A cross-platform music tracker for composing sample-based music targeting Atari XL/XE 8-bit computers. Create chiptunes using real audio samples compressed with Vector Quantization (VQ) technology.
- 4-channel polyphonic playback using VQ-compressed samples
- 5 octaves (3 visible + 2 sub-octaves for pitch correction) (C-1 to B-3) with pitch control via 8.8 fixed-point multipliers
- Pattern-based sequencing with variable-length event encoding
- Real-time audio preview that closely matches Atari hardware output
- Export to Atari executable (.XEX) via MADS assembler
- Self-contained project format (.pvq) with embedded samples
- Multi-format audio import — WAV, MP3, OGG, FLAC, M4A, and more
- Timing analysis to verify IRQ cycle budget before export
- Optional per-note volume control (at lower sample rates)
Get the latest release from the Releases page.
- Load samples — Add WAV/MP3 files as instruments
- Convert — Process samples through VQ compression
- Compose — Write music using patterns and the song editor
- Build — Export to Atari executable (.XEX)
Press F12 in the tracker to see all keyboard shortcuts. Shortcuts are configurable via keyboard.json (auto-created on first run).
| Keys | Function |
|---|---|
| Z X C V B N M | Notes C D E F G A B (base octave) |
| S D G H J | Sharp notes C# D# F# G# A# |
| Q W E R T Y U I O P | Notes C-E (octave+1) |
| ` (backtick) | Note OFF |
| F1 / F2 / F3 | Select octave 1 / 2 / 3 |
| [ / ] | Previous / next instrument |
| Keys | Function |
|---|---|
| Arrow keys | Move cursor |
| Tab / Shift+Tab | Switch channels |
| Page Up / Down | Jump 16 rows |
| Home / End | First / last row |
| Keys | Function |
|---|---|
| Space | Play / Stop toggle |
| Enter | Preview current row |
| F5 | Play song from start |
| F6 | Play pattern |
| F7 | Play from cursor |
| F8 | Stop |
The Atari CPU runs at 1.77 MHz (PAL). The tracker includes timing analysis to ensure your music plays correctly.
| Sample Rate | Cycles/IRQ | Speed Mode | Size Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7917 Hz | ~224 | OK | Over |
| 5278 Hz | ~336 | Safe | OK |
| 3958 Hz | ~448 | Safe | Safe |
Projects are saved as .pvq files (ZIP archives) containing song data, embedded samples, and VQ conversion output. Projects are self-contained and can be shared with all assets included.
- Python 3.8+
- MADS assembler (download)
pip install dearpygui numpy scipy sounddevice pydub soundfile pyinstallerpython main.py# Linux / macOS
./build.sh dist
# Windows
build.bat distThe distribution package will be created in release/ with everything needed to run.
The tracker includes a bundled VQ converter for sample compression. For standalone batch processing or advanced options, see the separate project:
8bit-sound-compress — Vector Quantization audio compression for 8-bit systems
The standalone converter offers batch processing, advanced compression parameters, quality metrics, and a command-line interface.
- User Guide — Comprehensive documentation
- Export Format — Technical specification for the binary format
- Changelog — Version history
MIT License — see LICENSE for details.