19. The SID Project: Resurrecting a Retro Synth

Back during the Argentinian crisis in 2001, I turned a space in my home into a repair shop for TVs and monitors (I had acquired about 10 of them from a friend’s company). After getting my electronics degree in 2002, I started using that workspace to build various projects. The most interesting one was definitely the SID (Sound Interface Device).

I found designs online from a French engineer for a synthesizer based on the Commodore 64’s legendary sound chip. I was immediately hooked and started the build.

I cannibalized an old C64, stripping it down to harvest the sound chip, the case, and a few reusable parts like an LED and a switch.

The process was intense. I had to source components from various local stores, etch copper tracks onto blank PCBs, and solder everything by hand. I even had to build a custom microcontroller programmer to load the core logic via my old computer’s parallel (LPT) port.

Once I had the basic setup running, the results were outstanding. The C64’s 6581 chip (designed by the same engineer who later founded Ensoniq), is famous for its gritty unique sound. Because it has analog components, no two chips sound exactly alike.

I used the synth to record demos for my metal band, Acta Fabula, in 2005. However, life moved on; I eventually moved to New York, and the project was left unfinished.

Every time I visit Argentina, I rediscover old memories. This time, I found the SID covered in dust. I decided right then that it deserves to be finished. It deserves stereo output (my version was mono), a completed control panel, and a chance to be played live. Since I can’t take it with me right now, I won’t be able to resume work until next year, so it might take another two years to complete.

For now, I wanted to share some photos from the original build and a demo track I recorded for Acta Fabula.

Enjoy! 🙂

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RYNJxiQ9qftRbzCy8

DEMO: