Frequently Asked Questions

This is a copy of the FAQ on the wiki. The online version might be more up to date.

### Module

Q: So... How do I get started?
A: The first thing to do would be to create an instrument. On the top-right corner of the screen you will see a large empty black box. Click the "New Instrument" button below that. Now double-click your new instrument, and start playing around with it (starting with volume obviously) until you get a sound that you're satisfied with. Then you can start laying down some notes, and away you go!

Q: How do I add a sound chip like MMC5 or VRC6 to my module?
A: Simply open Module>Module Properties. There you will find an Expansion Chip menu where you can choose from one of the available sound chips.

Q: How do I create instruments for them? I can't find the option to create a VRC6 instrument!
A: To create an instrument for a specific chip, the cursor should be focused on one of channels of the chip in question, because every chip has its own type of instrument and you cannot, for instance, use a 2A03 instrument on a VRC6 square channel.

### Editing

Q: I can't find key for stopping note (dash symbol in the pattern). I've checked 'Shortcuts' in 'Configuration', and haven't found anything similar.
A: The key is definable, it is in 'Configuration', 'General', bottom-right corner (frame titled 'Keys'). If you have problems with redefining the key, you may need to add the Standard English keyboard layout using your operating system's regional and language options.

Q: How do I write triplets?
A: There are several valid ways to insert triplets in your module, but one of the most common ones is to use the Gxx command. If your module's tempo and speed are set to 150 and 6, respectively, then you can use G02 and G04 on your triplet's second and third notes, and you will get perfect triplets. Bear in mind that if you are using a different tempo, different values will be required, so mess around with that until you get the sound you like.

Q: How to make patterns with different length?
A: All the patterns have the same length (defined by the "Rows" field), however you can make one pattern shorter using effect Dxx.

Q: How do I stop my song, as opposed to letting it loop all the time?
A: Use the Cxx command at the very end of your module to stop it dead. xx does nothing; use zeros.

### Instruments

Q: How to load instrument file (*.fti)?
A: There are five buttons under the instruments list - New, Delete, Open, Save, Editor. Version 0.3.0 has some problems with instruments loading under Windows 7, they could not be saved or loaded from arbitrary folder.

Q: I've made one instrument, and when I'm trying to make another, first one changes as well.
A: You should select new 'Sequence' for new instrument. It could be done by clicking 'Select next empty slot' button.

Q: I'm having difficulty getting any sound out of my custom VRC7 instruments. Help!
A: The first thing to do if you want sound is to increase the attack on the carrier. Then you can mess around with the settings until you get something that you are pleased with.

Q: My VRC6 sawtooth wave sounds all wrong! What did I do?!
A: Make sure you didn't accidentally set the duty cycle to 1 in the instrument settings or effect column. This is an intentional feature to distort the sawtooth wave.

### Troubleshooting

Q: I have problem with FamiTracker under Windows Vista x64 or Windows 7, the sound is stuttering.
A: Try to update sound card drivers.

Q: I get sound alright, but it's constantly clicking.
A: The buffer length is too short. Try adjusting it in the "Sound" tab in File>Configuration.

Q: I tried opening a module in FamiTracker, but it gives me an error message!
A: Most likely you are attempting to open a module from a newer version into an old version of FamiTracker (occasionally the error happens the other way around: trying to open an older file in a new version). Download the latest stable release (or, if you already have that, the newest beta), and try opening the file in it. If the problem persists, report your problem on the Famitracker forums.

Back to main index