An Interview with Thomas Margolf aka firestARTer (SIDsyn)
What is SIDsyn?
SIDsyn is (will be) a synthesiser capable of MIDI, using the legendary SID-Chip for sound generation.
Why did you start to develop SIDsyn?
Since I know the c64, I’m in love with its sounds, and I was repeatedly overwhelmed what wicked sounds come out of that little breadbox. Because I love low-cost sound hardware, it was about time to develop something like this.
What will it feature?
Well, on the one hand every sound parameters can be adjusted with knobs (each parameter has its own knob!!) Knob positions can be saved. Also, there is a noise-gate to cut off these annoying sounds, or at least to lower their volume. The noise-gate can be adjusted using the parameters Attack, Decay and Threshold. All functions can be changed and adjusted with buttons, the settings are being shown on a display. Instead of the buttons, you will be able to use a c64-compatible joystick for that as well!!! Signals arriving at the Audio-In port of SIDsyn can be routed through the SID internal filters and the noise gate and thus modified.
The handling will be similar to old analogue synthesisers.
Besides all that, I have 1001 more thoughts of what I will be adding next…
What will not feature?
You will not be able to play SID files on it, and emulators won’t be able to use SIDsyn either.
What has been the most difficult part of creating this product?
The most difficult part was the development of the noise-gate. Despite of that, I’m still working on the software.
What are the strong parts of SIDsyn?
The strong parts are instant calls to parameter adjustments, the noise gate and many more!
What makes SIDsyn different to Sid Station?
My concept has a different aim than the SIDstation’s. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to see the SIDstation work. That’s why I’m actually not able to compare. And since my SIDsyn is not finished yet…
Can you give our readers an estimated launch date?
I hope to be done with the beta-testing at the end of the year, so I can start offering the first SIDsyns then.
How long has SIDsyn been in development?
Since February 2000 (interrupted by longer breaks)
What will SIDsyn retail at?
Hmmmmm??? Very cheap though!!!
What are your hopes for SIDsyn?
To develop a synthesiser giving joy to many people!!!
What future upgrades will there be for SIDsyn?
I need to finish one first, then I will start thinking about further extensions.
What c64 composers did you like?
I especially liked the sound of Chris Huelsbeck.
What c64 sids did you like?
Madness, X-Out highscore, Maze-Man, Maniac-Mansion and Zak McCracken.
Which sid chip is SIDsyn based on?
Both SID chips can be used (6581 and 8580)
Lastly What would you like to say to the scene?
Greetings to all c64 loverz, DiiBii4.8/ET, RazFaz/BP and Micromusic.
Now the basis of SIDsyn sounds familar to SID Station. Which one will come out tops? Who knows you'll just have to wait until SIDsyn is released.
- Neil
