1 Reply by Murenius

(11 replies, posted in Commodore Computers)

I found a great way to create something close to the original arpeggio sound. The MOXF's common LFO has the option to parametrize a waveform manually. I created a waveform with 4 steps, with values that result in modulating the pitch in the cycle "prime-fifth-octave-fifth" and so on. I can even adjust if it jumps to the values or transitions smoothly, which kinda simulates the pitch bend instructions that were used I think to get this effect on the C64.

Also this allows to control the filter sweeps so it sounds very similar, I tried it with a noise waveform, worked fine. I got to test it with other oscs tonight, probably starting with a bass.

I think with this approach I will try to use the tips you guys gave me so far. And I'll try to create a waveform with PWM in some C64 emulator (or get a real one from ebay maybe... planning this since years) and make a multisample from it.

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2 Reply by Murenius

(11 replies, posted in Commodore Computers)

Thanks a lot, those general tips are really helpful for me! Some comments/questions:

- How fast would such an arp have to be? With the MOXF I can go up to 300 bpm with thirty-second notes, so that would be 160 notes per second.
2) Good hint, how about bitcrusher/lo fi effects, though? I'd think that this is an appropriate effect.
3) I'm not sure I got what you are aiming at. To simulate that basic chorus I usually use two OSCs with the same wave on different octaves and detune them slightly. Would that be the effect you're referring to?
4) Got that, though I think that's important when you're trying to follow the original restrictions of the machine, right? Simulating the typical delay shouldn't be a problem with modern resources, should it?
5) Thanks, worked like a charm. Such tips were what I originally had in mind when I asked!

About sampling whole channels from sid songs: that would feel like cheating to me, I generally do not like using whole parts from other musician's songs. When I refer to sampling I mean creating a multisample waveform/voice to be played live by keyboard. Just a personal thing I guess.

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3 Reply by Murenius

(11 replies, posted in Commodore Computers)

Please define "hell of an arpeggiator", what exactly does it need to achieve?

The point is, with some sounds it is no problem to create them in a rompler synth from fixed waveforms - e.g. with the square LFO controlling pitch. I'd like to identify all sounds that can be simulated like this.

Getting the others is the second step, if necessary I will create them with a VA synth (or real analogue synth, suggestions welcome) or VST plugin and sample that exact sound and put it into my MOXF. The options are there, I'm merely asking for help with understanding the goal better. smile

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4 Reply by Murenius

(11 replies, posted in Commodore Computers)

I know that romplers are not really the thing for recreating chiptune sounds. However, I'll not only provide chiptune sounds in that band but also anything not covered by an existing intrument, e.g. the occasional woodwind, brass or non-chiptune synth pad etc. And I simply can't carry a whole studio to the rehearsals, but want to use e.g. the MOXF during rehearsals.

As you said, it's not really necessary to have a realistic sound, anyway. So my question is only about two thing: which are the typical sounds and what makes them sound like that (read: which approach is needed to create those sound, like in my examples) and how to have a makeshift solution that is chiptune-ish enough to give a sufficient feel in a song - e.g in an intro, a solo or when playing the characteristic hook line of a song.

Btw, I do have quite some band experience, so I know what I'm up for wink I also love chiptunes since the 80ies. I just haven't dealt with creating them as a musician so far and have some problems getting into it at the moment smile

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5 Topic by Murenius

(11 replies, posted in Commodore Computers)

Hi guys,

I was recently talked into joining a hobby band and playing the keys again after 10 years or so of guitar only. The band wants to play cover versions of video game music - inspired by bands like Press Play on Tape or Machinae Supremacy.

For starters I do not need faithful recreations of the SID sound since we'll just jam along to decide which songs to play and how to cover/arrange them. For this I need to play chiptune-ish sounds on one of my synths that I bring to the rehearsal room. At the moment I have access to a MOXF6, a M50 and a nice old SY85.

I started to get into the topic and found the following "typical" things:

- Fast LFO (square wave) controlled pitch changes to fifths and octaves. This works fine already and sounds good enough to use it.
- The same, but done with an arpeggiator. This somehow still sounds too "sterile".
- Filter sweeps (still working on this, goes into the right direction, but isn't close enough yet)
- Pulse width modulation with bass sounds. I'm not sure I can do this on a rompler at all since this means changing the osc's waveform.

Now my question is: do you guys have any idea what I am still missing? For example I am still missing the ringing lead sound like in the Gianna Sister title track.

I tried finding something in the net which explains what exactly makes the SID instruments so typical, but I haven't found anything comprehensive.

Thanks and regards,
Murenius

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