MIDI to QBASIC Converter

So I started working on a little patch that takes real-time monophonic MIDI data and outputs a .BAS file that is compatible with QBASIC. Currently, it makes use of the PLAY command, and generates rhythm, octave and pitch data as well as converting MIDI CC 1 to the MUSIC TYPE parameter (MUSIC NORMAL, MUSIC STACCATO and MUSIC LEGATO).

little-scale: Dynasty Released on PAUSE (II) Music

Dynasty is now out on the II Music label. This is a re-mastered version, and is available as both lossy and lossless audio. Get it here.

Meningie in Winter

Sega SN76489 in MD2 vs SMS2

The Sega Mega Drive 2 implementation of the SN76489 PSG displays some interesting sonic characteristics, when compared to a Sega Master System or Sega Master System 2.

To my ears, there is some sort of timbral change associated with volume change, especially if only one channel is playing. I have no idea what is the cause of this phenomenon, but it sounds to me like it might be something to do with a DAC portion of the VDP or some sort of quantisation or aliasing effect. If anyone knows why this exists, I would love to learn about it.

Let's have a look at some waveforms from the two audio outputs.

The Sega Master System 2 output, taken directly from the chip.

The Sega Mega Drive 2 output, taken from the AV output port.

The difference is quite striking, and can be clearly heard in the following examples:
- Sega Mega Drive 2 fade in and out (as a .wav file)
- Sega Master System 2 fade in and out (as a .wav file)
- Sega Mega Drive 2 fade in and out with a musical example
- Sega Master System 2 fade in and out with a musical example

Sega Mega Drive Compatible with Sega Master System MIDI Interface

I am happy to report that my Sega Master System Interface is compatible with the Sega Mega Drive with a Power Base Converter or similar device.

Basically, the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis are backwards compatible with the Sega Master System carts, but require a device that sits between the console and the 8-bit cart.

In the above picture, you can see the converter that I use, which is a very affordable Tototek model.

Join the SMSM Google Announcement Group to be notified of when this interface will be available.

SN76489 Support for Sega Mega Drive MIDI Interface

Finally, I've had a chance to add support for the SN76489 PSG chip in the Sega Mega Drive for my MIDI interface. The thing I love about the Mega Drive is the FM sound (which is why I've been concentrating on that), but of course everyone wants access to the PSG as well. The SN76489 support is basically a port from my Sega Master System MIDI interface, and includes many (but not all) of the latter's functions and features. Currently the MIDI channel mapping is as follows:

1 - YM2612 FM channel 1
2 - YM2612 FM channel 2
3 - YM2612 FM channel 3
4 - YM2612 FM channel 4
5 - YM2612 FM channel 5
6 - YM2612 FM channel 6
7 - SN76489 PSG PU1
8 - SN76489 PSG PU2
9 - SN76489 PSG PU3
10 - SN76489 PSG NOI

As I often say with these sorts of updates, join the Gen/MDM Google Announcements Group to be notified of when this device will be available.

Sega Nomad MIDI Interface

I thought I would mention that my Sega Mega Drive / Genesis MIDI interface is now compatible with the Sega Nomad. Demo video here. As I often say with these sorts of updates, join the Gen/MDM Google Announcements Group to be notified of when this device will be available.

Video of Waveform Permutations

This is a video of my hardware-based waveform permutations.

TmEE Genesis 2 Crystal Clear Audio Mod v1.0

The hand-built board by TmEE for his Sega Mega Drive 2/ Genesis 2 Crystal Clear Audio Modification v1.0 arrived in the mail. I don't think that I will have a chance to install this before Melbourne, but we will have to wait and see. So, what's this mod all about?

TmEE says:

"This will make your MD2 or other ASIC based (5487, 5660 or 5700) setup like Nomad, Wondermega, Xeye etc. really singing then, putting all other setups into shame unless they're modded also. Only real difference compared with older versions of this is that the output is much more louder now (abuot as much as MCD RCA outputs, which is sufficient enough) and long cables will not attenuate high freqs anymore All the signal sources (32X, MCD, YM, PSG) are mixed together at correct levels, referenced by a MD1 withuot TMSS (aka the good sounding models in unmodded state)."

Sega Nomad

A Sega Nomad arrived in the mail. The screen looks better than I had imagined.