Bedroom Producers Blog has announced Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions DELUXE, a sound library developed for the KVR Developer Challenge 2012, in collaboration with Rhythmic Robot.
Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions DELUXE is the final release in the Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions sample pack series. It comes with 30 multi-sampled instruments which were recorded directly from three different versions of the Commodore 64 home computer.
The majority of the sounds in the sample pack are completely new, but I’ve also included re-edited versions of some of the sounds from the previous two releases.
Many users of the first two packs asked for a custom Kontakt interface with on-screen controls. So, I decided to ask Rhythmic Robot to join the project since these guys are the masters of turning vintage instruments into Kontakt sample libraries. Thankfully, they said yes and created a brilliant custom interface for Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions DELUXE!
In order to make the library accessible to virtually everyone, I’ve included SFZ and Zampler patches for all 30 instruments. All patches (including the Kontakt ones) are designed to alter the original sounds as little as possible, so that the original character of the SID chip is preserved as much as possible.
The sound library is a free download at KVR Audio.
Bedroom Producers Blog has released Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions Part 2, a collection of free samples.
Two different Commodore 64s were used for creating the sounds in this sample pack, although both have SID 8580 installed. The original plan was to record some bits from a SID 6581 this time, but my old C64 died literally 5 minutes after I plugged it in. To make that major bummer even major-er, there were no original C64s (aka C64 beige) to be found in the local ads during this three week period.
However, I did manage to get ahold of a C64G, which was sampled for one of the instruments in this sample pack (the BASIC Bass patch, pictured below). C64G also has a SID 8580 installed, but they do say that every SID chip is different, so there’s still a bit of variety in the hardware sense I guess. All other sounds were captured from a C64C which was also used in the previous pack. Hopefully, a C64 beige will pop up in the ads before I start working on part 3.
Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions Part 2 features
14 multisampled instruments and one multi patch.
Total of 142 samples in 16-bit WAV format (download size is 79.4 MB).
Bedroom Producers Blog has released Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions Part 1 , a free sample pack.
This free sample pack is the first part of a project I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be publishing three more Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions packs, capturing the sounds of my two C64s powered by the MSSIAH cartridge and its brilliant Mono Synthesizer application.
Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions Part 1 features
Includes 3 sounds: Legend Of SID, Dungeon Of SID, and Rainy Metropolis.
Created on a Commodore 64 with SID 8580 installed.
21.8 MB content, 16-bit WAV files.
Includes Shortcircuit 1 and Kontakt 5 patches.
Commodore 64 Synthesizer Sessions Part 1 is a free download at BPB.
Xenos Soundworks has released Videogame Mania, a soundset for the Massive software synthesizer by Native Instruments.
Videogame Mania is a fine collection of 50 retro chiptune style patches for Native Instruments Massive in both KSD and NMSV file formats. This soundset contains classic SID arps, authentic videogame sound effects, gritty 8-bit basses and quirky leads which fans of such systems as the NES, Commodore64 and others will instantly recognize. Macro Controls have been assigned in each patch for maximum versatility and tweakability.
Videogame Mania is available to purchase for the introductory price of $5.45 USD.
de la Mancha has announced the release of basic 65, a monophonic synth, inspired by the classic 80s home computer, the Commodore 64 and its legendary SID chip.
Building on the waveforms and signal path of this famous chip, basic 65 adds further features and options to take things a step further.
The double arpeggiator allows complex versions of that retro 8-bit game sound and the modulation options inspire experimentation via the mod envelope and 2 comprehensive LFOs. Pulse width modulation, ring modulation and oscillator detune/sync are key ingredients in the signature sound. Throw in some pitch drift, bit drift, a sprinkle of dirt and randomisation and you have a wide range of lofi, chiptune, retro-tastic sounds at your disposal.
This version is the update to the popular basic 64, redesigned from scratch, with many improvements, new features and all new presets. basic 65 was co-developed with sink, who also made the amazing presets.
Basic 65 features
Monophonic synth in VST format for Windows based hosts.
3 oscillators with pulse, saw, triangle and noise waveforms.
Pulse width can be modulated by envelope or both LFOs [NEW - pwm modulated by envelope].
Each oscillator can be sync’d to another and/or ring modulated by another.
Each oscillator has its own ADSR envelope and can be routed to filter individually.
Resonant filter with low pass, high pass, band pass and notch modes [NEW - notch mode added].
2 tempo-sync Arpeggiators in series for complex arp sounds [NEW - 2nd arp, added arp patterns].
Arp tempo, range and note length can be adjusted [NEW - more tempo-sync options, note length knob].
Modulation envelope can control pulse width and pitch of individual oscillators as well as filter and dirt [NEW - modulates pwm, cut-off, res, dirt].
2 tempo-sync LFOs with wide range of waveforms, including random [NEW - more waveforms, more tempo-sync options, added phase].
Both LFOs can control pulse width and pitch of individual oscillators [NEW - individual oscillator pitch and pwm].
One LFO also controls filter and dirt, the other can modulate the depth and speed of the first LFO [NEW - modulates res, dirt and LFO1].
Envelopes are non-linear and can be retriggered from zero or smoothed on each new note [NEW - separate smooth for amp and mod envelopes].
Pitch drift models instability with variable depth and frequency [NEW - depth and frequency added].
Options for 4, 6, 8, 12 or 16 bit audio with randomising feature [NEW - added randomising, added 4 bit and 12 bit].
Developed with SE 1.1, so no problems with multiple instances [NEW].
128 presets by sink covering arps, leads, bass, drums and lofi sounds [NEW - all new presets].
basic 64 is also included in the download.
Basic 65 for Windows (VST) is available to purchase for $24 USD. A free copy of dirty harry and PULS is included with a purchase until October 7, 2011.
Xenos Soundworks has released Bryan Lee Returns, a soundset for the QuadraSID virtual synthesizer by reFX.
Three years after the release of ReFX’s QuadraSID expansion, Bryan “Xenos” Lee has released the sequel under his own brand.
This soundset contains 100 patches, including wacky basses, leads, sound effects, plus bonus drum sounds, all infused with the quirky, memorable character of the Commodore 64 MOS-SID chip.
Bryan Lee Returns is available to purchase for $9.25 USD.
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