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Chiptune techniques

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2020 9:36 pm
by alejandor
Hello and thanks for this amazing piece of software.

I come from a distant tracker background and I'm trying to transfer some knowledge to LMMS. Right now I'm wondering how best to emulate the "arpeggio" instruments of your typical tracker.

I'm aware of the common LMMS arpeggiator, which to some extent allows to achieve simple patterns like chords that repeat in a fixed order, using Octave with minimum range and Sort mode. This is even simpler than in a tracker, since you don't need an instrument for each different chord, as the arpeggiator plays each "simultaneous" note in order. But I wonder what would be the recommended way of doing other things like more complex patterns that aren't exactly following a chord order (e.g. instead of a simple Cmaj c-e-g repeat, a reversed g-e-c or other more complex sequence). I don't think the arpeggiator is suited for that?

Also, for vibrato/detuning which is also doable with the arpeggio in trackers, what would be an efficient replacement in LMMS? Should I look at effects for that, or some kind of automation?

Thanks!

Re: Chiptune techniques

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 12:51 pm
by musikbear
alejandor wrote:
Tue Aug 18, 2020 9:36 pm
Hello
Hi, Welcome to the Forum alejandor !
Here are all important links:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4740
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If you like to introduce yourself, to the community, go here:
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(e.g. instead of a simple Cmaj c-e-g repeat, a reversed g-e-c or other more complex sequence). I don't think the arpeggiator is suited for that?
Correct, lmms cant do that
Also, for vibrato/detuning
I believe you here mean on pr-note-basis?
That is almost impossible. You can detune -as in change-pitch single notes, but for a arpeggio it would become a huge task!
Note-detuning is explained here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl4fj0vkQOY
Adding vibrato on single notes, is not a feature in lmms. You may find a VST that has this feature, and as i write this i believe that zynAddSubFX actually has some options for 'drift'.. Not sure though

Re: Chiptune techniques

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 2:17 pm
by alejandor
Thanks for the feedback and links, musikBear. It's good to be on firm ground about what is(n't) easily doable so not to go on a wild chase. I will check the options you provide.