Plogue Chipsynth MD is a 16-bit 4 operator FM Synthesizer plugin that brings back the sounds of the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis initially generated by the OPN2 (YM2612) chip
In my childhood, I loved the Sega Mega Drive with games like Sonic The Hedgehog. At that time I did not know that internally an FM chip (YM2612) from Yamaha tinkers. The crazy thing for me: more and more developers try to emulate today this chip. I missed a lot of vintage synths but completely experienced this time and yes it was beautiful. I
In addition to the recently released emulation of Inphonics RYM2612, the well-known synthesizer manufacturer Plogue has now released its version with the Chipsynth MD.
sOPN2 Based Engine
Chipsynth MD features a bit accurate OPN2 (YM2612) emulation like the RYM2612 from Inphonics. Plogue goes further and combines it with an SN76489-compatible square ware core (SPEG) and a special emulation of the very crunchy sample playback found in games. The synth offers not just one of this engine but six in total to make it polyphonic in every situation imaginable.
Further, it includes an intelligent layering system that lets you turn any OPN2 patch into a big ear-splitting 6-layer wall of sound. Sounds very promising. Plogue’s reverse-engineering team worked very hard to make sure that even the rarest corner-cases involving the special features of the OPN2 chip are emulated bit-perfectly, backed by large amounts of testing on special hardware rigs. On top, they added the DAC and impulse-response emulation to that with which you can experience a high level of realism. Important is also here: Chipsynth MD emulates all this without using samples.
Plogue said:
This member of the chipsynth line is a feature-rich four operator FM synth that packs quite a punch! The Mega Drive™ – also known as Genesis™ – is a much-beloved console system that brought the bright and sparkly sound of FM to the masses. It resulted in the creation of numerous fast-paced and exciting soundtracks, and it still drives the creativity of composers to this day.
As we designed it, we couldn’t help ourselves but to jam-pack it with features that make it to the next level, with access to every component of the hardware no matter how obscure, and an intelligent layering system that lets you turn any OPN2 patch into a monstrous ear-splitting 6-layer wall of sound!
Plogue Chipsynth MD is available now for PC & Mac (VST/AU/AAX) in 64bit with NKS support. It cost 54€ including VAT.
More information here: Plogue
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