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