Making Music With A Commodore 64 Chiptune Music Workstation

This video, via Naviaravideos, is an in-depth look at a tricked-out Commodore 64 music workstation, which features upgrades like additional encoders, dual SID chips, an SD drive and some Mad Max styling.

After the hardware overview, the video looks at creating a new track with the custom chiptune workstation.

Technical Data:

Commodore 64:

  • SD2IEC (SD Card Floppy drive) with 2 line display installed
  • SIDFX module (www.sidfx.dk) with two SID chips installed, low noise output with 2 sep. 6,3 output jacks
  • 4 rotary encoders installed
  • MSSIAH cartridge (www.mssiah.com)
  • Ultimate II+ cartridge (1541ultimate.net)
  • SD2IEC reset button and on/off switch
  • C64 Reset Button
  • 2 x SIDFX 3 stage configuration switch
  • 9 inch color TFT display

PC parts:

  • BLKSTK2MV64CC – with Skylake generation intel core m5 processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • USB 3.0
  • 64 GB eMMC internal storage
  • 128 GB SD Card storage
  • 802.11ac wireless Lan & Bluetooth 4.2
  • 7 Port USB 3.0 HUB
  • USB Asio soundcard with analog and optical digital output
  • USB video capture device
  • USB Midi Interface
  • Wireless keyboard with touchpad
  • CME Xkey 25 MIDI Keyboard
  • Windows 10 professional 64bit

11 thoughts on “Making Music With A Commodore 64 Chiptune Music Workstation

  1. I am seriously impressed by his commitment to building that beast out. When he says he’s worked on it for 2 years, I believe him! That Frankenputer must have been a pain to put together at every single step.

  2. i have a question about the “chiptune” concept/term and origin. Is a modern term based on old computers like c64 ? or the term was born during the old computers ? , because is the term is modern (after 8 bits) , then you are not doing chiptune when you make music with commodore , but you are doing THE MUSIC .

    1. The term “chiptune” was in use at least back in the Amiga days, while the C64 was still being produced and used (but no longer Commodore’s main line). There was (and still is!) even a mods/chip/ directory on Aminet for chiptunes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *