ELEKTRON ESI
SIDSTATION
SID6581
SID6581 is based on subtractive synthesis as known from analogue synthesizers. The technology is effectively a hybrid between digital and analogue. The soundchip SID6581 (Sound Interface Device) was developed in the early eighties by Bob Yannes at MOS technology. At the time the SID-chip was released to the public, it took the computer industry by storm. There was nothing like it. There wouldn't be either, as the development of synthesizers changed direction toward sampling technology. Today, the SID-chip remains a truly unique piece of technology. The SID6581īs three oscillators are phase accumulating and the filter is a multi-functional analogue NMOS filter. The SID6581 is of a unique and powerful character, full of life and sparkling expression.
The Operating system
The secret of the SidStation sound is only partially explained by the actual SID6581 chip. The SidStation operating system stretches the chip to its limits by updating all SID6581 parameters up to 200 times per second. This implies results of a previously unheard nature.
Over 100 customers have bought the beta version of the SidStation, tested it thoroughly and given suggestions on various areas that have been perfected for this v1.0 release. The Elektron staff are confident that what they we have released now is a mature and very stable product.
User interface
On delivery the SidStation is filled with interesting preset sounds with easily accessible key parameters through the four direct controllers. However, great care has been taken to make a friendly and intuitive environment for programming. Sound creation should be fun - not a painful time consuming process. Many customers of the beta SidStation have given it the highest marks for the user interface, and claim it beats any other synthesizer in this regard.
Type of sounds generated
The SidStation is very versatile and many different styles of sounds can be generated. Many people are aware of its ability to make the most extraordinary videogame sounds. But in fact it can do a great wider variety of sounds. Everything from needle-sharp leads to fat distorted basslines.
SID chip supply
The SID6581 chips are in short supply in the world. Therefore the SidStation is a synthesizer which is limited in numbers even upon release. Sound characteristics do vary between different batches of SID chips. The chips used by the SidStation are factory new of the R4 batch, which deliver by far the best audio quality.
Hardware:
Synthesis: