WaveTracker
WaveTracker is open-source Windows software for making music with wavetable synthesis, sampling, custom waves, effects, and MIDI controls.
About WaveTracker
WaveTracker is a free and open source music-making program for Windows. It uses wavetable synthesis and sampling to generate sound. It started as a university project and combines tracker-style note editing with instrument editing and sample playback.
You can create up to 100 custom waves and up to 100 instrument macros with volume, arpeggio, pitch and timbre controls. You can also import .wav and .mp3 samples for use in songs and apply effects to stretch, blend, modulate or distort waves and sounds. Notes can be entered with a computer keyboard or MIDI controller. A built-in piano roll and oscilloscope visualizer shows the song during playback.
It suits people interested in chiptune-style music and tracker workflows who use Windows and want to work with custom waves and samples. It does not emulate hardware chips and uses its own internal audio engine.
Key features
- Create up to 100 custom waves with drawing tools
- Define up to 100 instrument macros with volume, arpeggio, pitch and timbre controls
- Import .wav and .mp3 samples for songs
- Enter notes with keyboard or MIDI controller
- Built-in piano roll and oscilloscope visualizer
Best for: Windows users who want to make chiptune-style music with custom waves and samples.
Good for
- Free and open source for Windows
- Supports wavetable synthesis and sampling
- MIDI controller input for note entry
- Built-in visualizer and documentation
Watch out for
- Windows only at this time
WaveTracker at a glance
- Website
- wavetracker.org
- Category
- Music & Audio › Audio Editing & Production
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Audio Editing & Production
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WaveTracker is open-source Windows music software for wavetable synthesis, sampling, custom wave editing, and sound effects.
Open source
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Plugins 4 Free catalogs instrument and effect plugins for audio software, with categories for synthesizers, drums, samplers, and MIDI tools.
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WaveTracker FAQ
Is WaveTracker free?
Yes, WaveTracker is described as free and open source software for Windows.
Does WaveTracker work on Linux or macOS?
No, WaveTracker is Windows only right now, though contributors are working toward cross-platform support.
Does WaveTracker emulate hardware chips?
No, it does not emulate hardware chips and uses its own internal audio engine and samples.
How do I place notes in WaveTracker?
Make sure editing mode is on by pressing space or clicking the red record button in the toolbar.
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