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A slice of history with the Rare Electronic Cow Sound Chip Synth v2.09 (SCS20916) – Complete in Pristine Condition

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First post, by atari247

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A slice of history with the Rare Electronic Cow Sound Chip Synth v2.09 (SCS20916) – Complete in Pristine Condition.

Original Case, Cover, and Instructions: All items are in pristine condition, carefully preserved since purchase.

Floppy Disk: Serial number SCS20916, fully intact. It's been stored in optimal conditions for many years.

The software needs to be tested but is most likely fully functional.

The reason im showing off......

1. Rare and Limited Edition:
The Sound Chip Synth software was one of the few tools available for the Atari ST that allowed users to create FM synthesis music with the YM2149 sound chip. This chip was popular in early arcade games and home computers, making the software ideal for those seeking to replicate authentic 8-bit/16-bit soundtracks.
As Electronic Cow was a small independent developer, only a limited number of copies of this software were ever produced, making it highly sought after by collectors.

2. Historical Importance:
This software offers a unique window into 90s music production on the Atari ST, bridging the gap between the early era of chiptune music and more modern digital sound synthesis tools. It’s a piece of music history, especially wanted by hardcore enthusiasts of retro computing and video game music.

3. Pristine Condition:
The complete set, with the manual, yes manual, packaging, and the disk in pristine condition, is extremely rare today. Many software packages from this era were either lost, damaged, or discarded. Having a copy in such well-preserved condition will be a great addition to any serious collection.

4. Appeal to Chiptune Musicians:
Chiptune music is still very popular today, with many artists drawing inspiration from the 8-bit and 16-bit sounds of early gaming. Having access to a tool that emulates the YM2149 chip is invaluable, yes.... invaluable, to those looking to recreate authentic vintage sounds in their music production.

5. Compatibility with Atari ST Systems:
For users still working with the Atari ST, this is a fully functional piece of software that integrates seamlessly with other MIDI tools and hardware, allowing for creative music composition in a retro environment.

Reply 1 of 3, by atari247

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Here lays the pictures.

Reply 2 of 3, by SuperDeadite

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YM2149 has no FM functionality. It is SSG. Which of course is really just Yamaha's slightly improved version of the AY-3-8910 PSG chip.

CM-64, CM-500, SC-55MkII, SC-88 Pro, SY22, TG100, MU2000EX, PLG100-SG, PLG150-DR, PLG150-AN, SG01k, NS5R, GZ-50M, SN-U110-07, SN-U110-10, Pocket Studio 5, DreamBlaster S2, X2, McFly, E-Wave, QWave, CrystalBlaster C2, Yucatan FX, BeepBlaster, SuperOctet!

Reply 3 of 3, by atari247

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"Sound Chip Synth" is a software application developed by Electronic Cow, a company founded by Danny McAleer in the mid-1990s. Designed for Atari ST computers, this program emulates the Yamaha YM2149 sound chip, enabling users to create music reminiscent of classic arcade and console games.

Key Features:

FM Synthesis: The software utilizes frequency modulation synthesis to produce a variety of sounds, from melodic tones to percussive effects, characteristic of vintage gaming soundtracks.

MIDI Compatibility: "Sound Chip Synth" supports MIDI input, allowing users to connect external MIDI devices for enhanced control and integration into larger music production setups.

Real-Time Playback: The application offers real-time playback capabilities, enabling users to hear their compositions immediately as they are created.

User Interface: The interface is designed to be user-friendly, providing accessible controls for sound manipulation, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians interested in chiptune music.

Availability and Distribution:

In the 1990s, "Sound Chip Synth" was distributed as shareware, with a registration fee of approximately £10. Users could obtain the software directly from Electronic Cow or through various Atari software distributors. As of 2025, the software is considered abandonware, and while it may be available through retro computing websites or archives, obtaining it may require some effort.

System Requirements:

Hardware: Compatible with Atari ST, STE, TT, and Falcon computers.

Memory: Requires a minimum of 1MB RAM.

Operating System: Runs on TOS, the native operating system for Atari computers.

About Electronic Cow and Danny McAleer:

Electronic Cow, under the direction of Danny McAleer, was known for developing innovative MIDI software for Atari computers. Their product lineup included applications such as "MIDI Arpeggiator," "Scribble Synth," and "Drum Synth," each catering to different aspects of music production on the Atari platform. McAleer's contributions have been recognized in various Atari computing circles, and his software remains a point of interest for enthusiasts of retro computing and music production.

Legacy and Impact:

"Sound Chip Synth" holds a special place in the history of music software for its role in making chiptune music creation accessible to Atari users. Its design reflects the ingenuity of 1990s software development, providing tools that allowed musicians to explore the unique soundscapes of FM synthesis. Today, it is appreciated by retro computing enthusiasts and chiptune artists who seek to recreate the sounds of early video games.

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