Background:
There is one retro console that became a pivotal point in video game sound design. It was called the Super Nintendo (SNES). Before the SNES, video game sound was created by using a simple PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) or FM Synthesis (Frequency Modulation). The SNES was able to use fully digital audio samples in the sound engine.
This was made possible by an Audio System called the S-SMP developed by an engineer at Sony. Interestingly enough, this was a bit controversial at the time. Legend has it that Sony wasn't aware that their engineer Ken Kutaragi was working on this project for Nintendo. Despite the brief controversy. Ken's creation of the S-SMP for the SNES revolutionized video game sound. It gave composers the ability to use digital samples and also some DSP effects like echo.
These audio samples were compressed to 16-bits (Not bad for 1990!) using BRR (Bit Rate Reduction). This 16 bit sound has become an iconic lofi sound that evokes nostalgia from the early days o f console gaming.
SMPLoFi:
This pedal pays homage to the S-SMP audio system in a few ways. It features 2 different DSP programs switched between using the red button.
Program 1 (Red Button Up)
Yellow Knob: Controls the bit depth from 32 bits fully Counter Clockwise) to 2 bits fully clockwise)
As the knob is turned clockwise, the bit depth drops revealing lofi distortion and artifacts reminiscent of a retro video game.
Green Knob: Controls the sample rate. to 44.1k fully clockwise. This can be a daunting effect to use. Different frequencies that you play will react differently at the chosen sample rate. It can truly rip apart your input signal and turn it into something experimental. It is a very touchy control. We recommend starting with it mostly clockwise and then dropping the sample rate (counter-clockwise) to taste!
Blue Knob: This knob is your best friend! With how intense the Bit and Sample Rate controls can be, it is important to be able to blend your dry signal with the effected one. fully counter-clockwise is 100% dry, 12 O'clock is 50% and 50% dry, fully clockwise is 100% wet!
Program 2 (Red Button Down)
This program introduces reverb and a band pass filter in honor of some of the simple DSP effects used on the SNES.
Yellow Knob: Just like program 1, this controls the bit depth from 32 bits fully counter-clockwise to 2 bits fully clockwise. However, this knob also controls the length of a gate for the Reverb. This means that when the bit depth is high, the gate is longer, creating longer reverb trails. When the bit depth is low, the reverb gate is shorter. This means that the reverb is cut off quickly. This knob is super powerful and so much fun. It can take you from staccato quick synth echos, to lofi bit reduced reverb.
Green Knob: Controls the frequency of the band pass filter. With all of the artifacts, reverb, and nuance that this effect creates, it is super helpful to have a filter to pinpoint what frequencies are outputted. Maybe you want some chimey high end tones. Turn the knob clockwise. If you want some brooding lofi bass tones, turn the knob counter-clockwise. Experiment with different frequencies, there are no rules here!
Blue Knob: The same mix control from program 1 (your best friend!). fully counter-clockwise is 100% dry, 12 O'clock is 50% and 50% dry, fully clockwise is 100% wet!
This pedal is all about dialing in experimental yet nostalgic sounds from the early days of console gaming. It may appear simple on the surface (SMPLoFi.. you get it now?) but it really can do a ton of different things. It all comes down to the users imagination and past experiences.
If you aren't sure if this effect is for you, let me set the stage.
You're 8 years old and It's Christmas day 1990. You're in a cozy little living room with fresh snow falling down on the roof. there is medium size box sitting underneath the tree. As you frantically rip the cheesy wrapping paper off of it, you reveal your first gaming console, the Super Nintendo. You ask your parents to help you plug it into the families boxy CRT. They help you plug in the space age looking cables and you hit the power button. You are greeted with true sensory overload and are filled with joyous wonder as the first game boots up. It is a moment that will stick with you for the rest of your life. The sights, the feelings, the sounds.
