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In the context of Furnace, a sound sample (usually just referred to as a sample) stores a sound. In Furnace, these samples can be generated by importing a sample file in any supported format. You may use up to 32,768 samples in a module.

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Supported Chips

The following sound chips have sample support:
  • NES/Ricoh 2A03 (with DPCM support and only on channel 5)
  • Sega Genesis/YM2612 (channel 6 only)
  • PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16
  • Amiga
  • SNES
  • WonderSwan (channel 2 only)
  • Game Boy Advance
  • Atari Lynx
  • Virtual Boy (software!)
  • MMC5 (last channel only)
  • YM2608 (ADPCM channel only)
  • YM2610(B) (ADPCM channels only)
  • Y8950 (last channel only)
  • YMZ280B/Yamaha PCMD8
  • SegaPCM
  • QSound
  • MSM6258
  • MSM6295
  • RF5C68
  • Konami K007232
  • Konami K053260
  • Irem GA20
  • Ensoniq OTTO/ES5506
  • Namco C140
  • Namco C219
  • MultiPCM
  • Seta/Allumer X1-010
  • Sound Unit
  • VERA (last channel only)
  • Watara Supervision
  • ZX Spectrum 48K (1-bit overlay)
  • VRC6 (software!)
  • AY-3-8910 (software!)
  • AY8930 (software!)

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Quick Start: Using Samples

The simplest path to using a sample is:
1

Load the sample

In the sample list, use the Open button (folder icon) to load the sample.
2

Open sample editor

Double-click the sample in the list to open it in the sample editor.
3

Create instrument

Click the Create instrument from sample button (upload icon, to the left of “Zoom”).
4

Use in track

Use the created instrument in the track just like any other instrument.

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Chip Limitations

Due to limitations in some of those sound chips, some restrictions exist:
  • Maximum frequency: 31,469Hz
  • Anything over 28,867Hz will sound glitchy on hardware
  • Sample lengths and loop will be set to an even number
  • Maximum sample length: 131,070
  • Only a limited selection of frequencies is available
  • Sample data is stored as 1-bit delta-encoded
  • Maximum sample length: 65,535
  • Maximum frequency: 31.25KHz
  • Maximum sample length: 65,535
  • Loop length shall not be greater than 32,767
  • No looping supported
  • Samples play at around 18.518KHz
  • No loop position supported (only entire sample)
  • Maximum frequency: 55.555KHz
  • No arbitrary frequency
  • Limited frequency selection
  • Maximum sample length: 2,048
  • Always plays at ~55KHz
  • Frequency resolution is terrible in the lower end
  • Maximum sample length: 131,072
  • Sample lengths and loop will be set to an even number
  • Maximum sample length: 131,070
Many of these chips have a limited amount of sample memory. Check memory usage in the Memory Composition window (Window > Debug > Memory Composition).

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Sample Formats

Furnace can import samples in various formats:
  • WAV - Uncompressed PCM audio
  • AIFF - Audio Interchange File Format
  • 8-bit/16-bit PCM - Raw PCM data
  • DPCM - Delta PCM (for NES)
  • BRR - Bit Rate Reduction (for SNES)
  • VOX - Dialogic ADPCM
  • And more…

Sample Editor

Learn how to edit and process samples in the sample editor

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Best Practices

Sample Rate

Match your sample rate to your target chip’s capabilities. Higher rates use more memory.

Loop Points

Set loop points carefully for sustained sounds. Make sure they loop smoothly to avoid clicks.

Memory Management

Keep an eye on sample memory usage. Remove unused samples to free up space.

Bit Depth

Use 8-bit samples when possible for chips that support them - they use half the memory of 16-bit.

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