chipsounds

Music is one of the most popular entertainment means, with a large variety of styles, types, genres, as well as way to create or generate it. Powerful computers give you the possibility to record, process and edit sound to create audio works of art. Dedicated to a more peculiar style, chipsounds, as the name suggests, lets you create music and sound effects similar to old entertainment systems, such as NES or arcades.

If you've ever used an audio creation tool, then this application should pose no accommodation problems whatsoever. The interface is structured in tabs so you can quickly switch between controls, modulation, mixer and a few other areas. Luckily, a keyboard always accompanies you in every section so you can constantly work while editing or applying effects.

The application puts up to eight layers at your disposal in order to combine multiple effects. Each layer saves its own general settings for all implemented areas. You mostly work with your mouse to generate sound by interacting with the provided keyboard.

A breathtaking amount of effects are available to try out. These are stored in categories such as pure chip, custom waveforms, drums or arcade, with the number of options making your decision a lengthy one. However, these only count as a representation of instruments, with an even greater database of snapshots.

Regardless of the area you manage, all fields are available for editing. Ranging form the type of feedback to receive when hitting a key, like short or long notes, to various amplitude modulation options, pitch variable, volume or arpeggiator, options are only limited by your imagination.

All things considered, chipsounds can certainly bring a smile on the face of 8bit sound enthusiasts, serving as a powerful workstation for designers who want to create or re-create famous, vintage sound effects and video game music. Editing options and preset effects are abundant, with the major requirement on your behalf being imagination.