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Where to Find Computers for 8-bit Music and Chiptunes

Many musicians want to explore 8-bit music, but before you jump in and make a bid on E-Bay for an old 8-bit Commodore 64, here are some tips.

Any of the big 5 devices - the 8-bit Commodore 64, Atari XL/XE, NES console, the 16/32 bit Amiga 500 or 1000, and original Game Boys are for sale on numerous auction web sites. For $10, you can pick up a working handheld device. Typically, you can find 8-bit home computer or console equipment in the $50 to $100 price range.

But beware! To drive down the costs of 8Bit computers in the 1980's, most came stripped down. While the 8-bit C64 price bottomed out at $100, the floppy disk (or cassette) drive, printer, modem and monitor were all sold separately. As for the operating system, the original C64 BASIC was possibly the worst BASIC ever released for an 8-bit operating system, and even more distressing, it contained no support for the revolutionary 8 bit SID sound chip. People wrote their own software for these systems and had an intimate knowledge of assembly language.

Your cheapest way to create 100% authentic chiptunes is probably with the ubiquitous Game Boy. It's cheap and plentiful and great plug ins were created with a graphical user interface that will let you explore and understand how changes in waveform and envelope affect sounds. It's not strictly 8 bit, but don't let that stop you.

Today's artists use 8-bit devices as instruments to get the chip sound, but rely on their PC for composition and controls. Every type of 8-bit sound system has been emulated, so try starting with your own screaming fast PC and some emulation software to explore the retro sounds of 8-bit.

For a list of 8-Bit and SID chip inspired VST plug-ins visit this link for a nice discussion of what's out there in this market. There are a few hardware options as well as paid software emulations but we like free stuff better!

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