# MilkyTracker Manual v0.90.80

Hello and welcome to MilkyTracker, an open source multi-platform Fasttracker II compatible music tracker program. This document holds a lot of valuable information about the tracker but it's not a tracking manual. If you want to learn more about tracking and how it's done, the Internet is your friend. We host some resources on MilkyTracker.net as well.

#### Disclaimer:

MilkyTracker is under development so use it at your own risk. The team is not responsible for any loss of data and/or hardware damage caused by MilkyTracker.

Now, with the formalities taken care of, let's have a look at the…

## Table of Contents

1. Supported platforms
2. Overview
3. Features
   1. Resamplers
   2. Tabs
4. Imported and exported file formats
   1. Modules
   2. Samples
   3. Instruments
   4. Patterns and Tracks
5. Keyboard shortcuts
   1. MilkyTracker edit mode
   2. Fasttracker II edit mode
6. Effect command reference
   1. Glossary
   2. Effect commands
7. MIDI support
8. Known issues and bug reports
9. Credits
10. Contact
11. Donations

## 1. Supported platforms

MilkyTracker currently runs on the following platforms:

- *BSD
- GNU/Linux
- Mac OS X
- Microsoft Windows 9x/NT/Me/200x/XP/Vista
- Microsoft Windows CE 3.0+/Mobile
- AmigaOS 4

It has also been known to run on:

- Xbox (GNU/Linux)
- Solaris 9 & 10
- Sony PlayStation Portable

You can run MilkyTracker on other platforms by compiling from source.

## 2. Overview

MilkyTracker is an open source, multi-platform music application; more specifically part of the tracker family. It attempts to recreate the module replay and user experience of the popular DOS application Fasttracker II, with special playback modes available for improved Amiga ProTracker 2.x/3.x compatibility. MilkyTracker is not "another Windows tracker", which should already be made obvious by the plethora of supported desktop and portable platforms. In fact it started as a project to bring tracking to the Pocket PC. When this milestone was reached, the next one was creating a truly FT2 compatible tracker for portable as well as modern desktop platforms.

## 3. Features

- Fasttracker II-like, custom graphical user interface with context menus
- Supported on multiple platforms including portable devices
- Very accurate .XM replay compared to FT2
- ProTracker 2/3 playback modes for playing and editing .MOD files
- Various resampler options including emulated Amiga 500/1200 sound output
- Choose between a modern and a true-to-FT2 editing scheme / keyboard layout
- Tabbed user interface for opening and playing up to 32 modules simultaneously and for exchanging data between them
- Over 30 imported module formats
- Basic archive support for loading zipped, powerpacked and UMX modules directly
- Rendering songs/patterns to disk (.WAV) or directly to sample
- Powerful sample editor featuring waveform generators
- In-depth instrument editor featuring envelope zooming and scaling and support for copying and swapping instruments and samples across tabs
- Copy/swap dialog for instrument management
- Undo/redo in pattern/sample/instrument editor
- Low latency audio driver support
- MIDI In support
- Module optimizer
- Internal file browser option
- Various font sizes for improved visibility of pattern data
- Prospective pattern view option
- Playing and editing simultaneously
- Live mode for seamless pattern changes

### Resamplers

MilkyTracker offers various resampling options for playback, rendering and sample processing. These are:

- No interpolation
- Linear interpolation
- Cubic Lagrange
- Cubic Spline
- Fast Sinc (window size 16, fixed point integer, sinc lookup table)
- Precise Sinc (window size 128, double floating point)
- Amiga 500
- Amiga 500 LED
- Amiga 1200
- Amiga 1200 LED

The different modes were added for completeness and while the choice of resampler is a matter of personal taste, you should keep in mind that Linear interpolation represents the highest quality option available in Fasttracker II so that's what the majority of .XM files were made (to be played) with. Also, the Amiga modes are meant to be used with 4 channel .MODs only. Precise Sinc is a CPU killer - great for resampling in the sample editor but don't expect hot real-time performance.

### Tabs

MilkyTracker enables you to open and play up to 32 modules simultaneously and to exchange data between them. Initially, tabs are invisible but can be activated with keyboard shortcuts described below. There are some configurable options for tabs as well, like automatically opening modules in new tabs and background stopping behavior control. You can choose to never stop playback on background tabs, or to automatically stop on tab change or stop when playback on another tab is started. Playback can also resume upon returning to a tab.

## 4. Imported and exported file formats

### I. Modules

MilkyTracker can import a wide range of tracker module formats but since Milky is a FT2 clone, modules are replayed in an FT2 environment which means not all features of different formats are supported. MilkyTracker also has basic archive support, so it's possible to load zipped, powerpacked and UMX modules directly.

#### Import:

.669 | 669 Composer/Unis669 (PC)
.AMF | Asylum Music Format ("Crusader" in-game music) (PC)
Digital Sound and Music Interface (DSMI) library (PC)
.AMS | Extreme Tracker (PC)
Velvet Studio (PC)
.CBA | Chuck Biscuits+Black Artist module format (PC)
.DBM | DigiBooster Pro (Amiga)
.DIGI | Digibooster 1.0-1.7 (Amiga)
.DSM | Digisound Interface Kit (DSIK) library (PC)
Dynamic Studio (PC)
.DTM | Digital Tracker (Atari)
DigiTrekker 3.0 (PC)
.FAR | Farandole Composer (PC)
.GDM | General Digimusic (PC)
.GMC | Game Music Creator (Amiga)
.IMF | Imago Orpheus (PC)
.IT | Impulse Tracker (PC)
.MDL | DigiTrakker 1.0-3.0 (PC)
.MOD | Sound-/ProTracker and variants (Amiga & PC)
.MTM | MultiTracker (PC)
.MXM | Cubic Tiny XM (PC)
.OKT | Oktalyzer (Amiga)
.PLM | DisorderTracker II (PC)
.PSM | Epic MegaGames MASI (PC)
.PTM | PolyTracker (PC)
.S3M | Scream Tracker 3.0 (PC)
.SFX | SoundFX (Amiga)
.STM | Scream Tracker 2.0 (PC)
.ULT | UltraTracker (PC)
.UNI | MikMod (PC)
.XM | Fasttracker II (PC)

MilkyTracker's song export options are the same as Fasttracker II's but it is notable that, unlike FT2, Milky saves Amiga compatible 4-channel .MODs. MilkyTracker also features ProTracker 2.x and 3.x playback modes for .MODs.

#### Export:

.MOD | ProTracker boundaries, although can save 2–32 channels
.WAV | Microsoft/IBM PCM Waveform audio rendering
.XM | Fasttracker II compatible, not as common as one might think

### II. Samples

Milky can load practically anything as RAW PCM audio samples; one of FT2's famous features.

#### Import:

.8SVX / .IFF | Compressed/uncompressed Interchange File Format
.AIF / .AIFF | Apple Audio Interchange File Format
.WAV | Microsoft/IBM uncompressed PCM Waveform audio
.* | RAW PCM audio

#### Export:

.IFF | Uncompressed Interchange File Format
.WAV | Microsoft/IBM uncompressed PCM Waveform audio

### III. Instruments

MilkyTracker can load and save FT2's eXtended Instrument (.XI) format and additionally import Gravis Ultrasound GF1 Patch (.PAT) files.

### IV. Patterns and Tracks

MilkyTracker handles FT2's eXtended Pattern (.XP) and eXtended Track (.XT) files with full compatibility.

## 5. Keyboard shortcuts

By user request, MilkyTracker features two edit modes. You can switch between these in the Config screen (Misc. tab). To learn about the differences and which might better suit you, read the appropriate sections below. There are a couple of shortcuts that are the same for both modes so let's clear those out of the way first:

Please note that under Mac OS X the Command key is used instead of the Ctrl key.

Alt-Enter | Switch between full screen and windowed display (Windows & SDL)
Alt-Command-F | Switch between full screen and windowed display (OS X)
Shift-M | Mute current channel
Ctrl-Shift-M | Invert muting
Ctrl-Shift-T | Open a new tab
Ctrl-Shift-W | Close current tab
Ctrl-Shift-Left | Select previous tab
Ctrl-Shift-Right | Select next tab

### I. MilkyTracker edit mode

The MilkyTracker mode basically is a bit more "modern" because you can focus on different parts (e.g. Pattern Editor, Instrument listbox, Sample listbox etc.) and when you're pressing keys, they're routed to the focused control. Keyboard shortcuts are also more standard; you can select by pressing the SHIFT key and navigating with the cursor keys, cut, copy & paste by using Ctrl-X/C/V etc. Users who are new to tracking will probably find this a bit more intuitive.

#### Section switching:

Ctrl-Alt-
A | Advanced edit
C | Configuration
D | Disk operations
I | Instrument editor
R | Disk recorder
S | Sample editor
T | Transpose
X | Main screen
Z | Toggle scopes

#### Global:

2, 3, 5, 6… | Play / insert notes (depending on whether edit mode is on)
Q, W, E, R…
S, D, F, G…
Z, X, C, V…
F1…F8 | Select octave
Ctrl-Shift-1…8
Space | Toggle pattern editor focus (edit mode on/off)
Enter | Play song from current order
Ctrl-Enter | Play current pattern from beginning
Shift-Enter | Play current pattern from cursor position
Shift-F9 | Play current pattern from beginning (same as Ctrl-Enter)
Shift-F10 | Play current pattern from position after the first quarter of the pattern length
Shift-F11 | Play current pattern from position after the second quarter of the pattern length
Shift-F12 | Play current pattern from position after the third quarter of the pattern length
Alt-Space | Play song from current row (stop and return when keys are released)
Shift-Space | Play row by row
Esc | Stop
Ctrl-F | Toggle song follow
Ctrl-P | Toggle prospective pattern view
Ctrl-W | Toggle pattern wrapping
Ctrl-L | Toggle pattern change behavior (live mode)
Ctrl-O | Load song
Ctrl-S | Save song
Ctrl-Shift-S | Save song as…
Ctrl-Q | Exit program
Alt-F4

#### Pattern Editor:

Cursor keys | Move around
Tab | Jump to next channel
PageUp | Jump 16 rows up
PageDown | Jump 16 rows down
Home | Jump to first row
End | Jump to last row
F9 | Jump to beginning of the pattern
F10 | Jump to position ¼ through the pattern
F11 | Jump to position halfway through the pattern
F12 | Jump to position ¾ through the pattern
Ctrl-Z | Undo
Ctrl-Y | Redo
Shift-Cursor keys | Select block
Shift-Alt-Cursor keys | Extend block
Ctrl-A | Select entire pattern
Ctrl-X | Cut
Ctrl-C | Copy
Ctrl-V | Paste
Ctrl-I | Interpolate values
Delete | Delete note/instrument/volume/effect/parameter
Shift-Del | Delete note, volume and effect at cursor
Ctrl-Del | Delete volume and effect at cursor
Alt-Delete | Delete effect at cursor
Insert | Insert space on current track at cursor position
Shift-Insert | Insert row at cursor position
Backspace | Delete previous note
Shift-Backspace | Delete previous row
The key right of LShift | Enter key-off
The key below Esc | Enter key-off (Windows only)
1 | Enter key-off (OS X only)

#### Transpose:

Alt-F7 | Transpose current instrument in block down
Alt-F8 | Transpose current instrument in block up
Shift-F7 | Transpose current instrument in track down
Shift-F8 | Transpose current instrument in track up
Ctrl-F7 | Transpose current instrument in pattern down
Ctrl-F8 | Transpose current instrument in pattern up
Alt-F1 | Transpose all instruments in block down
Alt-F2 | Transpose all instruments in block up
Shift-F1 | Transpose all instruments in track down
Shift-F2 | Transpose all instruments in track up
Ctrl-F1 | Transpose all instruments in pattern down
Ctrl-F2 | Transpose all instruments in pattern up

#### Sample Editor:

Shift & drag | Quick draw
Ctrl & drag | Resize selection
Alt & drag | Move selection or loop range

### II. Fasttracker II edit mode

The FT2 edit mode is for the die-hard FT2 users and probably isn't very intuitive to beginners. Please note that not all FT2 shortcuts are implemented yet and some may differ for various technical reasons. Also note that this edit mode may not be optimal on Pocket PC because of the limitations of some input devices.

#### Section switching:

Ctrl-
A | Advanced edit
C | Configuration
D | Disk operations
I | Instrument editor
R | Disk recorder
S | Sample editor
T | Transpose
X | Main screen
Z | Toggle scopes

#### Global:

2, 3, 5, 6… | Play / insert notes (depending on whether edit mode is on)
Q, W, E, R…
S, D, F, G…
Z, X, C, V…
F1…F8 | Select octave
Right Ctrl | Play song from current order
Enter | Play song from current order
Right Alt | Play current pattern from beginning (Windows &SDL)
Ctrl-Enter | Play current pattern from beginning
Shift-Enter | Play current pattern from current row
Shift-F9 | Play current pattern from beginning (same as Ctrl-Enter/Right Alt)
Shift-F10 | Play current pattern from position after the first quarter of the pattern length
Shift-F11 | Play current pattern from position after the second quarter of the pattern length
Shift-F12 | Play current pattern from position after the third quarter of the pattern length
Alt-Space | Play song from current row (stop and return when keys are released)
Shift-Space | Play row by row
Space | Stop / Edit
Shift-Left | Increase song position
Shift-Right | Decrease song position
Ctrl-Left | Increase current pattern number
Ctrl-Right | Decrease current pattern number
Ctrl-F | Toggle song follow
Ctrl-P | Toggle prospective pattern view
Ctrl-W | Toggle pattern wrapping
Ctrl-L | Toggle pattern change behavior (live mode)
Shift-Ctrl-L | Load song
Shift-Ctrl-S | Save song
Esc | Exit program

#### Pattern editor:

Cursor keys | Move around
PageUp | Jump 16 rows up
PageDown | Jump 16 rows down
Home | Jump to first row
End | Jump to last row
Tab | Jump to next track
Shift-Tab | Jump to previous track
Alt-Q…I | Jump to track (0…7) MOD N-Channels
Alt-A…K | Jump to track (8…15) MOD N-Channels
F9 | Jump to beginning of the pattern
F10 | Jump to position ¼ through the pattern
F11 | Jump to position halfway through the pattern
F12 | Jump to position ¾ through the pattern
The key right of LShift | Enter key-off
Caps-Lock | Enter key-off (Windows only)
1 | Enter key-off (OS X only)
Del | Delete note or volume column at cursor
Shift-Del | Delete note, volume and effect at cursor
Ctrl-Del | Delete volume and effect at cursor
Alt-Delete | Delete effect at cursor
Ins | Insert space on current track at cursor position
Shift-Ins | Insert row at cursor position
Backspace | Delete previous note
Shift-Backspace | Delete previous row

#### Clipboard operations:

Alt-Cursor keys | Select block
Shift-Alt-Cursor keys | Extend block
Alt-F3 | Cut block
Alt-F4 | Copy block (yes, even under Windows =)
Alt-F5 | Paste block
Shift-F3 | Cut track
Shift-F4 | Copy track
Shift-F5 | Paste track
Ctrl-F3 | Cut pattern
Ctrl-F4 | Copy pattern
Ctrl-F5 | Paste pattern

#### Additional shortcuts (not found in FT2):

Ctrl-Alt-Z | Undo
Ctrl-Alt-Y | Redo
Ctrl-Alt-A | Select entire pattern
Shift-I | Interpolate values

#### Volume scaling:

Alt-V | Volume scale block
Shift-V | Volume scale track
Ctrl-V | Volume scale pattern

#### Command/Volume macro:

Shift-Alt-1…0 | Read command/volume at cursor
Alt-1…0 | Write command/volume at cursor

#### Transpose:

Alt-F7 | Transpose current instrument in block down
Alt-F8 | Transpose current instrument in block up
Shift-F7 | Transpose current instrument in track down
Shift-F8 | Transpose current instrument in track up
Ctrl-F7 | Transpose current instrument in pattern down
Ctrl-F8 | Transpose current instrument in pattern up
Alt-F1 | Transpose all instruments in block down
Alt-F2 | Transpose all instruments in block up
Shift-F1 | Transpose all instruments in track down
Shift-F2 | Transpose all instruments in track up
Ctrl-F1 | Transpose all instruments in pattern down
Ctrl-F2 | Transpose all instruments in pattern up

#### Instrument selection:

Shift-Up | Select previous instrument
Shift-Down | Select next instrument
Ctrl-Shift-Up | Select previous sample
Ctrl-Shift-Down | Select next sample

You can also quick-type the hex-number of the instrument you want to select on the numeric keypad, the layout is like this:

PC | Mac
Num 0…9 | Num 0…9 | Digit 0…9
Num / | Num = | Digit A
Num * | Num / | Digit B
Num - | Num * | Digit C
Num + | Num - | Digit D
Num Enter | Num + | Digit E
Num , | Num Enter | Digit F

#### Sample editor:

Shift & drag | Quick draw
Ctrl & drag | Resize selection
Alt & drag | Move selection or loop range

## 6. Effect command reference

### I. Glossary

BPM | Traditionally Beats Per Minute, but in tracker terminology it defines the speed of ticks.
Effect memory | When an effect command is called with 0 parameters, previous parameters are used.
Row/line | Refers to one line of "text" on a pattern. In playback its duration depends on how many ticks there are per row (Speed) and fast they are (BPM).
Sample fine-tune/volume/panning | Per sample default settings available through the instrument editor (thus also called instrument volume etc). Overrideable with effect commands. .MODs support these as well but with lower precision. (Save module and load back to enforce .MOD precision.)
Tick | The base time unit in traditional trackers like MilkyTracker, originating from Amiga. Notes are triggered on the first tick of a row (unless delayed) and effects are applied on the following ticks.
Semitone | The smallest musical interval in Western music and in MilkyTracker. A C# note is one semitone away from the note C.
Speed (Spd.) | Number of ticks per row.

### II. Effect commands

#### Standard commands (.MOD &.XM)

- `0xy` Arpeggio
- `1xx` Portamento up
- `2xx` Portamento down
- `3xx` Portamento to note
- `4xy` Vibrato
- `5xy` Portamento to note with volume slide
- `6xy` Vibrato with volume slide
- `7xy` Tremolo
- `8xx` Set note panning position
- `9xx` Sample offset
- `Axy` Volume slide
- `Bxx` Jump to order
- `Cxx` Set note volume
- `Dxx` Pattern break
- `Exy` Subcommands:
  - `E0x` Amiga LED Filter toggle *
  - `E1x` Fine portamento up
  - `E2x` Fine portamento down
  - `E3x` Glissando control **
  - `E4x` Vibrato control **
  - `E5x` Set note fine-tune
  - `E6x` Pattern loop
  - `E7x` Tremolo control **
  - `E8x` Set note panning position ***
  - `E9x` Re-trigger note
  - `EAx` Fine volume slide up
  - `EBx` Fine volume slide down
  - `ECx` Note cut
  - `EDx` Note delay
  - `EEx` Pattern delay
  - `EFx` Funk it! *
- `Fxx` Set song speed/BPM

#### Extended commands (.XM only)

- `Gxx` Set global volume
- `Hxy` Global volume slide
- `Kxx` Key-off
- `Lxx` Set volume envelope position
- `Pxy` Panning slide
- `Rxy` Re-trigger note with volume slide
- `Txy` Tremor
- `Xxy` Extra fine portamentos:
  - `X1x` Extra fine portamento up
  - `X2x` Extra fine portamento down

#### Volume column commands (.XM only)

- `xx` Set note volume
- `+x` Volume slide up
- `-x` Volume slide down
- `Dx` Fine volume slide down (displayed as `▼x`)
- `Lx` Panning slide left (displayed as `◀x`)
- `Mx` Portamento to note
- `Px` Set note panning position
- `Rx` Panning slide right (displayed as `▶x`)
- `Sx` Set vibrato speed
- `Ux` Fine volume slide up (displayed as `▲x`)
- `Vx` Vibrato

*) Not implemented, no plans to support
**) Not implemented yet, will be required for feature completeness
***) Not supported on Amiga nor in FT2, effect relocation (8xx, Px) advised

### 0xy Arpeggio

Syntax: | `0`
`x` = semitone offset
`y` = semitone offset
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 037 ··· ·· ·· 037 ··· ·· ·· 037 ··· ·· ·· 037`
Explanation: | Arpeggio quickly alters the note pitch between the base note (C-4) and the semitone offsets `x` (3 = D#4) and `y` (7 = G-4). Each pitch is played for the duration of 1 tick. If speed is higher than 3 (meaning there are more than 3 ticks per row), the sequence is looped. #### ProTracker 2/3 Base note is played for tick 0, then the semitone offset `x` for tick 1, then semitone offset `y` for tick 2. #### Fasttracker II Base note is played for tick 0, then the semitone offset `y` for tick 1, then semitone offset `x` for tick 2.
Notes: | Doesn't have effect memory and cannot be used without parameters. In Fasttracker II, arpeggio logic fails when song speed is 16 (0x10) or higher. Using arpeggio at such speeds may cause unpredictable results across different players.
Tips: | When both effect parameters are used, it is wise to use a song speed value divisible by 3 in order that the arpeggio sequence can loop smoothly.

### 1xx Portamento up

Syntax: | `1`
`xx` = portamento speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 103 ··· ·· ·· 103 ··· ·· ·· 103 ··· ·· ·· 103`
Explanation: | Portamento is used to slide the note pitch up or down. The higher the `xx`, the faster it goes. Effect is applied on every tick. #### Amiga frequencies The slide speed also depends on the sample frequency.
Notes: | #### ProTracker 2/3 Doesn't have effect memory and cannot be used without parameters.

### 2xx Portamento down

Syntax: | `2`
`xx` = portamento speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 203 ··· ·· ·· 203 ··· ·· ·· 203 ··· ·· ·· 203`
Explanation: | Works similarly to `1xx` portamento up, only bending note pitch down instead of up.
Notes: | #### ProTracker 2/3 Doesn't have effect memory and cannot be used without parameters.

### 3xx Portamento to note

Syntax: | `3`
`xx` = portamento speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· E-4 ·1 ·· 304 ··· ·· ·· 300 ··· ·· ·· 310`
Explanation: | This portamento command bends the already playing note pitch towards another one, entered with the `3xx` command. In the example, C-4 is bent towards E-4 at portamento speed `04` which isn't fast enough to reach the E-4 pitch during the two rows at the default song speed (6/125). However, `310` on the following row continues the portamento and being much faster, achieves the target E-4 pitch.

### 4xy Vibrato

Syntax: | `4`
`x` = speed
`y` = depth
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 481 ··· ·· ·· 402 ··· ·· ·· 400 ··· ·· ·· 460`
Explanation: | Vibrato alters note pitch up and down in the maximum range of a full tone. After the initial `xy` pair, parameters can be set individually. The pitch is reset when the command is discontinued.

### 5xy Portamento to note with volume slide

Syntax: | `5`
`x` = volume slide up speed
`y` = volume slide down speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· E-4 ·1 ·· 304 ··· ·· ·· 504 ··· ·· ·· 504`
Explanation: | Performs portamento to note with parameters initialized with `3xx` or `Mx` while sliding volume similarly to `Axy` volume slide.
Notes: | #### ProTracker 2/3 Doesn't have effect memory for volume slide speeds, `500` works identically to `300`.

### 6xy Vibrato with volume slide

Syntax: | `6`
`x` = volume slide up speed
`y` = volume slide down speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 481 ··· ·· ·· 601 ··· ·· ·· 600 ··· ·· ·· 6C0`
Explanation: | Performs vibrato with parameters initialized with `4xy` or `Sx`+`Vx` while sliding volume similarly to `Axy` volume slide.
Notes: | #### ProTracker 2/3 Doesn't have effect memory for volume slide speeds, `600` works identically to `400`.

### 7xy Tremolo

Syntax: | `7`
`x` = speed
`y` = depth
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 787 ··· ·· ·· 700 ··· ·· ·· 7C0 ··· ·· ·· 700`
Explanation: | Tremolo alters note volume up and down. After the initial `xy` pair, parameters can be set individually. The pitch is reset when the command is discontinued.

### 8xx Set note panning position

Syntax: | `8`
`xx` = panning position
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 880 ··· ·· ·· 8A0 ··· ·· ·· 8C0 ··· ·· ·· 8F0`
Explanation: | Sets the note stereo panning from far left `00` to far right `FF` overriding sample panning setting.
Notes: | #### ProTracker 2/3 On Amiga, the 4 MOD channels are hard panned left, right, right and left by hardware, no use panning manually there. #### Fasttracker II Panning envelopes operate relative to the set position.

### 9xx Sample offset

Syntax: | `9`
`xx` = sample offset
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· C-4 ·1 ·· 908 ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | The sample that the note triggers is played from offset `xx`. The offsets are spread 256 samples apart so `908` skips the first (0x8*256=) 2048 bytes of the sample and plays it on from there. This means that the furthest point `9xx` can reach is (0xFF*256 =) 65280 bytes into the sample.
Tips: | Resampling a loop to exactly (0x10000=) 65536 bytes gives you the highest possible level of control over the sample.

### Axy Volume slide

Syntax: | `A`
`x` = volume slide up speed
`y` = volume slide down speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· A04 ··· ·· ·· A04 C-4 ·1 ·· A0F ··· ·· ·· A80`
Explanation: | Slides note volume up/down at speed `x`/`y` depending on which parameter is specified. Effect is applied per tick so song speed value acts as a multiplier.
Notes: | Parameters `x` and `y` should NOT be used at the same time, doing so almost guarantees unpredictable results across different players. #### ProTracker 2/3 Doesn't have effect memory and cannot be used without parameters.

### Bxx Jump to order

Syntax: | `B`
`xx` = song position
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· B04`
Explanation: | Immediately breaks the current pattern and jumps to order `xx` in the pattern order table (POT).
Tips: | Can be used to divide a song into separate looping sections effectively creating multiple songs using the same set of instruments. Such modules can be used in games and such where the sections can be triggered dynamically by program events.

### Cxx Set note volume

Syntax: | `C`
`xx` = volume
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· C10 ··· ·· ·· C40 ··· ·· ·· C00`
Explanation: | Sets the note volume `00` – `40` overriding sample volume setting.
Notes: | #### Fasttracker II Volume envelopes operate relative to the set volume.

### Dxx Pattern break

Syntax: | `D`
`xx` = row number on next pattern
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· D04`
Explanation: | Breaks the current pattern and jumps to row `xx` on the next pattern.
Notes: | Unlike with the majority of effect parameters, here `xx` is a decimal value rather than hexadecimal. Hexadecimal values are converted to decimal (`D0F` jumps to row 15). The highest row number you can jump to is 63.

### E1x Fine portamento up

Syntax: | `E1`
`x` = portamento speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E11 ··· ·· ·· E12 ··· ·· ·· E13 ··· ·· ·· E14`
Explanation: | Works similarly to `1xx` portamento up, only the slide is a lot finer because the effect is applied only once per row.

### E2x Fine portamento down

Syntax: | `E2`
`x` = portamento speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E11 ··· ·· ·· E12 ··· ·· ·· E13 ··· ·· ·· E14`
Explanation: | Works similarly to `2xx` portamento down bending note pitch down, only the slide is a lot finer like with `E1x`.

### E3x Glissando control

Syntax: | `E3`
`x` = glissando control toggle on/off
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E31 D-4 01 ·· 305 ··· ·· ·· 300 ··· ·· ·· E30`
Explanation: | Glissando control `E31` changes note portamento behavior affecting commands `3xx`, `5xy` and `Mx`. Instead of stepless pitch bend (=glissando), the frequencies are rounded to nearest semitone. To revert to default glissando, use `E30`.
Notes: | This command is not yet implemented in MilkyTracker.

### E4x Vibrato control

Syntax: | `E4`
`x` = vibrato waveform selection
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 48C ··· ·· V0 E41 ··· ·· V0 E42 ··· ·· ·· E40`
Explanation: | This command sets the waveform used for `4xy`, `6xy` and `Vx` vibrato commands. The default waveform is sine, reset on every new note (`E40`). Possible parameter `x` values are: `0` = Sine `1` = Ramp down `2` = Square `4` = Continuous sine `5` = Continuous ramp down `6` = Continuous square
Notes: | This command is not yet implemented in MilkyTracker.

### E5x Set note fine-tune

Syntax: | `E5`
`x` = fine-tune
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E54 ··· ·· ·· ··· C-4 ·1 ·· E5C ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | Sets note fine-tune overriding sample fine-tune setting. This command works a little differently for .MOD and .XM tracking. While both parameter value ranges are logical, the latter is also linear. See here:
`x` | ProTracker 2/3 | Fasttracker II
`0` | 0 | -8
`1` | +16 | -112
`2` | +32 | -96
`3` | +48 | -80
`4` | +64 | -64
`5` | +80 | -32
`6` | +96 | -16
`7` | +112 | 0
`8` | -128 | +16
`9` | -112 | +32
`A` | -96 | +48
`B` | -80 | +64
`C` | -64 | +80
`D` | -48 | +96
`E` | -32 | +112
`F` | -16 | +128

### E6x Pattern loop

Syntax: | `E6`
`x` = set loop point / number of iterations
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E60 ··· ·· ·· ··· F-4 01 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· E63`
Explanation: | Loops a section of a pattern `x` times. `E60` sets the (optional) loop start point and `E6x` with `x` values `1`–`F` sets the end point and the number of iterations. If loop start point is not set, beginning of the pattern is used by default.
Notes: | The loop points need to be set on the same channel for them to work correctly. #### Fasttracker II One of the most (in)famous FT2 bugs is the `E60` bug: When `E60` is used on a pattern row x, the following pattern also starts from row x instead of the beginning of the pattern. This can be avoided by placing a `D00` pattern break on the last row of the pattern where `E60` was used.
Tips: | Musicians concerned with correct playback of their .XM modules can utilize the `E60` bug to skip sections of (or the whole) song when played with lesser players. `;)`

### E7x Tremolo control

Syntax: | `E7`
`x` = tremolo waveform selection
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E72 ··· ·· ·· 76C ··· ·· ·· E70 ··· ·· ·· 700`
Explanation: | This command sets the waveform used for `7xy` tremolo command. As with `E4x` vibrato control, the default waveform is sine and the possible parameter `x` values are: `0` = Sine `1` = Ramp down `2` = Square `4` = Continuous sine `5` = Continuous ramp down `6` = Continuous square
Notes: | This command is not yet implemented in MilkyTracker.

### E8x Set note panning position

Syntax: | `E8`
`x` = panning position
Explanation: | This command is another panning position command used by some trackers…
Notes: | …However, since it does not work on Amiga (because of the hardware panning) nor in Fasttracker II (hmm, enough panning commands already?), effect relocation to `8xx` or `Px` is advised in order to produce compatible modules.

### E9x Re-trigger note

Syntax: | `E9`
`x` = triggering interval
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· E93 C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· C-4 ·1 ·· ···`
Explanation: | This command re-triggers a note every `x` ticks.

### EAx Fine volume slide up

Syntax: | `EA`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 10 EA2 ··· ·· ·· EA0 ··· ·· ·· EA4 ··· ·· ·· EA0`
Explanation: | Works similarly to `Ax0` volume slide up, only the slide is a lot finer because the effect is applied only once per row.

### EBx Fine volume slide down

Syntax: | `EB`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· EB2 ··· ·· ·· EB0 ··· ·· ·· EB4 ··· ·· ·· EB0`
Explanation: | Works similarly to `A0y` volume slide down, only the slide is a lot finer like with `EAx`.

### ECx Note cut

Syntax: | `EC`
`x` = tick number
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· EC1 C-4 ·1 ·· EC2 C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· EC0`
Explanation: | Cuts a note by setting its volume to 0 at tick precision. Possible parameter `x` values are `0` – (song speed - 1). Higher values have no effect.

### EDx Note delay

Syntax: | `ED`
`x` = tick number
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· A#3 01 ·· ED3 C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | Delays a note `x` ticks. Like with `ECx` note cut, possible `x` values are `0` – (song speed - 1). Higher values prevent the note from playing altogether.

### EEx Pattern delay

Syntax: | `EE`
`x` = amount of rows
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· A#3 01 ·· EE5 C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | Delays playback progression for the duration of `x` rows.

### Fxx Set song speed/BPM

Syntax: | `F`
`xx` = speed/BPM value
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· F90 A#3 01 ·· F03 C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | Parameter `x` values `01` – `1F` set song speed i.e. the amount of ticks per row. Values `20` – `FF` set the BPM which essentially is the speed of the ticks. `F00` stops playback.

### Gxx Set global volume

Syntax: | `G`
`xx` = volume
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· G40 ··· ·· ·· G20 ··· ·· ·· G10 ··· ·· ·· G00`
Explanation: | Sets the global song note volume `00` – `40`.

### Hxy Global volume slide

Syntax: | `H`
`x` = volume slide up speed
`y` = volume slide down speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· H04 ··· ·· ·· H04 C-4 ·1 ·· H0F ··· ·· ·· H80`
Explanation: | Slides global song volume up/down at speed `x`/`y` depending on which parameter is specified.
Notes: | Parameters `x` and `y` should NOT be used at the same time, doing so almost guarantees unpredictable results across different players.

### Kxx Key-off

Syntax: | `K`
`xx` = tick number
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· K03 ··· ·· ·· ··· C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· K00`
Explanation: | Sends instrument key-off much like the note column counterpart, only in tick precision. As `K00` is the equivalent of a note column key-off, it cancels any actual note on the row. Possible parameter `xx` values are `00` – (song speed - 1). Higher values have no effect.

### Lxx Set volume envelope position

Syntax: | `L`
`xx` = volume envelope position
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· L20 ··· ·· ·· ··· ··· ·· ·· L00 ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | Makes the currently playing note jump to tick `xx` on the volume envelope timeline.

### Pxy Panning slide

Syntax: | `P`
`x` = panning slide right speed
`y` = panning slide left speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· P04 ··· ·· ·· P00 ··· ·· ·· P80 ··· ·· ·· P00`
Explanation: | Slides note panning right/left at speed `x`/`y` depending on which parameter is specified. Effect is applied per tick so song speed acts as a multiplier.
Notes: | Parameters `x` and `y` should NOT be used at the same time, doing so almost guarantees unpredictable results across different players.

### Rxy Re-trigger note with volume slide

Syntax: | `R`
`x` = volume slide speed
`y` = triggering interval
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· R81 ··· ·· ·· R12 ··· ·· ·· R23 ··· ·· ·· R04`
Explanation: | Much like E9x, this command rapidly re-triggers a note while sliding its volume. Parameter `x` values affect note volume like this: `0` = previous `x` value `1` = - 1 `2` = - 2 `3` = - 4 `4` = - 8 `5` = -16 `6` = * 0.66666666666666666666666666666667 `7` = * 0.5 `8` = no volume change `9` = + 1 `A` = + 2 `B` = + 4 `C` = + 8 `D` = +16 `E` = * 1.5 `F` = * 2
Notes: | This command is very buggy from the start, straight from the source, Fasttracker II. While FT2's own documentation is inaccurate in many places, this is different. Extensive testing has revealed almost bizarre qualities of this effect and it's up to MilkyTracker to emulate it all. Without doubt the quirk the team has spent the most time and iterations working on getting it right. And still we advise to be careful with it. When using `Rxy`, check your song with FT2 (render to .WAV if you don't have the hardware (to emulate)), or at least BASS/XMPlay. And if you do find something odd, please report the bug as accurately and detailed as possible. Setting volume on the volume column (`xx`) at the same time with `Rxy` resets the volume to `xx` before each re-trigger making the effect sound different.
Tips | Use `R8y` instead of `R0y` when you want to keep the volume unchanged, these two `x` values are often documented inaccurately as "No volume change" and "Unused", respectively.

### Txy Tremor

Syntax: | `T`
`x` = ticks on
`y` = ticks off
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· T13 ··· ·· ·· T00 ··· ·· ·· T31 ··· ·· ·· T00`
Explanation: | Rapidly alters note volume from full to zero, `x` and `y` setting the duration of the states in ticks.
Notes: | Using `T00` makes a fast tremor effect but it also functions as effect memory repeating the last parameters. So you can only use this `00` speed once per channel before you use any other parameter values.

### X1x Extra fine portamento up

Syntax: | `X1`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· X11 ··· ·· ·· X10 ··· ·· ·· X18 ··· ·· ·· X10`
Explanation: | Works just like `E1x` fine portamento up, only with 4 times the precision.

### X2x Extra fine portamento down

Syntax: | `X2`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· X11 ··· ·· ·· X20 ··· ·· ·· X28 ··· ·· ·· X20`
Explanation: | Works just like `E2x` fine portamento down, only with 4 times the precision like `E1x` extra fine portamento up.

### xx Set note volume

`xx` = volume
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· 10 ··· ··· ·· 40 ··· ··· ·· 00 ···`
Explanation: | Sets the note volume `00` – `40` overriding sample volume setting. This is what the volume column is primarily used for, hence no effect command character. It's the equivalent of `Cxx` set note volume on the effect column.

### +x Volume slide up

Syntax: | `+`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 10 ··· ··· ·· +2 ··· ··· ·· +4 ··· ··· ·· +8 ···`
Explanation: | Slides note volume up at speed `x` with the song speed (ticks) acting as a multiplier like with Ax0 volume slide on the effect column.

### -x Volume slide down

Syntax: | `-`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· -2 ··· ··· ·· -4 ··· ··· ·· -8 ···`
Explanation: | Slides note volume down at speed `x` with the song speed (ticks) acting as a multiplier like with A0y volume slide on the effect column.

### Dx Fine volume slide down (displayed as ▼x)

Syntax: | `D`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ▼2 ··· ··· ·· ▼4 ··· ··· ·· ▼8 ···`
Explanation: | This is the volume column equivalent of `EBx` fine volume slide down, effect is applied once per row.

### Lx Panning slide left (displayed as ◀x)

Syntax: | `L`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ◀2 ··· ··· ·· ◀4 ··· ··· ·· ◀8 ···`
Explanation: | Slides note panning left at speed `x` with the song speed value (ticks) acting as a multiplier like with `P0x` volume slide on the effect column.

### Mx Portamento to note

Syntax: | `M`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· E-4 01 ·· 304 ··· ·· M0 ··· ··· ·· M1 ···`
Explanation: | This is the volume column equivalent of `3xx` portamento, only with 1 digit resolution. `M1` corresponds to `311`, `M2` to `322` and so on…
Tips: | `3xx` and `Mx` share effect memory, so it's possible to initialize a portamento with a more precise `3xx` value and sustain it with `M0` freeing the effect column for arpeggios, note delays, tremolo or whatever.

### Px Set note panning position

Syntax: | `P`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 P4 ··· ··· ·· ·· ··· ··· ·· PC ··· ··· ·· ·· ···`
Explanation: | This is the volume column equivalent of `8xx` panning, only with 1 digit resolution. `P8` corresponds to `888`, `P9` to `899` and so on…
Tips: | `3xx` and `Mx` share effect memory, so it's possible to initialize a portamento with a more precise `3xx` value and sustain it with `M0` freeing the effect column for arpeggios, note delays, tremolo or whatever.

### Rx Panning slide right (displayed as ▶x)

Syntax: | `R`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· ··· ··· ·· ▶2 ··· ··· ·· ▶4 ··· ··· ·· ▶8 ···`
Explanation: | Slides note panning right at speed `x` with the song speed value (ticks) acting as a multiplier like with `Px0` volume slide on the effect column.

### Sx Set vibrato speed

Syntax: | `S`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 48F ··· ·· S4 A01 ··· ·· ·· 600 ··· ·· ·· 400`
Explanation: | Sets the vibrato speed like the `x` in `4xy` vibrato. In the example it is used instead of `4xy` to free up the effect column.

### Ux Fine volume slide up (displayed as ▲x)

Syntax: | `U`
`x` = speed
Example: | `C-4 ·1 10 ··· ··· ·· ▲2 ··· ··· ·· ▲4 ··· ··· ·· ▲8 ···`
Explanation: | This is the volume column equivalent of `EAx` fine volume slide up, effect is applied once per row.

### Vx Vibrato

Syntax: | `V`
`x` = depth
Example: | `C-4 ·1 ·· 484 ··· ·· V0 ··· ··· ·· V8 ··· ··· ·· V0 ···`
Explanation: | Performs vibrato with depth `x` but requires the speed component to be initialized with `4x0` or `Sx`.
Notes: | Note pitch isn't reset when the command is discontinued.

## 7. MIDI support

MilkyTracker supports basic MIDI input, which means you can use your MIDI device to feed notes into MilkyTracker. Enabling MIDI input varies a little from platform to platform - here's how to do it on…

Windows: | Select Preferences from the system menu (top left corner of the window)
OSX: | Select Preferences from the MilkyTracker menu or press Command-,
Linux: | Enabled by default if available on the system. See the Linux readme for details.

## 8. Known issues and bug reports

MilkyTracker aims for full Fasttracker II compatibility in its replay but this goal is easier set than achieved. Some of the original effect implementations defy all documentation and logic. Here's a list of current replay differences between FT2 and Milky:

- `0xy` arpeggio when song speed is greater than or equal to 16
- `E3x` glissando control is not implemented.
- `E4x` vibrato control is not implemented.
- `E7x` tremolo control is not implemamented.
- Handling of `E6x` pattern loop and `EEx` pattern delay on the same row
- Portamento overflow "effect" isn't reproduced in MilkyTracker.
- Volume column effects used in conjunction with `EDx` note delay

If you find more incompatibilities, or if MilkyTracker crashes or does something really stupid, we'd really like to hear from you and it would be even cooler if you could describe how to reproduce the problem. There's a section dedicated to bug reports on our web forum.

## 9. Credits

#### The MilkyTracker experience is brought to you by the following people:

pailes | main code
Deltafire | SDL port and additional code
kenet | graphics
raina | website, documentation maintenance and additional graphics
Kmuland | promotion, support and additional web graphics
Strobe | IRC channel administration, demo videos, winning compos

#### Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following people for their contribution to the project: Varthall/Up Rough for the AmigaOS port, tarzeau for Debian and Ubuntu packaging, ehaupt for FreeBSD port, Gary P. Scavone for RtAudio and RtMidi, kruze, idc, Rez et al. for the fonts, svenzzon for the demo tune, m0d for forum administration, Valerio for the quick reference printouts, syphus for constructive criticism, Flasch, setrodox, jix, Evil-Ville, Spot, the entire Titan crew for support and everybody who donated or dropped a letter.

Special greetings to everyone at #MilkyTracker for making it a daily active channel.

## 10. Contact

You can contact the MilkyTracker team by email (ten.rekcartyklim@troppus), through the forum at http://www.milkytracker.net/?community or in IRC. To chat with the community live, you can connect to #MilkyTracker on EsperNet with your IRC client or use the java client on our website.

## 11. Donations

A word from pailes:

If you like MilkyTracker and you're looking for a way to support its development, why not donate something using PayPal? The PayPal account is ten.enobxn@retep. Donations of any amount are appreciated and they keep me going. Also, when you donate, your feature requests will always be on top of my list - isn't that a neat offer?

Don't worry, MilkyTracker will always be free because I really enjoy working on it, but you should remember that FT2 wasn't real freeware either.