FamiTracker is a powerful tracker specifically designed for composing music for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Famicom. Due to its direct handling of NES audio hardware emulation, it is capable of creating authentic 8-bit chiptunes. However, for newcomers or even seasoned users, certain aspects of the software—like adjusting the tempo—can be challenging to master.
TL;DR: Changing the tempo in FamiTracker involves tweaking the tempo and speed values accessible in the Pattern Editor and via song properties. Tempo controls the beats per minute (BPM), while speed affects how quickly rows in a pattern are processed. It’s also possible to make tempo changes dynamically during a song using effect commands. Understanding the interplay between tempo and speed is essential for crafting music that fits a desired pacing or emotional intensity.
Understanding Tempo and Speed in FamiTracker
Before diving into how to change the tempo, it’s important to understand the difference between tempo and speed in FamiTracker. These two elements work together to create the timing framework of a song, and tweaking either can yield different rhythmic results.
- Tempo – This determines the number of frames per beat. It controls how many vertical blanks (VBlanks) need to pass per tick, effectively adjusting BPM.
- Speed – This affects how many ticks are played per row of the music pattern. In simple terms, think of speed as how fast a note sequence is processed.
Together, these settings define how fast your music plays. By altering them, composers can achieve a wide variety of musical pacing, from fast-paced action tracks to slow, melancholic themes.
How to Change Tempo in FamiTracker
Changing the tempo in FamiTracker can be achieved through both global settings and dynamic commands within patterns. Here’s how each method works.
1. Setting Global Tempo via Song Settings
When starting a new song or preparing your composition, it’s common to set a base tempo and speed that will remain consistent unless otherwise modified.
- Go to Song Properties by either clicking File → Song Properties or pressing Ctrl + Alt + P.
- Locate the Tempo and Speed fields.
- Adjust the Tempo (ranges from 32 to 255).
- Set the Speed (typically between 1 and 31, although 6 is the default for most tempos).
- Click OK to apply your changes.
It’s recommended to experiment with these values, as different tempo/speed settings will suit different types of songs. For example, a tempo of 150 with a speed of 6 gives you a standard medium pace.
2. Changing Tempo Mid-Song Using Effect Commands
If you want to shift tempo within a track—for example, for a change in mood or pace—you can use FamiTracker’s effect commands:
- Fxx – Changes the speed.
- Txx – Updates the tempo.
To use these commands:
- Click into the Pattern Editor.
- Navigate to the row where you want the change to occur.
- On the Effect column, input either Txx or Fxx (substitute xx with the desired value in hexadecimal).
Example: To change the tempo to 150 (decimal), convert it to hex, which is 96. So use T96. Similarly, to set speed to 6, use F06.
Remember, tempo values in hex can be tricky, so it’s advisable to use a calculator for more precise adjustments.
3. Using Tempo for Special Effects
Creative manipulation of tempo can be used for musical transitions such as:
- Ritardando – Gradually slowing down by incrementally increasing the tempo value each row over several steps.
- Accelerando – Gradually speeding up by decreasing the tempo value each row.
This technique is often used to add dynamic changes within levels, boss fights, or cutscenes in NES-style games.
Best Practices for Tempo Adjustments
Tempo changes can dramatically affect how your track feels. Here are a few tips:
- Experiment with speed/tempo combinations to see what gives you the rhythm you want.
- Keep tempo transitions musical. Avoid jarring shifts unless done intentionally for effect.
- Label your tempo changes using comments so you can track them more easily.
- Use identical tempo/speed settings between tracks if they need to loop linked or transition seamlessly.
With careful use of tempo manipulation, composers can significantly enhance the emotional and dynamic range of their NES-inspired compositions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What’s the difference between “speed” and “tempo” in FamiTracker?
- A: Speed controls the number of ticks per row, while tempo determines the duration of each tick. Together, they define the timing of your music.
- Q: How do I make the song play faster?
- A: Either lower the speed, increase the tempo, or both. Remember to find a comfortable balance, because lowering speed too much may affect note clarity.
- Q: Can I automate tempo changes in a song?
- A: Yes, by using the Txx and Fxx commands in the pattern editor wherever you want the changes to occur.
- Q: Why does my song sound too slow even after increasing tempo?
- A: You might still be using a high speed value. Consider lowering the speed (Fxx command or via song settings) to make notes play quicker.
- Q: Is there a standard or recommended tempo/speed combo?
- A: While there’s no universal combination, 6 for speed and 150 for tempo is often considered a good starting point. Adjust them based on your artistic needs.
By mastering how tempo and speed interact in FamiTracker, you’ll gain deeper control over your compositions, making your retro chiptunes more expressive and professional.
