Getting Started

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3
How to start up the Cartridge..................................................................................... 4
Inserting the Cartridge .............................................................................................. 4
Bank Tests ................................................................................................................. 6
Audio Test ................................................................................................................. 6
Shutting Down the Computer ................................................................................... 7
Removal of the Cartridge ............................................................................................ 8
MIDI .............................................................................................................................. 9
Ground Rules ............................................................................................................. 10
The File Manager ....................................................................................................... 11
Main Menu .............................................................................................................. 11
Handling Files ......................................................................................................... 12
The Commodore 64.................................................................................................... 13
Storage Media ......................................................................................................... 14
SDR ......................................................................................................................... 14
Inputs and Outputs of the C64 ................................................................................ 15
The SID Sound Interface Device ........................................................................... 17
Voices or Oscillators? ............................................................................................. 17
Envelope Bug .......................................................................................................... 17
What to look for when shopping for C64s .............................................................. 18
Second SID ............................................................................................................. 19
Peripherals .................................................................................................................. 20
User Port Sync24 .................................................................................................... 20
Audio Out / In ......................................................................................................... 21
Potentiometers......................................................................................................... 22
Second SID installation........................................................................................... 22

2
Introduction
Thank you for your excellent choice of software purchasing the MSSIAH Cartridge!

We had a very clear philosophy developing this

product: make it the simplest, most cost effective
and easiest to use solution for retro-fitting the
Commodore 64 with MIDI!

As you get to know the software we are quite

confident that you will agree with us that our
philosophy did turn into practice.
Those of you, who have been longing for a user-
friendly product that takes the Commodore audio
into your studio without being ruined, finally found home.
The only doorstep left to embed the unique sound of the SID circuit in your music is to start
the cartridge up, insert a MIDI cable and get into the applications. However, we recommend
that you first take the time and read this booklet through.

Then it is our wish that the MSSIAH becomes an invaluable tool next to your favorite gear
and brings lots of fun for many creative hours to come at your favorite recording facility!

Note:

Caution! This software is highly addictive. We do not take responsibility for loss of sleep,
calling in sick for work or neglecting friends and relatives.

3
How to start up the Cartridge
This section explains how to insert the cartridge and start it up.
Read this section thoroughly before you use the MSSIAH Cartridge. It contains information
on how to handle the unit without causing damage to either cartridge or computer.

Inserting the Cartridge

1: Make sure your computer is completely turned off

Note:

YOU MUST NEVER INSERT OR REMOVE THE CARTRIDGE WHILE THE

POWER IS ON!

Seriously. We cannot emphasize this enough:

NEVER INSERT OR REMOVE THE CARTRIDGE WITH THE POWER STILL
ON!!

2: Insert the cartridge with the MIDI input connector facing upwards

3: Gently push the cartridge all the way into the expansion port

Make sure the cartridge terminals slide into the connector inside the expansion port
when inserting the cartridge. Then gently apply a little more pressure on the
cartridges top side so it fully connects into the female connector inside the expansion
port and sits tightly. Push it into the port until the MIDI input connector touches the
C64s outer wall (where the Expansion Port text goes).

4
4: Turn the power on

Your screen should now look like this:

Press any key to enter the startup menu.

Use the CRSR keys to navigate the menu and the RETURN key to start any of the
MSSIAH applications.

The Diagnostics functions allow you to test audio and user/controller ports on your
computer.

The upper part of the Diagnostics / Ports screen shows the Controller ports (joystick,
potentiometers and mouse) and the lower part is a user port tester. Select user port test
mode with the CRSR keys and press RETURN key to start the test. Any other key
quits the test.

IN displays input signals on each pin and OUT toggles 0 and +5 volts at regular
intervals so that you can read it with a volt meter (pins turn black on the screen).
SDR IN flashes SDR input. SDR OUT puts data output on the SDR pins.

5
 Note:

Be careful! The user port is a bidirectional port. Do not input signals while in output
mode and vice versa!

Bank Tests
You can quickly test the C64 timers, banks and MIDI functionality on the Diagnostics / Banks
screen.

Timers
Press RETURN key to start the timer test. You should see two timer bars
continuously progressing from left to right in time with the C64s timers. Left of the
timer bars is a yellow circle flashing with an interval of approx. 1 second.
Press to stop the timer test.

Graphics Bank
Use CRSR keys left/right to select bank, then press RETURN key to activate. While
holding return key depressed you should see the bank number in the upper right
corner of the screen. If not, your CIA chip is defective.
Bank #1 has no effect in this test, it is the same one used for displaying the startup
menu graphics. If its out you wont see anything on the screen anyway so theres no
point in testing it here.

Test ROM
This is a systems test we perform on all cartridges. It is of no use to MSSIAH end
users.

MIDI test
This is a systems test also. Press RETURN key to start the MIDI test. It uses the first
receive channel and displays incoming notes, velocity and MIDI clock.
Press key to quit the test.
Note: There is no audio in this test!

Audio Test
Press keys 1 6 to toggle each oscillator on/off individually. Press CRSR keys down and up
to select filter and RETURN key to start filter test.

6
Shutting Down the Computer
The MSSIAH applications share the same MIDI parameters such as MIDI channels and pitch
wheel ranges. For example, changing MIDI channel for the Wave-Player will make the same
change for the Mono Synthesizer and stays in memory as long as you quit and reboot the
cartridge with the power still on.
The same goes for the Mono Synthesizer and Drummer sound parameters. Quitting and
restarting any of those applications will recall the last patch/instrument settings.

The MSSIAH Cartridge is capable of

storing these settings even when the
computer is switched off. However, you
need to manually activate the storing
procedure.
If you have made changes and wish to
store them for later use, select the Shut
Down Computer option in the startup
menu and choose Yes to save. When
saving is done the computer tells you it is
safe to shut down the computer. Do not turn the computer off until this message appears!

If you have not made any changes or wish not to save, choose No when asked to save.

The MSSIAH Cartridge can save these parameters approx. 100.000 times.

CAUTION:

If you choose to save settings on shut down, DO NOT shut down your computer until the
computer tells you it is safe to do so. Neglecting this warning WILL corrupt your cartridges
data storage!!

7
Removal of the Cartridge
Removal is opposite of insertion.

1: First turn the power off!

CAUTION:

YOU MUST NEVER REMOVE OR INSERT THE CARTRIDGE WITH THE

POWER STILL ON!

To really emphasize the importance of this message we say it again:

YOU MUST NEVER REMOVE OR INSERT THE CARTRIDGE WITH THE
POWER STILL ON!

2: Pull the cartridge out

Grip the cartridge firmly on the top side and pull it out of the computer, use two hands to get a
better grip. Dont wiggle it, just pull it straight out.

3: Store the cartridge in a safe place

Take good care of the cartridge. Dont store it in excessive heat, cold or humidity.
Dont expose the terminals on the bottom side to grease or electrostatic discharges. Do not
open the cartridge case. There are no user repairable parts inside.

8
MIDI
The MSSIAH Cartridge features an integrated MIDI interface for a full MIDI implementation
with all MSSIAH applications. The MIDI port is input only, there is no MIDI output.
The MIDI interface does only work with the software provided on the MSSIAH Cartridge. It
is not compatible with any other programs.

To use the MIDI interface, connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI output of your master
sequencer or keyboard into the MIDI input on the MSSIAH Cartridges top side.
Read the manual for each MSSIAH application to learn how to utilize the MIDI features
properly.
The image above illustrates where and how to insert the cable. The MSSIAH Cartridge needs
to be inserted into a Commodore 64 and powered up in order for the MIDI interface to work.
See the How to Start up the Cartridge chapter.

TIPS:

Though MSSIAHs MIDI interface is capable of handling a busy load of MIDI information,
it is recommended to split up the MIDI data in case you have many peripheral devices in a
large MIDI setup. MIDI does, after all, have a limited bandwidth.

Splitting MIDI signals means using a MIDI interface for your computer with, lets say, four
outputs. You then use your computers sequencer and assign the MIDI output for every track
to any of those four outputs. Besides having extra MIDI channels (16*4 = 64 in this case),
this will effectively balance the load on the MIDI bus.

9
Ground Rules
Three important things to remember to not damage your MSSIAH Cartridge:

DO NOT INSERT OR REMOVE CARTRIDGE WITH THE POWER STILL ON!!

DO NOT TOUCH THE TERMINALS!

The word Terminals refers to the part of the circuit board

sticking out of the bottom of the cartridge.

DO NOT OPEN THE CARTRIDGE!

The MSSIAH Cartridge is not designed to be opened and closed repeatedly. There are no
service repairable parts inside.

10
The File Manager
Included in the MSSIAH startup menu is a file manager where you can manage 1541 floppy
files. The File Manager is merely a quick help to view, rename and delete files or format
floppies. It is in no way the ultimate disk utility feature but provides an easy way for those
who find C64 disk commands a bit confusing and time consuming when all you need to do is
to quickly clear a few files off a disk, rename a file or just see whats on the disk.

Navigate with the CRSR keys, RETURN key and key to go back or cancel.

Main Menu

Drive
Select which drive to use. The C64 can have up to four disk drives connected in a
chain with numbers from 8-11. Normally you set the disk number with a jumper
setting on the back of your disk drive. Unless you have changed it, 8 is default.
Theres no reason of changing it unless you plan to have multiple drives, then the
second drive becomes no. 9 etc.
You can see the current drive number selected in the bottom window.

Directory
This menu item takes you to the directory window where the current disks directory
is loaded and displayed. From there you can view, delete and rename files.

Format
As with modern disks, new ones must be formatted before they can be used for data
storage. Use this function if you wish to format your floppy. You are asked to insert
the floppy to format and the press the RETURN key. If you press the key instead
the operation is aborted.
As with all kind of formatting, it wipes out the data on your floppy. Do not use this
function unless you really want to format your disk.

11
 NOTE:

The Disk File Manager uses only one character for the file ID tag, therefore
formatted disks may fail to properly save files.
Luckily, the remedy is quite simple: when entering a name for the disk to be
formatted, put a comma character ( , ) at the end, like this:

Handling Files
When selecting the Directory menu item in File Managers main menu you are taken to the
directory window after the current disks directory has been loaded.
From here you can see all the files and their size respectively listed in a window.
Use CRSR keys to navigate or F1 key and F7 key to scroll one whole page up or down.

Sorting
File Manager can sort the files for you in three different ways, alphabetically, by size
or by type (suffix, four last letters including a .)
Use COMMODORE (C=) key together with CRSR keys to select sorting.

Renaming or deleting a file

When a file is highlighted you can press RETURN key to access the file functions,
i.e., rename or delete the file.

When renaming, simply select Rename File and enter a new name. The file is
renamed and the directory window is refreshed. Press key to abort in the file name
dialog.
If the rename function was successful a dialog says Ready before reloading the
directory window. If not, an error message from the disk drives operating system
appears.

When deleting, simply select Delete File, confirm your choice and the file is deleted
from disk. If the delete function was successful a dialog says Files Scratched. If not,
an error message from the disk drives operating system appears.

Press again to return to the main menu.

Press again to return to the MSSIAH startup menu.

12
The Commodore 64
In a long forgotten time and place where internet only existed in sci-fi movies, Hollywood
special effects were not CGI but hand crafted models, car design was boxy, drum sounds were
big, shoulder pads were big and hair waswell, also big.., the number one console people
had in their homes was the Commodore 64.

With a total of 17 million units sold it still holds

the world record in home computer sales.
Thats a good thing because it means there are
lots of used C64s out there ready to be picked up
at a fair price.

There is plenty of information on the C64 on the

net so instead of a deep look into its history and
tech specs we just take a quick peek at it to
refresh our minds.

CPU: 1 MHz
Memory: 64 Kb RAM
8 Kb Kernal ROM
8 Kb Basic interpreter
ROM had to be switched off to fully access
the 64 Kb RAM.

Graphics: Hires
320 x 200 16 colors
2 colors for every 8 x 8 area
Multicolor
160 x 200 16 colors
2-4 colors for every 8 x 8 area
Text mode
320 x 200, 40 x 25 characters
16 colors, 2 colors per 8 x 8 area
Useless border

Audio: SID Sound Interface Device.

3 oscillators w/ 4 waveforms.
Envelopes for every oscillator.
1 resonant low/band/high-pass filter.

Different versions for NTSC and PAL TV

systems. NTSC running a little faster.

The Commodore 64s operating system is

nothing like a modern MS-Windows computer.
On the retro looking blue screen, the user
enters commands or writes simple basic
programs.
Unlike MS-DOS, you can navigate the screen
window with the cursor keys, up, down,
sideways, you name it.
We cant do that these days
(Thanks a lot, Bill!)

13
Storage Media
Screw SSD, memory cards, sticks, hard drives and 25 years of mass storage evolution
Back in the day the number one choice for storing data was big clunky 5 1/4 floppy disks!
The dinosaur disks slid nicely into the Commodore built disk drive named "1541".

However, the cheaper alternative most people opted

for as a starter was the 1530 Datasette tape cassette
recorder. It was a notoriously slow loader mainly
because of its backward compatibility with the VIC-20
(C64 predecessor).
The idea behind tape saves is in fact quite good,
modulating data into audio signals stored on regular
audio tapes.

Games from this era often contained images and music embedded in the loader software to
entertain the gamer while waiting for the game to load.

Another storage media primarily made for game distribution was the ROM cartridge that went
into the expansion port of the computer. Modern game consoles and handheld devices still
make use of the cartridge concept and so does the MSSIAH Cartridge.
A cartridge is basically a circuit board with ROM circuits containing the software. The whole
thing is wrapped up in a plastic case that fits well into a dedicated slot in the computer.
Memory buses allow the computer to access the software that loads instantly and much faster
than any other media.

SDR
The MSSIAH Cartridge applications all have an optional way of saving/loading called SDR.
The acronym is short for Serial Data Register, a built in C64 feature never used by any factory
media nor third party hardware/software aside from modern burst fast loaders on the
internet.
MSSIAH wakes up the hidden feature and allows external hardware to save the data stream
onto a modern device. This requires a special unit though, at the time of writing the only
known device capable of capturing this stream of data is the Firestarter MIDI interface for
the Prophet64 (MSSIAH predecessor)

14
Inputs and Outputs of the C64
Lets have a look at the C64s ins and outs, starting from the left:

Controller ports
9 pin D-Sub connectors for old time joysticks,
game paddles (potentiometers), mice and even
light pens. The one to the left is port #1 and the
one on the right is #2.

Peripherals connected into port #1 cause major

conflicts with the keyboard. That is why most
programs run the joystick in port #2.

Next to the controller ports is the power supply

input.

The big bulky power supply unit (PSU) in the

left picture is the 2.5 amps version that proved
to be more reliable.
It's vital to have a trusty power source to your
Commodore 64. For that reason it is
recommended to use this one in favor of the
earlier models.

Expansion port
Here is where you insert your MSSIAH
Cartridge.

This port was also used for a variety of

hardware: external RAM expansions, MIDI
interfaces etc.

Note: Though there are expansion port splitters,

the MSSIAH Cartridge is not designed to work
simultaneously with other units on the
expansion port.

RF out
Direct connect your TV-set.

(Now, you dont have this on your brand new

PC, do you?)

15
Video/Audio out
An eight pin DIN input/output for Audio out,
Video out (composite and S-video Y/C) and
Audio in.

Even though its got eight pins, a standard five

pin DIN fits right into it. Good to know when
building an audio cable to hook up the C64 to
your Neve console

Serial port (IEC)

This is where to connect the disk drive.
Some printers use this port too.

The C64 can have multiple drives each with a

different device number. In that case, they are
chained together still using only this output.

Cassette port
Here is where to connect the datasette cassette
recorder.

User Port
Looks like the cassette port, only bigger.

This 24 pin output is a bi-directional parallel

communication port. It is mostly used for
printers and modems. The MSSIAH can handle
Sync24 (DIN sync) inputs on this port.

16
The SID Sound Interface Device
Besides a vast amount of classic games, people will mainly recognize the Commodore 64 in
this day and age for its remarkable sound. A sound generated by a special chip, the legendary
SID.

The SID has been claimed to be one of the best synthesizer circuits built. Technically this is
not true, anyone into vintage analog synthesizers will tell you why. What is true is that the
SID is probably the most beloved audio circuit of all time. Its unique sound, much due to the
software controlling it, certainly comes with a lot of soul.

During the years in production the SID got altogether five upgrades. It started with the 6581
revision 1 (allegedly never in production) and ended with 8580 revision 5.
The 8580 had a major overhaul of its filters which was the biggest flaw in the older SIDs
making them inconsistent in filter response, R4 being an exception.
Search the net and you will find people telling you that the 6581 R4 has the best filters of all
the SIDs. There is really no right or wrong in that saying, its all a matter of taste.
However, 8bit ventures advocates the use of the 8580 R5. Its filter response is more versatile
and has a much wider cutoff slope than the R4 thereby sounding more like a real
synthesizer. The MSSIAH Bassline is in fact tailor made for the 8580 R5.
If you cant find an 8580, the 6581 will do quite well with the rest of the applications. As for
the Wave-Player either SID version will do since it does not make use of the filter.

Other differences between the 6581 and 8580 are the 8580s somewhat (very subtle) tighter
VCA envelopes and its capability to mix waveforms. Add two waveforms on the 6581 and
you will very likely end up with complete silence.

Voices or Oscillators?
An oscillator is the frequency generator that creates the basic timbre in a subtractive
synthesizer. A synthesizer voice however is the whole package of oscillators, VCA, envelope
and filter in a polyphonic system. Old analog synthesizers built up their polyphony by adding
as many audio circuits as there were voices.
The SID, a one voice chip per se, has only one filter yet three oscillators w/ one VCA
envelope each and thereby becomes somewhat of a hybrid. Even though MOS technologies
(designers of the SID) saw prospective clients in the synthesizer industry, the main purpose of
the SID ended up as audio source within a game computer. The three oscillators then became
voices playing computer game music and sound effects.
One filter per oscillator would have made a huge improvement but due to interviews with
designer Bob Yannes, lack of space inside the chip as well as lack of time during
development made such add-ons impossible.

Envelope Bug
The SID envelopes have an annoying bug where triggering fails every eight notes or so.
This occurs whenever decay or release values are applied limiting the SIDs versatility.
Luckily people came up with a technique to get around this bug and make the SID envelopes
work acceptable.
The idea behind the technique named Hard Restart is to reset the SID a certain amount of
time before the trigger occurs. By learning to deal with hard restart and how the envelopes
behave, you learn how to get the most out of the SID and become a good SID musician.

17
What to look for when shopping for C64s
Besides being in nearly mint condition (keyboard, ins and outs, nice picture etc.) you want it
to sound great, after all we are going to use the C64 as a synthesizer.

Dont believe the myth that older C64s sound better than newer ones. Yes, they might sound
grittier due to either old SIDs or poor components along the audio chain and yet a good thing
when listening to old game music its less attractive when using the C64 in your synthesizer
setup. MSSIAH musicians are advised to look for late model C64s with 6581 R4 or 8580 R5
chips instead.
Its always a special feeling getting ones hands on a late model C64 with either an R4 or R5
inside. Of course if you already have a stockpile of good SIDs, it's of less importance.

So, where does it say what SID is inside the computer? Answer: Nowhere You will have to
find out yourself.

1. Look at the keyboard

Late version SIDs were housed in late model Commodores.

You can spot a late C64 by the symbol letters printed on the top side of the keys (left
image) as opposed to old commies where symbol letters were printed on the vertical side
(right image). Dont trust this method too much though. Keyboards as well as audio circuits in
the computer might have been switched. Its merely a first notice of what might be a nice
purchase when looking at an ad for a used C64.

2. Use the MSSIAH Cartridge

Plug in the MSSIAH Cartridge, turn the power on and see what it says.
The startup menu tells you what system is running and the SID version. Be aware of that this
function may occasionally fail to detect the correct SID version. Start it up a couple of times
to be sure.
This will still not tell you the revision in case of a 6581 (R4 being the most attractive) though.
For that, you will need to go for the third option:

3. Look at the SID

This calls for opening up the Commodore 64 to look at the motherboard and the SID chip.

18
6581s are located to the left of the RF modulator (TV output) as seen in the left picture
whereas 8580s are located just below it (right picture).

The 6581s have a printing on the top saying 6581. R3 or R4 means Revision 3 or Revision 4.
On the left picture above, the SID in question is a 6581 Revision 4 (good!). The right picture
shows an 8580 which is always revision 5.
The bottom line is a manufacturing week-year time stamp, 0288 being week 2 1988 (and a
high likeliness that at least someone at the plant had achy breaky hair).

Check the filters

When you have found the C64 of choice, its time to test its filters. Insert your MSSIAH
Cartridge and switch the power on. Use the audio diagnostics function in the startup menu to
see if all three oscillators work and listen to the filter. Start up the Drummer and see if it
triggers well.
If you are at the sellers house maybe it might not be such a good idea to show the MSSIAH
software. The seller may suddenly see the computers potential and end up not selling it to
you, at least not for a bargain! Ask for some coffee so he or she leaves the room
On a serious note, do take that extra time when looking for at C64. It will pay off later.

Second SID
For years people have been piggy-backing an extra SID on top of the main one to gain six
oscillators or a stereo sound in their C64s. The 8bit ventures SID2SID circuit board is based
on the same idea but gives you a neat installation so you dont have to jeopardize the SIDs by
direct soldering.
There havent been many programs around capable of handling a second SID though,
MSSIAH Cartridge being an exception.
A full description on how to assemble the SID2SID board is provided in the SID2SID
installation guide available for download on our website.

19
Peripherals

User Port Sync24

The user port connector is a 12/24 pin edge board connector with .156 (3.96 mm) spacing.
These are available from a number of manufacturers such as Sullins, Compar etc.
Use a 5 pin male DIN connector for the sync IN. Though depicted as a male connector you
might want to use a female one for sync OUT. In that case, remember that pin 1 and 3 are
mirrored. Sync OUT is optional, you do not need it to slave the MSSIAH to your Sync24
equipment.

20
The Pattern Select is used for input only on old Prophet64 Mono Synthesizer, Bassline and
Drummer applications. The MSSIAH Sequencer uses the same pins for output only.
Because the user port is bidirectional you risk damaging your computer if connecting two
computers before the programs are fully started up.
Since you are advised not to insert anything into the user port with the computers power
turned on, a good idea is to solder the Pattern Select wires to a 6 pin male DIN connector for
the output, then use a female DIN for the inputs and you can safely leave the Pattern Selects
pins disconnected until both applications are up and running.

CAUTION:

Never insert or remove your user port connector while the computers power is turned
on!

The user port and your home built connector can be tested with the port diagnostic function in
the startup menu on the MSSIAH Cartridge.

Audio Out / In
On the back of the Commodore 64 there is an 8-pin female DIN connector labeled Video.
The port is for audio and video signals. Though the connector is 8-pin, a male 5-pin DIN
connector can be inserted without a problem.

The 1 uF capacitors are from the SID specs. Their purpose is to improve the sound quality.
With a fairly high S/N ratio and ground noise level, the caps do not really make any
noticeable difference to the SIDs audio output.

Note:

Caution! SIDs have been observed failing after being connected to mixing devices when
mixer power has been turned off. Whether this is due to back current or spikes on the
connection is not known. User is advised to first carefully remove the audio connection to
the SID before external unit is turned off.

21
Potentiometers

The MSSIAH Mono Synthesizer and Bassline applications are both capable of simultaneously
handling four connected potentiometers.
The C64 connects two pots in every controller port (X and Y).
MSSIAH Drummer lets you choose either X and Y of controller port #2 if using pots.

Note:

Caution! Connecting a potentiometer into a controller port while power is on may cause a
cold start (reset) of the computer. It is advisable not to insert/remove pots (or joysticks/mice)
into the controller ports while the power is on.

Second SID installation

Theres a complete guide on how to install the SID2SID board in a separate booklet available
for download on http://www.mssiah.com.

22