WebSID - Commodore 64 synthesizer

Description

WebSID takes a step back from the high fidelity 21st century sounds by providing an homage to one of the dirtiest lo-fi synthesizers known to man : the SID chip. For those unfamiliar with the lingo : the SID was the audio module of the number one 1980's homecomputer : the Commodore 64.

In WebSID, two keyboards (of the piano variety) provide control over the synthesizer. The upper keyboard keeps the limits of the original SID in mind (try hitting three simultaneous notes for getting that trademark 80s videogame sound), while the lower keyboard provides modern polyphony. For further sonic manipulation the sound can be routed through resonant filters and echo leading to either a subtle enhancement of the overall tonal quality, or a descent into complete mayhem, leaving the original chip music / chiptune-feel far behind and trading it in for a vile (but controllable!) dirge!

In case you're running out of hands (or would like to record an idea for posterity), you can record your efforts live into the sequencer and save your work on your computer, to recall it at a later date. You can even share your songs online with your friends to listen to.

You can transpose the range of the upper keyboard by using the + or - keys, and by using the [ and ] keys for the lower keyboard. The range of the instruments is between C2 - C8.

WebSID can be played offline and works best with either a touch screen or an NKRO-keyboard to prevent ghosting for those inclined to play chords simultaneously with a bass line! Additionally, if you have a MIDI keyboard hooked up to your computer, you can control WebSID using actual piano keys for maximum control (see the 'help' section in WebSIDs menu on how to activate this).

NEW: WebSID now also offers percussive accompaniment in the form of WebTIA, a suitably lo-fi Atari drum machine.