Sixpac MSX-MUSIC sound extension | MSX Resource Center
At the upcoming MSX2GOTO40 event, the highly acclaimed Sixpac OPLL sound cartridge can be picked up at the Supersoniqs booth. Boasting high-end electronics, the creators have delivered a top-quality, low noise piece of audio hardware for the MSX. This could be a rare opportunity to get your hands on such an exceptional item.
A few years after the global launch of the MSX system, which included a 3-channel programmable sound chip as standard, Panasonic introduced the FM-PAC (FM Pana Amusement Cartridge) in 1988 to further enhance the audio capabilities of the MSX. At its heart was a Yamaha OPLL sound chip. Known as MSX-MUSIC, this enhancement quickly became a standard among software publishers. While many clones have seen light since then, the recently developed Sixpac MSX-MUSIC cartridge might be the best sounding of them all.
Unsatisfied with the current selection of available copies, Outer Heaven set out to create a new gold standard for MSX-MUSIC extensions. Using only high-quality electronics, they managed to fit Sixpac into a standard Konami-sized cartridge thanks to contemporary small electronics. The result is a stunning, high-end piece of audio equipment for any MSX computer. It does feature a potentiometer on the board with which you can alter the output volume, balancing it with the PSG. With its 3.5mm external connector, the sound output can also be routed directly to your home stereo, filling the room with classic tunes perfect to swing on.
The first batch of this musical marvel was created in earlier this year and exclusively offered to close friends. Rumors of a second Sixpacs batch have now been confirmed, as Outer Heaven is releasing a limited number of copies. Ordering is as simple as leaving message at [email protected]. And if you’re quick, you can get yours at the Supersoniqs booth durintg the MSX2GOTO40 event. A Sixpac will cost you around 60 euros, and for that you have the best sounding MSX-MUSIC device for MSX.
For more information and technical detail on SixPac visit Outer Heaven on their hub.
Source: https://msx.org/news/hardware/en/sixpac-msx-music-sound-extension
