Anyone that needs to create retro sounds in the form of Nintendo style chiptune music, may be interested in a new Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer that has been created by Arcano Systems.
The palm sided Chiptune Synthesizer is a minimalistic, microcontroller-based synth that has been created to emulate the classic chiptune sound of the Nintendo Entertainment System’s APU or audio processing unit.
Watch the video below to learn more about the synthesizer and the sounds it can create. Arcano is available to back over on the Kickstarter website from just $60. Its creators explain more about its construction :
The synthesizer’s MIDI input allows musicains create NES-video-game-style chiptune music by simply connecting a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device.
No programming is required. Each Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer includes a preprogrammed microcontroller; however, each synth also features a 6-pin AVR programming header, allowing programmers to flash the embedded ATmega328 microcontroller with their own custom software. The programming header enables hackers to create their own custom waveforms, envelopes, software low-frequency oscillators, and PCM samples.
Unlike many other microcontroller-based synthesizers which use internal PWM peripherals to generate weak, scratchy, low-quality audio signals, the Arcano MIDI NES Chiptune Synthesizer uses an auxiliary digital-to-analog converter chip to create a clear, high-quality audio signal.
Jump over to Kickstarter for more information.
Source: Kickstarter