Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FamiStudio VS OpenMPT

Compare FamiStudio VS OpenMPT and see what are their differences

FamiStudio logo FamiStudio

FamiStudio is very simple music editor for the Nintendo Entertainment System or Famicom. It is designed to be easier to use than FamiTracker, but its feature set is also much more limited.

OpenMPT logo OpenMPT

OpenMPT is a popular tracker software for Windows.
  • FamiStudio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-19
  • OpenMPT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30

FamiStudio features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    FamiStudio features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it accessible for users with varying levels of experience in music production.
  • NES Authenticity
    Designed specifically for creating NES-style chiptunes, FamiStudio accurately simulates the limitations and capabilities of the NES sound chip (2A03), providing an authentic retro music experience.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    FamiStudio is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, ensuring broad accessibility for users regardless of their operating system.
  • Real-Time Instrument Editing
    Users can tweak instruments in real-time while the song is playing, making it easier to hear changes instantly and streamline the music creation process.
  • Export Options
    FamiStudio provides multiple export options, including WAV, MP3, and NSF (Nintendo Sound Format), allowing users to use their creations in various applications and devices.
  • Community and Tutorials
    A growing community and a source of tutorials are available, making it easier for new users to learn the software and share techniques with others.

Possible disadvantages of FamiStudio

  • Limited Genre-Specific Tools
    FamiStudio is specialized for chiptune and 8-bit music. It might not be suitable for creating other genres of music or modern soundtracks.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, newcomers to music production or NES sound chip limitations may still face a learning curve.
  • Resource Intensive
    Some users have reported that FamiStudio can be resource-intensive, potentially causing performance issues on older or less powerful computers.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there are tutorials and community support, the official documentation can sometimes be sparse, making it harder for users to find specific information.
  • No Native MIDI Support
    FamiStudio lacks advanced MIDI import/export capabilities, which could be a limitation for users wanting to integrate it into a broader workflow with other DAWs.

OpenMPT features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    OpenMPT features a straightforward and intuitive interface that even beginners can navigate easily.
  • Free and Open-Source
    OpenMPT is completely free to use and its source code is available under the BSD license, encouraging community contributions and transparency.
  • Wide Range of Formats
    Supports a variety of audio module formats, including MOD, S3M, XM, and IT, making it versatile for different projects.
  • VST Plugin Support
    Allows the use of VST plugins for extended functionality, enabling users to add effects and instruments that are not natively supported.
  • High-Quality Sound Engine
    Provides a high-fidelity sound engine capable of rendering detailed and complex audio compositions.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Available for both Windows and macOS, increasing its accessibility for users on different operating systems.
  • Regular Updates
    Receives frequent updates and support from the developer community, ensuring ongoing improvement and bug fixes.

Possible disadvantages of OpenMPT

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, mastering all the features and functionalities can take significant time and effort.
  • Limited Native Effects
    Compared to some competitors, OpenMPT has fewer built-in effects, requiring users to rely on external VST plugins for more advanced audio manipulation.
  • No Native Linux Support
    Does not have an official Linux version, which can be a drawback for users who prefer or exclusively use Linux.
  • Older Tracker Paradigm
    Being a tracker software, it may feel outdated to some users who are accustomed to modern DAWs with different workflows.
  • Resource Intensive
    Heavy projects with multiple tracks and VST plugins can become resource-intensive, potentially causing performance issues on lower-end systems.

Analysis of FamiStudio

Overall verdict

  • FamiStudio is a highly regarded tool for creating NES-style chiptunes, receiving positive feedback for its ease of use and robust feature set. It is a good choice for anyone interested in learning or producing 8-bit music.

Why this product is good

  • FamiStudio is generally considered good due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features tailored for creating and editing music for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It offers an intuitive piano roll, advanced features like instruments and envelopes, and comprehensive export options for both NES ROMs and audio files, which makes it appealing to both beginners and experienced chiptune musicians.

Recommended for

    Beginners and experienced musicians interested in composing NES or retro-style music, game developers seeking custom chiptune soundtracks, and enthusiasts of retro gaming and music production.

FamiStudio videos

FamiStudio -- NES/Famicon Style Music Editor (Free & Open Source)

More videos:

  • Tutorial - FamiStudio 2.0.0 Tutorial - Part 1 - Your First Song

OpenMPT videos

How to link VST effects in OpenMPT

More videos:

  • Review - About MPT / OpenMPT

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FamiStudio and OpenMPT)
Audio & Music
44 44%
56% 56
Audio
55 55%
45% 45
Music Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Music
47 47%
53% 53

User comments

Share your experience with using FamiStudio and OpenMPT. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenMPT should be more popular than FamiStudio. It has been mentiond 25 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FamiStudio mentions (14)

  • The Family Bass
    Further, FYI: famitracker has a few different variants, with DNโ€“famitracker being the fork, currently closest to accurately reproducing, the NES and the most common extant sound expansion chips: https://github.com/Dn-Programming-Core-Management/Dn-FamiTracker. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Looking for information about nes music.....
    Broadly speaking, most would compose on actual instruments, notate on staff paper, and then program the audio chip instructions manually, in Music Macro Language, or using a custom utility developed by the musician or studio. Tracker programs became available starting with the Amiga platform in the late 1980s, but most trackers were still written specifically for the hardware the program ran on. Today, NES... Source: over 2 years ago
  • any tips for nes style chiptunes?
    You can use a program like FamiTracker (tracker-style interface) or FamiStudio (midi/piano-roll-style interface) which reproduce the NES's limitations and can export .nsf files which you can play back on an actual NES or emulator. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What do you guys use to make audio effects and music for your game?
    Recently using FamiStudio for Chiptune music. Its like FamiTracker but with a regular DAW like workflow - https://famistudio.org/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Everdrive N8 Pro - Gray
    Here you go dude. Pretty sure there is every game here, and all of the nsf files for them. AND if you want to actually delete an instrument or change it, there is a way to edit them on pc. https://famistudio.org/. Source: over 3 years ago
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OpenMPT mentions (25)

  • need help finding these wav files.
    The bottom of the page says it's on The Mod Archive. What format is the song in? If it's still in its original modular format (as opposed to rendered to MP3 or WAV) you should be able to open it in OpenMPT and save the samples from there. Source: over 2 years ago
  • wind ohs eggs pee
    The software that is used to make the music is (likely) OpenMPT, which is a software I use quite often for making Tracker Music. Tracker music is a really fun form of music software to work with if you don't know how music notes work but do know how computers work. If you want an example of how Tracker Music sounds, check out Dues Ex's title theme, which was composed entirely with a older tracker. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Are there any DAWs with something similar to Audacity's "Audio Selection Sequencer 2" plugin?
    There is also a type of app that is more sophisticated than Audio Selection Sequencer2, but simpler than a typical DAW sequencer. The type of application that I'm thinking of is called a "Tracker". Music Trackers were very popular back in the '90's, but their popularity has declined considerably since DAWs became common on PCs. One of the few music trackers that still exists is OpenMPT https://openmpt.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • does anyone know of a good daw that replicates the snes sound chips?
    When making mockups I typically use OpenMPT. With the 8-tap Sinc Resampler: Kaizer Window Filter at 72%(?) bandwidth. Didn't test it extensively for accuracy but it outputs a warm sound not unlike the SNES, bass becomes "plastic" in a similar fashion. For echo I just use the default Direct X Audio Effects Echo plugin but it's inaccurate. Another thing with OpenMPT is it has a decent sample editor so you can work... Source: over 2 years ago
  • How did you get into microtonal?
    My music theory teacher mentioned that in the days before 12 equal that G# and Ab were not the same pitch. IIRC he said that G# was lower than Ab. That was enough to send me down the microtonal Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole once years later I got my hands on something that could let me explore tuning other than 12 equal - and that was a music tracker. This is one that survives to this day and now has native... Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing FamiStudio and OpenMPT, you can also consider the following products

SunVox - SunVox is a small, fast and powerful modular synthesizer with pattern based sequencer (tracker).

Sibelius - Sibelius is a virtual score creation tool which allows composers to easily create new piano scores, developed by Avid.

MOTU Digital Performer - Get inspired, then refine your mix โ€” all in a singular workflow.

Guitar Pro - Create, play and share your tabs

NanoStudio - NanoStudio is a recording studio for iOS, OS X and Windows.

LilyPond - GNU LilyPond is a computer program for music engraving.