ZX Format #02: 'Hardware': New Sound Development for ZX Spectrum

The ZF editorial team hopes that the information below will interest both users and manufacturers of Spectrum-compatible computers and software. If you have any thoughts "on the matter" or specific suggestions, we would be happy to hear them and possibly discuss them in the pages of our dearly beloved and highly respected magazine.
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X-TRADE studio and HACKER STINGER announce their joint development. We have made an attempt (quite successful) to create a fundamentally new music device for the ZX-SPECTRUM. Recently, the topic of alternative music for SPECCY has deeply occupied the minds of hackers and programmers, as evidenced by the large number of programs that reproduce digitized music, such as INSTRUMENT, DIGITAL PLAYER, and others. Attempts have been made to connect devices like COVOX to the ZX-SPECTRUM in hopes of achieving satisfactory sound quality. Unfortunately, these attempts cannot be called successful - just compare the sound of COVOX on SPECCY and IBM PC (feel the difference!). All this is explained by the low performance of the Z80 compared to more modern processors. Moreover, playing digitized music takes almost 100% of the Z80's machine time, so there can be no talk of any other processes running in parallel with the music. Let alone digitized special effects in games. Therefore, we decided not to waste time and immediately create something cool! Our music card "ZX GENERAL SOUND", as we named it, is a standalone microprocessor system with four independent 8-bit channels, with its own internal BIOS and memory specifically allocated for music.

What's great about it?

1. "ZX GENERAL SOUND" practically does not take up time from the main processor, allowing music to be used at any moment during the computer's operation, regardless of the main processor's load.

2. Music does not consume the computer's memory.

3. The ability to use super special effects in games, as well as voice messages.

4. The ability to play music from AMIGA and IBM PC computers.

5. Simple connection to the SPECTRUM, with no modifications needed in the computer itself.

6. Not very high cost, approximately equal to the cost of a domestic floppy drive.

7. And, most importantly, incomparably better stereo sound quality compared to AY8910/12 and COVOX-like devices.

Additionally, it should be noted that many leading programmers in St. Petersburg are aware of our development and have agreed to create SOFT for it.

Work on "ZX GENERAL SOUND" has been ongoing for a long time, and at the moment there is a prototype that requires minor adjustments (as new brilliant ideas keep coming in), and we are also engaged in a tough struggle to reduce its cost. But despite all the difficulties, we plan to delight SPECCY users by spring.

X-TRADE software  
DANGEROUS (back to SPECCY from AMIGA).  
HACKER STINGER (back to SPECCY from IBM PC  
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Contents of the publication: ZX Format #02

• IS-DOS
  Announcement of a school-ready hardware-software complex by Iskra Soft and Peters, featuring a networked computer class setup on ZX Spectrum with IS-DOS.
• IS-DOS - Владимир Елисеев
  Explanation of command line monitor and text editor restart in IS-DOS using mon.com utility as an example.
• IS-DOS
  Introduction to IS-DOS system utilities, covering functions like help, user menu, file viewing, editing, and file operations.
• IS-DOS
  Detailed description of the eliminat.com program for freeing memory from resident tasks and drivers, featuring interactive mode and command-line keys. Specific channel numbers allocated for task and driver types. Includes usage options and color customization.
• IS-DOS Window System - Владимир Елисеев
  Exploration of IS-DOS window system restarts for printing text in windows and absolute screen coordinates. Examples of restart implementations such as lwt, adrwt, lenwt, prstr, str, and lnstr. Continuation to cover auxiliary restarts in next issue.
• Assembler
  Introduction to assembly language basics, focusing on flags, arithmetic operations, and register manipulation. Discusses addition, subtraction, and complex operations like multiplication and division through examples. Highlights specific assembly commands and their functions for ZX Spectrum.
• Hardware
  Discussion of hardware modifications for Scorpion ZS-256-Turbo, including the implementation of a Turbo/Normal switch. Pros and cons of software-based switching methods. Advice on soldering and circuit adjustments.
• Hardware
  Discussion of a new music add-on for ZX Spectrum by X-TRADE and HACKER STINGER, called 'ZX GENERAL SOUND', offering high-quality audio and minimal processor usage.
• Hardware
  Discussion on hardware innovations and marketing strategies, focusing on mouse and keyboard interfaces for ZX Spectrum. Critique of competitor's misleading advertising and analysis of serial versus passive mouse technology. Author questions necessity and cost of advanced features.
• Hardware
  Discussion of hardware acceleration methods for ZX Spectrum, focusing on turbo-modes and their effects on performance and compatibility.
• Toys
  Fantasy tale about magical creatures battling human intrusion. Main character recruits allies for a quest to restore the land's former glory. Challenges include finding tools, overcoming obstacles, and reviving companions.
• Toys
  Review of 'Carrier Command' game, focusing on its strategic and simulation aspects. Includes detailed gameplay mechanics, controls, and objectives. Highlights strategies for success and unique features like managing resources and autonomous systems.
• Interview
  Interview with Sergey Zonov and Andrey Larchenko discussing their experience with microprocessors and ZX Spectrum development, including the creation of the Scorpion ZS 256 computer.
• Information
  Contact information and staff list of ZX-Format No. 2 (1995) including editor, coders, and designers.
• Information
  Editor's address to readers of ZX Format, discussing the positive feedback, past errors, and the quest for a cartoonist, with future plans for the magazine.
• Information
  Discussion on the new interpretation of the 'PULLDOWN' window menu system for ZX Spectrum, focusing on interface updates and user interaction enhancements.
• Information
  Discussion about companies illegally distributing ZX Format, emphasizing the benefits of purchasing official copies.
• Competition
  The article discusses the lack of participation in ZX Format's competition, detailing the rules and prizes, and encourages readers to engage with new ideas.
• Let's Relax
  A humorous account of a software vendor's challenges dealing with clueless customers, illustrating the nerve-wracking nature of his job.
• Mailbox
  Overview of hardware components and prices for ZX Spectrum enthusiasts with ordering details.
• Mailbox
  Reader letters section in ZX Format #02 discusses reader feedback, addresses issues with ZX Format features, and offers future improvements.
• Premiere
  Guide to Digital Studio v1.12, a music editor for ZX Spectrum, including features, menu navigation, and the use of Digital Studio Compiler.
• For Programmers
  Exploration of tools that extend the standard Basic 48, including Renumber for Basic 128, Trace & Speed, Blast Toolkit, and ZXeditor, highlighting their functionalities and utilities.
• Various
  History of Amiga computer models and their evolution from A1000 to A4000/60T with specifications and unique features. Explanation of technical terms and differences between chip and fast memory. Mention of new developments like AGA chipset and models for different needs.
• Miscellaneous
  The article presents upcoming ZX Spectrum software releases and reviews game innovations like 'Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' and 'UFO 2: Devils of the Abyss'. It highlights features, creators, and technical requirements. It also includes announcements from SOFTLAND and Cracked Masters Group.
• Systems
  Discussion of creating music with Instrument 3.01, focusing on digitized sound. Analysis of program's capabilities and conversion from ASC Sound Master. Instructions for composition and conversion.
• What's New
  Review of new ZX Spectrum games entering the St. Petersburg market in late 1995. Detailed game descriptions, memory requirements, controls, and music/graphics evaluations. Highlights include Night Hunter, Extreme, Grell & Falla, and more.