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Schism Tracker

schismtracker.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.6 #87 of 131 in Audio Editing Software

What it is

Schism Tracker is a free, open-source sample-based music composition tool and reimplementation of Impulse Tracker. It provides multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing, with a playback engine based on a modified ModPlug engine intended to improve Impulse Tracker playback. The project says it runs on SDL-supported systems and provides builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux; its download page also lists Wii, Wii U, XBOX, and Mac OS 9 builds. Source code and platform-specific compilation instructions are available, and the repository identifies the GPL-2.0 license. Community help is directed to the #schism IRC channel on Libera.Chat and the #schismtracker channel in TARC on Discord. Bugs and feature requests go through GitHub issues. The latest release listed is 20260524. The free plan is free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Schism Tracker is a sample-based music composition tool and a free, open-source reimplementation of Impulse Tracker.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Intended users
The project describes Impulse Tracker as a tool for making high-quality music without specialized, expensive equipment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · schismtracker.org
License
The project repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Bug reports
The official site directs users to the GitHub issue tracker to report bugs or request features.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Community support
The official site points users to the #schism IRC channel on Libera.Chat and the #schismtracker channel in TARC on Discord.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Latest release
The official site lists 20260524 as the latest release.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Linux packaging limit
The project notes that Linux distribution packages may not include the latest bug fixes and enhancements.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS packaging limit
The project says its Homebrew formula is not maintained by anyone directly involved and no longer recommends installing through it.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
MIDI sequencing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · schismtracker.org
Multitrack editing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · schismtracker.org
Other builds
The official download page also lists builds for Wii, Wii U, XBOX, and Mac OS 9.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Platform support
The project says Schism Tracker runs on platforms supported by SDL and currently provides builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Playback engine
Its player is based on a modified ModPlug engine with changes intended to improve Impulse Tracker playback.Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org
Source code
The project provides source code and platform-specific compilation instructions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported platforms
Windows, macOS, LinuxRead 20 Sep 2026 · schismtracker.org

Plans and prices

Free and open-source Free No paid plans or usage limits stated Read 9 Oct 2026 · schismtracker.org

Every Schism Tracker plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing
  • Free, open-source GPL-2.0 software
  • Builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Source code and compilation instructions provided
  • Community channels and GitHub issue tracker

Limits

  • Linux packages may lag behind current fixes
  • Homebrew installation is no longer recommended
  • Interface targets sample-based tracker workflows

Who it suits

It is aimed at people making sample-based music who want Impulse Tracker-style composition without specialized, expensive equipment. Developers can also build from the supplied source and compilation instructions.

Verdict

Schism Tracker offers tracker composition, MIDI sequencing, and broad listed platform coverage at no cost. Distribution packages can lag, and the project specifically cautions against relying on its externally maintained Homebrew formula.

Where Specifiction places it

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