"The new Complex Stereo Sound Generator for Sound Effects and Music Synthesis Module KIT model SARA-001 is now available. Measures only 5.1 x 5.1cm (2" x 2") and work with a single +5VDC power supply. Main Features :
6 Frequency Generators (8 octaves per generator, 256 tones per octave)
2 Noise Generators (entirely programmable)
6 Noise/Frequency Mixers
12 Amplitude Controllers
2 Envelope Controllers"
Saratronics is based out of Switzerland and the kit goes for 35 euros shipped. You can read more about it on GetLoFi who has one and plans to build it soon.
How hard would it have been for them to add FM instead of just mixing of the ossilators, and thereby make this thing a viable sound engine vs. a fun noisemaker?
ReplyDeleteHmmmm. So someone takes a digitally controlled late '80s sound generator IC, puts it on a PCB with no microcontroller to simplify driving it, and sells it for $50US? Sounds like a deal to me. Folks who are considering this at all should be aware that he's hacked a shift register in front of the data bus of the SAA1099 which actually makes it more of a pain to drive from a microcontroller. I guess if you want to connect it to the parallel port of your PC the shift register facilitates the limited I/O pins of the PC.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you just want to simulate that crude '80s sound check out the emulators:
http://www.keprt.cz/sam/saa/
http://www.geocities.com/stripwax/saa/
-Cary