In this article we will present you with programs to generate 8-bit sounds, so you can compose 8-bit music that was widely used in classic video games like Super Mario. This form of creating music has been revived, and many musicians now offer an 8-bit version of their latest album once it's finished. You can use these environments to create music or to create sound effects for any task you need.

Bfxr

Bfxr is an 8-bit sound generator that lets you create sounds from scratch or use its large database to create music or sounds using a sound template. The platform is aimed at game developers because its database is full of game sounds such as coin collection, laser, explosions, and jumps, among others. Bfxr is a free program available for Windows, Mac OS X (it requires Adobe AIR), and it also has an online version.

Programs to Create 8-Bit Music and Sounds
Creating 8-bit music

LabChirp

LabChirp is an 8-bit sound generator that focuses on creating sounds from scratch, thanks to its channel, frequency, volume, and wave modulation settings, among other features. Although it has a sound library, it is fairly sparse when it comes to creating preset music. LabChirp is a free, portable program available for Windows (it requires .NET Framework 2.0).

Programs to Create 8-Bit Music and Sounds
Its database is very sparse

sfxr

sfxr is an 8-bit sound processor that is much simpler than the previous options, allowing you to create music from scratch or from its library, which only has 7 sounds. Its tools are quite good for manipulating sound and achieving the composition each user needs. sfxr is a free, portable program available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Programs to Create 8-Bit Music and Sounds
Its interface is very old

BeepComp

BeepComp is a program for generating and programming 8-bit music using lines of code. The platform is very powerful and offers 10 channels, drums, and synthesizers so you can create music from scratch. BeepComp is a free program available for Windows.

Programs to Create 8-Bit Music and Sounds
The best option on the list

Mario Paint Composer

We will finish with a program that lets you create your own MIDI song compositions using the characters from the Mario Bros. video game on the staff. Mario Paint Composer is a Flash-based tool that offers the possibility of creating 8-bit music. Each figure represents a different sound, and although you cannot export the music (it is only heard from its interface), Mario Paint Composer is a free program available for Windows.

Programs to Create 8-Bit Music and Sounds
A tool for having fun

We hope that with these programs for creating 8-bit music you can let your creativity run wild.