ymVST

16 votes, 17 comments. Hi All, Title says it all really, I'm after some 8 bit synth plugins (chiptune/video game style), 64 bit only, preferable. Chipsounds is a vst instruments plugins developed by Plogue, a free Chiptune Synth VST plugins that you can use on any VST Compatible hosts such as Steinberg Cubase, Nuendo, Wavelab, FL Studio/Fruityloops, Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, LMMS, Reaper, SONAR, Mixcraft, Acid Pro, etc. Casio HT-700 Emulation Plastique by de la Mancha is a subtractive synth, using the 31 waveforms from the Casio HT-700 synth. This free vst synth features 2 oscillators, an arpeggiator synced to the tempo, LFO, volume and pitch envelopes, low-pass filter, and some lo-fi options to reduce the sound quality.

VST plug-in for authentic Atari ST chipsounds
Emulates the built in YM2149 sound chip with a decent plugin user-interface on your PC

The current ymVST version is v1.0. download here (670k)
MIDI Information

You can click here for cool YM chip music

ymVST was created by Atari chip music freak Gareth Morris aka gwEm. Send him an e-mail, visit his homepage.

ymVST FAQ

What is STj?
This question was just a cheap way for me to hype my Atari ST DJ software STj ;)

Why was ymVST created?
I got a tracker program called 'Sk@le' which has great stylez and accepts VST plugin synths. I wanted to use chip sound in my tracks, so I made this. Ironically Sk@le does not yet support this VSTi, so I can't even use my own work. However if you use a VST compatible host maybe you can!

Which Atari program did you rip the interface from?
MusicMon2 by Frank Lautenbach, with beautiful interface GFX from Sven Bauer. Get it from Dead Hackers Society, a great Atari scene homepage.

Will a Mac version become available?
The program I used to make it 'synthedit' is only available for PC at the moment. If a Mac version comes out I would of course make a Mac port of the plugin, but I don't think the guy will do it anytime soon.

Why doesn't ymVST have any fake_style knobs and sliders?
Because they're fake ;->

But the envelope control is faders in disguise?
Yes, but I quantised them to 16 levels like the real thing.

Don't dont you think the whole philosophy of this project is fucked up? Isn't VST against the chip music ideal?
I agree it seems a bit weird. But actually I disagree. I made the plugin to avoid all the usual VST shit, ie no knobs etc etc, so the interface is still real. Of course a 500Euro PC is more expensive than a 10Euro Atari. But lets be realistic, everyone has at least access to a PC these days and can use this straightaway. If your favourite music program supports VSTs (as mine does) then why learn something else? The plug-in is especially useful if you want to add a chip flavour to your work easily, without sampling or messing around. You can also use MIDI controllers etc etc. But if you are serious you should go to ebay and buy the real thing - it is better than this plugin, and the software is for free...... But if you wanna go portable Atari laptops are pretty rare, and you can get a PC one very easily.

What does ymVST offer over QuadraSID from reFX?
Atari and not C64 sound. Its free. It has a more authentic interface.

How accurate is the ymVST to a real Atari ST?
Pretty close. 'Angel sync-buzzer' effects are emulated the worst. For the emulation I assumed an infinite frequency resolution. In realitythis is not the case and only certain frequencies are possible. There is slight audible aliasing on the square waveform. The hardwaveformshave been quantised linearly and not non-linearly. The noise volume is constant with frequency, in reality it reduces with increasing frequency. Noise frequencies are also only 85% accurate to the real YM2149.

Isn't a 10 step envelope pretty shit? Give me more resolution!
To be honest I like it, and it never cause me a problem.

What sounds can I make with ymVST?

• Authentic bleepy/micro sounds
• 3 step arpeggiated chords
• Kicks, hihats, snares and other percussive sounds
• Hard and soft buzzer effects (saw and triangle hardwaveforms)
• Angel sync-buzzer effects (square+hardwaveform+sync) - emulation not 100%
• SID effect (squarewave plus software generated squarewave)

and also some 'fucked up sounds' and 'weird acid shit' by playing with it enough.

What are the liscensing conditions for ymVST?
Use it in your own music as much as you like. Give it to all your friends. If you put it on your own website you absolutely have to link to this page. You aren't allowed to hack the plugin in anyway. You aren't allowed to sell the plugin.

Will there be new versions of ymVST?
Probably not. Unless you give me a very good reason.

What do all the knobs and controls do?
You should work it out for yourself - its more fun that way.

Is there a master volume control
Yes, but its hidden. You need to use a MIDI controller. ymVST is also sensitive to velocity. You could also turn the synth down in your editor.

Now I have ymVST is there any point in me buying a real Atari ST?
Yes, you should definately buy a real Atari ST. Best free mac vst plugins. ymVST is close to the real thing, but it will never be 100%.

Does ymVST have any bugs?
There is one known bug concerning the Arpeggio and Envelope. The first step is always 1/2 the length it should be. I do not plan to fix this unless there is enough demand.

Is there anything special with the portamento?
Yes, if the setting is 1 or greater then the note is not retriggered. The note is only retriggered when the setting is on 0.

How can I use ymVST authentically?

• Have maximum 3 ymVSTs running simulaneously
• Don't use the hardwaveforms on more than 1 track at once (unless your playing the same note)
• Only use 1 noise frequency at one time

Iptv stalker download for kodi. Why does the hardwaveform stop increasing above a certain frequency?
Thats how it is with a real YM2149. There is a maximum frequency limit for hardwaveforms.

Why does the square wave stop decreasing below a certain frequency?
See above, there is a minimum frequency limit for the square wave.

Why doesn't the envelope work when the hardwaveform is activated?
Its to be exact to the original hardware. The YM2149 soundchip allows manual envelopes or hardwaves and not both.

Are MIDI controllers implemented?
They should be on all the controls, but I never tested it.

Any other big-ups?

• Big-up to Tao for revealing to me the secret of the SID effect
• Big-up YM Rockerz for inspiring me
• Big-up drx for giving me MusicMon2
• Big-up micromusic.net for existing
• Big-up SynthEdit the tool I used to make this (dont ask me for the source)

Also VST is a trademark of Steinberg because they invented it. I never used any of their software though, so its not really a big up, more an acknowledgement.Having the right Chiptune VST plugins can be of huge help when you're making chiptune!
However, finding the Chiptune VST best suited for you and your needs can sometimes be a tough task.
The internet is full of information, and, while that’s a good thing, it can also be a little overwhelming when you try to find an amazing chiptune VST.
What you’ll soon realize in this search is that there are many factors to consider.
What starts off as a simple task can turn into one that stretches for days or even weeks.
So, to save you from sorting through them all, we’ve crafted a list of the top 10 Chiptune VST plugins to help you find the perfect one for you.
But before we get into it, what exactly makes a VST ‘the right’ one?

Features To Consider

In this modern day and age, computers are much faster than ever before, but processing power continues to be an issue.
One important thing to consider before purchasing or committing to any VST is what the processing power needs are. Can your computer handle the software that you’re using?
If yes, great! But if it can’t, no worries! You may instead want to look for a more lightweight VST that can do as good of a job as a heavier one.
Aside from processing power requirements, simplicity is another important factor when choosing a great VST to suit your needs.
Do you want to hit the ground running and make chiptune music right away? Or do you prefer to get neck deep in the settings and customize each and every last detail of your sound design process?
Some VSTs will be simple enough to allow you to ‘plug n play,’ whereas others will require a lot more education on your part in order to master chiptune sound design.
When factoring in simplicity, it’s also important to consider the user interface (known as UI). Simple VSTs often have an easy-to-use interface, while the more complex VSTs might be a lot harder to grasp.
This is crucial to keep in mind, because UI can affect creativity, which is extremely important to music production. This is because creativity is influenced by everything you hear, feel, do, or see (UI). So, if you don’t like how your VST looks, it could slow down your efficiency when producing chiptune music.
Lastly, emulation specificity is another big feature to consider. Chiptune music originally was created from gaming systems, such as the NES or Gameboy, with each of those systems producing different types of sounds.
With that in mind, chiptune VST plugins have been created with the capacity to emulate sounds created by certain systems. Knowing what type of sound you want to create will greatly speed up the VST selection process and ensure you use something that you’re happy with.
With these features in mind, let’s get started.

Option 01: Magical 8Bit Chiptune VST

Main Features:

• 5 waveforms - square, 2x pulse, pseudo-triangle, low-res noise

• ASDR envelope settings

• Pitch bend

• Velocity control

• Frequency sweeping

• 32 Voices

Note: For full specifications and download, visit YMCK.
Are you a fan of old, primitive 8 bit game consoles?
If you are, then the Magical 8bit Plug may be the perfect VST for you to make some old school electronic music!
This is because this VST allows for use of the pseudo-triangle or low-resolution noise, which are key when creating 8 bit or chiptune music.
Another important feature about the Magical 8bit Plug is that it focuses on simplicity, which makes creating great chiptune sounds quick and easy.
To top it off, the Magical 8bit Plug is lightweight and will work on both macOS as an audio unit and on Windows as a VSTi.
If you want to see what this VST can do for yourself, check out this awesome animated Youtube video featuring music made by Magical 8bit Plug. It’s set to what appears to be an old school video game.

Option 02: Chipsounds

Main features:

• Hybrid synth/sampling synthesizer

• Control/Modulation/Effects/Mixer tabs

• Arpeggiator

• Wave Sequencer

• Pitch and Amplitude Modulation

• Emulates 15 vintage 8-bit era sound chips

Note: For full specifications and download, visit Plogue.
Looking for something a little more robust than Magical 8bit Plug? Then Chipsounds may be the VST for you.
Chipsounds is one of the more popular chiptune VST plugins this year, and we can definitely see why.
The first reason is because it gives you a lot of control over your sound design process, which is huge when trying to set yourself apart from other producers.
Another cool feature is that Chipsounds can run on both Windows and macOS as a standalone application.
Additionally, it can also run as a VST, AU, RTAS, or AAX plug-in allowing for flexible usage with different systems.
To see this VST in action, check out Plogue’s introductory Chipsounds video.

Option 03: ymVST

Main features:

Free Chiptune Vst Mac

• Polyphony support

• 3 step arpeggiated chords

• Knobless UI

• Angel sync-buzzer effects

• SID effect

Note: For full specifications and download, visit preromanbritain.
If you’re a fan of the authentic Atari sound, then ymVST is a blast to the past…almost.
To the casual observer, the UI may look complicated. But it was actually made to replicate a traditional non-software music production setting with a more ‘authentic interface.’
This means there’s no knobs or sliders. Yet it also comes with all of the great chiptune quality sounds that can be made by the other more complex VSTs available on the internet today.
So, if you’re used to a more traditional method of chiptune production, ymVST may be right up your alley.
Unfortunately for Mac owners, ymVST is only available for PC users.

Option 04: basic 65

Main features:

• Monophonic synth

• Double arpeggiator

• Mod envelope

• (2) LFOs

• (3) Oscillators

Note: For full specifications and download, visit vst4free.
Inspired by the Commodore 64, basic 65 is a monophonic synth which takes the legendary SID chip from its hardware predecessor and adds more features to ‘take a step further’.
With a clean interface, this VST should be relatively quick to pick up and allow you to get started programming in your favorite chiptune sounds with ease.
Making it even simpler, there are over 128 presets available for you to choose from.
And with the basic 65 being an update to the already popular basic 64, you’ll know that you’re using a VST that has had a lot of prior problems solved.
However, similar to ymVST, the basic 65 is only available for use on Windows which makes that one key detraction in a production world heavily Mac reliant.

Option 05: Super Audio Cart

Main features:

• 5,500+ samples

• 1,200+ factory snapshots

• ‘Hold’ arp steps

• Modulate cutoff & pan with each step

• Use arp steps to modulate other parameters

• Free SNESVerb plugin

Note: For full specifications and download, visit impactsoundworks.
Super Audio Cart provides a revitalized take on an old-school chiptune production scene.
The interface looks modern which makes it similar to other software on the market today such as Omnisphere or iZotope Ozone. In other words, it’s easy to plug n play!
When purchasing, you’ll be capable of replicating sounds from the NES, FC, SNES, GB, 2600, C64, SMS, and GEN console systems. Add in the fact that you’ll receive over 6,000 samples and 630 unique sound sources and that makes purchasing the Super Audio Cart even more appealing.
However, it’s currently priced at $149 through impactsoundworksand also requires Kontakt to run, which can be a problem if you’re on a budget.
Not sure if this is right for you? Take a listen to some chiptune created by Super Audio Cart here to get an understanding of its capabilities.

Option 06: Retro Boy

Main features:

• Subtractive emulator

• Single oscillator

• Vibrato & decimation effects

• Polyphony: 1-4

Free Chiptune Vst

Note: For full specifications and download, visit sbaud.
As you may be able to tell from the specs, Retro Boy brings you back to the past. For example, it’s extremely lightweight on the processor with only a single oscillator.
It’s a classic, subtractive chiptune VST synth with seven waveforms - 12.5% pulse, 25% pulse, square, saw, triangle, sine, and noise.
Because of its simplicity, most computers should be able to run Retro Boy easily enough making that one of the key highlights of this VST.
And although you could probably figure out Retro Boy’s capabilities quickly enough yourself…
You can also check out a demo before downloading by clicking here!

Option 07: ICECREAM

Main features:

• Dual oscillators

• 4 Octaves per oscillator

• Amp/Filter ASDR

• Harmonics switch

• Glide and glide rate

Note: For full specifications and download, visit vstplanet.
Are you thinking what we’re thinking? If you are, you’ll understand how cool (pun intended) this VST looks.
It comes with a pretty standard set of features: two oscillators with volume and octave controls, filters, a sequencer, and EQ.
However, what makes this VST stand out is the colorful interface.The playfulness of this interface and color scheme will definitely take you back to the days of playing Super Nintendo as a child.
And even if you haven’t touched a Super Nintendo, you’ll still feel like a kid playing the newest gaming system.
This might jumpstart your creativity and bring your chiptune music to the next level.
To take a listen to all of the creative possibilities that can come about from using the ICECREAM VST, check out this Youtube video.

Option 08: Nintendo VST

Main features:

• Simple UI

• Nintendo emulation

• Portamento

• Pitch bend

Note: For full specifications and download, visit mattmontag
If you want to create chiptune music in the vein of Nintendo using something simple, Nintendo VST may be what’s right for you.
Created by Matthew Montag, the Nintendo VST is lightweight and can quickly be picked up by anyone.
That’s because the volume, duty cycle, pitch, and fine pitch adjustments are easily made with a max of three knobs for each setting (LFO steps, loop point, step time, and tempo sync).
And if you want to understand how the Nintendo VST works, Matthew has you covered! He’s meticulously detailed much of his VST development process on his website.
To see how the Nintendo VST was created, click here.

Option 09: AdLibXRom

Main features:

• Replicates Adlib Music Synthesizer Card

• Two oscillators

• 40 Multi-sampled sounds

Have you ever heard of the AdLib soundcard? If you have, you may find yourself in love with this VST.
The AdLibXRom replicates the sound of the AdLib Music Synthesizer Card which was famous in the early nineties.
Featured within the soundcard was the YM3812 synthesizer chip which utilized FM and additive synthesis.
Today, the AdLibXRom brings things back with the option of using the main or noise oscillator.
Additionally, it features over 40 multi-sampled sounds making usage even more interesting.
Note: For full specifications and download, visit samplescience.

Option 10: 38911 Bytes

Main features:

• Single oscillator

• 4 Waveforms

• 3 LFOs

• 4x16 Step sequencers

To any producer not familiar with Chiptune production, this VST may look a little confusing.
However, if you’ve been around the Chiptune production scene, this may just make you feel at home.
The interface was designed to provide an old-school feel.
There is only a single oscillator, but it does come with multiple waveforms such as Saw, Triangle, Pulse, and Pitched Noise.
Another highlight is the 4x16 step sequencers which also come with 11 different BPM rates.
Has the visual design of 38911 Bytes caught your attention? If so, we’d recommend that you learn more here!

Conclusion

Finding the best chiptune VST to suit your needs depends on your situation and what you’re looking for.
We’ve highlighted some of the best chiptune VST plugins that we think you’ll find particularly useful, each with its own unique characteristics and features.
To reiterate, here are some of the most important features to be aware of when choosing the best chiptune VST for your music production needs:

Chiptune Vsts Free

• Processing power requirements

• Simplicity

• UI (User Interface)

• Emulation specificity

We’ve compiled some amazing VSTs for you to try out and now we want to hear your thoughts!
Have you had any experience using any of these chiptune VST plugins?
Are there any others that we should have mentioned or replaced?
Let us know in the comment section below!