How to Use SNESMOD: Getting Started

First things first – if you need to install an .it tracker, I strongly recommend OpenMPT, the modern standard for tracking oldschool module files. SNESMOD is a converter tool that takes a specially formatted .it module file and gives you an .spc file, a SNES chiptune playable on a real console. (If you're curious, .it is the file format for Impulse Tracker, a DOS-era sample-based sequencer first released in 1995.)

If you didn't already download SNESMOD, here are a couple places you can do that:

Whether you're using new or old, ample documentation is included in .txt files within your download. In the new fork, a dedicated folder named /doc/ contains several text files covering not only a "manual" but also helpful tips and optimization info. Examples of some features in action are also provided in the /examples/ folder.

Given the presence of this fairly comprehensive documentation, this guide will mostly focus on general use, learning what to expect, and what pitfalls to avoid. Even though you're converting an .it module, the full suite of .it commands is not utilized, and you will have to track in a somewhat specific way to get the best results. (If you want to reference the full .it effect list, check out this section of the OpenMPT manual.)

One disadvantage of SNESMOD over C700 is that the resulting sound will be slightly different from what you hear in the tracker. For example, you won't be able to hear the SNES's echo delay while you work, and ADSR envelopes may slightly differ from your settings. Other quirks, such as unwanted pop noises, may occur in the .spc and need ironing out, too. Checking your work often is recommended to ensure everything works as intended.

One option to get closer-to-correct sound while working is the free SnesDelay VST. You can assign SnesDelay to individual channels or to the Master at the bottom of the "General" tab in OpenMPT. (For channels, use the dropdown "Effect:" menu below the volume/panning sliders; for the Master, checkmark "Master" in the "Mix Settings" at bottom-right, then select SnesDelay in the "Output to" dropdown.) This option is not perfect, but is potentially better than hearing no echo at all. Be warned, the SnesDelay VST does not save your settings between sessions, so if you tweak its default, you will have to do so again next time too. Saving a screenshot of your settings may be useful.