Introduction ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Tracker's Handbook has been written, not as a guide to one specific computer or tracker, but to cover every single aspect of tracking, every single tracker, and every single machine available ever. It is intended to be, when completed, the most comprehensive guide to tracking ever made, and a one- stop source of help for every level of tracker out there, from total beginners through to seasoned masters. It is not intended, however, to replace the other entire great tracker tutorials and FAQ’s such as the alt.binaries.sounds.mods FAQ (even though the version I have is pretty old, I could not get hold of a copy newer than 1995). Just a short word to those in the scene that know about such things. I know there are hundreds of players and trackers around, but I can't go and get a copy of every single one and write an in-depth description all by myself. Main reason; I only own a PC. Second reason; I have other things to do as well as write this, such as tracking. Hopefully I can steer this guide away from any sort of bias, but if any occurs, it is only due to my own and any contributors experience and preferences. Music style bias is quite likely, but that can only be expected, after all, its human nature to like and hate certain styles. However, I will not allow any machine, tracker, sampler or player bias here, due to the fact that each has it's good and bad points. This is an early beta version, with quite a lot unfinished or inaccurate, if you have any comments or contributions, or have spotted any mistakes don't hesitate to contact me at: - E-mail - cools@iname.com WWW - http://listen.to/cools Post - Matthew Coulson 16 The Pines Cilfrew Neath SA10 8AL Wales UK Please don't mail me requests for resources like trackers, modules, or samples. If I satisfy every request this will never get finished, so you'll just be wasting your time. Anyway, there's a list of Internet resources at the end, so use that... If you want to be on the mailing list to receive the latest version when it’s released (remember that it'll slowly grow in size), then just ask! You can use the form on my page to subscribe too! Oh yeah, this is FREEWARE. Feel free to distribute, but not modify it. Cools Contributions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contributions are badly needed, and any contributors will have their names included in the contributors list at the end of the file, unless you specify otherwise (Even if your contribution doesn't get used your name will still appear here, unless you specify otherwise). If you want to contribute something, but don't know what, simply search for "(Information needed)" for some ideas. Anyone can contribute, no matter how experienced they are. So if you've just started and have found out something interesting, then send it in, you may be the only person that knows about it. Rather than sending in general hints and tips, which are easy for me to find (even though they are much appreciated), I would rather have information on the trackers and players themselves. This is the hardest to find out, especially for trackers/players that are old and/or not well known, and/or on a platform other than the PC. You can use the form below so you know what information to send. If I've included some tips or whatever, of yours without your permission, and you don't want it to be included, just contact me so we can sort something out. Remember that nobody's making any profit out of this... One last point, don't send me anything if you want it to remain exactly how you wrote it. I WILL edit virtually everything, to keep the same sort of style right the way through. The Tracker's Handbook Contribution Form ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please take your time filling out this form and provide as much information as possible. You can either use it to provide information on your favourite tracker, player etc. or for as many as you know about. Your name/handle: E-mail address (if applicable): Tracker ~~~~~~~~~ Name: (Full name of the tracker) Version: (Latest version) Author: Price: Location: (Where it can be obtained from) Operating System: (What it requires to run, memory, screen resolution etc.) Devices: (Sound cards supported) Mixing: (Maximum number of channels, WAV writer? interpolation/oversampling?) Modules Load: (Formats supported) Save: Samples Load: Save: Instruments Load: Save: Patterns Load: Save: Features: (Unique features not found in other trackers) Comments: (Ease of use, stability) Player ~~~~~~~~ Name: (Full name of the player) Version: (Latest version) Author: Price: Location: (Where it can be obtained from) Operating System: (What it requires to run, memory, screen resolution etc.) Devices: (Sound cards supported) Mixing: (Maximum mixing rate, 8/16-Bit, WAV writer? interpolation/oversampling?) Modules Load: (Formats supported) Save: Output Analysis: (Oscilloscopes, note view) Features: (Unique features not found in other players) Comments: (Ease of use, stability) Sampler ~~~~~~~~~ Name: (Full name of the sampler) Version: (Latest version) Author: Price: Location: (Where it can be obtained from) Operating System: (What it requires to run, memory, screen resolution etc.) Devices: (Sound cards supported) Input/Output: (Maximum sampling rate, mono/stereo 8/16-Bit) Samples Load: (Formats supported) Save: Features: (Unique features not found in other samplers) Comments: (Ease of use, stability) CD Ripper ~~~~~~~~~~~ Name: (Full name of the CD ripper) Version: (Latest version) Author: Price: Location: (Where it can be obtained from) Operating System: (What it requires to run, memory, screen resolution etc.) Devices: (CD-ROM drives supported) Output: (Format of samples that can be output, stereo/mono, sample rate, 8/16-Bit) Features: (Unique features not found in other rippers) Comments: (Ease of use, stability)