Hi Everyone!
InsanePokey – a gateway to new sound quality!
I'd like to introduce you to a somewhat controversial yet intriguing device that could easily be called crazy stereo, intended for purists of the sound of our favorite sound chip.
What isn't InsanePokey?
Before answering this question, let me present some facts... There are several different stereo audio expansions available on the market with two POKEY chips. Most of them are mounted inside the Atari computer and generate an audio signal of varying degrees of quality. The problem is that the audio path in these expansions is exposed to all kinds of interference, primarily from the Atari's power supply. The quality of our sound is also affected by all kinds of interference from switching circuits (TTLs) and other main computer systems – especially ANTIC and its memory refresh cycles. This problem can be minimized using special filters tuned to specific frequencies, and some expansions do, but this is very difficult and often requires a customized approach for each expansion. InsanePokey is free of these defects.
So what is InsanePokey and how does it differ from other extensions?
InsanePokey is a simple stereo audio extension containing two POKEY chips, connected to our computer's CART/ECI port. This is the main difference, but not the most important!
The most important characteristic of InsanePokey is that our POKEY chips are galvanically isolated from our computer – this applies to both the power supply and all signal lines. This is crucial for sound quality, as virtually no electrical interference enters the audio path, as there is no single electrical connection between the sound-producing component and the computer. But that's not all! The final sound-shaping stage uses a power amplifier with very good parameters and adjustable gain for each audio channel. Additionally, the audio output uses specialized audio transformers that isolate and isolate the InsanePokey's ground from our external audio amplifier. It's this separation, separate power supply, and the use of audio transformers that make InsanePokey so different from other expansions...
Who is InsanePokey for?
InsanePokey was created in response to problems our colleagues had with other POKEY Stereo modules, and they decided to record the world's first vinyl with Atari music. While InsaneStereo wasn't used in this album, I hope it will be used on the next vinyl release :-) That's why Atari music lovers are the target audience! Nothing will give you the same experience as InsanePokey! One more thing should be said: unfortunately, this isn't a cheap interface. The components used are rather high-end... for example, a gold-plated PCB, insulators, audiophile-grade capacitors and transformers. Additionally, you need two additional POKEY chips (the one in the Atari must be in the Atari!), so this solution is more for those geeks who don't accept compromise :-)
Here are the InsanePokey specifications:
- external stereo audio extension with a mono/stereo switch that doesn't require any intervention in the Atari computer,
- fully electrical isolation of all control lines and power supply,
- fully isolation of the output stage from the external audio amplifier (elimination of ground loops),
- autonomous power supply for the audio circuits (separators, POKEYs, amplifier) within a 6-12V range,
- independent gain control on both audio channels,
- the design allows for the connection of additional expansions – a CART/ECI extension.
- headphones socket,
As I wrote a while ago, if InsanePokey Stereo plays, I'll submit the project to this year's ABBUC HWC. It's an official submission! And I'm incredibly happy about that :-)
For those interested in more details... about the features and launching of the interface, check out this thread:
https://abbuc.de/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4908
Below are some working photos during prototype testing. You may also to hear sample on YT - unfortunately I cannot ass WAV to this forum...
https://youtu.be/qWMIHuk1c-o
Have fun and vote to my project!
pancio
!
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