Shockwave 2

Brazilian MSX-hardware developers TechnoBytes started a new campaign to produce a new OPL4 Shockwave batch, the OPL4 Shockwave 2. This new product will come with the same quality as the original with some differences and new features like 2 MB of RAM. Pre-order has started.

The OPL4 SHOCKWAVE 2 is smaller than its predecessor and fits in a small cartridge case. As the new size will not accept the size of RCA connectors, it comes with a P2 stereo output (a small TRS jack). The OPL4 sound is also mixed with the internal MSX sound output (mono). And, the OPL4 SHOCKWAVE 2 has twice the RAM capacity of the original SHOCKWAVE, it now ships with 2MB.

Further specs:

Total of 42 audio channels, 18 FM synthesis and 24 wavetables (sampler)
The samplers may be 8, 12 and 16 bits to 44 kHz (CD quality)
2Mb ROM samplers containing 12 bits of various musical instruments (standard MIDI)
Unlike Moonsound, that use YAC513, the OPL4 Shockwave uses an DAC which provides better sound quality and low noise.

TecnoBytes need at least 20 units to produce. They will start to buy the parts and send the PCB for manufacturing as soon as it reaches 20 units. Delivery from that point on would be a few months. If this minimum can't be reached, they will cancel the project and return all payments.

Each OPL4 Shockwave 2 cartridge costs US $112.00. International shipping: US $38.00 (can send up to three units per package) Paypal fees: 7.5%

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Comments (12)

By meits

Scribe (6571)

06-06-2019, 12:26

New and updated, or like the one I already have?

By ro

Scribe (5057)

06-06-2019, 12:38

prolly just a new batch only...

By DrWh0

Paladin (842)

06-06-2019, 13:55

Very good news for people at american continent

For people at Europe and EUA is cheaper (and better) the Wozblaster enhanced made by Pablibiris

By meits

Scribe (6571)

06-06-2019, 15:14

It's a bit sad that the audio goes to the MSX as well. That means the noise of the MSX goes to the jack output as well...
Now I'd like to cut the trace to undo that (imho) "feature", but the cartridge case is screwed and one of the screws is behind the label. Bit of a pity.
That point aside: Great cartridge, nice packaging with a nice miniCD with loads of stuff to get going. Good amount of sample ram and not bad at all quality. I've yet to compare all OPL4 cartridges I have (most of them) and see if the used DAC is really that much better than the supposedly inferior DAC used in any other OPL4 cartridge.

By DrWh0

Paladin (842)

06-06-2019, 16:33

When I tested the enhanced version of Wozblaster I didn´t find the noise because sound and power lines are separated

So I supponse (I don´t have one) that Shockwave 2 probably solved this problem too.

By Pablibiris

Paragon (1833)

06-06-2019, 20:32

DrWh0 wrote:

When I tested the enhanced version of Wozblaster I didn´t find the noise because sound and power lines are separated

So I supponse (I don´t have one) that Shockwave 2 probably solved this problem too.

Exactly,in the Wozblaster Enhanced the bus data,the power line and the sound line is completly separated each other.
And the line of sound of the MSX is not connected to the Wozblaster if there are something connected to the audio output.
And if that isn't enough, there are enough filters to isolate any noise.
The great work of Aquijacks and MSX Calamar in the design of the Wozblaster Enhanced is very noticeable

By marushio.rima

Supporter (10)

16-06-2019, 19:19

Hello everyone
after reading the posts here I would like to make some comments

wozeblaster is a Russian mod on a argentia clone , the last time I saw a wozeblaster it blowup when it was switched on in a turbo r st, sad but true

the first notification of tecnobyte's shockwave product in MSX org is from 2010.

https://www.msx.org/news/hardware/en/opl4-shockwave

tecnobyte's shockwave is the first opl4 cartridge with 1 and 2mb of ram.

all the product of the technobyte has an excellent quality, in case of some noise I recommend that it is verified the power suply in your MSX, surely the problem must be there and not in the cartridge.

I have several products of tecnobytes and all of them have a wonderful quality and what is priceless: besides being committed to the whole line developed, they support their products to any user worldwide.

some economies that are not worth it. we are talking about a line of classic computers that few serious people keep alive in a professional way. technobytes has produced quality products since the 90's. fm sound stereo is still the best fm made for msx since then.

I do not give up buying tecnobytes products because the community should support those who have always given us support as professionals. how to give this support? buying tecnobyte products.

:P :P :P :P

By hamlet

Scribe (4106)

16-06-2019, 20:22

Well said, marushio.rima.
I can only agree with you and am enthusiastic about the commitment that tecnobytes shows again and again.
The devices are first-class processed and do not allow any criticism. Please don't stop delighting us with such quality products!
Only disadvantage for us Europeans are, as already mentioned, the transport costs and the customs duties. But it will be difficult to extend the Schengen Convention to South America.

By Pablibiris

Paragon (1833)

17-06-2019, 11:05

marushio.rima wrote:

Hello everyone
after reading the posts here I would like to make some comments

wozeblaster is a Russian mod on a argentia clone , the last time I saw a wozeblaster it blowup when it was switched on in a turbo r st, sad but true

Sadly,the russian modification of the Wozblaster have too much errors on board...
This is because MSX Calamar and Aquijacks redesigned the board completly to fix it. Adding too,some upgraded and better design of the board to avoid noises.
No one here is talking about a bad quality of the Technobytes boards
And there are'nt any competition to be the first Moonsound clone. Is a very good thing to have some alternatives to buy a MSX cartridge ^^
Best regards

By rogerio.belarmino

Expert (79)