b-tektracker

b-tektracker is a step-sequencer designed specifically for MIDI recording. The software boasts features such as a tracker interface and is a fork of tektracker by Billy Biggs. The developer of b-tektracker, ttrk, created the software out of frustration with the limitations of existing step-editors within other MIDI sequencers. As a fan of trackers, the developer had the aim of composing MIDI music with a tracker paradigm.

The software has five main goals, including a tracker-style step editor and a pattern-based sequencer. There are also big, accessible track mute buttons, designed with inspiration from the Alesis MMT8. The software includes functions directly accessible from the keyboard for rapid editing and real-time editing features, which means you never need to push stop. The development of ttrk began as a Qt application back in the spring of 1999. The developer used it to record a bunch of songs and some live shows, but it was very much hacked together based on what they needed at the time.

Maintaining the GUI of a tracker-style sequencer can be tough, which is why ttrk was in need of a rewrite. The developer decided to create a console version with the primary intention of using their old computer as a dedicated sequencer that didn't require X. Additionally, a console version allows for the sequencer to run as root rather than running large X apps as root.

There are files available to assist with using b-tektracker, including docs/keys.txt, which provides a detailed explanation of all keyboard commands, and docs/usage.txt, which provides detailed notes on how to use the software. Anybody who is a fan of trackers will appreciate the range of features offered by ttrk to create MIDI music using a tracker-style step editor with pattern-based sequencing capabilities.