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IT Format (Impulse Tracker)

@nethercore-systems/nethercore-ai-plugins
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SKILL.md

name IT Format (Impulse Tracker)
description Use this skill for IT file generation - the more powerful of the two tracker formats. Provides Python library for programmatic IT creation with advanced features. **Trigger phrases:** "generate IT", "write IT file", "Impulse Tracker", "procedural IT", "NNA", "pitch envelope", "IT effects" **Load references when:** - Effect command details → `references/it-effects.md` - NNA, envelopes, filters → `references/workflow-guide.md` - Binary format details → `references/it-format-spec.md` **Use IT when:** - Need >32 channels (IT: 64) - Need NNA polyphony (notes fade/continue) - Need pitch envelopes - Need resonant filters **Use XM instead when:** Simpler songs, smaller file size, features sufficient. For composition philosophy, use `tracker-fundamentals`. For music theory, use `sound-design:music-composition`.
version 1.1.0

IT Format (Impulse Tracker)

Overview

IT is the more advanced format with features beyond XM.

Key advantages:

  • Up to 64 channels (vs 32)
  • 10 octaves (vs 8)
  • NNA (New Note Actions) for polyphony
  • Pitch envelopes
  • Resonant filters

Quick Start

from it_writer import ItModule, ItPattern, ItNote, ItInstrument, ItSample, write_it

pattern = ItPattern.empty(64, num_channels=4)
pattern.set_note(0, 0, ItNote.play("C-4", instrument=1, volume=64))

module = ItModule(
    name="My Song",
    num_channels=4,
    default_speed=6,
    default_bpm=125,
    order_table=[0],
    patterns=[pattern],
    instruments=[ItInstrument(name="kick")],
    samples=[ItSample(name="kick", c5_speed=22050, default_volume=64)],
    sample_data=[kick_bytes]
)

write_it(module, "output.it")

Core API

ItNote

ItNote.play("C-4", instrument=1, volume=64)   # Note on
ItNote.play_note(60, 1, 64)                    # MIDI number
ItNote.off()                                    # Note off (^^^)
ItNote.cut()                                    # Note cut (===)
ItNote.fade()                                   # Note fade

# Chainable:
note = ItNote.play("C-4", 1, 64).with_effect(7, 0x10)  # G10

ItPattern / ItInstrument / ItSample / ItModule

Same pattern as XM - see references/workflow-guide.md for full examples.

Common Effects

IT uses letter-based effects (A=1, B=2, ...):

Effect Letter Code Usage
Set Speed A 1 .with_effect(1, 6)
Vol Slide D 4 .with_effect(4, 0x0F)
Porta Down E 5 .with_effect(5, 0x10)
Porta Up F 6 .with_effect(6, 0x10)
Tone Porta G 7 .with_effect(7, 0x10)
Vibrato H 8 .with_effect(8, 0x34)
Arpeggio J 10 .with_effect(10, 0x37)
Set Tempo T 20 .with_effect(20, 125)

See references/it-effects.md for complete list.

NNA (New Note Actions)

NNA controls polyphonic behavior - what happens to previous notes when new ones play.

from it_writer import NNA_CUT, NNA_FADE, NNA_CONTINUE, DCT_NOTE, DCA_FADE

# Polyphonic piano - previous notes fade when new ones play
piano = ItInstrument(
    name="Piano",
    nna=NNA_FADE,         # Fade previous note
    dct=DCT_NOTE,         # Check for duplicate notes
    dca=DCA_FADE,         # Fade duplicates
    fadeout=512,          # Fade speed (0-1024)
)
NNA Mode Behavior Use For
NNA_CUT Cut previous note Leads, bass (default)
NNA_FADE Fade previous Piano, pads, strings
NNA_CONTINUE Continue previous Drones, ambient

Envelopes

Volume Envelope (ADSR)

from it_writer import ItEnvelope, ENV_ENABLED, ENV_SUSTAIN_LOOP

env = ItEnvelope()
env.points = [(0, 0), (10, 64), (30, 48), (100, 48), (130, 0)]
env.sustain_begin = 2
env.sustain_end = 3
env.flags = ENV_ENABLED | ENV_SUSTAIN_LOOP

instr = ItInstrument(name="Pad", volume_envelope=env)

Pitch Envelope (IT-only)

# Kick drum with pitch drop
pitch_env = ItEnvelope()
pitch_env.points = [(0, 24), (15, 0)]  # Start +24 semitones, drop to normal
pitch_env.flags = ENV_ENABLED

kick = ItInstrument(name="Kick", pitch_envelope=pitch_env)

See references/workflow-guide.md for more envelope examples.

Filters (IT-only)

bass = ItInstrument(
    name="Filtered Bass",
    filter_cutoff=64,      # 0-127
    filter_resonance=32,   # 0-127
)

Validation

from it_writer import validate_it
validate_it("output.it")

Parser Location

The IT writer is part of the unified .studio/ infrastructure.

Source: ai_studio_core/templates/project/studio/parsers/

  • it_writer.py - IT file writing
  • it_types.py - IT data structures

Setup: Run /init-procgen to install the .studio/ scaffold (generator + parsers).

Project Structure

project/
├── .studio/parsers/
│   ├── it_writer.py     # Downloaded via /init-procgen
│   └── it_types.py
├── .studio/specs/music/
│   └── song_name.spec.py
└── generated/music/
    └── song_name.it     # Output (gitignored)

XM vs IT Decision

Feature XM IT
Channels 32 64
Polyphony Note-off only NNA
Pitch envelope No Yes
Resonant filter No Yes
File size Smaller Larger

Choose IT when: Polyphonic instruments, pitch effects, filters, or >32 channels needed.

API Reference Files

  • .studio/parsers/it_types.py - API surface (~280 lines, READ THIS)
  • .studio/parsers/it_writer.py - Binary packing (just import)
  • references/it-effects.md - Complete effect reference
  • references/workflow-guide.md - NNA, envelopes, filters, examples
  • references/it-format-spec.md - Binary format specification