Hype about recreation of Commodore in 2025?

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by nmkeraj, Aug 24, 2025.

  1. tracer

    tracer Kapellmeister

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    Location:
    Cologne Germany
    I don't need to upload anything (which I offered in a post) because most of it can be found online. I've put together something, see here (if you want, PM me and I'll send you the links of the List)

    COMMODORE C64

    ALL C64 GAMES 155.9 MB
    Big C64 Redump source


    COMODORE AMIGA

    AMIGA SOUNDTRACKER SAMPLEPACKS 71 MB
    AMIGA DEMO MUSIC 2.1 GB
    ALL AMIGA GAMES 1.3 GB
    Big Amiga Redump source
    Amiga OS (Workbench)
    All Amiga Applications 1.8GB
    Amiga Tracker
     
  2. dashfiss

    dashfiss Kapellmeister

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    As for making authentic SID sounds in a DAW there are only two VSTi that I consider usable, updated and high quality: InSIDious and Chipsynth C64.

    As for the sound from a C64 Ultimate:

    The new C64 Ultimate (specifically the Ultimate 64 Elite board and the Ultimate 64 motherboard replacement) contains a specialized, modern hardware chip that is a cycle-accurate recreation of the original MOS 6581/8580 SID chip.

    Here’s a breakdown of what that means and why it's superior:

    1. It's an FPGA Implementation (Hardware)
    • The core of the SID is implemented on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). An FPGA is a chip that can be programmed to behave like other hardware circuits.

    • The creator, Gideon Zweijtzer, didn't write software that simulates the SID's sound. Instead, he recreated the exact digital logic gates and circuits of the original SID inside the FPGA.

    • This means the "chip" on the Ultimate 64 doesn't run a program; it is a hardware SID chip, just built on a modern, reconfigurable silicon canvas.
    2. Cycle-Accurate and Bit-Accurate
    • This FPGA implementation is cycle-accurate. This means it performs every operation in the exact same number of clock cycles as the original SID. This is crucial for the precise timing of many SID music compositions and sound effects.

    • It is also bit-accurate, meaning the digital output of the registers is identical to the original. The analog output stage is then carefully designed to faithfully reproduce the characteristic sound of the SID's filters and amplifiers.
    3. Advantages Over Software Emulation (like VICE)
    • Perfect Compatibility: Because it's hardware, it has 100% compatibility with all known software. Tricks that programmers used to push the SID to its limits (like using certain registers to create unique waveforms) work exactly as they did on the original hardware. Software emulators can sometimes struggle with these extreme edge cases.

    • Zero CPU Overhead: The SID "chip" operates completely independently of the main CPU (which is also an FPGA recreation). This means playing complex music or sound effects has no performance impact on the running program or game, exactly like on a real C64.

    • Authentic Sound: The result is a sound that is, for all practical purposes, indistinguishable from a pristine, original SID chip. Audiophiles and purists consider it the best possible solution outside of using original, aging SIDs.
     
  3. PulseWave

    PulseWave Audiosexual

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    Here are some more ChipTune Synths: Commodore 64 - Freeware VSTi - Win32 - Free

    Odosynths - 38911 Bytes VSTi - Win32 - Free
    38911 Bytes is based on Commodore 64 software but it can do a lot more.
    https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1377
    www.bestfreeplugins.com/plugins/virtual-instruments/chip-synth-02.php

    Odosynths - Dream 64 VSTi - Win32 - Free
    Dream 64 is inspired by the SID chip from the old but good Commodore c64, of course with some extra features added for fun.
    https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1757

    Odosynths - DrSid VSTi - Win32 - Free
    DrSid is a sample based lo-fi / commodore 64 synth with its sounds coming from an included collection of 320 samples.
    https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1384
    https://www.bestfreeplugins.com/plugins/virtual-instruments/chip-synth-02.php

    de la Mancha - basic 65 VSTi - Win32 - Free
    basic 65 is 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.
    https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1815

    Have fun with it!
     
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