Sega released the Mega Drive console way back in 1988 throughout Japan. The console made its way over to North America in 1989 as the Sega Genesis, and by 1990 it was worldwide. Now all these years later, Sonicware has created their Liven Mega Synthesis keyboard to harness all the musical magic of the early console.
The Liven Mega Synthesis has resurrected the sound engine of the Genesis – at the time a Texas Instruments SN76489 programmable sound generator and a and a Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesizer chip, all controlled by a Z80 processor – to bring you back to over 30 years ago. Yeah I know, we’re all old.
The Liven Mega Synthesis features a straightforward 6-track layout comprising 3 FM synthesis tracks, 2 PSG synthesis tracks, and a 1 PCM sample track, all controlled by 27 keys with ±3 octaves switching. There’s also a sequencer, onboard effects, and even soundbanks from Yuzo Koshiro, the composer known for games like Ys, The Streets Of Rage, and Etrian Odyssey.
Pre-orders for the third shipment of the Liven Mega Synthesis are available here.
