PeacockMedia MIDISID jam with Drumstep Pro

video upload by Dj Puzzle

"Something new on the Table of Boom. Here we have an Arturia Drumstep Pro sequencing the Sinmons SDS9 and the MIDISID. It’s also sending sync to the 1010music Razzmatazz. The Replicator is a cassette tape echo device. Interesting fact, the MIDISID uses two SID chip clones to generate synth sounds you would find made by a Commodore 64. MIDISID uses two modern SID recreations (Nano SwinSIDs). The reveb on the MIDISID is coming from that cheap Harbinger mixer I got a couple months ago. I think it sounds nice for the price."

Creepin' around

video upload by MIDI IN

"A creepy tune for a dark and cold January Sunday evening.

As you can see, I've worked within 6 channels with MIDISID as an external instrument so that all of the audio can be captured from the back of MIDISID in one take.

I sat down last night with no ideas but after a little messing around we were almost at this stage. A little more tweaking today."

MIDISID 6 oscillator 4 waveform Synthesizer

video uploads by MIDI IN

Echoes on Stone Walls, rendered on dual SIDS
Developing MIDISID

via PeacockMedia

"This is a 6-oscillator synthesiser with a choice of 4 waveforms per voice, ADSR, filtering and modulations such as PWM and vibrato. It also has some advanced features like ring modulation and waveform sync.

The SID (;Sound Interface Device;) was designed for the 1982 Commodore 64 home computer. It has many features and a distinctive sound. MIDISID uses two modern SID recreations (Nano SwinSIDs). MIDISID has three modes allowing you to play .mid files or plug in a MIDI controller such as a keyboard. You can choose from preset sounds or dive into the parameters, create and store your own sounds.

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #128: SammichSID - Song 1

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the first song with the SammichSID. It was designed to be a streamlined, compact version of the MIDIbox SID synthesizer DIY kit. Designed around two SID chips, it is two-voice multitimbral with a total of six oscillators.

I used for the recording the following FX chain:
SammichSID - Zoom MS-70CDR - Pigtronix Echolution 2 Deluxe - GFI System Specular Reverb 2. Depending on the recorded track some FX are deactivated

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. The final song was then mastered with a bit EQ and compression on some tracks and some limiting on the master track."

Sammich SID Sound Demo (no talking) with Empress Reverb and Erica Synths Zen Delay

video upload by Limbic Bits

Midibox Sammich SID

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

via this auction

"Functions perfectly. Some tiny blemishes.

Just a warning, this is equipped with vintage chips which may eventually partially or completely fail. Modern replacements are available.

Includes power supply and 1/4" stereo to 2x 1/4" mono adapter so it can be plugged into a stereo mixer.

Midibox Sammich SID C64 Commodore 64 Synthesizer 8580 R5 chips."

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MB-6582 midibox sid and the armalyte nostalgia

X1L3

"Quick demo of an MB-6582 wrapped up in a Thalamus nostalgia shabby scroller, for anyone considering building one. They can do lots of conventional and nice synth stuff, but the way they can pull off being a supercharged commodore 64 is where the magic is for me. A throw back to the days of pissing my parents off by turning the tv up full blast to listen to Hubbard and Galway tracks. Such a cool machine :)"

Elektron Sidstation Ninja Edition Rare - Only 50 made

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via this auction

"Amazing limited edition synth.

The Sidstation is the guts of a Commodore 64 with an analog filter and custom software to bring out the power of the original, NOS chipset. Three syncable oscillators produce 8bit waveforms, with wavetables, ring modulation etc. Can make classic video game tones, but can do much more - has a much more raw and powerful sound than a standard analog synth."

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Mode Machines SiD Chiptune Groovebox Synth + additional C64 SiD 8850 r5 chip

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

via this auction

"In good working order with minor issue.

A brilliant synth module with swinsid sound chip fitted. I’ll throw in a sid 8580 r5 chip (untested but was purchased by myself in good faith as working), instructions on swapping the chip are on the Mode Machines site. Swinsid chips are highly regarded and were originally fitted to these for a) better availability b) slightly reduced background noise.

It has a synth track and a drum track which can run simultaneously or you can connect an external sequencer or midi keyboard to get 3 note polyphony from the synth engine.

The issue; step sequencer led 1 does not work (this could be as straight forward as replacing the led), this does not affect the operation of the synth.

This groovebox has been factory hand built and does have the feel of a x0xb0x and not your top of the line Moog, but again, it functions as intended."

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The Commodore Music Maker Deluxe Improvised Jam

Published on Dec 26, 2019 MrCaliforniaD

"First off, sorry for the occasional clipping of the sound console.

This is my friend Jay-Boi playing with the Music Maker Deluxe in a very basic but effective musical setup.

The Commodore controller is connected directly on the keyboard matrix of a Commodore 64c (SID 8580). The sound used is a 3 voice sawtooth waveform with adjustable LFO amount and filter amount using the 2 potentiometers on the side.

The audio out of the C64c is going inside a DIY MS-20 like filter box that receives it's modulation from the a Korg MS-20. The output of the filter box goes to a first track. The Korg MS-20 is connected to a second track.

If you want to know more about this Commodore 64 with piano keys, you can watch these two videos:" [posted here]

Speak&SID - CPC MIDI IN SID + AY Synth

Published on Dec 4, 2019 Michael Wessel

"Turn your CPC into a powerful MIDI IN SID + AY Synthesizer!

A new mode has been added to the Speak&SID firmware - the MIDISID mode.

In this mode, Speak&SID can receive MIDI messages over its UART header to which a 10 $ MIDI breakout board is connected via Dupont cables. The Microkorg is used solely as a MIDI controller here (no sounds from the Microkorg). The incoming MIDI messages are then received by the CPC by reading the Speak&SID serial buffer byte by byte, and analyzed and translated into (polyphonous) notes for the internal CPC AY 3-8912 soundchip. At the same time, these notes are also sent to the (ARM)SID chip on the Speak&SID card, which is then also playing the received notes (currently only 1 voice - but for the AY we are using all 3 voices). With a little bit of additional work on the CPC machine code program, all of the SID's capabilities will be controlled via MIDI and/or the CPC keyboard keys in the near future, hence turning a CPC with Speak&SID into a powerful and inexpensive, versatile SID + AY 3-8912 MIDI IN realtime synthesizer. It is even possible to add one more soundgenerator to the mix - the SpeakJet chip is also a 4channel sound synthesizer! Interestingly, as you can hear, the SID and AY sound chip are slightly detuned from each other. Not sure why this is... maybe I need to tune the SID or AY frequencies a bit? Or maybe that's an ARMSID inaccurarcy? Have to try with my real 6581."

Speak&SID CPC - 2nd Demo, Line Out Recording + LEDs!

Published on Nov 9, 2019 Michael Wessel

"This time, a line out recording of Speak&SID CPC. Last video was taken from the camera's mic. Speak&SID's GPIO LEDs are controlled by the CPC, not the firmware. The 4 LEDs, from left to right, are the GATE bits of the corresponding SID cannels, and the 4th LED indicates changes in filter resonance. As the LEDs are controlled by the CPC / SID Player software, it is also possible to turn this LED display into a volume level indicator display, or other kinds of "lightshows". It is easy to patch the ASM for that (all the SID registers are modeled in software there).

In the meantime, the 2nd PCB revision boards arrived. So I should be able to ship out the first Speak&SID cards early December."

Amstrad CPC Speak&SID - First Demo of SID Player

Published on Nov 2, 2019 Michael Wessel

"First demo of Speak&SID with the DaDMaN's version of Simon Owen's SID Player. Thanks to DaDMaN from the CPC Wiki Forum for sharing his branch of this player with me, which he had already customized for the CPC! Indeed, it was very little effort to get it running with Speak&SID. I only needed to change the output port and a couple other bits. And worked out of the box, to my surprise! And now - enjoy RoboCup and Commando on the authentic SID 6581.

In case you should be wondering why the sound volume goes low and sounds tinny for a couple of seconds at some point in the video - Speak&SID also feeds into the CPC's internal audio speaker, so at that point I am turning off the amp and let the CPC speaker roar for a bit."

Some additional info in via Mechael Wessel:

"I am cooking up a SID soundcard for the Amstrad CPC

Maybe of some interest to SID / CPC lovers?

'CPC Speak&SID' is a SpeakJet-based speech synthesizer for the CPC, and a SID sound card! It works with the original SID chips, but SwinSID and ARMSID are also valid options. The video shows the original 6581 in action.

The sources for CPC Speak&SID will be made open source soon. The production costs for the card are in the 50 $ range (without the SID chip of course - builders have to source one themselves) Speak&SSID uses the SpeakChip chip for the speech synthesizer, an ATMega 8535 at 16 MHz as the microcontroller, and a Xilinx 9536 CPLD. The SID chip is connected directly to the CPC address and databus though; the CPLD generates the 1 MHz clock signal from the CPC's 4 MHz clock, as well as the other control signals such as R/~W etc.

Unlike the Commodore, the CPC uses IO ports instead of memory mapped registers for hardware interfacing. Hence, the 29 SID chip registers starting at address &d400 to &d41c in the C64 memory are mapped to the CPC's Z80 IO ports &fac0 - &fadc. C64 SID BASIC programs can be ported easily to Speak&SID, simply by replacing the POKE's (PEEK) with OUT (INP) commands, and by adjusting the SID base address.

For the SID Player shown in the video, I am using a version that was already customized by DaDMaN from the CPC Wiki Forum, and it is based on Simon Owen's SID Player for the Z80."

TEST SERIES ALM Busy Circuits ALM012: Sid Guts Deluxe Eurorack SID Chip Sound Design

Published on Sep 5, 2019 Outsider Sound Design

"Trying out the ALM Sid Guts Deluxe.

The purpose of 'TEST SERIES' is to focus on the sound design possibilities of various gear combinations. This series is not musical nor does it serve as an instructional video. It is all about sound potential.
Please consider supporting this channel by purchasing a sample pack or music download from www.outsidersounddesign.com"

Elektron Sidstation Ninja

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

via this auction

"If you're clicking you know how rare and desirable these synths are - the all-black Ninja edition of the Sidstation was the most limited production run. They go for a lot - there's currently another "Ninja" on Reverb for $1,886 (+ $125 shipping), so mine is priced to move at $400 less. Only 50 were ever made - unlikely never see another one of these for anything close to this price! Has blue LEDs and looks / sounds awesome.

The Sidstation is the guts of a Commodore 64 with an analog filter and custom software to bring out the power of the original, NOS chipset. Three syncable oscillators produce 8bit waveforms, with wavetables, ring modulation etc. Can make classic video game tones, but can do much more - has a much more raw and powerful sound than a standard analog synth.

Excellent condition sonically and cosmetically. Comes with original power supply, and you can download the manual from Elektron - who went on to make the MachineDrum, Analog Four, Digitakt etc., so they are still going strong."

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Twisted Electrons therapKid SID Synth - C64 Chip Tunes

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

via this auction

"All the sounds of the c64 in one little box."

Not this is the therapKid and not therapSid. You can find an overview and details on the therapKid here.

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Mode Machines ALKEX SID SN 3308204-215

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

via this auction

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Commodore 64 and Pro Tools sync'ed (DM Enjoy the Silence)

Published on Jul 2, 2019 DX5

"Just testing how a Commodore 64 and Pro Tools suit sync'ed together.
C64 DCO's are three, sharing one filter. I made a backtrack with three tracks: 1: bassline, 2:extra "drums" and 3: initial sequence and "guitar". C64 runs as slave, with Pro Tools as master. They sync for start/stop, as well as for MIDI CLOCK.


Gear used:
Commodore 64 Aldi version (a bit yellowish!). SID 8580
Emu Emax II
Roland Promars MRS-2
Roland JP8000.

Backtrack originally recorded in Pro Tools (with many more instruments)"

Midibox MB6582 Maxed Out w/ Eight SID 8580's

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

via this auction

"Midibox MB6582 Maxed Out eight SID 8580's C64 MIDI Synthesizer Rare!. Condition is Used.It's maxed out with eight 8580R5 SIDs. Beautiful blue panel from Julian (which has some scuffs) and white LED's though not too bright. A nice illuminated fan on the back with the "overdrive" pots. Loaded with latest firmware. Has the clear custom plexi window to protect the LCD display. Includes original C64 power supply. The encoders do tend to "bounce" but from my understanding it's normal, and totally manageable if you don't twist too quickly. Like I said, there are some blemishes, priced accordingly." $700 at the time of this post.

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Sammich SID with 2 x SwinSID Installed

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on May 19, 2018 Q J

via this auction

"Sammich SID music sythesizer with 2 SwinSID chips installed. The chips has a jumper to select between MOS 6581 or Mos 8580.

I don't use arcrylic case anymore. They are soft and fragile, lots of scraches/marks overtime. That's why I am using a new design aluminum case. I've also added a fan next to the regulators. As you know the regulators generate lots of heat and the SID chip is right next to it and they are working at a very high temperature. The heat will damage the SID overtime and causing a broken filter, so a fan next to it will help releasing the heat from the regulator. The rack mount ears is optional. CNC pre-cut all sockets at the bottom of the case, you can remove them easily and plug all midi and audio sockets to the back. Add the rack mount ears and turn the unit to a rack mount unit. Optional rack mount ears will be extra $20 including all midi & ausio sockets for installation. I only have 10 sets of rack mount ears at the moment and they only comes in black."

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Upcoming DIY midiphy LoopA MIDI Sequencer - Hawkeye - Microwaved (Waldorf Microwave 1, SID 8580 and friends)

Published on Apr 28, 2018 Hawkeye

"Hi, it has been a while...

This song sat on the sequencer for far too long - there were too many different melody lines going on and it was really difficult to bring it together - while i am not 100% convinced, it is the best possible effort with the midi clips i came up with, i hope you still like it - it had to be finished at some point, otherwise it would have occupied the sequencer for another few months :)

It was live sequenced on the midiphy LoopA - this small 'inspirational MIDI sequencer' will be available as an affordable DIY kit soon.

Other hardware used:
Dreamy string: Waldorf Microwave 1
Simple Lead: SID 8580 in MBSID/MB6582 synthesizer
Arpeggiated synth: Alesis Andromeda
Bass: MFB Dominion I
Second Lead: Roland V-Synth
Drums: Elektron Machinedrum
Audiograbber: Tascam DR-100
FX: Strymon Timeline and BigSky

Recorded directly from the hardware, only audio-compressed in post-production, but no DAW was abused during recording :).

Many greets to all DIY folks out there, you know who you are, thanks for your support and time!

I might be uploading a few DIY videos (e.g. how to build the LoopA sequencer used in this song) in the next time, if you are here only for songs, please don't go away, there will be more, later on :).

Thanks for watching and listening,
Hawkeye / Maelstroem Records"