SGU-Tracker

About

SGU-Tracker is a modern music tracker developed specifically for the X65, a modern 8-bit computer based on the WDC 65C816 processor. The tracker is designed to create music for the X65's custom SGU-1 (Sound Generator Unit 1) audio system.

SGU-Tracker evolved from klystrack. It retains the general pattern editor and keyboard workflow of its predecessor, while its playback engine has been adapted to communicate directly with the SGU-1 sound hardware. This allows composers to create music specifically for the X65 and hear how it will sound on the actual hardware.

The SGU-1 Sound Engine

The SGU-1 is a custom sound processor developed specifically for the X65. Its architecture combines ideas from several classic sound chips and synthesizers, including OPL3, OPN, OPM, OPZ, SID, POKEY and Paula.

The synthesis architecture is also influenced by tildearrow's Sound Unit (tSU), used by the Furnace Tracker.

This combination gives the X65 a considerably more sophisticated sound system than the simple PSG-based audio hardware found in many classic 8-bit computers.

Nine-Channel Synthesis

The SGU-1 provides nine stereo channels. Each channel includes four FM operators, allowing composers to build complex sounds through frequency-modulation synthesis.

Sounds can also be processed using a SID-style multimode filter. The system supports multiple waveforms, ADSR envelopes, frequency and volume sweeps, configurable noise, PCM sample playback and stereo output.

• 9 stereo sound channels
• 4 FM operators per channel
• 8 operator waveforms
• ADSR envelopes

Screenshot(s)


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