Enhancing Sound Capabilities on Commodore 64 with FPGA

[sweetbomb]

Hi everyone! I’m looking to delve into ways to enhance the sound capabilities of the Commodore 64 using MiSTer FPGA. Specifically, what are the ultimate methods or modifications that can be applied to improve audio output? Any insights on software, hardware, or configuration tips would be greatly appreciated!

[AngelicLiver]

Hi everyone! I’m looking to delve into ways to enhance the sound capabilities of the Commodore 64 using MiSTer FPGA. Specifically, what are the ultimate methods or modifications that can be applied to improve audio output? Any insights on software, hardware, or configuration tips would be greatly appreciated!

Improve the audio in which way? Output from the core or output from the DE10-Nano?

You can use multiple SIDs and alternative models of the SID in the core. The quality of the SID reproduction is widely accepted to be of decent quality but obviously this is entirely subjective. The SID has a mix of digital and analogue circuitry so the sound of SIDs can vary from sample-to-sample.

If you want to get the best quality audio from the DE10-Nano, use the digital audio output and/or use a DAC and a decent amplifier. There are many solutions but it will depend entirely on your setup and budget.

[limi]

Hi everyone! I’m looking to delve into ways to enhance the sound capabilities of the Commodore 64 using MiSTer FPGA. Specifically, what are the ultimate methods or modifications that can be applied to improve audio output? Any insights on software, hardware, or configuration tips would be greatly appreciated!

Check out Lagerfeldt’s linked preset here, under “SID Filter Curves” — the man is an authority on SID chips, so I trust his advice on this: https://misterreplay.com/mister-fpga-gu ... quesystems

He is also responsible for https://ultimatesid.dk if you want to check out more in-depth info.

And yes, as stated — avoid the analog 3.5mm plug unless you have one of the newer I/O boards with the improved DAC. Either use optical out to an external DAC, or use HDMI audio (using an extractor if you are not routing HDMI audio to your amp).

[niallquinn]

Hi everyone! I’m looking to delve into ways to enhance the sound capabilities of the Commodore 64 using MiSTer FPGA. Specifically, what are the ultimate methods or modifications that can be applied to improve audio output? Any insights on software, hardware, or configuration tips would be greatly appreciated!

Check out Lagerfeldt’s linked preset here, under “SID Filter Curves” — the man is an authority on SID chips, so I trust his advice on this: https://misterreplay.com/mister-fpga-gu ... quesystems

He is also responsible for https://ultimatesid.dk if you want to check out more in-depth info.

And yes, as stated — avoid the analog 3.5mm plug unless you have one of the newer I/O boards with the improved DAC. Either use optical out to an external DAC, or use HDMI audio (using an extractor if you are not routing HDMI audio to your amp).

Thanks for that, I didn't know about the sid filters you can apply, top stuff!