Demo of SN76477 Synth Chip

video upload by TronixSynth

"Just a quick sound demo of the Texas Instruments SN76477 from 1978.
Was the sound chip for the original Space Invaders arcade video game."

New product reveal: A physical control surface for MIDISID.

video upload by MIDI IN

"Nobody likes menu-diving, right? This is an add-on for MIDISID which gives you physical controls (analogue pots and sliders plus prophet-style buttons) for most of MIDISID's functionality.
This is an expensive thing to build, and I don't know how many to plan to make. Therefore, I'll be running a 'threshold pre-order campaign' over the next couple of weeks.

Pre-order campaign:
https://lectronz.com/seller/campaigns...

General MIDISID info:
https://peacockmedia.software/midisid

0:00 Intro
0:22 Nobody likes menu diving
1:32 Presentation
3:34 The tour
8:45 Conclusion"

Happiness is a warm chip | 8-bit Nintendo EP

video upload by Jay Hosking

Additional HapiNES posts

"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
Five chip tunes made with the limitations of the original NES.

00:00 - Stage 1
02:41 - Underworld
05:07 - Cutscene into battle
08:07 - Peace and war
09:55 - Overworld

I grew up on video game music, and it's probably a large part of why I love synthesizers today. What impresses me most about those old soundtracks is how much they can achieve with such a limited voice count and, to a lesser extent, sound palette. (I actually adore the sounds, so I don't see them as limiting.) The Nintendo Entertainment System had two mono synth square waves, one extremely chunky triangle wave mono for bass, and then a noise oscillator for percussion. There was also an extremely low-resolution sampler ("Blades of Steel!") but I chose not to reproduce that here.

For a while, I had been thinking about working within the limitations of the original NES. I could do that on any modern groovebox or synth, of course, but I wanted the limitations forced on me, and I wanted something that got me close to the original sound without a lot of work. Thanks to my Patreon community, I was able to pick up the Twisted Electrons hapiNES L, which emulates the old NES chip sounds, right down to the mono (not stereo!) out.

Once I had the sounds in place, I wanted a way to quickly write and structure songs. The Teenage Engineering OP-XY proved a good choice, because it's quick, has two octaves to play on, has a smart and creative transposition tool, and has an excellent song mode for structuring longer compositions. I also wanted to use some other sequencing tools, so I pulled out the Oxi One Mk2 for the final song. I didn't find it was quite as effective for the song-mode sequencing, but its new Chord Palettes mode led me in some extremely interesting musical directions.

I could have kept going, but five days seemed like a good haul of NES music for now, and proof to myself that I could do it again in the future. I know the music here might not be to everyone's tastes, but it satisfies the kid in me and makes me wish I had an 8-bit game to write a soundtrack for.

Thanks for listening.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

X1L3 - ALLEYKAT - DEV - MEOW ACTION - 8580 sid - revision 2 test demo

video upload by X1L3

"Revision 2 boards of Alleykat built, used for fault finding, and after some fixes and component tweaks, running fine.

Revision two told me all i need to make what i hope to be the third and final revision a flawless build. And in the in between days of night shifts, perpetual jet lag, asking myself what is the point of anything and sleeping, in the words of Picard, i shall make it so....."

Walkthrough : creating a chiptune track, rendered by dual SIDs

video upload by MIDI IN

"This week I've made this tune, which I'm very happy with. Rather than just post the music I thought I'd break it down and explain this particular technique for creating this kind of music using my DAW. The music is rendered using two modern replacement SIDs in my MIDISID."

DIY USB MIDI adaptor solves dropped note problems:
• DIY USB MIDI adaptor solves dropped note p... [posted here]

MIDISID:
https://peacockmedia.software/midisid

0:00 teaser
0:13 intro
1:07 using 'external MIDI' tracks
2:32 drums
3:42 bass
6:13 arpeggiation
6:38 embedding MIDI control messages
6:57 pad
7:52 the lead and pitch bend
9:32 the tune

midiphy zetaSID plays "Electric Jesus" by Intensity (C64 ASID)

video upload by midiphy

A masterpiece SID track made by Arman Behdad of Intensity in 2006.

This can also be played back on an original C64:
https://csdb.dk/release/?id=45023

Here, we're using quadchained midiphy zetaSIDs with hardware unison detune to slightly thicken the mix :). The MIDI ASID signal is provided by a midiphy nexusMIDI expander connected to an Elektron TM-1 MIDI Interface.

Visualization support by a tiny six inch Sony PVM 6041QM CRT.

Thanks for watching and listening!
Best regards,
Peter/Hawkeye
https://www.midiphy.com/"

X1L3 - ALLEYKAT - DEV - NINE LIVES - NO REGRETS - module test build - swinsid - eurorack module

video upload by X1L3

The ALLEYKAT gets a front panel.

"First and flawed test build of the Alleykat module.
Nine lives - no regrets......

Completed the next schematic revision today ready for submission to fab. In doing so i ended up spending an hour on this flawed test piece knocking this up for a bit of fun.

When you consider how good it sounds (in a c64 kind of way) in it's current state, it becomes quite obvious how cool it will be when the filter is online and all the parameters are active. The test boards had numerous errors on them which have rendered the ring/sync and octave hopping inactive. The filter cutoff and resonance were also mis-routed in the schematic which rendered the filter unusable.

Swinsid in circuit this time. Does a decent enough job, but i've yet to see how it performs in comparison to a real SID or a superior clone when the ring/sync and filter come into play. The only difference i hear using just the waveforms and pwm compared to the usual 8580 i use for testing is that the swinsid doesn't sound as bright.

With a bit of luck i've fixed everything that was wrong with the first attempt and the next revision will work properly."

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #151: SammichFM - Song 3

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the third recording with the SammichFM. It is a streamlined, compact version of the MIDIbox FM synthesizer DIY kit. Designed around the OPL3 chip YMF262 (4-Operators with 4 different waves), which was a famous sound chip from the 8 bit computer era (e.g. Sound Blaster 16 soundcard), it can play 4-sounds with 6-voice polyphony each.

I used for the recording the following FX pedals:
Red Panda Raster 2, Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe, GFI System Specular Reverb 2.

The signal went through a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 into the PC via USB for recording. To create the complete song I recorded consecutively several stereo tracks. On some tracks Compressor and EQ where added in Cubase 13. The final song was then mastered using iZotope Ozone.

Well, I decided to go back to the basics, but at the same time make something useful for the synth community and do a kind of competition (I like competitions;-). What's my best synth for ambient music :-)"

Super Mario Bros. Theme — Reimagined on Vintage Synths

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this 90-second performance, Anthony Marinelli recreates the legendary melody (originally composed by Koji Kondo) using his collection of rare vintage analog synthesizers in a one-of-a-kind orchestration. No computers, no plugins, just pure hardware (with a touch of bit-crushing) and hands-on performance.

Watch as layers of classic synths bring new life to one of the most recognizable themes in video game history, with quick cuts showcasing the instruments behind the sound.

🎹 100% vintage synths
🎮 Music only, no talking
⏱️ 1 minute 30 seconds of pure analog nostalgia
If you love retro games, classic sound design, or analog gear, this one’s for you!"\

🎛️ Think Like a Synth Learn the exact method I've used for decades on hit records & films
👉 https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/pro..."

midiphy zetaSID plays "Electric City" by Flex (Stereo ASID)

video upload by midiphy

"An outstanding stereo SID track made by Flex (Antti Hannula) of Artline Designs in 2020.

Played back using quadchained midiphy zetaSIDs with a slight amount of hardware unison detune to slightly thicken the mix :). The MIDI ASID signal is provided by a midiphy nexusMIDI expander connected to an Elektron TM-1 MIDI Interface in Turbo MIDI mode to provide the bandwidth required for dual channel ASID playback.

Visualization support by a tiny six inch Sony PVM 6041QM CRT.

Thanks for watching and listening!
Best regards,
Peter/Hawkeye
https://www.midiphy.com/"

Meet the Glitch Boy - 8-bit AV synthesizer

video upload by melt dream

"Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Meet Glitch Boy: a compact instrument that turns 8-bit games into live glitch visuals and doubles as a chiptune synthesizer.

Inspired by hacked consoles, Glitch Boy recreates those hardware corruptions and lets you control them precisely"

Some additional info via Martino, the creator of Glitch Boy, followed by the press release:

"Glitch Boy is an hardware instrument that turns NES-compatible ROMs into glitch video synthesis material and also doubles as a 4 voice chiptune synth.

Basically a hacked retro console, both desktop standalone and for a Eurorack system.

It has hands-on controls for real-time glitching, MIDI, audio reactivity, composite video out, CV input, and both standalone and a few more fun things.

It's a project I have been developing since last year for my brand Melted Electronics, under which I have released glitch devices for 5+ years."

We’re launching it on Kickstarter on April 14th."

Press release:

"Glitch Boy by Melted Electronics

Glitch Boy is an audiovisual instrument for glitch artists, musicians, and experimental image makers.Inspired by hacked retro consoles, It loads NES- compatible ROMs from microSD and lets users manipulatetheir graphics and sound in real time using onboard controls, MIDI, audio input, or CV.

It also functions as a 4-voice chiptune synthesizer, and is available in both standalone and Eurorack versions.

Quick facts
Loads NES-compatible ROMs from microSD

Real-time glitch control via knobs and buttons

MIDI input for automation and controller mapping

4-voice chiptune synth engine playable via MIDI

Audio-reactive glitching via line input

2x CV inputs for Eurorack / modular integration

NTSC and PAL composite video output

Open and hackable firmware

Available in standalone and Eurorack versions

Launch details
Launches on Kickstarter: April 14, 2026
Early Bird price: €150
Standard price: €170
Estimated shipping: Early Bird June 2026, general July 2026

Kickstarter

https://meltedelectronics.com

Using the New Public Domain SIDs in MIDISID

video upload by MIDI IN

"This is the new Public Domain SID or PDSID by Matthias. I hope to be able to make and supply these with MIDISID. In the mean time, they're available direct from him and can easily be fitted.

Public Domain SID at uni64.com:
https://uni64.com/shop/index.php?syst...

MIDISID:
https://peacockmedia.software/midisid/"

the weird world of bytebeat synthesis

video upload by Stephen McLeod

0:00 Intro
1:10 What is bytebeat?
3:24 Synth overview
4:57 How does it sound?
6:06 The Visualiser
7:07 A special mention...
7:38 Who is it for?
8:54 My Thoughts

X1L3 - ALLEYKAT - DEV - GOATED - 8580sid - all parameters brought to the front

video upload by X1L3

"Quick control voltage+gate read / register write test before moving on. And a quick look at the module front panel...

Apart from ring/sync on voice A, which i have no room for on the module design, all parameters of the 3 voices of the chip are now broken out to the user interface.

Voice A juggles the tune and drum work. Voice B is hard synced to voice 1 for the gnarly 'pro1' sound. Noise is strobed over pwm on voice 1 for the 'snare' hits.

ALL SYSTEMS GO - As 80s Williams arcade games would have said 🔥🔥🔥

There are likely a few minor bugs in the code that i'll spot as the module comes to life. But all that remains to be coded is the hooking up of some shift registers to get control of the 28 leds.

Given that this is technically a single voice demo. I'm fairly confident this machine will be capable of sounding quite authentic to the Commodore 64 and the world that moved on when it's complete and has some nice compositions made for it 🙂

GOATED ! ! !

⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⣋⣉⣁⣀⣀⣀⡉⠙⠻⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿ ⣿ ⣿
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⡀⠀⠹⣯⠻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣀⣀⣹⣆⣙⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿ ⣿
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠛⠛⠛⠛⠿⣯⠉⠉⠉⠉⠉⠉⢿⡿⠿⠿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⣄⡀⠀⢹⡆⢀⣄⡀⠀⠀⠈⣷⣀⣤⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿ ⣿
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠿⠛⠋⠁⠈⠛⠶⠟⠁⠈⠙⠃⠀⠀⠀⠘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣿⣿⠉⠉⠉⠉⠉⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣿⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠤⣄⡘⠧⢈⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⣿⣿⠶⣤⣀⠈⠙⠳⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿ ⣿
⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⠟⣧⣿⣿⡆⠀⠉⠉⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⣿⡅⠀⣿⣿⣿⣧⠀⠀⢠⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣄⢠⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿
⣿⣤⣤⣤⣤⣤⣤⣤⣤⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿"

X1L3 - ALLEYKAT - DEV - GOATED - 8580sid - oscilloscope view

video upload by X1L3

Anubis - Amiga version

video upload by MIDI IN

"The music here was captured directly from the back of the Amiga. For the video, I had trouble with capturing the monitor output and composite looked terrible, so I pointed a camera at the little telly and it seems fine.

The .mod file (actually .med) should play on a variety of players but your mileage may vary. It'll sound best using Octamed Player. It sounds good to me in Hippo, but not so good in Eagle (distorted, for reasons I don't understand). It also plays on modern computers in players such as VLC, but it does seem that that's not respecting the proper volume attenuations that I've set for each instrument.
https://peacockmedia.software/misc/An...

0:00 intro
0:52 why?!
2:36 the track"

January 4th 2026 - Mushroom Municipality ft.Sky Barstow

video upload by Captain Credible

"With Sky Barstow on the NES we went beyond the bonus stage and possibly too far into the gain stage in this bleating mess of roms and and thick muddy bass. #Nintendoentertainmentsystem #rolandp6 #op1 #depushengmixer"

First try at making music for FM synthesis

video upload by MIDI IN

"I'm very happy that Ed Brindley has made this FM sound module for the RC2014 and similar computers. This is the technology used in early PC soundcards and synthesisers like the DX1000. This is my first go at tracking music for this sound card. I used Furnace Tracker, exported to .vgm and ran Ed's music player to play it. You're hearing the capture from the new sound card.

Relevant links:

My track:
https://peacockmedia.software/misc/fi...

Ed's project:
https://maidavale.org/projects/rcbus-...
https://github.com/electrified/rcbus-...

Collection of OPL3 instruments:
https://magmainia.newgrounds.com/news...

0:00 talky bit
1:07 explanation of techniques used
2:16 the music"

Stylophones - Multitracking - But Far from Smoothly!

video upload by Manitou Productions

"#stylophone #electronicorgan #vintagekeys #vintagesynth #multitrackrecording
We start by cleaning the two vintage Stylophones, then move onto some multitrack recording using all three from my collection: not without a few frustrations and technical issues!

Chapters:
0:00 Whoopsie!
0:07 Titles
0:15 Cleaning the keys & stylus
4:03 Let’s get recording!
5:15 Melodies with the ’68 version
8:20 Rhythms with the Hong Kong version
10:29 Revelations of the 2007 reissue
11:23 Overdubs with the 2007 reissue
15:45 The ’68 version through line out
16:29 Ground hum percussion with the Hong Kong version
17:36 Outro
17:57 The result (sans reverb)
19:01 Ivy’s Corner"

Synth Speak & Math Circuit Bent Chiptune Cosmic BLOOPER 8BIT MIDI MUSIC NINTENDO

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

"Heavy Circuit Bent Speak and Math from Cosmic BLOOPER and a MIDI NINTENDO Chip Maestro cart from Boy 8 bit. No battery cover for the Speak and Math."

You can find demos of a circuit bent Speak & Math in previous posts here, and a demo of the MIDI NINTENDO Chip Maestro here.

CLICK FOR MORE »

X1L3 - STARSTRIKE - mission complete - chip tune - YM2149f - eurorack module

video upload by X1L3

"Starstrike module running a YM2149f with final release front panel fitted.

** MISSION COMPLETE **

The sound of victory from before the world moved on.........

3 CV inputs to the 3 voice pitches, Voice 1 CV multipled to modulator rate and one gate to the noise gen on voice 3. No cheating and trying to sound like a SID with filter support, and no VCA support so no volume control either. The skill level was set to hardcore - making it sound nice while it's acting as not much more than a 3 voice drone machine 💀😅

Modulator permanently active on voice 1 for gnarly grit pitch tracking and the ringmod near the end.

YOU HAVE ENTERED THE HALLS OF THE ALL TIME GREATEST !

PLEASE ENTER YOUR NAME !

1: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2: X1L3
3: ZXAV3N
4: 1337
5: ALLEYKAT
6: IRIDIS ALPHA
6: ROBOTRON
7: ANOTHER VISITOR
8: PASTFINDER
9: MONTY ON THE RUN
10: KORONIS RIFT"