Ever since I acquired the SEGA Mega Drive (known as the SEGA Genesis in the US) as a youngster, the very first thing that stood out beyond the 16-bit ‘blast processing’ graphics was of course the power of the internal Yamaha YM2612 FM music chip. Accompanied by the SEGA Master System ‘blips and blops’ music chip, the two combined created some of the most memorable game music ever created.
Progue have been busy working on a recreation of this musical power, providing a tool called Chipsynth MD that can be used either standalone or with your favourite music creation software. I personally use Logic Pro X on my MacBook Pro and here I have been experimenting (and simply having fun!) exploring the vast array of sounds that can be created.
This member of the chipsynth line is a feature-rich four operator FM synth that packs quite a punch!
From the Chipsynth MD website
The Mega Drive™ – also known as Genesis™ – is a much beloved console system that brought the bright and sparkly sound of FM to the masses. It resulted in the creation of numerous fast paced and exciting soundtracks, and it still drives the creativity of composers to this day.
As we designed chipsynth MD, we couldn’t help ourselves but to jam pack it with features that take it to the next level, with an access to every component of the hardware no matter how obscure, and an intelligent layering system that lets you turn any OPN2 patch into a monstrous ear-splitting 6-layer wall of sound!
So the result? I have created a new original composition called ‘16-bit FM Glory‘ using Chipsynth MD’s sound selection.
16-bit FM Glory is available to purchase from here:
> https://www.pixelrefresh.com/product/16-bit-fm-glory/
Purchase includes the following downloads:
- FLAC – 24bit/96kHz – Lossless – Stereo
- MP3 – 16bit/44kHz – 320kb/sec – Stereo
16-bit FM Glory
Inspired by music from the SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive consoles, 16-bit FM Glory is an original composition created by James Woodcock using Chipsynth MD and Logic Pro X.
