My journey as a musician started when i was 12 years old, I was forced to learn guitar because my mom was worried about me spending too much time playing videogames.
Now music composiiton is on the top of my hobbies and also can be related to videgames as well, this months I was focused on create Chiptune songs using some plugins in FL Studio 21 and I was able to create at least 3 songs.
This one is called Kaleido and is for my game Evil Seagulls
this one is using just two plugins to make the sounds, the first one is Magical 8biy Plug and it’s made to simulate some PWM (pulse width modulation) making the process of drums and keyboards easy to handle.
It contains an Square modulation, a triangle modulation and two channels of noise.
This one is called Selliman Claws and it’s for and old videogame about cats
This song is a mix of the same plugin but the drums are made with samples from FL Studio that is creating an atmosphere full of energy (the game is fast and chaotic).
And this one is called Cuervosis for my game Mantra
This song is crated just with samples of FL and my keyboard Akai MPK mini 3 to recreate some melodies is staccato.
some tips I recommend always is:
- Select Chiptune Instruments:
- Choose instruments that mimic the sound of classic hardware like the NES, Game Boy, or Commodore 64. Plugins like Plogue Chipsounds, Magical 8bit Plug, or Tweakbench’s Peach and Toad are popular choices.
- Master Familiarization:
- Get acquainted with the basics of the FL Studio interface, especially the Piano Roll and Playlist. Understanding these components will help you sequence your chiptune melodies effectively.
- Experiment with Arpeggios:
- Arpeggios are a common element in chiptune music. Experiment with the arpeggio function in FL Studio’s Piano Roll to create the characteristic fast-paced and rhythmic patterns found in classic game music.
- Use Short Note Lengths:
- Chiptune melodies often consist of short and punchy notes. Adjust the note lengths to create a staccato effect, characteristic of many classic game soundtracks.
- Explore 8-Bit Drum Sounds:
- Utilize drum sounds reminiscent of 8-bit consoles. There are plugins like NES VST and Drumaxx that offer drum kits with that classic chiptune feel.
- Familiarize Yourself with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM):
- Many classic consoles used Pulse Width Modulation to shape the sound of their waveforms. Familiarize yourself with PWM in your chosen plugins to achieve the iconic square wave variations.
- Experiment with Pitch Bends:
- Introduce subtle pitch bends to emulate the pitch variations often found in chiptune music. This can add a dynamic and expressive quality to your melodies.
- Explore Retro Sound Fonts:
- Look for retro-style sound fonts or sample packs that emulate the sound of classic consoles. FL Studio allows you to use sound fonts with plugins like DirectWave for an authentic chiptune sound.
- Experiment with Effects:
- Apply effects like bitcrushing, downsampling, and reverb to add a nostalgic and lo-fi touch to your chiptune sounds. Plugins like Fruity Squeeze and Fruity Reeverb can be useful for this purpose.
- Layering and Stereo Imaging:
- Experiment with layering chiptune sounds to create a fuller and more interesting sonic palette. Use stereo imaging tools to enhance the spatial characteristics of your mix.
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