Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenMPT VS Renoise

Compare OpenMPT VS Renoise and see what are their differences

OpenMPT logo OpenMPT

OpenMPT is a popular tracker software for Windows.

Renoise logo Renoise

Renoise is a digital audio workstation.
  • OpenMPT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30
  • Renoise Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-31

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    Being a tracker software, it may feel outdated to some users who are accustomed to modern DAWs with different workflows.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.

Renoise features and specs

  • Powerful Sample Editor
    Renoise offers a comprehensive sample editor allowing for precise audio manipulation, such as trimming, looping, layering, and various effects. This is great for producers who like to work with raw audio samples.
  • Pattern-Based Sequencing
    Renoise's tracker interface is ideal for those who prefer pattern-based sequencing. It allows for intricate and detailed control over individual elements of the composition.
  • Automation
    Renoise supports extensive automation options for parameters. This makes it easy to create evolving sounds and dynamic changes within a track.
  • Low CPU Usage
    Renoise is well-optimized and uses low CPU resources, even with complex projects. This ensures smooth performance without needing high-end hardware.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Renoise is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for users on different operating systems.
  • VST/AU Support
    Renoise supports VST and AU plugins, enabling users to integrate their favorite instruments and effects into their workflow.

Possible disadvantages of Renoise

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Renoise's tracker interface can be intimidating for new users, especially those who are more accustomed to traditional DAWs. It may take some time to get used to its workflow.
  • Limited MIDI Editing
    While Renoise supports MIDI, its MIDI editing capabilities are not as robust as those in some other DAWs. This could be a drawback for users who rely heavily on MIDI composition.
  • Lack of Native Instruments
    Renoise does not come with a large library of built-in instruments compared to other DAWs. Users may need to rely more on third-party plugins.
  • No Audio Recording
    Renoise is primarily designed for sequencing and sample manipulation. It does not support direct audio recording, which could be a limitation for users wanting to record live instruments or vocals.
  • Smaller User Community
    Renoise has a smaller user base compared to more popular DAWs. This could mean less community support, fewer tutorials, and a smaller pool of shared resources.
  • Less Intuitive Interface
    The interface, while powerful, is less intuitive compared to graphical DAWs. Users might find the text-based pattern editor less visually engaging.

OpenMPT videos

How to link VST effects in OpenMPT

More videos:

  • Review - About MPT / OpenMPT

Renoise videos

Learn Renoise Beginner 1. What is Renoise

More videos:

  • Review - Renoise Redux Sampler VST! Serato Sample Killer?!
  • Review - Renoise is so good

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenMPT and Renoise)
Audio & Music
61 61%
39% 39
Audio
49 49%
51% 51
Music Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Audio Recording
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using OpenMPT and Renoise. 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 Renoise. 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.

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: almost 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: about 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: about 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: over 2 years ago
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Renoise mentions (3)

  • How to Learn Music Production Without a Investing in a DAW?
    Not wanting to pay a hefty license fee led me away from Ableton and into the loving arms of Renoise. It has an unlimited free trial with no restrictions, but a full license is $80 per FULL POINT RELEASE. That is: if you pay at v3.2, you don't pay again until v4.2. I paid once in 2012 and still haven't paid again yet. So it's cheap. But it's also fully featured, and surprisingly powerful. It's got a scary UI and... Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Renoise runs well on an original Surface Pro X...
    If you're in to music creation, give it a go. http://renoise.com. Source: over 3 years ago
  • chill electronic jam with dirtywave m8
    There's plenty of software available for PC so it's easy to try out if tracker workflow is your thing :P I think Renoise is the most popular and most powerful tracker and there's a free demo available in https://renoise.com. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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

Jeskola Buzz - Jeskola Buzz is an all in one digital audio workstation that allows you to edit music with the perfect blending by using modern tools and technology.

Guitar Pro - Create, play and share your tabs

Seq24 - Music & Audio, Audio, Daw, and Music Composition

Finale - Finale, the world standard for music notation software, lets you compose, arrange, notate, and print engraver-quality sheet music.

Bosca Ceoil - A free, easy to use tool for creating music.