Cynthcart

About

Overview

Cynthcart is a synthesizer program and cartridge for the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128, created by American electronic musician and programmer Paul Slocum. It turns the computer into a standalone synthesizer by making extensive use of the Commodore 64's SID (Sound Interface Device) sound chip.

Cynthcart was designed primarily for real-time playing and live performance rather than traditional tracker-based music composition. Its keyboard-driven interface allows the instrument to be played with little or no dependence on a monitor.

Sound and Synthesis

The software provides direct access to the characteristic sound of the SID chip, with preset patches and controls for important synthesis parameters. Cynthcart includes three-note polyphony in its basic configuration and can also support a second SID for stereo operation and up to six voices.

The instrument provides control over the SID filter, pulse width, attack, release, vibrato, portamento and other sound parameters. Paddle controllers can be used for real-time manipulation of parameters such as filter cutoff, pulse width, vibrato and pitch.

Features

• 30 preset sound patches
• Arpeggiator
• Portamento, vibrato and tremolo effects
• Real-time analog filter control
• Attack, release and other sound parameter controls
• MIDI support, including pitch bend, patch changes and controllers
• Mono stack and 3-voice modes
• 6-voice and stereo operation with a second SID
• On-screen help and a color visualizer
• Advanced SID hexadecimal editor
• PAL and NTSC pitch tables with automatic selection
• Option to disable the video chip to reduce electrical noise
• Low-latency operation designed for live playing

Controllers and MIDI

Cynthcart supports the original Com

Screenshot(s)

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