{"id":12416,"date":"2026-06-04T01:19:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T01:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/?p=12416"},"modified":"2026-06-04T01:19:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T01:19:32","slug":"an-old-n64-controller-becomes-a-portable-synthesizer-with-the-synth-controller-cartridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/?p=12416","title":{"rendered":"An Old N64 Controller Becomes a Portable Synthesizer with the Synth Controller Cartridge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 300px 160px; gap: 2px; width: 460px; background: #eee; padding: 2px;\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u6574\u884c\u5bbd\u5e7f\u544a -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column: 1\/-1; width: 460px; height: 250px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876674\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column: 1\/-1; width: 460px; height: 90px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876676\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u5de6\u4fa7\u7ad6\u6392 -->\r\n  <div style=\"height: 250px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876672\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div style=\"height: 500px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876680\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u53f3\u4fa7\u6469\u5929\u697c\uff08\u548c\u5de6\u4fa7\u5b8c\u5168\u5bf9\u9f50\uff09 -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-row: 3\/5; height: 750px; background: #ccc; display: grid; place-items: center;\">\r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e2\" data-zoneid=\"5876678\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <script async type=\"application\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/a.magsrv.com\/ad-provider.js\"><\/script> \r\n <ins class=\"eas6a97888e6\" data-zoneid=\"5876682\"><\/ins> \r\n <script>(AdProvider = window.AdProvider || []).push({\"serve\": {}});<\/script>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.techeblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/03111758\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg\" alt=\"N64 Synth Controller Cartridge Portable Synthesizer Instrument\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\"\/><br \/>Chicago-based maker Thomas McDonagh built Console Pedals around a simple but unusual idea. Guitar effects live inside cartridges shaped like N64 game paks. A compact 3D-printed base unit accepts up to two of those cartridges at once, handles power and audio routing, and lets players swap sounds without touching cables. Battery operation removes one more thing to plug in during a session. The Synth Controller Cartridge sits in that same lineup yet does something different. It reads button presses and stick movements from a connected N64 controller, then turns those actions into real synthesized notes that exit through the base unit\u2019s audio jack. No Nintendo console ever enters the picture. The cartridge supplies the sound engine and controller interface while the base supplies power, mixing options if desired, and a standard quarter-inch output ready for an amp or recording gear.<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"more-245428\"\/><br \/><iframe title=\"N64 Controller Synthesizer and Mini Oscilloscope\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1szdMFDjXLA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><br \/>Setup is simple: insert the cartridge into one of the base slots and select which one. Connect any old N64 controller that still works in the cupboard to the base. Then connect a guitar cable from the base output to your amplifier or a suitable audio interface. When you turn on the unit or allow the battery to charge, the system is instantly turned on and ready for use. Instead of being game commands, button presses are now melodious notes. Pitches from A to G are miraculously assigned to the controller\u2019s face buttons and other inputs. To get that G sharp in there on demand, simply slide the joystick to the side. Holding down L lowers the sound by one octave, while holding down R raises it by one octave. Finally, by holding down L and hitting Z, you may navigate backward through the various sound selections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--horizontal\" data-aawp-product-asin=\"B0BJL8SJ59\" data-aawp-product-id=\"237348\" data-aawp-tracking-id=\"tec02e-20\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Elgato Stream Deck + Audio Mixer Production Console and Studio Controller for Content Creators Streaming Gaming with customizable touch strip dials and LCD keys works with Mac and PC\">\n<div class=\"aawp-product__thumb\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31oPaAlexKL._SL160_.jpg\" alt=\"Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer, Production Console and Studio Controller for Content Creators...\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n<p>            Elgato Stream Deck +, Audio Mixer, Production Console and Studio Controller for Content Creators&#8230;        <\/p>\n<div class=\"aawp-product__description\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more; Know that your command has been executed<\/li>\n<li>Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc<\/li>\n<li>Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThere are eight distinct modes packed into the cartridge. The sawtooth ones produce bright, sharp tones that pierce straight through, and you can play up to five notes simultaneously. The square waves are slightly thinner but equally focused, and they can still support several voices without trouble. Chord modes combine three notes with a single button press, resulting in quick harmony, you know? The two sine-based modes offer a particular \u2018wow\u2019 factor that sets them apart from the others. One type of sine sound continues to play even after you lift your finger, resulting in a shifting tone.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin:0;padding:0;line-height:0;\">\n<center><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">As a musician and retro console nerd, this is exactly the kind of weird crossover that gets my attention.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a modular effects pedal that uses custom N64 style cartridges to change the sound. Different carts, different effects. Pretty fun and clever idea.\u2026 <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SNP7rkDyhu\">pic.twitter.com\/SNP7rkDyhu<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 The Game Beaters (@TheGameBeaters) May 31, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><\/center><\/div>\n<p>All notes are cut off when a button is released, which is ideal for precise rhythm management. In contrast, continuous sine options just continue the tone even after you release go, and everything is neatly contained within the cartridge. The output can be used as a standalone instrument or with a guitar sound from another cartridge slot; the choice is yours. To play, you don\u2019t even need to turn on a computer or connect any MIDI gear; nevertheless, recording is really straightforward from there.<\/p>\n<p>The Synth Controller Cartridge costs around $80, making it a reasonable investment, especially if you already have the base machine and a spare controller. The base is more expensive, and it is frequently sold out, forcing some consumers to wait for restocks. McDonagh is adding more options while keeping the core experience simple.<br \/><span>[Source]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><!-- \u603b\u5bb9\u5668\uff1a\u6700\u5927\u5bbd908px Grid\u7d27\u51d1\u5e03\u5c40 -->\r\n<div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 728px 160px; gap:2px; width:908px; background:#eee; padding:2px;\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u901a\u680f\u9876\u90e8\uff1a\u6700\u5927\u6a2a\u5e45 908x258 \u8de8\u6574\u884c -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column:1\/-1; height:258px; background:#ff6b6b; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n    <!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114307\" data-width=\"908\" data-height=\"258\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114307});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u7b2c\u4e8c\u901a\u680f\uff1a728\u00d790 \u901a\u680f -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-column:1\/-1; 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display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114302\" data-width=\"133\" data-height=\"139\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114302});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n    <div style=\"height:125px; background:#91e7ac; display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n\t\r\n<!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114303\" data-width=\"125\" data-height=\"125\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114303});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u53f3\u4fa7\u7ad6\u680f\uff1a160\u00d7600 \u6574\u5217\u9ad8\u5e7f\u544a -->\r\n  <div style=\"grid-row:3\/8; height:600px;  display:grid; place-items:center;\">\r\n    <!-- JuicyAds v3.0 -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async src=\"https:\/\/poweredby.jads.co\/js\/jads.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins id=\"1114301\" data-width=\"160\" data-height=\"600\"><\/ins>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" data-cfasync=\"false\" async>(adsbyjuicy = window.adsbyjuicy || []).push({'adzone':1114301});<\/script>\r\n<!--JuicyAds END-->\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<br \/> An Old N64 Controller Becomes a Portable Synthesizer with the Synth Controller Cartridge<br \/>\n<br \/>#N64 #Controller #Portable #Synthesizer #Synth #Controller #Cartridge<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chicago-based maker Thomas McDonagh built Console Pedals around a simple but unusual idea. Guitar effects&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12417,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[11624,3488,11622,4832,11623,3543],"class_list":["post-12416","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-cartridge","tag-controller","tag-n64","tag-portable","tag-synth","tag-synthesizer"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg",960,640,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument-768x512.jpg",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg",640,427,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg",960,640,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg",960,640,false],"covernews-slider-full":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg",960,640,false],"covernews-slider-center":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument-800x500.jpg",800,500,true],"covernews-featured":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument.jpg",960,640,false],"covernews-medium":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument-540x340.jpg",540,340,true],"covernews-medium-square":["https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/n64-synth-controller-cartridge-portable-synthesizer-instrument-400x250.jpg",400,250,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/?author=1"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/?cat=8\" rel=\"category\">Tech<\/a>","tag_info":"Tech","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12416"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12416\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/8657085.xyz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}