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Non-NEC Console Related Discussion => Console Chat => Topic started by: VenomMacbeth on June 23, 2013, 08:35:47 AM

Title: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: VenomMacbeth on June 23, 2013, 08:35:47 AM
How many sound channels are there on the Genesis/MD's Z80?  Just the Z80, not the YM2612. I'm writing some music & wanna make sure I'm not cheating.

Here's the song I'm working on:

https://soundcloud.com/cerulean42/run-away-preview

I used 4 different square tones, like those produced by the Z80, but with the way I wrote the song, it would probably translate more to 5 or 6 channels on actual hardware.
Title: Re: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: esteban on June 23, 2013, 10:13:16 AM
Nice  (http://junk.tg-16.com/images/pcgs.png)
Title: Re: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: ccovell on June 23, 2013, 12:19:32 PM
The Z80 doesn't have any sound channels.  None in the SMS and none in the MD/Gen.

If you use the sound functions in the Gen's 315-xxxx VDP, you get 3 square waves + 1 noise channel.

(here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Instruments_SN76489 )
Title: Re: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: VenomMacbeth on June 23, 2013, 01:10:53 PM
The Z80 doesn't have any sound channels.  None in the SMS and none in the MD/Gen.

If you use the sound functions in the Gen's 315-xxxx VDP, you get 3 square waves + 1 noise channel.

(here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Instruments_SN76489 )


Ohhhhh that's right.  I forgot.  You totally answered my question, though.  Thanks!  Did the Genesis have access to any other additional square waves, or was everything else strictly FM?
Title: Re: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: Tatsujin on June 23, 2013, 01:38:20 PM
IIRC it had 6 stereo FM, 3 PSG and 1 Noise channel = 10 Channels in total.
Title: Re: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: ApolloBoy on June 24, 2013, 10:24:50 AM
One of the FM channels can also be configured as a PCM channel for digitized sound effects.
Title: Re: Sega MD Z80 question
Post by: Tatsujin on June 24, 2013, 11:56:32 AM
Ah yeah, the MDs weakness. Only one speech sample at once.