Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Furnace

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.8 #16 of 27 in Game Music Software

What it is

Furnace is a free, open-source chiptune tracker for creating music with emulated sound chips. It supports Yamaha FM chips, NES, Game Boy, SID, SNES, and arcade hardware. Users can mix chips, choose from more than 200 presets, or create setups with up to 32 chips or 128 channels. Its modular interface allows freely arranged windows and customizable colors. Furnace loads and saves DefleMask .dmf modules and supports .dmp instruments and .dmw wavetables, though some features may be unavailable when saving as .dmf. Export formats include WAV, VGM, text, Zsound Music, Atari 2600 ROM, SAP type R, and Furnace Command Stream files. Listed tools include MIDI input, a sample editor, a wavetable synthesizer, and per-channel oscilloscopes. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Minimums are 256 MB memory and 25 MB storage.

Spec sheet

Product
Furnace is a free, open-source chiptune music tracker for creating music with emulated sound chips.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
Platforms
Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including x86_64 Linux and ARM builds.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
Support
The maker identifies GitHub Discussions and Discord as Furnace’s official discussion channels and links to documentation and a quick start guide.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker
The project credits tildearrow and says it was built by several experts contributing their free time.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
Custom setups
Users can mix sound chips, choose from over 200 presets, or create setups with up to 32 chips or 128 channels.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Exports
Export formats include WAV audio, VGM, text, Zsound Music, Atari 2600 ROM, SAP type R, and Furnace Command Stream files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
File compatibility
Furnace loads and saves DefleMask .dmf modules and supports .dmp instruments and .dmw wavetables; some features may be unavailable when saving as .dmf.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
Interface
Its modular interface lets users arrange windows freely and customize the color scheme.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
Limitations
The maker says Furnace may still have issues and recommends some technical computing background for the best experience.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
MIDI and editing
The feature list includes MIDI input, a built-in sample editor, a wavetable synthesizer, and per-channel oscilloscopes.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security and compliance
The maker’s pages reviewed describe the software as open-source under GPLv2-or-later/GPLv3 and do not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org
Sound chips
It supports a broad range of chips and systems, including Yamaha FM chips, NES, Game Boy, SID, SNES, and arcade hardware.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
The maker lists 256 MB memory and 25 MB program storage as minimums, with higher requirements for some emulation cores.Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org

Plans and prices

Furnace Free Open-source chiptune tracker under GPLv2 or later/GPLv3 Read 4 Oct 2026 · tildearrow.org

Every Furnace plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free open-source tracker
  • Supports many sound-chip systems
  • Up to 32 chips or 128 channels
  • Multiple export formats
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux

Limits

  • Some .dmf saves may lose features
  • Some emulation cores need more resources
  • Maker notes issues may remain
  • Technical computing background is recommended

Who it suits

It suits chiptune composers and technically minded users working with emulated console, computer, and arcade sound hardware.

Verdict

Furnace provides broad chip emulation, flexible tracker layouts, and extensive export options at no charge. Users should account for format limitations and the project’s stated technical demands.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to FurnaceAll alternatives →