Sega Master System FM Sound Board

[TDIRunner]

I mentioned that I received my FM sound board for the Sega Master System this week.  I installed it tonight and I cannot believe how different the sound is.  I might try to make a video to difference in the audio, however, there’s already several YouTube videos showing the differences.  I installed the switch which allows you to switch between the original mode and the upgraded FM sound mode which helps to show the before and after.    If anyone was considering this mod, I highly recommend it.  I admit it isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the cash and time to install.  The install is extremely easy and took less than a half hour. 

[sLpFhaWK]

How much is the mod? I've never looked into modding the game gear before.

[TDIRunner]

It was AU$55 (Austrailian dollars) which is right around $50 US.  Like I said, it isn't cheap, but it's worth it in my opinion.  Plus, for me, the install is a lot of fun.  The quality of the board is outstanding and the wires even come pre-tinned.  The board is even at a slight angle so the case doesn't hit it when it's pluged into the expansion port.  Overall it's very well thought out.

[sLpFhaWK]

Damn 50 bux for a sound board? I wonder what it takes to build your own. I'll have go watch a video of the difference in sound, do you have a good video that made you decide to purchase it?

[TDIRunner]

I've linked a youtube video which I thought was helpful and I've linked the website I bought it from.  He has a circuit diagram if you want to build your own.  I'm good with installing things like this, but I think building the board was beyond the scope of what I would want to do.  That's why I bought his board.  Whether or not the $50 is worth it is an opinion which will vary from person to person.  I love little things like this and I can afford it as long as I'm not buying stuff like this all the time (I don't).  So, again, for me it's totaly worth it.

http://youtu.be/kxVID4I3_Qc

http://etim.net.au/smsfm/smsfm.html

[sLpFhaWK]

Wow the sound difference is incredible.

[TDIRunner]

Wow the sound difference is incredible.

In fact, I think it sounds better in person than in the video.

[segamer]

I've always wanted to mod my SMS with the FM chip. I just haven't gotten round to it. Luck you!

[Ozzy_98]

I don't even think it's right to say it's an improvement.  It's using a completely different sound system.  The default SMS sound chip sucks compared to the FM chip.  My understanding, the games have to have a completely different sound code wrote for the FM chip.  Wouldn't be suppressed if the music is stored twice on games that support it, one for FM, one for chiptunes.

[KalessinDB]

I really need to get that done.  Might be thr next mod I get done.  Do that and mod it for component video all at once and call the SMS done-zo.