Background

In Japan, an FM Sound Unit was released to enhance the sound capabilities of the Sega Mark III. This unit added a Yamaha YM2413 chip to the device and was supported by many games. Later on a redesigned Sega Master System was released in Japan which included the YM2413 built-in.

In North America, we weren't so lucky. However, most games which did support FM Sound we were released in North America and Europe with the software to run the YM2413 still intact. It is therefore possible, as Tim Worthington has shown, to modify a Sega Master System with an YM2413.

Building on the work Tim Worthington has done, I have designed two variants of the Power Base Converter with YM2413 onboard which supports FM Sound. One variants accepts 50 pin SMS games while the other variant accepts 44 pin Mark III games.

Specifications

The db Electronics FM Power Base Converter (FM PBC) is, first and foremost, a mod-less upgrade. It is also an update to the original db Electronics Master System to Genesis Converter. The FM PBC includes a BIOS, similar to Sega's Power Base Converter, which improves compatibility with certain games (i.e. R-Type). The FM audio is generated directly on the FM PBC by a discrete YM2413 chip and is routed to the Genesis's convenient audio input pins found on the cartridge port. Games not supporting the FM audio module wil simply boot up and operate as before with regular PSG audio.

Disable the FM Module

To disable the FM module on the Power Base FM, simply hold the PAUSE button during power up and it will behave like a normal Power Base Mini with PSG sound. This is great when you want to compare soundtracks!

Compatibility

The Converter, as with all Power Base Converters, will no work in conjunction with a 32X; the 32X prevents the Master System Mode when it is connected. 

The FM PBC is currently confirmed to be compatible with:
  • Genesis Model 1 and 2
  • Megadrive Model 1 and 2
  • Multi-Mega & CDX
The Mark III FM PBC is currently confirmed to be compatible with:

FM Music vs. PSG Music

So what's the big fuss about? Well there mister! Check out this video to hear the night and day difference between FM Music vs. PSG Music on Sega Master System games! Also have a look at my ultimate FM Power Base Converter test run where I test with all known (to me) FM-enabled Master System games!

FM Games List

Here is a list of games currently known to be compatible with the FM audio module. If you are aware of more games, please send me an e-mail.

 After Burner  Alex Kidd BMX Trial  Alex Kidd - The Lost Stars  Alien Syndrome
 Altered Beast  Aztec Adventure  Blade Eagle 3D  Bomber Raid
 California Games  Captain Silver  Casino Games  Cloud Master
 Cyborg Hunter  Double Dragon  Fantasy Zone II  Fantasy Zone - The Maze
 Galaxy Force  Global Defence  Golvellius  Great Golf (Jap ver only)
 Kenseiden  Lord of the Sword  Miracle Warriors  Mnica - No Castelo do Dragao
 OutRun  Parlour Games  Phantasy Star (Jap ver only)  Poseidon Wars 3D
 Power Strike  Rampage  Rastan  Rescue Mission
 R-Type  Scramble Spirits  Shinobi  Space Harrier 3D
 Spell Caster  Thunder Blade  Tri Formation  Time Soldiers
 Ultima IV  Vigilante  WonderBoy in Monster Land  WonderBoy III
 Ys  Zaxxon 3D    

Games in BOLD are tested and confirmed working with the FM PBC.

Where to Buy?

 $55.00

In Stock!