Inspirational Links 3: Chiptune
Chiptune is the art of making music using a microprocessor. If you remember music on any of the retro game systems such as the Commodore 64, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Gameboy, or Sega Genesis you remember chiptune music. Many indie developers find chiptune music a fitting choice for their games. Here are a few links to help you get started.
Commodore 64
- Cynthcart – A cartridge that turns your C64 into a keyboard synthesizer.
- Mssiah – Another C64 synthesizer cartridge.
- Sid2Sid – Upgrade board to add a second SID sound chip to your C64.
Gameboy
- LSDJ – Little Sound DJ is a music sequencer for the Gameboy. It can be used in an emulator or loaded onto a real game cartridge.
- Nanoloop – Another music sequencer for Gameboy.
- Pixelh8 – Yet another sequencer.
Nintendo Entertainment System
- Super Synth Drum Machine – Turns your NES into a drum machine.
- MidiNes – Play music with a midi instrument on your NES.
Atari 2600
- Synthcart – Created by the same programmer who created the Cynthcart, this is more of a drum machine than a synth, but it has some cool sounds and effects.
Communities and Examples
- 8bit collective – A large chiptune community.
- Chiptune – A fun Amiga inspired site.
Where to Buy
- Atari Age – On the rare occasion when the store is not down for maintenance, you can purchase both the Cynthcart and the Synthcart
- Non-finite – Stocks modified Gameboys and occasionally you can pick up an LSDJ cartridge.
