Mikey

Atari Lynx Mikey

Overview

Mikey is the custom system chip used in the Atari Lynx. Among its many responsibilities, Mikey contains the console's audio hardware.

The audio section provides four independent sound channels. Each channel can generate programmable waveforms and can be used for music, sound effects and other audio events.

Unlike traditional PSGs such as the SN76496, Mikey is integrated into a much more general-purpose custom system architecture.

Technical characteristics

• System: Atari Lynx
• Chip: Mikey
• Channels: 4
• Synthesis: Digital programmable audio
• Waveforms: Programmable waveform generation
• Timer: Independent channel timing
• Typical use: Music and sound effects

Four sound channels

Mikey provides four independent audio channels. Each channel has its own frequency and control registers, allowing software to construct four-voice musical arrangements.

The channels can also be used independently for sound effects, making the audio hardware suitable for the requirements of an action-oriented handheld console.

Atari Lynx

The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 and was notable for its colour LCD, hardware graphics capabilities and advanced custom hardware for a portable system of its generation.

Mikey was responsible for several important system functions in addition to audio, making it an essential part of the Lynx architecture.

Tracker relevance

The four-channel audio architecture makes Mikey an interesting platform for tracker-style music.

As with other four-channel systems, composers had to carefully balance melodic voices, bass, percussion and effects within a limited number of hardware channels.

Historical importance

Mikey is an interesting example of a custom multimedia chip where audio, timing and other system functions were integrated into a single device.

Its four-channel sound system contributed to the distinctive audio capabilities of one of the earliest colour handheld game consoles.

Related soundchips

• Atari TIA — Earlier Atari custom audio architecture.
• Atari POKEY — Four-channel programmable sound generator.
• SN76496 — Another four-channel PSG architecture.

Further reading

• Wikipedia — Atari Lynx
• Mikey technical information