Tech
How Lo-Fi Video Game Synths Influenced Electronic Music
Introducing the video game audio chip that’s inspired generations of producers.
In the ’80s, the Sound Interface Device (a.k.a SID) was a sophisticated sound chip originally used in the now legendary Commodore 64. It allowed game programmers to make rudimentary musical compositions. Its inherent limitations pushed producers to creative extremes, and it can rightly be designated as chiptune’s year zero. Whether that’s a good thing or not is open to debate…
From its humble origins as a device for geeks and nerds, it’s since gone on to influence everyone from Timbaland to Crystal Castles. If this seems like an obscure but fascinating corner of music history that you’d like to explore, then you’re in luck because there is now a comprehensive history available here.
Check out one of our favorite chiptune tunes made with a SID as viewed through an oscilloscope below. Pretty crazy stuff!
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Read more: Go bit-crazy with these Commodore 64 chip emulators
