Subject:ACID vs Trackers

Posted by: overbored

Date:7/17/2002 6:06:02 PM

Aside from the output format, what are the differences between ACID and Trackers? I've never used trackers before, but from what I've read, programs like FastTracker and Modplug Tracker are identical in function to ACID - basically, you place copies of loops created with sampled sounds, with some optional effects. So why can't ACID render .mod/.s3m/.xm/.it files? Is there any particular reason why there are quite a few people out there using trackers?

Subject:RE: ACID vs Trackers

Reply by: Iacobus

Date:7/18/2002 12:18:59 PM

ACID can render in a variety of formats, including WAV, MP3, OGG, and Sonic Foundry's own lossless-but-compressed PCA format. All of them except PCA are practically standards in the music world.

The reason why ACID can't render MOD, S3M or XM files is probably because those file formats are either proprietary or require a license be bought (much like MP3) or just aren't popular enough to bother. Why even bother when you have other standards like WAV?

If I'm correct, these programs are free, no? That's probably why they're popular, and that's about it.

Iacobus

Subject:RE: ACID vs Trackers

Reply by: LanceL

Date:7/18/2002 12:50:03 PM

There are some very general similarities between ACID and tracker apps, but they're meant for different things. Trackers are geared very much toward note-based composition using samples. They're like MIDI sequencers that build music from samples inside of your PC, instead of external gear. ACID, on the other hand, is a loop-based composition tool, where you build audio not with individual notes playing samples, but with whole loops. ACID 3 does allow for basic MIDI recording, but it only has access to trigger DLS soundsets. I'm sure that there are a few tracker experts around here who could give you even more info...

Subject:RE: ACID vs Trackers

Reply by: overbored

Date:7/18/2002 6:00:47 PM

Thanks for your replies. I've gotten my hands on some trackers and I see how they're different. So does FruityLoops fall under the category of note composition?

Subject:RE: ACID vs Trackers

Reply by: Palisade

Date:7/18/2002 8:12:45 PM

Some trackers are free, but the real reason they're popular is that they've been around longer than the MP3 format. On BBSes people used to use Trackers to make music for demos, games, or just for listeners. At that time, they were smaller than a full song recorded in WAV format. They were also revolutionary, because these trackers had the same capabilities as ACID way before ACID even existed. The file formats trackers use (MOD, S3M, IT, XM, etc.) simply store a list of instruments (which are loops but in the tracker world are called "samples") along with the tracks. They didn't have as low of overhead as MIDI did, that is they used up more CPU processing power. But, they made up for that in quality sound reproduciton mastering and in small file size. When MP3 came out, it rendered MODs pointless IMHO. But, people still use it for nostaligic reasons and probably because they're more familiar with their preferred tracker.

That's my explaination, hope it helps.

Subject:fruityloops

Reply by: Jacose

Date:7/19/2002 1:35:28 PM

yes, to an extent fruity is a tracker, but it also works with loops, has aweseom synth generators and so much more, I use Vegas and Fruity, sometimes acid.
I would try the demos of both (www.fruityloops.com) and see what suits your needs. I would personally get both if you have the dough.

IF ACID COULD USE VSTI AND RECORD AUDIO TRACKS (MORE THAN ONE IN A TRACK) I WOULD ONLY USE ACID AND FRUItY!!!! (plug for upgrade!!!!)