Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

OctaMED

OctaMED is a program designed for the computer, originally released in 1989 as MED (Music Editor) by developer Teijo Kinnunen and later expanded in the early 1990s to support eight simultaneous audio channels, from which it derived its "Octa" name. Developed during the height of the 's popularity in the late 1980s and 1990s, OctaMED evolved from its initial four-voice MED version 1.12 into a commercial product with version 2.00 in April 1990, which introduced support, allowing integration with external hardware samplers. By 1993, the fully functional OctaMED 2.0 was distributed, emphasizing its role as an eight-channel tracker for composing modular music patterns using samples and effects. Later iterations, such as OctaMED Pro version 6 in 1995, enhanced capabilities, while OctaMED SoundStudio (version 7, released in 1996 as 1.03c) added features like sample editing, notation views, ARexx scripting, and support for formats including 8SVX, AIFF, , and 16-bit audio output via compatible sound cards. Renowned for its intuitive and professional-grade tools, OctaMED played a pivotal role in the 's music production scene, particularly within the and early culture, enabling affordable creation of complex tracks that influenced genres like hardcore and —exemplified by productions such as Urban Shakedown's "Some Justice," which reached #23 on the charts in 1992. Despite the platform's decline following Commodore's 1994 liquidation, OctaMED remained the premier tracker for the system, with ongoing development including a version 8.1 released on February 20, 2025, as a digital download and boxed software for -compatible systems, adding features such as AHI and CAMD support.

Development

Origins and Early Versions

OctaMED traces its origins to the late 1980s demoscene, where programmer Teijo Kinnunen began developing MED (Music Editor) as a personal project. Kinnunen sought to address the limitations of the 's Paula sound chip, which supported only four hardware channels, by implementing software-based mixing to enable eight simultaneous channels for more complex compositions. This innovation allowed musicians to create richer sample-based music within the constraints of the era's hardware, marking a significant advancement in software for low-resource systems. The first public version, MED 1.12, was released in 1989 and introduced core tracking features such as sample-based and pattern-based , which facilitated efficient music through block-oriented interfaces optimized for the Amiga's modest capabilities. These tools emphasized intuitive building and event , tailored to the demoscene's need for quick production of demo soundtracks. Distributed initially as within Amiga user groups and systems, MED quickly gained traction among hobbyist musicians for its stability and accessibility compared to earlier trackers like SoundTracker. In April 1990, MED 2.00 was released, featuring support as its primary enhancement, achieved by interfacing with the 's to connect external synthesizers and expand creative possibilities beyond sampled audio. This update bridged tracker workflows with hardware synths, appealing to composers experimenting with hybrid setups in the . Early versions of MED circulated as equivalents—free with optional donations—fostering widespread adoption and community feedback that shaped its evolution, while innovations in pattern editing prioritized efficiency on resource-limited hardware.

Evolution and Commercial Release

In , the software was renamed OctaMED to highlight its capability for eight-channel ("octa") playback on the 's four-channel sound hardware, marking the transition from its earlier incarnation as MED to a commercial product focused on professional music tracking tools. Developed by Teijo Kinnunen, this initial commercial release emphasized enhanced multichannel audio handling and editing features tailored for Amiga users seeking advanced composition options. Subsequent updates rapidly expanded functionality, with OctaMED Professional version 3.00 released in 1992. By 1995, OctaMED version 6 advanced further with native 16-bit sample support and improved stereo playback options, allowing higher-fidelity audio while maintaining compatibility with the Amiga's hardware constraints through optimized mixing techniques. These iterations positioned OctaMED as a leading tool for Amiga-based music , bridging tracker-style sequencing with emerging standards. In 1996, Kinnunen released OctaMED Soundstudio, a significant evolution that integrated hard disk recording capabilities for capturing and editing audio directly to storage, alongside support for up to 64 channels through software-based expansion and digital mixing. This version built on prior enhancements, such as integration from earlier releases, to facilitate broader studio workflows, and included ARexx scripting support for and with other applications. Soundstudio represented the pinnacle of OctaMED's Amiga-era development, emphasizing for complex multitrack projects. Commercial distribution was handled primarily by RBF Software in the UK, with international support through partners like AmigaNuts United, often packaged on floppy disks or CD-ROM for Amiga compatibility. Pricing for versions like OctaMED Professional v6 hovered around £30 (approximately $50 USD at the time) in Europe, making it accessible yet positioned as a premium tool for serious Amiga musicians.

Modern Revivals and Ports

The final major release for the platform occurred in the late 1990s with OctaMED Soundstudio version 1.03c, distributed as starting in December 1998 and marking the end of active development by the original creators until later revivals. In an effort to extend the software beyond hardware, a titled MED Soundstudio 2.1 was released for Windows around , supporting the operating systems of the era including Windows . However, this version experienced limited adoption, hampered by reported such as timing inaccuracies in module playback and the absence of -specific optimizations that defined the original's . The rights to OctaMED were acquired by A-EON Technology Ltd in February 2015 from RBF Software, including the source code and exclusive development privileges for , , , AROS, and emulation environments. This acquisition supported archival preservation of the codebase and ensured compatibility with modern Amiga emulators, allowing the software to remain accessible on contemporary systems without proprietary restrictions. Development resumed in 2024 under A-EON's oversight, with AmigaKit Ltd handling implementation, resulting in the release of OctaMED Soundstudio version 8 in 2024 (with version 8.1 updates), for new 68k-compatible hardware such as the A600GS and A1200NG. This update introduced AHI driver support for enhanced audio hardware integration, CAMD MIDI library compatibility for improved hardware connectivity, and expanded capability for up to 64 channels, building on the 1996 Soundstudio features like file handling while addressing long-standing limitations in sample depth and mixing. As of 2025, version 8 is available as a separate digital download for and compatible systems.

Technical Features

Audio Processing and Mixing

OctaMED employs a software mixing technique to overcome the limitations of the Amiga's Paula audio chip, which provides only four hardware channels, by simulating up to eight virtual channels through CPU-driven . This approach mixes multiple audio streams into the available hardware channels, utilizing the 68000 processor's cycles for sample playback and basic to handle pitch variations without severe artifacts. In advanced configurations, such as the mode introduced in OctaMED SoundStudio, this capability expands to 64 simultaneous channels, allowing complex polyphonic arrangements while maintaining compatibility with standard hardware. The software supports 8-bit mono samples in its core versions, with later iterations like SoundStudio v8 adding native 16-bit sample handling and stereo capabilities for enhanced fidelity. Waveform editing tools within the sample editor enable precise adjustments, such as setting loop points to create seamless repeating sounds and applying linear interpolation for stretching or resampling without introducing excessive distortion. Reverb-like effects are achieved through the echo function in the sample editor, which simulates spatial depth by delaying and attenuating portions of the audio waveform. MIDI implementation in OctaMED relies on the Amiga's built-in , configured via a simple protocol to interface with external synthesizers and sequencers for note triggering and tempo . This setup allows OctaMED to act as a master or slave device, sending MIDI clock signals at rates compatible with the Amiga's or PAL timing, though latency can vary based on CPU load during mixing. Advanced effects processing includes programmable volume envelopes for dynamic amplitude control over time, applied per or to shape attacks, decays, and sustains. Panning effects enable positioning of sounds across the Paula chip's left and right outputs, supporting free or automated movement in multi-channel mixes. In SoundStudio versions, multi-track hard disk recording captures the mixed output or individual sections directly to AIFF files in 8-bit or 16-bit formats, facilitating without playback constraints.

Editing Tools and Interfaces

OctaMED's editing interface centers on a pattern-based grid system, where users compose music by entering , assignments, and effects into a tabular layout resembling a . This block editor allows for up to 256 lines per pattern, enabling precise sequencing of musical elements across multiple channels, with real-time playback to test arrangements instantly. shortcuts facilitate rapid input, such as pressing alphanumeric keys to insert notes (e.g., 'C' for middle C) and qualifiers like Shift or for volume, panning, or effect commands, streamlining the workflow for live composition during productions. The sample editor provides waveform visualization for detailed manipulation of audio samples, displaying the audio as a graphical plot that users can into for precision. Tools for cutting and pasting portions of the waveform are accessed via selection—dragging over the to mark a range, then using Cut or Copy to store it in an edit buffer—allowing seamless integration of edited segments into instruments. Looping functionality lets users define start and end points on the waveform to create seamless repeats, essential for sustaining notes in pads or drums, with options to fine-tune loop lengths in samples supporting 2 to 7 octaves. Instrument management occurs through the sample list editor, where multi-sample banks are organized by assigning waveforms to specific pitch ranges, volumes, and envelopes for layered sounds. ARexx scripting integration enables custom macros for automating repetitive tasks, such as entire tracks by applying effects or rearranging patterns via scripted commands. Users can write or load ARexx scripts to execute operations like inserting blocks or modifying parameters across multiple files, enhancing efficiency in large compositions without manual repetition. This scripting layer, introduced in professional editions, supports external control and is particularly valued for workflows requiring quick iterations. Block marking and copy-paste operations promote modular composition by allowing users to select ranges within patterns—via mouse drag or keyboard commands like Shift for multi-line selection—and transfer them between blocks or songs. Functions such as Cut/Copy/Paste for tracks or entire blocks (accessed via menus or shortcuts like Alt-F3 to F5) enable rapid prototyping, where users build reusable sections like intros or choruses and assemble them into full arrangements, ideal for the time-constrained demoscene environment. MIDI support allows brief external keyboard input for note entry, complementing the grid-based interface.

Compatibility and Extensions

Starting with version 8 in 2024, OctaMED provides native support for hardware expansions, particularly through the Audio Hardware Interface (AHI), which enables multi-channel audio output on upgraded sound cards such as the Delfina or . This integration allows users to bypass the limitations of the standard Paula , supporting up to 16-bit stereo playback and higher sampling rates for enhanced audio quality during module playback and recording. Starting with version 8 in 2024, OctaMED integrates with the library, a standardized framework for device communication, facilitating seamless input and output with external synthesizers and controllers via serial ports or dedicated interfaces. This compatibility extends to emulator environments like WinUAE, where OctaMED runs with emulated AHI and , allowing modern PCs to replicate hardware behaviors for testing and production without physical machines. OctaMED's native file format, .med (encompassing variants like MMD0 for MED modules, MMD1 for OctaMED Professional, MMD2 for OctaMED Professional V5, and MMD3 for SoundStudio), stores multi-track arrangements, samples, and effects data in a compact structure optimized for memory constraints. Modules can be exported as files for audio rendering, with SoundStudio versions supporting 16-bit disk mixing to preserve fidelity, while import capabilities include files, enabling conversion of 4-channel modules into OctaMED's 8-channel format with sample and pattern mapping. Third-party extensions enhance OctaMED's functionality, including plugins like Earache, a frontend for applying advanced and reverb effects beyond built-in commands, and utilities for hard drive recording setups in SoundStudio that enable real-time capture of mixed audio directly to storage devices. These tools, often distributed via archives, allow for custom effect chains and integration with external samplers. In 2024, updates to OctaMED SoundStudio for platforms like extended compatibility to new clones, incorporating AHI and CAMD enhancements for contemporary hardware. As of 2025, development continues on OctaMED SoundStudio version 8, with further enhancements to AHI and CAMD for contemporary hardware and emulators.

Cultural Impact

Notable Users and Applications

OctaMED found early adoption among prominent figures in the electronic music scene, particularly those pioneering drum and bass and jungle genres on the Amiga platform. Scottish producer Calvin Harris, then known as Lovebomb, began his career in the late 1990s and early 2000s using an Amiga 500 upgraded to an A1200 with OctaMED to compose tracks, including drum and bass-influenced works that laid the groundwork for his later mainstream success. His entire 2007 debut album, I Created Disco, was produced solely on this setup, leveraging the tracker's capabilities for sampling and sequencing in a home studio environment. In the 1990s UK jungle and drum and bass underground, OctaMED powered key productions by artists like and DJ Zinc. , also active as part of Urban Shakedown, employed OctaMED on to craft early releases such as the 1992 track "Some Justice," which exemplified the software's role in creating intricate, high-energy arrangements central to the genre's raw sound. Similarly, DJ Zinc utilized OctaMED on an to develop his seminal 1995 jungle anthem "Super Sharp Shooter," a track that highlighted the tracker's efficiency in handling breakbeats and samples for fast-paced productions. OctaMED's influence extended into experimental electronic subgenres, with Canadian producer (Aaron Funk) starting his career on the using the software to explore and elements in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His early works drew from OctaMED's module-based workflow, which shaped his signature glitchy through precise sample slicing and rhythmic complexity. Dutch artist Legowelt (Danny Wolfers) incorporated OctaMED into his acid house and productions, notably for the 2009 album Amiga Railroad Adventures, where the tracker's 8-channel mixing enabled layered, retro-futuristic arrangements blending modular synths with -sampled beats. UK producer (David Burrill) has maintained a long-term commitment to OctaMED since 1992, initially under the Mixrace alias with DJ Trax, employing an for , , and experimental tracks. His underground releases, such as those on the Breakbeat Science label, relied on OctaMED's sample manipulation tools to dissect and reassemble breaks, contributing to the evolution of and hybrid styles in the .

Legacy in Music Production

OctaMED played a pivotal role in shaping the and genres by providing users with advanced sample-based music creation tools that facilitated complex compositions within hardware constraints, enabling participants to produce intricate soundtracks for demos and games. Its multichannel capabilities, introduced in 1991, allowed for richer audio layering that became a staple in demoscene competitions and chiptune productions, where efficiency and creativity were paramount. Numerous OctaMED modules, saved in formats like MED and , have been preserved in digital archives such as the Mod Archive, ensuring the longevity of Amiga-era works and allowing modern enthusiasts to study and them. This preservation effort underscores OctaMED's contribution to the archival heritage of , with thousands of files maintaining accessibility for research and recreation in communities. The software's innovations in software mixing and pattern-based editing influenced subsequent trackers, including (1995) and (2002), which adopted similar paradigms for multichannel sample playback and efficient workflow, extending OctaMED's legacy into PC-based production. These advancements helped transition tracker aesthetics from limitations to broader digital environments, prioritizing intuitive interfaces for creative output. In modern contexts, OctaMED remains relevant within emulation communities and hardware revival scenes, where tools like FS-UAE simulate its environment for new compositions, and its paradigms inform retro-inspired plugins in contemporary DAWs. The 2024 release of OctaMED SoundStudio V8, the first update in 25 years, introduced features like AHI audio support and MIDI integration to enhance compatibility with emulated and modern , thereby sustaining the platform's music heritage amid renewed interest in vintage production. Despite its pioneering status, OctaMED faced limitations tied to hardware, such as constraints on channel count and memory allocation in early versions, which could strain CPU resources during complex mixes and required workarounds like reduced channels for stability. These challenges were contrasted by its exceptional accessibility, empowering bedroom producers with a user-friendly that democratized professional-grade music creation without needing expensive studio equipment, a hallmark of its enduring appeal.

References

  1. [1]
    RBF Software Octamed Soundstudio - Sound On Sound
    Computer / Software. Published May 1997. The release of this tracker is welcome news for Amiga users, but it's also a glimpse of things to come on the PC ...
  2. [2]
    Octamed SoundStudio 1.03c : Teijo Kinunnen - Internet Archive
    Jul 20, 2022 · OctaMED is a popular music tracker for the Commodore Amiga, written by Teijo Kinnunen. The first version, 1.12, was released in 1989 under the name MED.Missing: creator | Show results with:creator
  3. [3]
    mus/edit/OctaMED.lzh - Aminet
    Date: 1993-03-26 ... OctaMED is the 8-channel version of MED. This is a freely distributable release of the fully functional commercial version 2.0.
  4. [4]
    The history of trackers - MusicTech
    Jun 10, 2020 · It wasn't the end of the Amiga as a sequencing tool though. OctaMED also worked as a MIDI sequencer, with up to 16 tracks in a pattern, allowing ...
  5. [5]
    Trackers: The Rise, Bloom and Later Developments of a Paradigm
    Aug 2, 2024 · Teijo Kinnunen's MED was initially distributed for free, but after the British company RBF Software made him an offer, the following ...
  6. [6]
    MED Music Editor V1.12 by Teijo Kinnunen - Demozoo
    MED Music Editor V1.12. by Teijo Kinnunen. Released 21 September 1989; Amiga OCS/ECS. PreviousNext. Info file. med.doc. Tags. tracker. Credits. Packed in: ...
  7. [7]
    Octamed - Amiga Software Index - Wikidot
    OctaMED is a popular sound tracker for the Commodore Amiga, written by Teijo Kinnunen. The first version, 1.12, was released in 1989 under the name MED.Missing: creator | Show results with:creator
  8. [8]
    OctaMED v6 & Sound Studio
    The current version of OctaMED, version 6, is without doubt the best tracker program seen on the Amiga to date.
  9. [9]
    OctaMED v2.0 : Kinnunen, Teijo Amiganuts United - Internet Archive
    Aug 5, 2016 · OctaMED v2.0 (1991)(Kinnunen, Teijo Amiganuts United) ... Search the history of over 946 billion web pages on the Internet ...
  10. [10]
    OctaMED Professional v3.00 (1992)(RBF Software)[CU Amiga]
    May 24, 2013 · Amiga Manual: OctaMED Professional v3.00 (1992)(RBF Software)[CU Amiga] ; Publication date: 1992 ; Topics: block, midi, click, octamed, song, ...
  11. [11]
    RBF Software - TextFiles
    RBF Software are the publishers of the OctaMED program. The company ... distributors called AmigaNuts United. He had to sell the Company in 1993 due ...
  12. [12]
    mus/edit/OctamedSS1.03c.lha - Aminet
    This is Octamed SoundStudio_1.03c as supplied on CU_Amiga coverdisk 152. This version is after December 1998 FREEWARE as stated in the program itself.Missing: Kinnunen | Show results with:Kinnunen
  13. [13]
    https://aminet.net/package/mus/edit/OctamedSS1.03c
  14. [14]
    0001384: OctaMED timing edge case bugs - OpenMPT Issue Tracker
    Oct 26, 2020 · OctaMEDPlayer and MED Soundstudio 2.1 play these tracks correctly but they convert these to regular BPM mode (nikolaus and techfunk from 8- ...
  15. [15]
    On the Plus side - Trevor's Blog - A-EON Technology
    Mar 14, 2024 · As most Amiga enthusiasts know, OctaMED is popular music tracker software originally developed for the Amiga by Teijo Kinnunen in 1989. It ...
  16. [16]
    Octamed SoundStudio V8 Announcement - Sonicstate
    Feb 5, 2024 · The latest version 8 is the present day continuation from the original author Teijo Kinnunen. This new version is developed by AmigaKit Ltd ...Missing: MED mixing motivation
  17. [17]
    Amiga 500 Paula Chip - Gearspace
    Jul 13, 2019 · "Although the hardware is limited to four separate sound channels, software such as OctaMED uses software mixing to allow eight or more virtual ...
  18. [18]
    OctaMED Soundstudio New Additions And What They Do - TextFiles
    Based on the mixing technique used in 5 to 8 channel mode, it can play ... Amiga audio chip (Paula), and they work with any Amiga. The 8-bit mode is ...
  19. [19]
    OctaMED and sound samples - Page 1 - Amiga.org
    Dec 21, 2005 · In OctaMed 4 there was a button on the sample editor that would ... 2) Use 16-bit 44kHz samples for percussion and any musical sound ...OctaMED Sound Studio Install Issues & Advice. - Page 7 - Amiga.orgWhat processor for OctaMED? - Page 1 - Amiga.orgMore results from forum.amiga.orgMissing: support 8- impulse reverb
  20. [20]
    https://forum.amiga.org/index.php?topic=19690.0
  21. [21]
    How to set up Octamed and MIDI - English Amiga Board
    Feb 25, 2022 · OctaMED is an old program and only supports in-built Amiga serial port. I don't think CAMD was ever supported although it was on the cards for ...Any Octamed/MIDI gurus? - English Amiga BoardHow to set up Octamed and MIDI - Page 2 - English Amiga BoardMore results from eab.abime.net
  22. [22]
    In OctaMED SoundStudio, we know it's possible to use stereo ...
    Sep 14, 2025 · In OctaMED SoundStudio, we know it's possible to use stereo panning. The question is how to use the stereo panning correctly, depending on how many channels ...Around 1995. My studio was an Amiga 1200 running octamed ...An example of how you can pick OctaMED SoundStudio v1.03c to ...More results from www.facebook.com
  23. [23]
    What processor for OctaMED? - Page 1 - Amiga.org
    May 11, 2003 · OctaMED soundstudio will let you 'record' your module directly to hard-disk in either an 8-bit or 16-bit AIFF file. This shouldn't pose any ...
  24. [24]
    [PDF] OctaMED V5 - Amigaportal.cz
    OctaMED is a music editor for composing music for games, demos, and animations. It creates 'songs' from linked 'blocks' and is a sample sequencer.Missing: PDF | Show results with:PDF
  25. [25]
    [PDF] OctaMED V4 Manual
    Only companies that hold a licence from R.Burt-Frost,(RBF. SOFTWARE), may copy sell or distribute the program itself. OctaMED-Pro is sold without warranty.
  26. [26]
    mus/edit/OctaScripts.lha - Aminet
    ARexx scripts for use with OctaMED. Tested with OctaMED Soundstudio v1.03c (ARexx v3), but might work with OctaMED v6 too.
  27. [27]
    Re: OctaMEDPlayer from A-EON Technology (WIP) [AmigaOS4]
    Quote: And really suprised to see CAMD Midi Library supported as well! AFAIK the CAMD library is not supported in OctaMED yet. The code still hits the serial ...
  28. [28]
    Expansion cards - Amiga Hardware Database
    16 bit stereo soundsampler · up to 44.1 kHz sampling rate · can play up to four samples simultaneously on an A1200, only one on an A500 · audio connections:.
  29. [29]
    Octamed on UAE - Font Folder? - Page 1 - Amiga.org
    Jan 1, 2011 · Re: Octamed on UAE - Font Folder? If you're using WinUAE to run OctaMED SoundStudio, try using the MaestroPro 16-bit sound emulation of ...Best Setup for Music ( octamed ) - Page 1Octamed in Winuae/Amikit - Page 1More results from forum.amiga.org
  30. [30]
    easiest to use program for creating mod files? - Page 1 - Amiga.org
    May 30, 2010 · OctaMED has its own file format but can import and export Protracker mods from it. OctaMED 6 and OctaMED SoundStudio 1.03c (the latter of ...
  31. [31]
    plugins for octamed - English Amiga Board
    Mar 25, 2011 · earache!: basically a frontend for some of octamed's effects. Echo: octamed's echo effect. NN = number of echoes, RR = echo rate, VV ...
  32. [32]
    Calvin Harris says that making music using just an Amiga 500+ and ...
    Aug 24, 2023 · Released in 2007, Harris's debut album, I Created Disco, was made using just the Amiga, OctaMED, a “little sampler”, one keyboard and his own ...
  33. [33]
    'It was the poor man's studio': how Amiga computers ... - The Guardian
    May 2, 2022 · The Amiga 500 defied its limitations to power a series of astonishing dance tracks, from early jungle to Calvin Harris.
  34. [34]
    Synth-Aesthesia: Trackers | Red Bull Music Academy Daily
    Nov 26, 2012 · OctaMED (now called MED SoundStudio) was famously used to produce rave hits like Urban Shakedown's “Some Justice” and DJ Zinc's “Super Sharp ...
  35. [35]
    Megadrive to Mega Hit: Why Video Games Are So Tied to Club Music
    Oct 29, 2018 · Venetian Snares started his career using OctaMED on the Amiga. Martin Iveson is best known as the deep house DJ, AtJazz, but started his music ...
  36. [36]
    https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2012/11/synth-aesthesia-trackers/
  37. [37]
    Amiga, Amigo and Flobama - Fracture's Substack
    Feb 20, 2025 · Paradox has been producing music on the Amiga and OctaMED since 1992, starting with DJ Trax as Mixrace. He still uses it—not out of ...Missing: dubstep | Show results with:dubstep
  38. [38]
    None
    ### Summary of OctaMED's Role in Tracker Evolution (Reunanen, 2024)