The Arcano 8-bit Synth : Preset Patch Samples

video upload by Arcano Synthesizers

"The Arcano 8-bit synth will be released on Monday, October 2, 2023 at https://chiptunesynth.com. The Arcano 8-bit synth is a MIDI-controlled synthesizer that recreates the sounds of the NES / Famicom game consoles. This video features 2.5-second samples of all of the synthesizer's 32 preset patches."

Love Hultén NES3VOC - Custom synth

video upload by Love Hultén

"Custom NES themed synth with design and signal topology somewhat based on the Minimoog Model D.

Hardware included:

Arcano NESpoly
WMD Spectrum x2
4MS QCD
4MS QCD Expander
Intellijel Quad VCA
Intellijel Zeroscope x3
Doepfer A-118
Doepfer A-180-3 x2
Doepfer A-138b x3
Doepfer A-124 Wasp x2
Doepfer A-140-2 x2
Mutable Instruments Ripples
Frequency Central Wave Runner x4
Erica Synths Black Hole DSP2
Arturia Keystep37"

New Arcano NES Poly Chiptune Synth

Arcano Synthesizers

"This is the Kickstarter campaign video for the Arcano NES Poly Chiptune Synth. The NES Poly is a polyphonic MIDI synthesizer module that allows musicians to create NES-style chipmusic. Back the Kickstarter campaign to help fund the production run and receive an Arcano NES Poly Chiptune Synth as a reward.
Kickstarter Campaign Link: http://kck.st/3gLG00a
Website: http://chiptunesynth.com"

Note previous incarnations of the Arcano NES Chiptune Synth date back to 2015.

"The NES Poly Chiptune Synthesizer is the polyphonic successor to the Arcano NES Chiptune Synth R3 and features many improvements on its predecessor including:

more sound parameters
greater volume-envelope bit depth
full 128 MIDI note range
additional audio waveform (8-bit sine)
3 additional vibrato LFO waveforms (triangle, square, and sawtooth)
quantized note slide effect capability
additional pitch bend depth setting (+/- one octave)
detune effects capability
rugged, die cast aluminum enclosure
Help fund the next production run.

The stock from the first two low-volume production runs of the NES Poly (completed earlier this year) quickly sold out. The primary objective of this Kickstarter campaign is to raise funds for a third, higher-volume production run of the synth. (Producing a larger volume of synths will help lower the per-unit manufacturing cost.) Hopefully, the campaign will also facilitate the sharing of music and custom NES Poly Chiptune Synth patches created by the community of backers.

The NES Poly Chiptune Synthesizer is a MIDI-controlled polyphonic synth that emulates the sound of the Nintendo Entertainment System video game console, allowing musicians to create NES / Famicom style chipmusic by simply connecting a MIDI controller.

The NES Poly Chiptune Synthesizer is designed to work with a variety of MIDI controllers, including keyboards, sequencers, and most other MIDI devices that feature a standard MIDI DIN output. Musicians can even control the synth with a laptop or desktop computer via a MIDI interface cable."

Arcano NES Chiptune Synthesizer R4

Published on Dec 24, 2018 Arcano Synthesizers

"All of the audio track was created with the Arcano NES Chiptune Synth R4 prototype. There are no immediate plans for a production run of the R4; however, five R4 prototypes will be available for purchase at https://chiptunesynth.com/ starting on Wednesday, January 2, 2019."

Retro Video Game Chiptune Music Synthesizer - NES / Famicom C64

Published on Aug 9, 2016 Arcano Systems

"Create music in the style of the classic video games of the 80s with this MIDI synth. Now on Kickstarter: http://kck.st/2adRRSu"

See the Arcano channel here on MATRIXSYNTH for previous incarnations and kickstarter campaigns. From what I can see they have three core models, the NES, Obscura and GEM-8. The NES is Nintedo only. The Obscura is NES and Famicon C64, and the GEM-8 covers home computer sounds like the Commodore 64, the Apple IIe, and the ZX Spectrum. This appears to be the second incarnation of the Obscura 8-bit engine. Details follow.

"The Obscura 8-bit Chiptune Synth 2 is a MIDI synthesizer that enables musicians to create music in the style of the classic video game themes of the 1980s. The device is the successor to the Obscura MIDI 8-bit NES & C64 Chiptune Synthesizer, a project launched on Kickstarter in 2015.

No programming is required and there is no software to install. Simply connect a MIDI controller to create your own original chiptunes or play your favorite retro video game theme tunes live.

This monophonic music synthesizer features several improvements on the original including:

more waveforms
more patches
improved volume envelope system for reduced latency
greater vibrato depth
faster arpeggio frequency

The Obscura 8-bit Chiptune Synth 2 comes in two hardware versions. The SMD version is based on the original Obscura MIDI 8-bit NES & C64 Chiptune Synthesizer hardware design, and is available with a handcrafted wooden base. The through-hole version is based on the Arcano MNCS2 hardware design, and is available with or without a wooden base.

A prototype production run of 18 units has already been completed, and 16 of these synths are available as early-delivery rewards. Help fund a second production run and receive an Obscura 8-bit Chiptune Synth 2 as a reward.

If the Kickstarter campaign is successful, you can share the music you create with your Obscura 8-bit Chiptune Synth 2 by tweeting a link to @ArcanoSystems."

Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth 2 Classic Nintendo Sound

Published on May 17, 2016 TecHyper

"The Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth II is an AVR-microcontroller-based music synthesizer that faithfully recreates the classic sound of the Nintendo Entertainment System’s audio hardware. The device is the successor to the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer, a project launched on Kickstarter in 2015.

No programming is required and there is no software to install. Simply connect a MIDI controller to play the NES classics live or create your own original chiptunes.

The design of the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth II is the culmination of the lessons learned from the original Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer project launched in 2015. The most valuable resource in the development of the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth II has been the feedback from the community of Kickstarter backers who funded the original project. The Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth II features many hardware and software improvements on its predecessor."

Previous posts here.

NES Chiptune Synth w/ custom arcade button MIDI controller

Published on May 11, 2016 Arcano Systems

"The Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth 2 is an AVR-based MIDI music synthesizer for creating Nintendo NES-style chiptune music. Project page: http://kck.st/26aHK9e"

Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth II - an AVR, Nintendo-style synthesizer

Published on Apr 18, 2016 Arcano Systems

"Kickstarter Campaign Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
The Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth II is the successor to the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer project launched on Kickstarter in 2015."

New Arcano Systems Gem-8 Retro 8-bit Computer and Chiptune Synthesizer on Kickstarter

Published on Mar 15, 2016 Arcano Systems

"Gem-8 is an 8-bit, WiFi-enabled personal computer and chiptune music synthesizer inspired by the home computers of the 1980s. Back the Kickstarter campaign to receive Gem-8 as a reward.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/..."

Arcano Systems previously brought us the MIDI NES Chiptune Synth as well as the Obscura MIDI 8-bit Chiptune Synth.

Details via Kickstarter:

"Gem-8 is an 8-bit, WiFi-enabled personal computer and chiptune music synthesizer inspired by the home computers of the 1980s like the Commodore 64, the Apple IIe, and the ZX Spectrum. This 8-bit AVR-based personal computer features 256-color VGA video output, PS/2 keyboard input, audio line output with 8-bit quantization, 8 digital input/output pins, and a serial expansion port to connect peripheral devices.

Specifications:

Processor: Atmel Atmega1284

RAM: 16 kB

Video: 256-color VGA

Keyboard: PS/2 (compatible with IBM PC AT scancode set 2)

Audio: 8-bit-quantized line out (standard stereo connector with same signal in both channels)

Peripheral Interfaces: serial expansion port + 8-pin female GPIO pin header

Two peripherals have already been created for Gem-8: a WiFi card and a MIDI interface. The WiFi card allows Gem-8 to connect to the internet using the preloaded serial terminal application. Gem-8 is particularly well suited to accessing online multi-user domains, text-based multiplayer online games, and bulletin board services that use the Telnet protocol. The MIDI interface peripheral connects a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI musical instrument to the Gem-8 computer, allowing users to create their own C64 and NES-video-game-style chiptune music using the preloaded chiptune synthesizer application. The Gem-8 chiptune synthesizer application also features video synth visualization capabilities. Currently, the Gem-8 synthesizer software features 8 waveforms and 4 effects settings for a total of 32 unique patches.

[Middle Pic: Gem-8 MIDI interface and Gem-8 WiFi card (based on the ESP8266-12 WiFi module)]

Using additional applications included in Gem-8 OS, users can set the digital states of 8 output pins, which can interface with external components like LEDs and relay modules. Gem-8 users are also able to set the duty cycles of up to 8 pulse-width-modulation signals, which can be used to control servos or to vary the intensity of external LEDs.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Obscura, an Arduino-compatible MIDI 8-bit Chiptune Synthesizer

Published on Nov 4, 2015 Arcano Systems

"Obscura is an Arduino-compatible 8-bit synth for creating Nintendo, Commodore 64, and Amiga-style chiptune music. Back the Kickstarter campaign to receive the synth as a reward. http://kck.st/1RTsKUi"

via the Kickstarter campaign:

"Obscura is an Arduino-compatible 8-bit synthesizer that allows you to create NES, C64, and Amiga-style chiptune music by simply connecting a MIDI device.

No programming is required. This monophonic MIDI synth comes programmed with software that includes 16 preset patches.

Patch 0: 12.5% duty-cycle pulse waveform

Patch 1: 25% duty-cycle pulse waveform

Patch 2: 50% duty-cycle pulse waveform

Patch 3: sawtooth waveform

Patch 4: 8-bit sine waveform

CLICK FOR MORE »

Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synth on Kickstarter

Published on Jul 27, 2015 Arcano Systems

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

"This is demo music created with the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer. The device is an ATmega328-microcontroller-based MIDI synth designed to emulate the classic chiptune sound of the Nintendo Entertainment System's APU (audio processing unit.) If you are interested in the synth, please refer to the Kickstarter campaign page. The Kickstarter campaign rewards include both a fully assembled and tested version and a kit version for those who prefer to build it themselves. I created the music track myself, and I am not very musically talented. I'm interested to hear the music that more talented musicians will create with this synth, which is why I'm sharing the device through Kickstarter."

via the Kickstarter campaign:

"The Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer is a minimalistic, microcontroller-based synth designed to emulate the classic chiptune sound of the Nintendo Entertainment System's APU (audio processing unit.) The synthesizer's MIDI input allows musicains create NES-video-game-style chiptune music by simply connecting a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device.

No programming is required. Each Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer includes a preprogrammed microcontroller; however, each synth also features a 6-pin AVR programming header, allowing programmers to flash the embedded ATmega328 microcontroller with their own custom software. The programming header enables hackers to create their own custom waveforms, envelopes, software low-frequency oscillators, and PCM samples.

Unlike many other microcontroller-based synthesizers which use internal PWM peripherals to generate weak, scratchy, low-quality audio signals, the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer uses an auxiliary digital-to-analog converter chip to create a clear, high-quality audio signal.

Specifications:

3-note polyphony
1/8'' (3.5mm) jack mono audio output
MIDI input through standard MIDI DIN connector
7-segment LED waveform mode indicator
simple two-button interface
embedded ATmega328 microcontroller
Preset Modes:

Mode 0 - 12.5% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode 1 - 25% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode 2 - 50% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode 3 - 75% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode 4 - sawtooth waveform
Mode 5 - triangle waveform
Mode 6 - triangle-wave-based drums
Mode 7 - noise-based percussion
Mode 8 - arpeggio, 12.5% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode 9 - arpeggio, 25% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode A - arpeggio, 50% duty cycle pulse waveform
Mode b - arpeggio, sawtooth waveform
Mode C - arpeggio, triangle waveform
Mode d - vibrato, 12.5% duty cycle pulse waveform
mode E - vibrato, 50% duty cycle pulse waveform
mode F - vibrato, 75% duty cycle pulse waveform
mode G - vibrato, sawtooth waveform
mode H - vibrato, modulated duty cycle pulse waveform"