[schwartzworld]

I would recommend trying sunvox if you want to dip into trackers. It is free on desktop and cheap on mobile and runs on most platforms. In fact, I have a 2012 iPad that runs it fine.

Trackers are just a different way of entering midi data and automation, literally typing in the values you want. They offer an unreal level of granular control, but at the expense of being able to visualize your melodies on a horizontal timeline.

Modern trackers are basically complete DAWs and sunvox is no exception. It contains a modular synthesis system that is amazing for sound design and creating your own reusable instruments and effect modules. I find myself writing less repetitive parts with a tracker, closer to what I would write if I was composing with staff paper.