Famicom-Inspired Synth Sounds and Arpeggios

Put a Nostalgic Famicom-Inspired Sound to Work

When I first got my hands on a synthesizer, I was amazed
that it could make sounds like the Famicom!

There is something irresistibly charming about its lo-fi character.
That is the appeal of the Famicom sound.

In this recipe, we will shape the volume and add spatial effects.

How to Make the Sound

Select a Square Wave on the Oscillator

Set the oscillator to Square.
That alone gives you a Famicom-style sound!

But let’s take it a little further.

Shape the Volume

Use Env4 to adjust the volume envelope.

• Level: Set this to 0 so the sound can fade to silence even while you hold the key.
• Decay: Adjust the time it takes for the volume to reach zero in the context of your song.

This creates a crisp sound that works especially well for arpeggios.

Add Spatial Effects Such as Reverb

Delay and reverb add depth and give the sound a more spacious character.

That’s it!
Besides arpeggios, you can also use this sound for backing parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What equipment do I need to make a Famicom-style sound?

You can get started with a synthesizer and a DAW (digital audio workstation). A synth plug-in, such as one included in Native Instruments KOMPLETE, can help you recreate this kind of sound.

Q2. Why choose a square wave on the oscillator?

The Famicom’s sound hardware included pulse-wave channels, which helped create its distinctive sound. A square wave is a simple starting point for a similar character.

Q3. How should I adjust Env4’s Decay parameter?

Adjust the time it takes the sound to fade to suit the song’s tempo and the rhythm of the arpeggio. A shorter decay helps create a crisp sound.

Q4. Are reverb and delay essential?

No, but these effects can add depth and give the simple sound a more spacious, polished character.