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Mar 13, 2021 · More accurately, I would say it has two channels of 4-bit sound. The 4 bits refers to the resolution of the volume registers. By varying the volume very quickly you can essentially shape the sound waveform into new sounds. The DPC chip basically spits out numbers, it doesn't directly generate sound.
Atari 2600. The Television Interface Adaptor[1] (TIA) is the custom computer chip which, along with a variant of the MOS Technology 6502, constitutes the heart of the 1977 Atari Video Computer System game console. The TIA generates the screen display, sound effects, and reads the controllers. At the time the Atari VCS was designed, even small ...
- Volume
- Frequency
- Tones / Sounds
Volume is strait forward: 4-bits of a control provide for 15 levels of volume and an offstate (muted, value 0):
Frequency is where things becoming a bit quirky. The pitch is provided by a base frequency (30KHz) and divisons of this by the value which has been written to the corresponding control register (AUDF0, AUDF1). Since there are 5 bits, this provides for a scale of 32 distinct frequencies. However, "scale" may be a term rather outrageous in this regar...
Here, we're venturing in some kind of unknown territory, as there is no clear description of what the 16 sounds, apparently selectable by the 4-bit control register, specifically are. The Stella Programmer's Guidestates rather vaguely: And this is what the cited TIA-1A Hardware Manualhas to say on the matter: *Hem* Let's have a look at the register...
De Re Atari - Chapter 7. 7SOUND. The ATARI 400/800™ Home Computers have extensive hardware sound capabilities. There are four independently controllable sound channels, all able to play simultaneously. Each channel has a frequency register determining the note, and a control register regulating the volume and the noise content.
Like a computer, the Atari 2600 VCS: Runs a program - the game stored on the cartridge. Reads input (s) from controllers and switches on the console. Performs calculations with a CPU - based on the program and inputs. Generates Output based on the input and calculations.
TIA’s off-key notes (something like “if you can’t win them, join them“). For that, many Atari 2600 enthusiasts and scholars have done many efforts. Paul Slocum is one of those. He is the creator of the Synthcart (available at the AtariAge store) and of the Sequencer Kit (available for free at this website), both for the Atari 2600.
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If you opt for a board with a socket, your Cynthcart can easily be upgraded when new versions of the Cynthcart software are available. Please be sure to select above which configuration you wish to purchase. The Cynthcart also includes a manual written by Paul Slocum. Be sure to check out Paul's Synthcart for the Atari 2600 while you're here!
