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I read somewhere that the FM Sound Module has 9 channels, but when I have heard games that use the FM sound, it seems like they're only using 4 of the channels. Is there any games or even any music that takes advantage or really pushes the FM sound?

The FM chip has two modes it can operate in, one using all nine channels, the other one using six channels plus percussion.

As far as I know, all commercially released Master System games use the six channel mode. There’s homebrew stuff that uses the nine channel mode, though.

Most games use fewer than 6 channels in percussion mode too - not least because it’s more work to write a 6-channel melody in addition to a 3-channel PSG tune, plus there’s not really space on the cartridge to store two soundtracks so the data is often shared between them. Often the extra FM channels are used as duplicates of the main three to add a little extra effect or even for a reverb effect.

I’d refer to the Japanese BIOS Space Harrier tune as an example of making pretty full use of the chip. However in modern times people are learning more advanced tricks like switching instrument mid-note to get more out of the chip than anyone did in the 1980s.

Maxim wrote

Most games use fewer than 6 channels in percussion mode too - not least because it’s more work to write a 6-channel melody in addition to a 3-channel PSG tune, plus there’s not really space on the cartridge to store two soundtracks so the data is often shared between them. Often the extra FM channels are used as duplicates of the main three to add a little extra effect or even for a reverb effect.

I’d refer to the Japanese BIOS Space Harrier tune as an example of making pretty full use of the chip. However in modern times people are learning more advanced tricks like switching instrument mid-note to get more out of the chip than anyone did in the 1980s.

I see, well you thank you for the very insightful reply. Do you know if anyone makes demos using all the channels?

Author	Message
Braillynn Joined: 23 Dec 2022 Posts: 6	Did any games take full advantage of the FM sound module? Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 12:54 am
Braillynn Joined: 23 Dec 2022 Posts: 6	I read somewhere that the FM Sound Module has 9 channels, but when I have heard games that use the FM sound, it seems like they're only using 4 of the channels. Is there any games or even any music that takes advantage or really pushes the FM sound?

Kagesan Joined: 01 Feb 2014 Posts: 876	Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 7:10 am
Kagesan Joined: 01 Feb 2014 Posts: 876	The FM chip has two modes it can operate in, one using all nine channels, the other one using six channels plus percussion. As far as I know, all commercially released Master System games use the six channel mode. There’s homebrew stuff that uses the nine channel mode, though.

Maxim Site Admin Joined: 19 Oct 1999 Posts: 14732 Location: London	Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 7:21 am
	Most games use fewer than 6 channels in percussion mode too - not least because it’s more work to write a 6-channel melody in addition to a 3-channel PSG tune, plus there’s not really space on the cartridge to store two soundtracks so the data is often shared between them. Often the extra FM channels are used as duplicates of the main three to add a little extra effect or even for a reverb effect. I’d refer to the Japanese BIOS Space Harrier tune as an example of making pretty full use of the chip. However in modern times people are learning more advanced tricks like switching instrument mid-note to get more out of the chip than anyone did in the 1980s.

Braillynn Joined: 23 Dec 2022 Posts: 6	Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2022 8:34 am
Braillynn Joined: 23 Dec 2022 Posts: 6	Maxim wrote Most games use fewer than 6 channels in percussion mode too - not least because it’s more work to write a 6-channel melody in addition to a 3-channel PSG tune, plus there’s not really space on the cartridge to store two soundtracks so the data is often shared between them. Often the extra FM channels are used as duplicates of the main three to add a little extra effect or even for a reverb effect. I’d refer to the Japanese BIOS Space Harrier tune as an example of making pretty full use of the chip. However in modern times people are learning more advanced tricks like switching instrument mid-note to get more out of the chip than anyone did in the 1980s. I see, well you thank you for the very insightful reply. Do you know if anyone makes demos using all the channels?

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