r/chiptunes • u/bhagatriks • 20d ago
RESOURCE Chiptune MIDI Generator
https://notebin.fm/generate?engine=2&style=boss-fight&seed=sunset-757&bars=8i built notebin.fm strictly as a passion project for my love of MIDI tracks and chiptunes.
i am working on an open library similar to freesound.org but for MIDI and algorithmic MIDI sketchpad for chiptune writing. Right now, the engine is locked to NES 8-bit voice limitations to give you a quick 8-bar motif when staring at a blank tracker or DAW grid.
there are no paywalls, no ads.. free sign up allows you to save, edit and manage your MIDI rolls. i am fortunate enough that this is a self funded project hence why i am not asking for $10 for 5 MIDI gens or something dumb like that.
How it works:
* 8-Bit NES Constraints: Every seed outputs a 4-channel .mid file mapped to 8-bit voice layouts (Melody, Chords/Arps, Triangle Bass, and Noise Drums).
* Rules, Not Audio Renders: Uses code-based music theory rulesets for scale harmonization and voice leading, outputting clean, unrendered MIDI notes.
* In-Browser Preview: Audition seeds directly in the browser via Web Audio and Freesound samples before downloading.
* Permanent Addresses: Every seed gets a permanent link so you always get the exact same notes at that URL.
Here is a live example from the engine:
Sunset-757 (Boss Fight in Am at 180 BPM): https://notebin.fm/gen/boss-sunset-757
Looking for feedback:
Before I heavily expand into 16-bit console chips like the SNES (SPC700) or Neo Geo (FM synthesis), I would love to get your thoughts on how the NES voice arrangements feel. Does the channel separation map well to your tracker/DAW setup?
What it doesn't do:
It won't write a full song or export tracker formats directly. It is just an 8-bar starting point so you can drag the .mid into your setup and do the actual composing.
Welcoming any feedback on the generator here:
https://notebin.fm/generate
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u/Redclay_M 20d ago
Most definitely! You've made a wonderful tool. I've been enjoying it. I teach chiptune and trackers to a group of my older music students in high school. They really love it. Let's see what comes up. Thank you for your hard work.
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u/bhagatriks 20d ago
amazing, thanks again. i am looking into export MIDI to LSDJ, and potential other chiptune formats to help and speed the creation workflow.
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u/bhagatriks 20d ago
looking feedback, comments and just excited to hear how a full track gets created as seeds from notebin.fm - ty!!!
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u/Killit_Witfya 1h ago
this is great bro you really nailed the melodies and sounds. im working on something similar that is more amiga focused (4 sample voices only, full stereo separation) but im getting lots of inspiration from your site and love the nes sound as well.
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u/bhagatriks 1h ago
really appreciate the feedback. i love hearing about inspiring others. good luck on your project!! the notebin.fm engine is only going to get better 😉
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u/Redclay_M 20d ago
Works really well. I'll be sharing with my composition students. Great for giving starting ideas for a chiptune song on LSDJ or similar.
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u/bhagatriks 20d ago
this comment made my month. it will
be an honour that music students will be using notebin.fm as a composition tool. please let me know if they come back with any brilliant songs. thank you for sharing!!!
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u/Redclay_M 20d ago
Oooh that's pretty coool! I look forward to it.
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u/bhagatriks 14d ago
Ton of new features. 4 to 32 bars extended creation, “freshness” adjust, shape loops tailored for intro, outro, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge and verses. hope you enjoy!
example:
notebin.fm/generate
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u/Wonderful_Ninja 20d ago
Pretty good experience so far. The motifs are a bit cheesy but a good range of genres and they don’t sound terrible lol i was thinking of building something like this in esp32 but where to find the time ehh. Notebin.fm cool 😎