‘Project SIDFX’ is a new hardware expansion for any C64, SX-64, and C128 allowing them to use 1 or 2 SIDs chips, even of different models!
Currently accepting pre-orders, the new board looks very powerful allowing the user to switch between SID chips while playing the tune.For now, this can be achieved via a hardware switch, but the board is prepared to accept the same command from SID players (considering they will include the specific command in the future).
That means you can switch back and forth between a 6581 and 8580 during the execution of your composition to use the best of them when needed! For now, this can be achieved via a hardware switch, but the board is prepared to accept the same command from SID players (considering they will include the specific command in the future).
The board is also designed to be installed without any soldering. You simply remove the current SID from its socket, insert the SIDFX board there and then plug back your SID into the new board (or any other SID chip, of course).
The package also includes a configuration tool that allows you to specify up to three configuration settings. Each setting can be changed, mono or stereo, address space to map, amount of digi-boost for 8580 chips. The video below demonstrates SIDFX being used with two 8580 SID chips.
[youtube lw1KnJRzmn8 nolink]
Due to the high production costs, the only way to get these marvels is to pre-order them. The developers, Lotus/Ancients, explains that to reduce the costs there will be only one batch, so they recommend you order any number of boards you need “now and in the future”. Maybe this is only a way to encourage people to order many units now, but there are no promises new batches will be produced in the future.
The cost is 80 euros (USD90) per unit and only paid units will be built. The website doesn’t say what is the ETA to start the production or the estimated delivery, though.
For more information, follow the link below:
Link: Project SIDFX