New Loop Library Recreates Classic 8-bit Sounds

Musicians using GarageBand, Logic and other loop-based apps with a bent towards the fuzzy sound of 8-bit computers and video game consoles have a new tool in their arsenal, thanks to Sony Creative Software: 8-Bit Weapon: A Chiptune Odyssey. The new loop and sample package costs $40.

8-Bit Weapon is actually a band -- Seth and Michelle (a.k.a. ComputeHer) -- they do live performances with 8-bit machines ranging from a Commodore 64 and 128, Nintendo GameBoys and N.E.S., Intellivision synthesizer, Atari 2600, Speak 'n' Spell and Speak 'n' Music, and an assortment of other vintage and toy synthesizers. They produce music inspired by classic videogame soundtrack and electronic music from the 70s and 80s.

The library contains drums, bass, synth and special effects loops, including a range of samples created from the Apple II -- an Apple IIe and IIc are part of 8-Bit Weapon's instrument library, too. The Apple II section was created using DrumKey, the built-in Beeper and other Apple II sound cards, according to Seth and Michelle.

The sound library works in GarageBand and Logic, Soundtrack, Beatmaker for iPhone, Ableton Live, Cubase, ACID and other applications. The kit includes 462 royalty-free WAV files, and also includes a free EP from the band.

Sample loops and songs are available from the Web site.