Schism Tracker
Schism Tracker is a free, open-source sample-based music composition tool and reimplementation of Impulse Tracker.
What Schism Tracker is
Schism Tracker is a free, open-source sample-based music composition tool and reimplementation of Impulse Tracker. It supports multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing. Its playback engine uses a modified ModPlug engine with changes intended to improve Impulse Tracker playback. The project provides builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with additional builds listed for Wii, Wii U, XBOX, and Mac OS 9. Source code and platform-specific compilation instructions are available, and the repository identifies the license as GPL-2.0. The official site lists 20260524 as the latest release. The project describes Impulse Tracker as a way to make high-quality music without specialized, expensive equipment. For help, it points users to the #schism IRC channel on Libera.Chat and the #schismtracker channel in TARC on Discord; bugs and feature requests go through its GitHub issue tracker. Linux distribution packages may not include the latest fixes and enhancements. The project does not recommend its Homebrew installation route because the formula is not maintained by someone directly involved.
Good
- Free and open-source.
- Supports multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing.
- Source code and compilation instructions are available.
- Builds listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Watch out
- Linux packages may lack the latest fixes.
- The project no longer recommends its Homebrew formula.
Who it suits
Schism Tracker may suit composers looking for sample-based music creation with multitrack editing and MIDI sequencing. Its listed platforms include Windows, macOS, and Linux, with several additional builds available.
Verdict
Schism Tracker brings Impulse Tracker-style composition to several platforms and includes source code for those who want to compile it. Linux and Homebrew users should note the project’s packaging cautions.
Plans and prices
From Schism Tracker's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free and open-source | Free | No paid plans or usage limits stated |
The facts
Each one read from Schism Tracker's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Bug reports
- The official site directs users to the GitHub issue tracker to report bugs or request features.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Community support
- The official site points users to the #schism IRC channel on Libera.Chat and the #schismtracker channel in TARC on Discord.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes Impulse Tracker as a tool for making high-quality music without specialized, expensive equipment.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The official site lists 20260524 as the latest release.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Other builds
- The official download page also lists builds for Wii, Wii U, XBOX, and Mac OS 9.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Playback engine
- Its player is based on a modified ModPlug engine with changes intended to improve Impulse Tracker playback.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Schism Tracker is a sample-based music composition tool and a free, open-source reimplementation of Impulse Tracker.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The project provides source code and platform-specific compilation instructions.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux packaging limit
- The project notes that Linux distribution packages may not include the latest bug fixes and enhancements.checked 9 Oct 2026
- macOS packaging limit
- The project says its Homebrew formula is not maintained by anyone directly involved and no longer recommends installing through it.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- The project says Schism Tracker runs on platforms supported by SDL and currently provides builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linuxchecked 20 Sep 2026
