MIDISID 4 “Morpheus”

The MIDISID 4 “Morpheus” is the latest iteration of PeacockMedia’s SID-based synthesizer, designed to deliver the iconic sound of the Commodore 64’s SID chip with modern enhancements.

🎛️ Key Features

• Dual SID Chips: Equipped with two Kung Fu SID chips (modern recreations), providing 6-voice polyphony (3 voices per chip).
• MIDI Compatibility: Features standard 5-pin MIDI input and a USB-C port capable of acting as a USB host for MIDI-over-USB devices.
• Enhanced Interface:
  • Larger screen for improved visibility.
  • Revised menu system for easier navigation.
  • New ‘duophonic’ mode allowing two-note polyphony with layered voices.
  • Physical stereo/mono switch for flexible audio output.
• Sound Design Capabilities:
  • Each voice offers a choice of four waveforms, ADSR envelope control, filtering, pulse-width modulation (PWM), vibrato, ring modulation, and waveform sync.
  • Three operational modes:
    • General MIDI Mode: Maps MIDI channels to voices, responding to program change messages.
    • Polyphonic Mode: Applies the same patch to all voices, enabling 6-note polyphony.
    • Monophonic Mode: Utilizes all voices for complex single-note sounds.
• Construction:
  • Fully built and tested unit.
  • Custom firmware developed specifically for this project.
  • Design reminiscent of the classic Commodore 64 ‘breadbin’ case, with enclosed sides and a sloped top for better ergonomics.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the MIDISID 3 and MIDISID 4 “Morpheus” synthesizers:

Feature	MIDISID 3	MIDISID 4 “Morpheus”
SID Chips	2x Kung Fu SID	2x Kung Fu SID
Polyphony	6 voices (3 per chip)	6 voices (3 per chip)
Display	Small screen	Larger screen for improved readability
Menu System	Original/basic interface	Revised, more user-friendly menu system
Operational Modes	GM and polyphonic	GM, polyphonic, and new duophonic mode
Duophonic Mode	Not available	✔ Available – allows 2-note layered polyphony
MIDI Input	5-pin DIN	5-pin DIN + USB host for MIDI-over-USB devices
Audio Output Mode Switch	Not available	✔ Physical stereo/mono switch
Case Design	Exposed PCB (open design)	Enclosed, breadbin-style sloped case
Firmware	Earlier version	Updated with expanded features
Price	£130 GBP ($170 USD)	£140 GBP (~$188 USD)
Release Date	~2023	May 2025

Summary of Improvements in MIDISID 4:

• Better usability (screen + menu)
• USB MIDI host support
• Duophonic mode
• More professional enclosure
• Stereo/mono hardware switch

💰 Price & Availability

• Price: $188 USD (approximately £140 GBP)
• Availability: Available now for purchase through : https://peacockmedia.software/midisid/

📅 Release Date

The MIDISID 4 “Morpheus” was officially released in late May 2025.