Part of the Crew, Part of the Chip

BITVORTEX

"Part of The Crew, Part of The Chip" marks 5 years into the BITVORTEX project, and also 15 years since I made my first-ever tune on a Game Boy! The name is taken from a quote from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ("part of the crew, part of the ship"), meaning once you're part of the crew (or community), you can never leave. That seems to be the case with me and chiptune...

BITVORTEX was supposed to be a bitpop project, mixing analog gear, drum machines, and 'real' instruments with software synths and Game Boys. But it turns out I can't really keep myself from sticking to only using the (single) Game Boy. It's too much fun!
I just love finding ways to work around the limitations and the simplicity of the raw sound, and the challenge of making it sound much bigger and more advanced than it really is.

So here's to another 15 years of chiptunes!

Like (almost) always, all effects, track pans, fades, and delays are handled by the Game Boy itself.

I also tried to mix up the "groove" setting a bit in LSDJ to get a little more swing/shuffle into some of the tracks, instead of sticking to the 4/4-to-the-floor beats. Here's how, if you want to try it out yourself:
- Strutting Around : [08,04,04,02]
- Gränges på tapp, en till tack! : [08,02,04,02]
- Weekday Grind Cycle : [06,06,04,04]

I recommend listening with headphones or stereo speakers for the best experience!

I hope you enjoy it!
________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

LSDJ Version: 9.3.9
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack) + CleanPower2 DC-converter (affects the sound, making it brighter and clearer).

LSDJ programming / recording layout:
- Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.
- Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.
- Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.
- Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.

"Part of The Crew, Part of The Chip" marks 5 years into the BITVORTEX project, and also 15 years since I made my first-ever tune on a Game Boy! The name is taken from a quote from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ("part of the crew, part of the ship"), meaning once you're part of the crew (or community), you can never leave. That seems to be the case with me and chiptune...
BITVORTEX was supposed to be a bitpop project, mixing analog gear, drum machines, and 'real' instruments with software synths and Game Boys. But it turns out I can't really keep myself from sticking to only using the (single) Game Boy. It's too much fun!
I just love finding ways to work around the limitations and the simplicity of the raw sound, and the challenge of making it sound much bigger and more advanced than it really is.
So here's to another 15 years of chiptunes!
Like (almost) always, all effects, track pans, fades, and delays are handled by the Game Boy itself.
I also tried to mix up the "groove" setting a bit in LSDJ to get a little more swing/shuffle into some of the tracks, instead of sticking to the 4/4-to-the-floor beats. Here's how, if you want to try it out yourself:
<ul>
<li>Strutting Around : [08,04,04,02]</li>
<li>Gränges på tapp, en till tack! : [08,02,04,02]</li>
<li>Weekday Grind Cycle : [06,06,04,04]</li>
</ul>
I recommend listening with headphones or stereo speakers for the best experience!
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
LSDJ Version: 9.3.9
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack) + CleanPower2 DC-converter (affects the sound, making it brighter and clearer).
LSDJ programming / recording layout:
<ul>
<li>Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.</li>
<li>Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.</li>
<li>Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.</li>
<li>Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.</li>
</ul>

Part of the Crew, Part of the Chip by BITVORTEX

Shuttle into Orbit

Meatgrinder

Runaway No. 4014

Strutting Around

Circle Pit Shenanigans

Gränges på tapp, en till tack!

Gränges på tapp, en till tack! by BITVORTEX

Weekday Grind Cycle

Minty Tunes

'Minty Tunes' is kind of a follow-up EP to the 2019 release 'Some Tunes'. Like the previous one, this release is aiming to be more of a "true" chiptune EP, made using only 1xLSDJ cartridge and an old brick Game Boy.

The idea was the same:
- 5 tracks. No more, no less.
- 4 of which with the same high engergy and 1 of the tracks slower and more laid back than the others.
- All tracks are recorded in a more simple way, with minimal post production.

But it differs in one big way;
While 'Some Tunes' was made using almost the exact same instruments and four-to-the-floor beats in every track (even recorded, mixed and mastered in the same session if I remember correctly), I tried to vary the drums/feeing in some way on every track this time, either in beat, groove/swing or programming. All instruments was created from scratch on every track this time.

Like (almost) always, all effects, track pans, fades and delays (except a small reverb on the master bus) is handeld by the Game Boy itself.

Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.

I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!

I hope you enjoy it!
________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

LSDJ Version: 9.2.0
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack) + CleanPower2 DC-converter (Affects the sound, making it more bright and clear).

LSDJ programming / recording layout:
- Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.
- Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.
- Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.
- Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.

'Minty Tunes' is kind of a follow-up EP to the 2019 release 'Some Tunes'. Like the previous one, this release is aiming to be more of a "true" chiptune EP, made using only 1xLSDJ cartridge and an old brick Game Boy.
The idea was the same:
<ul>
<li>5 tracks. No more, no less.</li>
<li>4 of which with the same high engergy and 1 of the tracks slower and more laid back than the others.</li>
<li>All tracks are recorded in a more simple way, with minimal post production.</li>
</ul>
But it differs in one big way;
While 'Some Tunes' was made using almost the exact same instruments and four-to-the-floor beats in every track (even recorded, mixed and mastered in the same session if I remember correctly), I tried to vary the drums/feeing in some way on every track this time, either in beat, groove/swing or programming. All instruments was created from scratch on every track this time.
Like (almost) always, all effects, track pans, fades and delays (except a small reverb on the master bus) is handeld by the Game Boy itself.
Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.
I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
LSDJ Version: 9.2.0
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack) + CleanPower2 DC-converter (Affects the sound, making it more bright and clear).
LSDJ programming / recording layout:
<ul>
<li>Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.</li>
<li>Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.</li>
<li>Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.</li>
<li>Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.</li>
</ul>

Chipwreck Shanty

Activator 66

Flying Fennec

Torpex Away

Shapeshifter

Moonflower

Moonflower was meant to be released as a physical 7" vinyl. But after completing the title track, I read up on track lengths on the records. Not willing to cut 30-60 seconds of the titletrack "Moonflower", I decided to release them digitally instead.

Who knows, maybe there will be a physical copy of this release some day. I will be sure to tell you, and promise that everyone who bought this digital release will get a discount if and when that happens...

A-side: Moonflower
B-side: Speedrun

These are the first two tracks I finished using only the M8 tracker, and also the first time ever I've run out of phrases in a tracker (Moonflower).

I hope you enjoy it!
________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

The tracks was made on the Dirtywave M8 Tracker.
M8 Software Version: 2.5.0D

The tracks was "mixed" and bounced in M8 itself. The final master was then done in Ableton Live 8. All sounds and FX comes from M8.

Moonflower was meant to be released as a physical 7" vinyl. But after completing the title track, I read up on track lengths on the records. Not willing to cut 30-60 seconds of the titletrack "Moonflower", I decided to release them digitally instead.
Who knows, maybe there will be a physical copy of this release some day. I will be sure to tell you, and promise that everyone who bought this digital release will get a discount if and when that happens...
A-side: Moonflower
B-side: Speedrun
These are the first two tracks I finished using only the M8 tracker, and also the first time ever I've run out of phrases in a tracker (Moonflower).
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
The tracks was made on the Dirtywave M8 Tracker.
M8 Software Version: 2.5.0D
The tracks was "mixed" and bounced in M8 itself. The final master was then done in Ableton Live 8. All sounds and FX comes from M8.

Speedrun

Needler

Inspired by the stabbing sound and intensity of the Needler rifle from the Halo games, here comes a single that was supposed to be an album. Due to different things in life, it didn't end up that way. Instead of letting this one rot on the pile of unfinished stuff, I release this as a single!

The two tracks was made to merge together, creating one single face-melting track (Needler). But if you like one part more than the other the separate tracks are included as well!

It's packed with energy, and works perfect as a track to listen to while playing Rocket League! Here's the selling point;
Since it's 8 minutes long, you'll have plenty of time to make 4 goals and win the game (even with that one player who doesn't skip replays), boosted with energy from Needler. I've tried, and it works ;)

Each channel was run through Art PRO VLA II tube compressor with a very low ratio before mixing just to smooth the harsh top end of the sound.

Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.

I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!

I hope you enjoy it!
________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

LSDJ Version: 9.2.0
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)

LSDJ programming / recording layout:
- Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.
- Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.
- Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.
- Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.

Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8. 

Inspired by the stabbing sound and intensity of the Needler rifle from the Halo games, here comes a single that was supposed to be an album. Due to different things in life, it didn't end up that way. Instead of letting this one rot on the pile of unfinished stuff, I release this as a single!
The two tracks was made to merge together, creating one single face-melting track (Needler). But if you like one part more than the other the separate tracks are included as well!
It's packed with energy, and works perfect as a track to listen to while playing Rocket League! Here's the selling point;
Since it's 8 minutes long, you'll have plenty of time to make 4 goals and win the game (even with that one player who doesn't skip replays), boosted with energy from Needler. I've tried, and it works ;)
Each channel was run through Art PRO VLA II tube compressor with a very low ratio before mixing just to smooth the harsh top end of the sound.
Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.
I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
LSDJ Version: 9.2.0
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)
LSDJ programming / recording layout:
<ul>
<li>Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.</li>
<li>Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.</li>
<li>Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.</li>
<li>Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.</li>
</ul>
Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8.

Type-33

Type-56

Singularity

First day of the year, and here comes another 1xLSDJ EP. This time I tried to move away from the standard 4-to-the-floor beat I usually use, and I think I completed that task! Each track have a different kind of drum beat and/or time signature. The first 3 of them (not counting Umbra) has a more dark and agressive sound, which was the aim for the whole release to begin with. But I thought the more happy sounding last two tracks were just too good to be put on the ever-growing pile of unfinished/unureleased tracks!

This is the first release where I didn't use my white DMG (followers on Instagram have seen this one a lot) and instead used a new DMG I've built myself when recording. There's slight difference in sound, but it's still the authentic original soundchip of the Game boy that produce the sounds here. Each channel was run through Art PRO VLA II tube compressor with a very low ratio before mixing just to smooth the harsh top end of the sound.

Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.

I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!

I hope you enjoy it!

________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

LSDJ Version: 6.8.2
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)

LSDJ programming / recording layout:
- Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.
- Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.
- Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.
- Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.

Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8. 

First day of the year, and here comes another 1xLSDJ EP. This time I tried to move away from the standard 4-to-the-floor beat I usually use, and I think I completed that task! Each track have a different kind of drum beat and/or time signature. The first 3 of them (not counting Umbra) has a more dark and agressive sound, which was the aim for the whole release to begin with. But I thought the more happy sounding last two tracks were just too good to be put on the ever-growing pile of unfinished/unureleased tracks!
This is the first release where I didn't use my white DMG (followers on Instagram have seen this one a lot) and instead used a new DMG I've built myself when recording. There's slight difference in sound, but it's still the authentic original soundchip of the Game boy that produce the sounds here. Each channel was run through Art PRO VLA II tube compressor with a very low ratio before mixing just to smooth the harsh top end of the sound.
Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.
I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
LSDJ Version: 6.8.2
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)
LSDJ programming / recording layout:
<ul>
<li>Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.</li>
<li>Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.</li>
<li>Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.</li>
<li>Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.</li>
</ul>
Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8.

Umbra

Puppet Master

Boss Battle

.sav C̴̑̀͗ͅô̸̞͠r̶̙̓̎̕ŗ̵̛̙̮̀u̷͚̙̻̇̚p̷̝͌̇ẗ̷̻́̈́

.sav C̴̑̀͗ͅô̸̞͠r̶̙̓̎̕ŗ̵̛̙̮̀u̷͚̙̻̇̚p̷̝͌̇ẗ̷̻́̈́ by BITVORTEX

Bottlerocket

Horizon

System Pen Testing

This release started out as two tracks (System Pen Testing & Bulldozer) which was supposed to be released as single tracks first half of 2020. But 2 more tracks was being created very slowly, and soon there were three of them. I decided to exclude Bulldozer and make a small 3-track release with two of the new tracks and "Sys Pen".

The release date set secretly for myself were pushed further and further forward and the release grew by 2 more tracks. I re-added Bulldozer and decided this was finished. But in a break in the final mixing I jammed a bit with the gameboy. After just a few hours there was a new complete track, Castle Escape.

So this has been growing for a while. The first two tracks were created at the very end of 2019, and here we are now. Summer of 2020! The time has come to let this one fly!

Made using only 1xLSDJ cartridge and an old brick Game Boy. All effects, track pans, fades and delays* is handeld by the Game Boy itself.
All of the tracks uses more or less sweep-filtering and reverb added after recording.

Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise.*** No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used.

I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience, as track panning is 100% left/center/right due to Game Boy limitations!

I hope you enjoy it!
________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

LSDJ Version: 6.8.2
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)

LSDJ programming** / recording layout:
- Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.
- Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.
- Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.
- Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.

Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8.

This release started out as two tracks (System Pen Testing &amp; Bulldozer) which was supposed to be released as single tracks first half of 2020. But 2 more tracks was being created very slowly, and soon there were three of them. I decided to exclude Bulldozer and make a small 3-track release with two of the new tracks and "Sys Pen".
The release date set secretly for myself were pushed further and further forward and the release grew by 2 more tracks. I re-added Bulldozer and decided this was finished. But in a break in the final mixing I jammed a bit with the gameboy. After just a few hours there was a new complete track, Castle Escape.
So this has been growing for a while. The first two tracks were created at the very end of 2019, and here we are now. Summer of 2020! The time has come to let this one fly!
Made using only 1xLSDJ cartridge and an old brick Game Boy. All effects, track pans, fades and delays* is handeld by the Game Boy itself.
All of the tracks uses more or less sweep-filtering and reverb added after recording.
Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise.*** No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used.
I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience, as track panning is 100% left/center/right due to Game Boy limitations!
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
LSDJ Version: 6.8.2
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)
LSDJ programming** / recording layout:
<ul>
<li>Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.</li>
<li>Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.</li>
<li>Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.</li>
<li>Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.</li>
</ul>
Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8.

Monster

Subway Surfer

Poppy

Castle Escape

Blue Pill Bubble

Bulldozer

Some Tunes

'Some Tunes' is aiming to be more of a "pure" chiptune EP, made using only 1xLSDJ cartridge and an old brick Game Boy. All effects, track pans, fades and delays (except a small reverb) is handeld by the Game Boy itself.

Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.

I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!

I hope you enjoy it!
________________________________________________

-- Extra production information --

LSDJ Version: 6.8.2
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)

LSDJ programming / recording layout:
- Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.
- Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.
- Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.
- Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.

Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8. 

'Some Tunes' is aiming to be more of a "pure" chiptune EP, made using only 1xLSDJ cartridge and an old brick Game Boy. All effects, track pans, fades and delays (except a small reverb) is handeld by the Game Boy itself.
Due to the limitations of the Game Boy, you are hearing a maximum of 4 sounds/tones/notes at the same time, of which 1 is only modulated noise. No samples (or LSDJ "kits") where used to create this EP. Also, when it comes to track panning it's 100% left/center/right.
I recommend listening in headphones or stereo speakers for best experience!
I hope you enjoy it!
<hr>
-- Extra production information --
LSDJ Version: 6.8.2
DMG Mods: ProSound (Bypassed internal amp, original 3.5mm jack)
LSDJ programming / recording layout:
<ul>
<li>Channel 1 (Pulse): Main melody, solos.</li>
<li>Channel 2 (Pulse): Rhythm, backing melody.</li>
<li>Channel 3 (Wave): Kick drum, bass.</li>
<li>Channel 4 (Noise): Snare drum, hi-hats, cymbals, sweeps.</li>
</ul>
Each channel is recorded on separate tracks, mixed and mastered in Ableton Live 8.

#chipmusic