Sammich FM synthesizer Un-assemble DIY kit Yamaha YMF262 OPL3 sound chip

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

via this auction

You can find some videos featuring the YMF262 in the archives.

"The Yamaha YMF262, also known as the OPL3 (OPL is an Acronym for FM Operator Type-L), is an Frequency modulation synthesis Sound chip released by Yamaha Corporation in 1988. It is an improved version of the Yamaha YM3812 (OPL2). It was used in a number IBM PC soundcards including Sound Blaster 16 and Pro AudioSpectrum (16bit). It adds the following features:

The YMF262 improved upon the feature-set of the YM3812, adding the following features:[1]

twice as many channels (18 instead of 9)
simple stereo (hard left, center or hard right)
4 channel sound output
4 new waveforms (alternating-sine, "camel"-sine, square and logarithmic sawtooth)
4 oscillator mode, pairing 2 channels together to create up to six 4 oscillator FM voices
reduced latency for host-register access (the OPL2 had much longer I/O access delays)
subtle differences in the sine-wave lookup table and envelope generator to YM3812 (e.g. the modulator waveform on YM3812 is delayed by one sample, whereas both carrier and modulator waveforms on OPL3 are properly synchronized)[2]
YMF262 also removed support for the little-used CSM mode, featured on YM3812 and YM3526.[2]

The YMF262's FM synthesis mode is configurable in different ways:[1]

Its basic mode provides 18 two-operator FM channels.

One setting, common to the OPL line, converts 3 of the FM channels into a 5-channel percussion set.

Another setting, introduced with this chip, causes 12 of the channels to be paired up into six four-operator channels. This trades in polyphony for more complex sound formation.

The two settings can be used separately or in conjunction, resulting in four total modes:

18 2-operator channels
15 2-operator channels + 5 drum channels (drum setting on)
6 2-operator channels + 6 4-operator channels (4-op setting on)
3 2-operator channels + 6 4-operator channels + 5 drum channels (both settings on)
Like its predecessor, the OPL3 outputs audio in digital-I/O form, requiring an external DAC chip like the YAC512."

OPLoid FM-Synthesizer — Recreating the sound of the MS-DOS era in Ableton Live (Teaser)

video uploads by Leise im Kran

Playlist:
OPLoid FM-Synthesizer — Recreating the sound of the MS-DOS era in Ableton Live (Teaser)
OPLoid FM-Synthesizer — Prototype Demonstration (OPL2, OPL3, YM3812, YMF262, AdLib)
Leise im Kran — Döbeln Nord | Waldorf Blofeld + OPLoid | early 1990s 3D visualisation

"░░░░░░░░░░𝙾░𝙿░𝙻░𝚘░𝚒░𝚍░░░░░░░░░░
▒▒▒𝙵▒𝙼▒-▒𝚂▒𝚢▒𝚗▒𝚝▒𝚑▒𝚎▒𝚜▒𝚒▒𝚣▒𝚎▒𝚛▒▒▒

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The OPLoid will go on sale on 31st March 2022 at:
https://leiseimkran.gumroad.com/

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The OPLoid is an instrument for Ableton Live.

It adopts the synthesis principles of the Yamaha YM3812 (OPL2) and YMF262 (OPL3) FM chips. These chips were widely used on IBM PC-based sound cards in the late 20th century (e.g., AdLib and Soundblaster) and defined the sound of the "MS-DOS era".

The OPLoid is not an accurate emulation of the OPL 2 or 3, but rather a synthesizer on its own. It closely mimics the OPL 2 and 3 in their principles of operation to stay true to the original chips' characteristic sound and to make it accessible in a modern music production environment. Nevertheless, some parameters have been slightly modified to allow for more flexibility in sound design.

While the OPLoid might be useful for all genres of electronic music, it is probably especially suitable for genres from the Vaporwave spectrum, Dungeon Synth and Chiptune.

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Features:
- close imitation of the 2-operator FM algorithm from the Yamaha OPL2 and OPL3 sound chips
- 8 waveforms
- monophonic and polyphonic mode
- up to 64 voices of polyphony (depending on CPU power)
- 4 LFOs (vibrato, tremolo, FM depth, panorama)
- pitchbend and modwheel support (up to 6 parameters independently mappable to modwheel)
- over 100 factory presets
- cloud patch database for sharing patches among users

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Demo track: Awareness Boys - Awareness Theme (arranged for OPLoid by Leise im Kran)

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More from Leise im Kran:
Streaming: https://bit.ly/3FDakpN
Physical release: https://monikereggplant.bandcamp.com/...

#Soundblaster #AdLib #OPL2 #OPL3 #YM3812 #YMF262 #FMsynthesis #OPLoid #Vaporwave #Maxforlive #Abletonlive #MaxMSP #msdos"

OPL3 instruments on a diy synthesizer, YMF262 controlled by an Arduino

Published on Oct 9, 2017 DutchBigEd

"4 operand opl3 sounds played by an Arduino controlled YMF262"

Kasser Synths Blaster YMF262

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's a short video on the #kassersynths #blasterymf262 #fmsynth, which can be found here: https://www.kassersynths.com/. This synth is built around the Yamaha YMF262 chip, which was part of early "Soundblaster" PC expansion cards. This video walks through it's specs and the user interface. Table of contents:

00:00 intro
00:10 disclaimer
00:25 hi!
00:50 hardware & features overview
02:19 user interface basics / creating a patch
02:49 fm basics, screen 1: algorithm, feedback and velocity sensitivity
03:36 screen 2: operator frequencies
04:05 screen 3: amp envelopes & key scaling
05:11 screen 4: vibrato and tremolo
05:34 screen 5: waveshape selection
06:00 screen 6: file and patch management
06:16 finishing the patch, external effects
07:22 finished patch
07:48 using multiple midi channels
08:07 important things to consider!
08:53 demo 1: live tweaking sounds using MIDI CCs!
10:10 demo 2: in a synth setup
11:30 conclusion
12:56 bye bye

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

Twisted Electrons TWISTfm Walkthrough

video upload by Twisted Electrons

In case you missed it, TWISTfm was first featured in the 3rd Ableton Move user video here.

17:10 - Deep Dive: Scales
18:01 - Deep Dive: Chords
18:39 - Deep Dive: Vibrato
19:23 - Deep Dive: Tremolo
20:08 - Deep Dive: Sequencer



The Ultimate FM Polysynth
Unleash the full potential of FM synthesis with TWISTfm, a cutting-edge polyphonic synthesizer that blends vintage FM synthesis with advanced analog filtering and modern control.
Designed to offer a rich, dynamic sound palette, TWISTfm is the perfect tool for musicians and sound designers looking to push the boundaries of sonic creativity.
​
Vintage FM Power
At the core of TWISTfm are two legendary Yamaha OPL-3 YMF262 FM chips paired with dual YAC512 stereo DACs, providing 8 discrete voices. Each voice is equipped with its own analog multimode filter for an unparalleled range of sound design possibilities.
​
8 Analog Multimode Filters
With HEAT and Dual Resonance Modes: Featuring 8 individual analog filters, inspired by the iconic designs of Mutable Instruments, TWISTfm gives you precise control over sound shaping with 15 filter modes, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, phaser, notch, and more. The HEAT parameter adds anything from warm, subtle saturation to harsh analog distortion, allowing you to push the filters to their limit. Additionally, you can switch between two resonance flavors—LIQUID, for smooth and subtle resonance, and MS20, for more aggressive, cutting tones. With digital control over resonance and cutoff, the filters offer flexible modulation and the ability to store settings with presets.

Perfect for Studio & Live Performance
Whether you're composing in the studio or performing live, TWISTfm’s robust feature set and intuitive design make it a powerful addition to any setup. Its combination of vintage FM tones and modern control capabilities offers a unique, versatile sound engine capable of producing everything from smooth ambient pads to aggressive basses and leads.
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Full MPE compatibility
TWISTfm's MPE mode fully supports three dimensions of control—pitch (X), timbre (Y via CC74), and pressure (Z)—offering precise per-note modulation for unparalleled expressiveness and depth in your sound.

FEATURES
Vintage FM Power: Two Yamaha OPL-3 YMF262 chips with 8 voices, each with analog filters.

Multimode Filters with HEAT & Resonance Modes: 15 filter modes, HEAT for subtle saturation to analog distortion, and dual resonance options (LIQUID, MS20).

Layered FM Synthesis: 4-operator and 2-operator FM engines for complex or simple sound design.

Extensive modulation options with 3 LFOs and an envelope for each voice.

Full support for MPE and polyphonic aftertouch for dynamic expression.

Beautiful Presets by Limbic Bits: custom presets from the renowned sound designer.

Chord modes and various scales for deep harmonic exploration.

Flexible Connectivity: USB MIDI, MIDI DIN I/O, and two inputs for external sound processing.

Vibrato & tremolo with customizable waveforms, arpeggiator.

Simple UI: 4-character display, rotary encoder, and minimal menu diving.

Dynamic Preset System: Save, load, and randomize presets with fader position recording and morphing.

Customizable ribbon for pitch bends, modulation, and preset morphing.

Polyphonic Sequencer: 128-step sequencer with MIDI sync and looping options.

338mm x165mm x70mm 1.3kg

Pre-orders are now open, with shipping scheduled for December.

FIVE MINUTES With Akemie's Castle

Published on Oct 25, 2019 sonicstate

"Akemie's Castle is a 4-operator FM, Dual VCO module. It has a Yamaha YMF262 aka (OPL3) chip inside. One of the VCOs can be set to preset chords making it an interesting module for filling out a modular soundscape."

AQUARIUS from the YMF262 EP by Diode Milliampere, Live in Adlib Tracker II

Published on Feb 3, 2014 Diode Milliampere·88 videos

"Now out on 3.5" floppy at http://diodemilliampere.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/diodema
https://www.facebook.com/DiodeMilliampere
Created in ADLIB TRACKER II"

This one in via Atomic Shadow. Check out the text in the tracker as it plays.

New Twisted Electrons BLASTBEATS

WALKTHROUGH video upload by Twisted Electrons

Twisted Electrons BlastBeats Sound Demo (no talking)
video upload by Limbic Bits

0:00 Electronica
0:48 True Electro Part I
1:50 Hang on
2:48 4am
3:52 True Electro Part II
4:45 Ambient & Bass
5:40 minimal
6:36 90s IDM
7:17 Space Night
8:20 Not a bonus sequence at all

Some effects have been used here and there to add some delay and reverb (Valhalla DSP Vintage Verb / Delay)"

via Twisted Electrons

"At the heart of BlastBeats is a vintage FM chip called YMF-262 also known as the OPL3 chip & previously found in computer sound cards of the early 90s.

These chips were notoriously hard to program and were rarely used to their full potential. However, they can produce surprisingly rich beautiful and utterly dirty sounds with a bit of exploring...

By putting so many parameters within easy reach BlastBeasts makes it fun and easy to master the signature sound of the DOS era!

RYTHM & SYNTH
BlastBeats is a 10 voice groove box offering 6 drum voices and 4 synth instruments.

The many faders offer full control over the parameters of the instruments and can be automated and modulated per step ​

Beats and melodies are a pleasure to program thanks to the high quality illuminated buttons"

CLICK FOR MORE »

sammichSID & sammichFM Assembly

sammichSID Assembly from Justin on Vimeo.

"A high speed construction video of a MIDIbox SammichSID synthesizer.

From the MIDIbox website:
sammichSID was designed to be the “no excuses” MIDIbox SID synthesizer kit - i.e. for all those people who want a MIDIbox SID but consider building it with modules too time-consuming, too newbie-unfriendly and/or too hard to design and construct a control surface, and where MB-6582 is too expensive, too daunting and/or too hard to source all the parts.

sammichSID therefore has the following design constraints/features, which support each other:

* cheap
* small
* DIY newbie friendly
* minimal control surface
* single “walwart”/AC adapter supply, no C64 PSU brick!
* stereo SID, optimized for 8580/6582A, 6581 optionally supported
* “sandwich-style” stacked PCB design, no wires!
* laser-cut 3mm acrylic case by Ponoko, customization possible
* industry standard 2×20 character LCD with low-power LED backlight, customization possible
* common control surface parts used, customization possible

I forgot to add a music credit at the end of the video. The audio track is djynnx. You might know him from NOMMO OGO. If you don't, you probably should. His music is amazing.

For more turbo-charged soldering iron action check out my Gristleizer assembly and test video here: vimeo.com/​5498812

Or my MIDI controlled Atari game console here: vimeo.com/​4424514

Or a vacuum tube clock here: vimeo.com/​9153860"

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DIY Modular Synthesizer by DutchBigEd

Published on May 30, 2017 DutchBigEd

Playlist:
Arduino controlled Midi interface for my modulair synthesizer
Arduino controlled Midi interface for my modulair synthesizer
Arduino controlled VCA, Sample & Hold, Random Module
Arduino controlled Opl3 YMF262 module for my diy synth
Trigger Module doing Euclidean Rhythms
Euclidean Trigger Sequencer using Arduino
Triple PT2399 Reverb
my synth so far... 19 aug 2016
PT2399, delay controlled by Arduino and AD5144
my synth so far
Its a start... Drumsequencer
Drumsequencer
Sequencer for homebrew synthesizer
Homebrew synthesizer using multiple arduino and dds
On the RUN, multiple arduino diy synthesizer
Sequencer Using Tempo Setting
Sequencer Audiomode
Sequencer Intern Clock
Sequencer Audiomode 2
clock devider / sequencer
weird sounds with PT2399 board
My first drone (?)
...

SUPERBOOTH 2022 - Twisted Electrons - Blast Beats

video upload by sonicstate

"Blast beats brings back the sound of the DOS era with this 10 voice groovebox powered by the OPL3 (YMF262) FM chip from the 8 bit game era.

Alex from Cre8audio and Twisted Electrons showed us how Blast Beats gives total control over this chip, so we can make the 6 drum tracks and 4 synth tracks sound warm and beautiful, or utterly dirty, all with that 8 bit vibe. and each of the 56 faders can be automated per step, with all patterns and kits saved to the SD card.

Blast Beats is available now price: 589 euro"

Additional posts here

MIDIbox FM

"MIDIbox FM utilizies the Yamaha YMF262 sound chip (also known as OPL3) for generating the famous FM sounds known from Soundblaster (compatible) soundcards of the early 90s. In addition to the OPL3 specific features (6 four-operator voices, 5 percussion instruments) some software implemented modulation sources have been added to allow more expressive and very experimental sound creations."

Title link takes you there. Also check out this post for one mentioned on GooGooFish.

Sammich FM synthesizer with Yamaha YMF262 OPL3 sound chip

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

via this auction

You can find details and videos at the listing previously captured here.

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Best Ambient Synth Shootout #137: SammichFM - Song 2

video upload by Christian's Sonic Spaces

"This is the second 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:
Line 6 DL4 MkII, GFI System Specular Reverb 2, OTO Boum.

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 :-)"