Overview
SID Wizard is a modern tracker application for creating music for the Commodore 64’s SID sound chip. Running on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it provides a full-featured environment for composing authentic SID music that can be exported and played on real C64 hardware.
Fast Facts
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|
| Developer | Mihály Horváth (Hermit) |
| Released | 2012 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Output | Native SID files, PRG |
| Target | C64 SID chip |
Features
| Feature | Capability |
|---|
| Three voices | Full SID channel access |
| Waveforms | Triangle, saw, pulse, noise |
| ADSR | Per-instrument envelopes |
| Filter | Low/high/band-pass |
| Effects | Vibrato, portamento, arpeggio |
Why Use SID Wizard?
| Approach | Benefit |
|---|
| Cross-platform | Use your main computer |
| Modern UI | Larger display, mouse support |
| Real output | Runs on actual C64 |
| Accurate emulation | Hear exactly what hardware produces |
Interface
| Element | Purpose |
|---|
| Pattern editor | Note entry, effects |
| Instrument editor | Waveform, ADSR, filter |
| Wave table | Programmatic waveform changes |
| Pulse table | Pulse width modulation |
| Filter table | Filter sweeps |
Export Options
| Format | Use |
|---|
| SID | Playback in emulators/players |
| PRG | Direct C64 execution |
| ASM | Integration with games |
| WAV | Recording for other uses |
| Vintage | SID Wizard |
|---|
| Limited memory | Full access |
| Small display | Modern resolution |
| Keyboard only | Mouse + keyboard |
| No undo | Full undo support |
| Real-time only | Non-real-time possible |
Learning Curve
| Stage | Focus |
|---|
| Beginner | Basic notes, simple instruments |
| Intermediate | Tables, effects |
| Advanced | Complex instruments, optimisation |
Modern SID Scene
SID Wizard enables the continuing C64 music scene:
- New compositions for games
- Chiptune releases
- Demoscene productions
- Preservation of techniques
Legacy
SID Wizard bridges vintage hardware and modern workflow, ensuring SID music creation remains accessible while producing authentic results for real hardware.
See Also