Schism Tracker

What Schism Tracker is

Schism Tracker is a free, open-source sample-based music composition tool and a reimplementation of Impulse Tracker. It supports multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing, and its playback engine is based on a modified ModPlug engine with changes intended to improve Impulse Tracker playback. The project says it runs on platforms supported by SDL and provides builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its download page also lists builds for Wii, Wii U, XBOX, and Mac OS 9.

The project provides its source code and platform-specific compilation instructions. Its repository identifies the license as GPL-2.0. Users can ask for community support in the #schism IRC channel on Libera.Chat or the #schismtracker channel in TARC on Discord. The GitHub issue tracker is the place to report bugs or request features. Schism Tracker is free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated. Linux distribution packages may lag behind the latest bug fixes and enhancements, while the project says its Homebrew formula is not maintained by someone directly involved and no longer recommends that installation route.

Who it suits

Schism Tracker suits people looking for a free, open-source tool to compose sample-based music with multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing. Its Windows, macOS, and Linux builds make it relevant to users on those systems, while source code and compilation instructions may suit people who want to build it themselves.

Limits

The project states no usage limits for its free plan. Linux distribution packages may omit the latest bug fixes and enhancements; the project no longer recommends its Homebrew formula.

Getting started

1. Visit https://schismtracker.org/.
2. Choose a build for Windows, macOS, or Linux, or check the download page for other listed builds.
3. Install or run the build for your platform.
4. If building from source, use the provided source code and platform-specific compilation instructions.
5. Use the community channels for support or the GitHub issue tracker to report a bug or request a feature.

Verdict

Choose Schism Tracker if you want a free, open-source sample-based composition tool with multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing. Users relying on Linux distribution packages may not get the latest fixes, and the project no longer recommends installing through Homebrew.