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The Hardsid4u is a hardware device for Windows PC's that allows you to control four C64 SID chips either as a VSTi controled synthesizer or as a real sound device in your favorite C64 emulator. It offers four times the power of a sidstation at nearly a quarter the price! The following details are from from Hardsid.com
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Two CPUs and main memory
USB connection (compatible with both 2.0 & 1.1)
Isochronous USB endpoint for low-latency audio
VSTi interface with 8000Hz update rate on all SID registers (free)
Wave-in VSTi pin for routing 8000Hz signals to any registers (example: playing other VSTi's sound on the volume register)
Full automation of all VSTi parameters
Superior sound quality (..it is a HardSID!)
Support for up to four SID chips (6581/8580/6582 in any combination)
Updateable firmware over USB
Microsoft Vista compatible (drivers for Win2000/XP/Vista)
Cycle-accurate playback of your favorite SID tunes
Digitized sound + high-speed playback with low CPU utilization
Seamless playback of .sid tunes while you work on your PC by providing a huge playback buffer for non-VSTi applications
Supported by the HardSID 4U Winamp Plugin! (seeking, sub-tune handling, IR remote controlling)
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This particular unit I have installed 4 chips, that include 3 8580 and 1 6581 chip. As you can see by the pictures, these are easily user swappable and you can put your own chips in there. Sids vary wildly from revision to revision and even from chip to chip so you may want to swap some of these out for your own chips if you have a supply. The only chip that is questionable is chip 3, it runs oddly on some sids and the filter seems less usable than the other chips. The hardsid itself works fine as using a different chip in that socket shows no problems. I have recorded an audio demo of the chips below"
YouTube Published on Jun 14, 2012 by markusgritsch
"Hi,
when using HybridSID in stand-alone mode, the TinySID library is used to emulate the C64 CPU and drive the real SID chip. The problem is, this library can only handle tunes in PSID format. Since HVSC #50, digi-tunes have been converted to the newer RSID format, and some new tunes are also released in RSID format, without any PSID version at all.
After adding the alternative 'Network SID Device' firmware, it is possible to play those tunes while having the HybridSID device being connected to the PC by using 'ACID 64'.
Wilfred Bos, the author of ACID 64, tipped me to his ACID 64 DLL library, which can be used to load SID tunes and obtain the SID register values together with the appropriate time stamps of the SID register writes. So I wrote a Python script to convert all my RSID tunes to some custom dump format and added support to the regular HybridSID firmware so that it can stream those .dmp files to the SID, cycle exact, and without being connected to a PC.
A collection of classic and reimagined chip sounds inspired by hardware classics like the SID Station, Commodore 64, Game Boy and more, 8-Bit Synth opens the gates to brand new sonic adventures with the genuine sounds of these classic machines!
A fantastic instrument for crafting chip tunes and beyond, 8-Bit Synth digs deep into the capabilities of the hardware and delivers a surprisingly sweet range of sounds covering everything from classic video game favorites to modern genre-style patches. Don't let the arcade-inspired exterior fool you, while definitely packed with fun 8-Bit Synth is a serious and versatile instrument covering a broad sonic palette."
"The Chip Maestro is a finished product up on Kickstarter, and it's seeking backers! The Chip Maestro is a special NES cartridge that turns the NES into a synthesizer. You can play it using a MIDI keyboard or a USB to MIDI converter. By directly manipulating the NES CPU's sound circuitry, all sounds played through this cartridge are authentic NES tones! This is as realistic to the 8-bit era as you can get with live sound. Previous trackers have been able to play music, but all of them required pre-composition. This cartridge lets you do improvs and solos during live shows, or fiddle around with new tunes. I hope to get it into every chiptune artist's hands soon. Thanks for your support!"
Update via Jarek: "The advantage of the Chip Maestro over the MIDInes is its availability and price.
The Chip Maestro will support parameter changes to all sound channels of the NES. If you pledge at any level, you will get first look at the technical documents, and be able to propose changes/improvements that you would like, such as which parameter changes are important, and how they would be best implemented."
1. The Amiga Demoscene Mixtape Vol. 1 - mixed by DJ Arvy (The Old-School Classics Edition)
"A non-stop DJ Continous Mix featuring some of the greatest and most popular Soundtracks from the early 90s Old School Amiga Demos.
Playlist:
0:05 "Deep Space" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
0:45 "Stardust Memories" by Jester (from "World of Commodore" by Sanity, 1992)
4:15 "Part6" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
6:35 "Hyperbased" by Firefox & Tip (from "Enigma" by Phenomena, 1991)
11:19 "Checknobankh" by Laxity (from "Desert Dream" by Kefrens, 1993)
14:25 "Elysium" by Jester (from "Elysium" by Sanity, 1991)
17:50 "Vite and Plack" by Virgill (from "Interference" by Sanity, 1993)
21:41 "Part3" by Greg (from "Odyssey" by Alcatraz, 1992)
23:21 "Overload" by Firefox & Tip (from "Voyage" by Razor 1911, 1991)
29:30 "Nagual Dance" by Jugi (from "Paradigma" by Complex, 1993)
33:35 "Demomodul#3" by Laxity (from "Desert Dream" by Kefrens, 1993)
37:55 "Cyberride" by Jester (from "Extension" by Pygmy Projects, 1993)
42:16 "A nice Day for a Walk" by Julius / Mad Freak (from "3D Demo II" by Anarchy, 1992)
"The ultimate real SID synthesizer. Can hold up to 4 real SID chips. Mine comes with 3 so one slot free for your choice of SID chip (6581/8580/6582). You can buy SID chips from the HardSID site for 15 EUR, probably less from eBay. Each SID can be played by its own VST front end, alowing full intergration and crazy realtime control from with your DAW (Ableton Live, Cubase etc).
Better than a Elektron SID Station for various reasons:
Full DAW intergration with VSTi control
Up to 4 real SIDs
8000Hz update rate on all SID registers (especially for the chip tunes hardcore!)
This actual HardSID was featured in our Sound on Sound Mix Rescue article where you can also hear full audio for the track plus just the HardSID tracks (Bass and Synth Riff)"
"We're starting to release free sample packs. First offering has sounds from a legendary source: The SID chip!"
"The Mode Machines SID is a next-level up from any chip-tunes instrument out there, but it’s too rare for everyone to have one. We thought we’d share some of the lovely low-res sounds we got out of one in a recent session."
The sample pack is based on The Mode Machines SID.
"Really nice, quirky synth/FX box. Has Vocoda chip installed, so run a mic into it for for great robotic vocal effects. The basic 11-band vocoder with internal oscillator, to me ears, sounds great, with a lovely grittiness to it. There 4 other modes, providing more options than any other vocoder that I know of, software or hardware! If you love Kraftwerk, and early Electro tunes, you'll love this!
Here are a couple of quick examples of the kind of sounds it can make:
Vocoder mode, compared to some other vocoders.
And the unique Sequence-Coder mode, that allows you to program your own sequence of preset vowel/consonant sounds. Excellent when tweaking that joystick.
Of course, if you tire of manic android effects and formant effects (it's also capable of some pretty cool synth sounds in Vocoda mode), you can always swap Vocoda chip for the original 5-part-multitimbral virtual-analogue synth chip. Don't be fooled by the RCA sockets on the back (legacy of Redsound's roots in the DJ equipment market), this thing can hold it's own against many synths from more well-known manufacturers. It's capable of producing some great analogue-type sounds, and editing is a breeze, as it's almost one-knob-per-function.
This desktop box style is coming back into favour in a big way, too. The DarkStar comes in a very convenient package. It doesn't take up too much desktop real-estate, but the controls are nicely laid-out, with enough space to feel your way around easily."
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"This is a MidiBox SID synthesizer in fantastic condition and barely used. If you like chip tunes or the old Commodore 64 music, then this is for you. If you are into sampling this unit offers endless possibilities. I believe that it has 8 SID chips on board. I bought this with the intention of sampling it like crazy but life has taken a very different direction for me and I'm selling all my gear..."
"This funky little analog synthesizer uses the very same SID chip found in the Commodore 64, and is credited (and blamed) for having popularized the so-called "chip tunes" sound. It was introduced in 1999 and discontinued in 2003 because Elektron ran out of SID chips. The SidStation is basically a monosynth, but you can sync all 3 oscillators for some crazy sounds. I'm the second owner. It's lived a happy life in two smoke-free home studios and remains in mint condition, with no known flaws. This is a very unique little machine, sold with the original power supply and owner's manual."
A few sections of this vid contain strobing and flashing images. If susceptible to seizures then viewer discretion is advised.
Amiga/P3 W95 demoscene spec run down and demo. Created due to a request to demo the module in a way that wasn't 'just noise'. Initially intended to be one part made from the best track out of three that i came up with. Later deciding to shoe horn the two reject demo tunes into it, which lead to it becoming a ramshackle lesson in polygons and 3d. It also caused the whole thing to end up panning out like some kind of messed up fever dream 💀🤣
Drail is an fx processor module based on a fixed chip set containing 100 preset effects. Reverbs, delays, pitch shifters and modulators of various types, such as flangers and phasers. More details are over on the bigcartel link. Hacked referring to the hardware hacking principles applied in reclocking the cpu and messing with the phase in the signal path to turn it into the somewhat weird thing it is now. Hacked also sounds better than circuit bent, which has been done to death as a term and wouldn't fit on the front panel anyway 💀🐗
A bit of a departure from my usual powerelectronix/sound design outings when it comes to modules. Right now this is the only demo i have complete. I'll upload some stuff soon that's more in line with the roots of where i came from, and which features some other new stuff that got completed in the somewhat hell froze over time it took me to complete this outing 🔥🔥
As always - enjoy - or don't. The sun rises in the morning either way 😘☀️👌
Cheers for checking it out."
"The module is based on a fixed stereo fx processor chip which contains 100 presets. These presets consist of numerous reverbs, delays, harmonizer/pitch shifters and modulators such as flangers and phasers.
It has a mono input, a summed L/R mix output with dry wet control which covers 0-100% wet, Two 100% wet stereo outputs give access to the ping pong delays and different phases of panning in the stereo field that some of the effects use, The combination of summed dry wet and separate stereo fx ouputs offers some variation in how you might hook the module up to achieve different results in a setup.
Patches can be selected manually, or by gate inputs with an input to cycle each way through the patches and an input to select them.
In stock form it's a fairly vanilla and quite unremarkable, all be it useful set of fx. By applying some of the tricks learned in my time in the circuit bending arena the whole thing becomes a Swiss army knife of weirdness and opens up to some bizarre effects and unruly behavior. With the principles of hardware hacking applied and the cpu reclocked, along with some creative phase altering in the signal path, the processor takes on an entirely new life. Still being able to run as a useful set of stock reverbs, delays or modulators, but doubling up as an interesting sound design tool. All sorts of mad sounds and unexpectedly good processing can be achieved. Great for soundscapes, turning basic sounds into things that are bigger than the sum of their parts, making guitars sounds insane, it can even be used to turn a saw into a pseudo supersaw that somehow looks like a kind of mutated pwm square by using the modulator fx. This kind of thing gets fat when you start using both the dry wet mix output and the 100% wet L/R outs. With 100 fx to choose from, there's generally something interesting and at times fascinating to be found when messing around with it.
From experience, different fx chip sets behave in radically different ways when attempts to circuit bend or reclock them are made. Some prove to be pointless and uninteresting, others become prone to crashes and are rendered too unpredictable.and useless beyond extreme noise This one happens to be an excellent target for a bit of creative alteration. When underclocking the cpu, a kind of subtle low pass filtering effect is applied. Not enough to make the effect undesirable, but enough to eliminate the unwanted noise inherent to underclocking. In testing this chip set and discovering it's predictable, but quite abstract nature when abused, it became obvious that it would make a brilliant target for an interesting module. One which i'm finding to be an excellent addition to my own rigs. Given the roots of how it came about and how that ended up sounding, it is i imagine an acquired taste, but a quite unique acquired taste in the scheme of things."
"SunVox is a small, simple, fast and powerful program for music creation, based on modular synths and tracker-like interface. (Detailed info about music trackers is here)
SunVox is Based on parts of the PsyTexx tracker, the PsyTexxSynth engine and the SunDog engine.
Examples of use:
* composing music on PDA;
* music for games;
* "chip tunes" (sunvox tunes can be very small; for example - 30 kBytes (unpacked) or 2 kBytes (when packed to ZIP)).
Main features:
* Modular interface.
* Highly optimized synth algorithmes.
* Flexible architecture: SunVox can working on variuos devices. For example: PDA with slow CPU - 16bit sound (fixed point arithmetic); or big PC with powerfull CPU: 32bit sound (floating point arithmetic).
* SunVox engine (without GUI) is open source and distributed under the terms of BSD license.
* Built-in synthesizers: Generator (saw,triangle,square,noise waveforms); Flanger; Echo; Distortion; Filter (Low-pass, High-pass, Band-pass, Notch); Kicker; Sampler (supported formats: WAV, XI); SpectraVoice (FFT-based synth for analog-like pads); Loop.
* Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, PalmOS, WindowsCE.
* Export to WAV.
What is different between the SunVox and another music editors?
* SunVox has simple and useful interface.
* SunVox is small and very flexible. It can be ported on any device.
* SunVox engine (player and modular synthesizers) is open source software.
* Each music pattern has its own graphic icon (instead of name)."
images via this auction "This is Health Club Music's Soundlab Game- It is an Analog Synthesizer & 8-step Sequencer. It is a mini sized synth and sequencer inspired from the look of game. You can make different kinds of sounds with Game. Melodic, hypnotic sequences, space sci-fi, chip-tunes, tonal drones, electro, whimsical birds, other spooky, catchy, and chirpy music you create. You can also play it with your other analog synthesizers and drum machines of course.
The Features: 2 VCOs (1 ramp and 1 ramp & square with Pulse Width modulation) 1 LFO with square, triangle, sawtooth, ramp waves 1 Attack Release Envelope Generator with Manual Trigger button 1 VCF with switchable band-pass and low-pass 1 White Noise Generator 1 Mixer 1 VCA 1 8-Step Analog Sequencer Inputs and Output jacks 12vAC Power Supply
The Oscillators sync with one another with the sync switch on, plus the link feature is one where tuning Osc.1 tunes both Osc.1 and Osc.2. External CV input jacks are wired so that one CV input into CV1 will send the CV to both Osc1 and Osc2. With the Link switch on, the tuning knob on VCO2 will detune VCO2 from VCO1. If you plug in a CV input to just CV2, they will be controlled independently.
The audio input has a pre-amp built in, and the main output has a headphone amp loud enough for you to listen on your headphones.
SEQUENCER: The 8-Step Sequencer has an external clock jack and is also switchable between the LFO and AR Envelope as your on-board clock source. There is a Sequencer CV switch on each VCO, of course. There is also a gate on/off switch on the AR. (it is not labeled) You can play the sequencer in forward or reverse mode. One portamento knob. The reset options are external and manual. Make your reset spontaneous or improvisational with the Manual Reset arcade button. Make your reset programmed and synced with your drum machine trigger output. I have used the TR-606 Low Tom as the clock source and Hi Tom as the Reset input to sync the Game Sequencer and TR-606 together. The LFO clock source works best, you turn the speed of the LFO as your sequencer clock speed, and you can use it with any LFO wave shape. Square gives a more perfect pulse, and triangle waves can give more irregular intervals at the slow LFO speed. The AR clock source is best used when the sequencer gate output is not switched on to the AR, this setup makes a feedback loop with the sequencer and AR, but is that is fun also. You can play on the AR's internal loop; the Manual Trigger will not trigger the sequencer when the gate output is switched to the AR. One of the most interesting is to play with the Attack and Release times to control the sequencer in unconventional ways! There is 1 sequencer CV and 1 Sequencer Gate output for external control.
Runs on 12v AC (AC only!). Adapter included.
The synthesizer part of Game is based on a circuit design by Ray Wilson. Visit Music From Outer Space at http://www.musicfromouterspace.com for other exciting analog projects and PC boards.
We just finished our experimental 10 track CD of classic Holiday tunes using only Casio instruments (mostly Casio keyboards, but we also used the Casio DH-100 Sax, DG-20 Guitar, and some Casio hand-held games). The recordings are mostly instrumental, but the few that do have vocals, we sampled our voices using the SK-1 & SK-5 or sang through the Casio VA-10 Vocoder, and Casio Rapman keyboards. This was an entirely fun and experimental project that we are very excited to have released. So far the respones has been great.
We hope that some of you here will have some time to check out what we have done with these old cheesy keyboards. We have blended the nostalgic sounds of 1980's arcades, new wave, synth rock, modern electronica, chip tunes, ambient, atmospheric, disco, sountrack, jungle, & exotica all into one on this new Holiday CD. Even though limiting ourselveselves to only using Casio Instruments, extra care was taken to keep things interesting! It has many Audio layers and great production value . Isaiah Ikey Owens (The Mars Volta) plays a special appearance on the exotica honored track Mele Kalikimaka.
Thank you for your time and we hope to hear from you.
"Custom built COSMIC BLOOPER FM SYNTH SEQUENCER built by the mad genius at www.cosmicblooper.com! A very rare and unique instrument. You can make some chip tunes type music in the vein of SEGA GENESIS 16bit. I held onto it for years but alas I want someone else to enjoy and make some great music with it. The screen is NOT included because it is so heavy, that is unless you really want it and wanna pay an extra $50 for shipping."
"These devices are not currently available, but you can read about them on the Nanoloop website here.
It's a 4 channel synth/sequencer/drum machine and it works great. The battery holders can be a bit tight for some brands of AAA battery (this is a known issue), but I was able to use my Ikea rechargeables fine.
I find the GUI on this device a bit hard to get used to and I'm having a change around of my gear (selling some stuff so that I can buy other stuff...)"
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