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Jeskola Buzz, sometimes called Buzzmachines, Buzz Tracker, or just Buzz, is an interesting build on the tracker concept, utilizing real-time synthesis and effects along with the standard tracker functionality.
It supports the use of samples (I've only tried using .WAVs, though), but samples aren't required to create music using Buzz, unlike conventional trackers.
In addition to being able to sequence and playback samples as a traditional tracker would, Buzz also uses "real-time synthesis" for creating sounds using built-in sound generators, called machines.
These generators can be connected together with "real-time effects" to form audio signal processing chains (also called digital signal processing or DSP), much like you would get in a music production studio with interconnecting various pieces of hardware.
When combined with the tracking interface and sample sequencing, you have the ability to produce a wider range of sounds and effects than standard trackers could.
Buzz can also be used for producing purely synthesized sounds, eliminating the use of samples if you so desire.
Conversely, you can use only samples for your instruments and use Buzz's voluminous library of real-time effects for more professional sounding results.
These effects include things like Delay, Filter, Chorus/Flange, Reverb, Pitchshift, Phaser, Equalizer(EQ), Dynamic Compression/Expansion, Resampling, Distortion (clipping, saturation, overdrive, tube distortion, etc.), and many more.
Buzz's file extensions reflect whether or not a particular song uses samples; .BMX indicates the song uses samples, while .BMW means it does not.
One of Buzz's major disadvantages is the fact that it relies almost entirely on modular synthesis, meaning that although you have all the pieces needed to build an infinite number of synthesizers within your own computer, you are the one who has to assemble these instruments.
Many of the various generators come with presets for their own functions, such as oscillator type, pulse-width modulation, detune, amplitude and filter ADSR envelopes, etc., but not all of them do, and the real power of Buzz comes from building the right machine chains.
This "start from scratch" approach can make getting the right sound rather time-consuming, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the terminology, the techniques, and the individual machines themselves.
Another hurdle for Buzz users is its instability.
The original developer's source code was lost, making further development somewhat patchy and sporatic.
Development still continues, and there are a number of tweaks, fixes, and hacks available on Buzz's home page.
The overwhelming number of faithful users has ensured solutions to most problems new users might find discouraging.
Ultimately, Buzz is one of the most powerful music creation programs available, especially in the freeware market, despite being one of the hardest to learn, much less master.
I highly recommend building a strong background in sound synthesis and DSP before committing yourself to this power tool. And save often once you do.
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