elements of 8-bit and modern music, such as synthesizers, drums, guitars, etc. This creates a contrast and a balance between the retro and the contemporary styles. You can use hybrid sounds by mixing different plugins or samples with your 8-bit sounds.
Use advanced effects: Advanced effects are effects that add more depth and dimension to your 8-bit sounds, such as reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, etc. This creates a richer and fuller sound that enhances the quality and the atmosphere of your music. You can use advanced effects by applying them to your 8-bit sounds with your DAW or an online tool.
Use complex arrangements: Complex arrangements are arrangements that use more channels, layers, instruments, and patterns than the typical 8-bit music. This creates a more dynamic and diverse sound that showcases your musical skills and creativity. You can use complex arrangements by composing and producing your 8-bit music with more variety and detail.
How can I make 8-bit music for free?
You can make 8-bit music for free by using any of the methods mentioned in this article. You can use free VST plugins with your DAW, free online tools and websites, or free dedicated software to create 8-bit music without spending any money. However, you may have to compromise on some features and functions that are only available in paid versions or products. 44f88ac181
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