Explore the world of mid 80s music synthesis sound chip - Yamaha's YM2413 OPLL (FM synthesis) as used in the MSX-MUSIC standard.

* Updated with improved sound quality *

Description

This is a kit based around the YM2413 OPLL (FM synthesis) sound chip, and designed to be compatible with the MSX-MUSIC standard. Add the amazing advanced music generation of Yamaha's OPLL (FM synthesis) YM2413 chip to your RC2014 build, and propel your ears into the new era of 80's sounds.

The YM2413 was especially made for the MSX system. The YM2413 was also used in Sega Mark III and the Japanese Sega Master System, as well as in arcade machines by SNK and Alpha Denshi, and in a range of Yamaha keyboards.

This YM2413 supports one user-defined instrument and fifteen read-only hard-coded instrument profiles (violin, guitar, piano, flute, clarinet, oboe, trumpet, organ, horn, synthesizer, harpsichord, vibraphone, synthesizer bass, acoustic bass and electric guitar). The IC can operate either as nine channels of melodic instruments or six melodic channels and five hard-coded percussion instruments (high hat, top cymbal, and tom tom, snare and bass drums).

Installed into a MSX configured RC2014 build, this kit will give your system the ability to run many MSX music tracker applications or compatible games.

The on-board ROM includes the MSX-MUSIC basic extensions, enabling the ability to write/run basic program thru its implementation of Music Macro Language (requires the MSX-Memory board with MSX-BASIC flashed).

With the ability to re-flash (update) the on-board SST39SF040 ROM -- this module also doubles as a simple SST39SF040 ROM programmer.

Key features:

• Yamaha's YM2413 OPLL (FM synthesis) music chip
• Mix in the audio from the Yellow MSX Game module
• Onboard ROM, with MSX-MUSIC basic extensions and bios implemented
• Full SST39SF040 ROM (re)flashing with MSX-DOS flash utility

Revision 1.9

• Increased amplification of op-amp to improve signal to noise ratio
• Further adjustment to frequency roll-off improving higher frequency responses.

Revision 1.7

• Improved noise filtering. A low pass filter added to the power supply to the YM2413 and audio circuit to reduce some of the digital and EMF interference that can be heard when no sound was playing.
• Pads for some components are slightly bigger to aid in soldering
• Small change to the roll off frequency of the audio output to produce a slightly warmer sound - (closer to the original spec).

What is the 'Yellow MSX Series of Boards'?

These are a series of boards that I am developing to achieve MSX compatibility for RC2014 systems.

The idea is that you can build each board one at a time, test it and then move onto the next one.

The V9958 board was the first in that series.

More details can be found on my hackaday project

What's included in this kit

The full kits includes everything you need (PCB, capacitors, IC sockets, connectors, and the ICs). The YM2149 are used or old as new stock, tested in circuit by me before shipping.

The SST39SF040 ROM is supplied flashed with MSX-MUSIC extensions for MSX BASIC.

What else do I need to make this work?

• Although it should be possible to operate this module on a stock RC2014 - I am unaware of any software that will drive it, so its recommended you have a fully operational Yellow MSX system on your RC2014 system (memory, video, etc)*

• The onboard MSX-MUSIC basic extensions, requires your main Memory board has MSX-BASIC installed. The MSX-MUSIC programming feature can be used to create a new main ROM.

* The onboard ROM can only be accessed when running your RC2014 in full MSX configuration.

Disclaimer

Please note that this is a kit, produced by a non-professional (me) for hackers, DIYers' and retro lovers, to tinker with. I will do my best to answer any support questions you may have.