ChanServ changed the topic of ##yamahasynths to: Channel dedicated to questions and discussion of Yamaha FM Synthesizer internals and corresponding REing. Discussion of synthesis methods similar to the Yamaha line of chips, Sound Blasters + clones, PCM chips like RF5C68, and CD theory of operation are also on-topic. Channel logs: https://freenode.irclog.whitequark.org/~h~yamahasynths
<andlabs>
also earlier I somehow wound up on a YJA search page for...already ended items
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<andlabs>
did the Y8950 have an official OPLx designation?
<cr1901_modern>
Looks like it's an original OPL variant?
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<cr1901_modern>
Thinking about it more... does anyone know any machines where the original OPL (not OPL2) was used?
<natarii>
PCs?
<protosphere>
MSX-AUDIO was OPL-based I think
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<cr1901_modern>
I thought Adlib was always OPL2
<cr1901_modern>
protosphere: Ack, I'll look into that. I guess the Master System add-on also counts
<protosphere>
cr1901_modern: Which Master System addon were you thinking of? I know there's one using the OPLL
<protosphere>
oh, and MSX-AUDIO uses the Y8950. I didn't see that mentioned before
<cr1901_modern>
Yea, the OPLL one is what I'm thinking
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<natarii>
there were a few arcade boards that were original OPL for sure
<andlabs>
I bought a Japense version of the FM Music Macro with manual, so when it comes I'll be able to do a proper demonstration of that SAY command assuming there is a demo program
<andlabs>
[02:08:41] <cr1901_modern>protosphere: Ack, I'll look into that. I guess the Master System add-on also counts
<andlabs>
this was the chip I was asking about last night btw
<andlabs>
but I was interested if it had an OPLx name
<andlabs>
it seems like the answer is no
<andlabs>
Master System is YM2413
<andlabs>
and yes, the SFX Sound Expander also has an original OPL
<andlabs>
it's why clones can get away with using an OPL2 or 3
<andlabs>
[03:41:54] <natarii>there were a few arcade boards that were original OPL for sure
<andlabs>
and amazingly SNK used the MSX-AUDIO chip somehow
<andlabs>
there are more SNK arcade game VGMs on vgmrips.net than there are MSX-AUDIO
<andlabs>
(even though Compile used the MSX-AUDIO extensively)
<andlabs>
the SFX Sound Expander is an example of profound incompetence
<ValleyBell>
Most people just rip PSG and OPLL MSX music.
<andlabs>
hey let's sell this thing for $waytoomuch, make it only work with software that ALSO costs $waytoomuch, **AND** not let any other company use it for their own software
<andlabs>
our software not very good or useful? too bad
<andlabs>
I have a copy of the SFX Sound Studio software on tape I still need to rip because it seems no one has done it yet
<andlabs>
if *it* sucks, then back in 1984 you were SOL
<andlabs>
because that was the ONLY composing osftware for the thing
<andlabs>
by the way the SFX series had a lot of hardware components in it too
<andlabs>
each of them sold separately and cost $waytoomuch
<andlabs>
in the end they released a bundle in the UK (where the company called SFX, really Music Sales Ltd. was headquartered) but it was both too little too late and also $waytoomuch
<andlabs>
and also released a clone of Sight and Sound's Incredible Musical Keyboard in the UK before Sight and Sound could release the real thing there
<andlabs>
they sued
<andlabs>
I am going to guess this is why Sight and Sound mysteirously disappeared despite being somewhat popular in the early C64 days
<andlabs>
*they sued Commodore
<andlabs>
of course they also made an Incredible Musical Keyboard clone that was compatible with the C128 that Sight and Sound never did
<andlabs>
interestingly for this conversation, Music Sales Ltd. would survive and make MSX music software for Philips
<andlabs>
there's also a really rare SFX-branded version of the Sound Expander
<andlabs>
oh and if only other companies learned from Commodore's mistakes
<andlabs>
but oh no
<andlabs>
I have a nearly complete pack (just missing either a manual or a registration card or both for one specific piece of software, I forget which) of also undumped rare C64 hardware that is basically a repeat of the same mistake, with potentially even worse software
<andlabs>
I'd have dumped it all by now but I've somehow lost the cable I need to connect my ZoomFloppy to my computer...
<andlabs>
there are way way way too many USB connector types
<andlabs>
but Sequential wins the Dumb Companies award
<andlabs>
not only do they make the thing I am referring to above that I have
<andlabs>
but they also released the Sequential MAX
<andlabs>
a full sized synthesizer
<andlabs>
the ONLY front panel controls are preset sleections
<andlabs>
in order to do anything else with the synth other than play it using those preset voices, including you know, twiddling the knobs, you needed to connect it to a C64
<andlabs>
this pissed off pro musicians, and failed at the consumer market
<andlabs>
Dave Smith, founder of Sequential, claims their flailing floundering attempt at computer hardware was the reason the comapny that reovlutionized the industry on multiple occasions and made the enduring Prophet-5 went bankrupt in 1987
<andlabs>
they're back now and the website doesn't even *mention* any of these products
<andlabs>
it only talks about the ability to connect some of their pro sequencers to a computer
<andlabs>
and i do mean revolutionized the industry on multiple occasions
<andlabs>
in fact, they had two particular innovations of note
<andlabs>
the Prophet-5 was the first synthesizer to be CPU controlled — digital synthesizers would be functionally impossible without this change
<andlabs>
they also developed a DIN-based digital communication method for connecting their Six-Trak sequencer and one of their lesser known synthesizers together and after being annoyed by a similar but extremely overcomplicated thing that Oberheimer proposed, the founder of Roland decided to adapt Sequential's design into what we now call MIDI