Elektron Sidstation - Manual (Page 5)

SIDSTATION
Owners Manual
5
Introduction
A word from the creators
Thank you for buying the SidStation synthesizer module. The instrument that brings back the
unique sound of the SID6581-chip originally found in the Commodore 64 home computer. Using
the full power of the SID-chip combined with innovative synthesis techniques it gives musicians
access to a whole new world of exciting sounds. We have put many hours of hard work in this
product, a synthesizer that reintroduces the spirit and sound from the 80’s.
By using the famous “MOS 6581 Sound Interface Device” chip also known as the SID-chip from
the Commodore 64 computer, we bring you a classic sound, which can not be reproduced by any
other music equipment. Integrating it into the SidStation unleashes the full potential of this chip and
puts you in control. Freeing it from the limitations of the C64 architecture and providing new
methods to control the SID sound gives possibilities yet to be explored.
"The SID is the classic synthesizer that never had a case built around it."
The secret of the SidStation sound is only partially explained by the actual SID6581 chip. The
SidStation operating system stretches the chip to its limits by updating all SID6581 parameters up
to 200 times per second. This implies results of a previously unheard nature.
We in the SidStation design team wish you good luck with your new instrument and hope that it will
inspire you and your music.
The MOS6581 SID-chip
In 1983, Commodore released the Commodore 64. It was a home computer based around the
6510 microprocessor and a couple of custom chips. It soon became very popular and played a
major part in shaping the computer gaming industry. During the development of the Commodore
64, Bob Yannes (who later founded Ensoniq) was approached by Commodore to help develop a
custom sound chip for their home computers. He created possibly the most flexible sound system
ever to be used in a home computer. The SID-chip is capable of three-note polyphony, with one
programmable filter, ring modulation and oscillator hard synchronisation. Each channel can use
one of 4 waveforms: Triangle, Sawtooth, Pulse and Noise (it was soon found that the Triangle and
Pulse waveforms could be combined to a different strange sound – in the SidStation this waveform
is called “Mixed”). But the characteristics of the SID-chip are much more than can be seen in
specifications. It’s wonderful lo-fi distorting filter, beautiful pulsesweep and dramatic ringmodulation
effects – it all has to be experienced.
Features
• MOS 6581 synthesis
• Powerful SidStation OS operating system
• Special arpeggiator
• Unique waveform and notenumber table function
• Flexible LFO modulation system
• Hands on modulation capabilities through direct controllers
• External audio in connector routed through the filter
• C64 SID song player support