GENaJam-Pi + GenMDM bundle Sega Genesis / Mega Drive MIDI adapter, 32GB, (Ready to Use!)

GENaJam Pico MIDI Controller Complete Bundle - FM Synthesis Control for SEGA Genesis

Complete MIDI controller system for FM synthesis on SEGA Genesis consoles. Includes all components needed for immediate setup and use.

You can request a custom color here, I will let you know if I can do it.

What's Included:

• GENaJam Pico MIDI Controller (Raspberry Pi Pico based)
• GenMDM Module (fits inside GENaJam controller)
• DB9 Extension Cable (connects GenMDM to SEGA Genesis)
• 3" 3.5mm Audio Cable (connects GenMDM to GENaJam)
• USB-C Cable (for GENaJam power and USB MIDI)
• GenMDM ROM Cartridge
• 32GB SD Card (With a selection of .tfi files)
• Keycaps and button colors will vary based on stock.

PCB Fabrication by PCBWay:

The GenaJam PCBs were fabricated by PCBWay, who generously offered a discount to support this project. PCBWay provides high-quality PCB manufacturing and assembly with options well-suited for both prototyping and small production runs.The boards arrived with clean silkscreen, accurate solder mask alignment, and solid overall build quality. PCBWay offers dependable PCB fabrication suitable for both prototyping and small production runs. Website: https://pcbway.com

Enhanced Features

• Dual-Core Processing - Core 0 handles MIDI, Core 1 handles visualization
• External CC Sync - Control ADSR parameters from external MIDI controllers
• Envelope Visualization - Real-time graphical envelope display with operator cycling
• Advanced File Organization - Automatic user/library file separation
• Real-time MIDI Visualization - Multiple visualization modes with bar graphs, animations
• TFI Preview Mode - Auto-load files while browsing with manual sound preview
• Accelerated Navigation - Hold buttons for fast file scrolling
• USB + TRS MIDI - Both USB MIDI IN and TRS 3.5mm MIDI IN/OUT
• Savestate System - Save and load complete 6-channel configurations
• Settings Persistence - MIDI channel, region (NTSC/PAL), velocity curves, CC sync, poly-multi
• Smart Voice Management - True mono mode with last-note priority
• Stuckless Mode Switching - Automatic note-off when changing modes
• Poly Multi-Timbral Mode - Assign different TFI instruments per voice channel while maintaining polyphony

Visualizer Mode

• 7 Visualization Types (UP/DOWN to cycle):
• Bar Graph - Classic frequency bars
• Asteroids - Space debris field animation
• Starfighter - Space flight simulation
• Neural Net - Hexagonal network visualization
• Envelope - Real-time ADSR envelope display
• Matrix Rain - Falling character rain effect
• Oscilloscope - Animated waveform display

Real-time MIDI activity display for channels 1-11

External CC Control

GENajam-Pi supports external MIDI CC control for real-time parameter manipulation from hardware controllers, DAWs, or other MIDI sources. When CC Sync is enabled (default), incoming CCs update both the GENMDM and the internal display state.

CC Sync Behavior

• POLY Mode: CCs received on the configured MIDI channel sync to all 6 FM channels
• MONO Mode: CCs received on channels 1-6 sync to the corresponding FM channel
• Live Display: All FM parameter screens update in real-time when external CCs modify values
• Toggleable: CC Sync can be disabled in Settings menu if not needed
• Rate Limited: Display updates are rate-limited to 20Hz to prevent MIDI throughput issues

Features:

• Several feature updates and new code (See Github)
• 6-channel FM synthesis control
• MIDI input via USB and 3.5mm TRS
• Real-time parameter editing with 4 potentiometers
• 128x32 OLED display
• SD card support for TFI file management
• Polyphonic and monophonic modes
• Save/load instrument presets and bank configurations
• Multiple visualization modes
• Velocity sensitivity settings
• USB and TRS A MIDI

Specifications:

• Compatible with SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive consoles
• Supports standard MIDI controllers and DAWs
• Dual-core processing for responsive performance

The GENaJam device provides real-time MIDI control over all YM2612 parameters

Per-Channel Controls:

• Algorithm selection (8 different operator configurations)
• Feedback amount for operator self-modulation
• Stereo panning (left/right/center)

Per-Operator Controls (4 operators × 6 channels = 24 total):

• Frequency multipliers for harmonic ratios
• Detune for fine frequency adjustments
• Attack/Decay/Sustain/Release rates for envelope shaping
• Sustain levels for envelope dynamics
• Output levels for operator volume balance
• Rate scaling for pitch-dependent envelope behavior
• Amplitude modulation sensitivity
• SSG-EG (Software Sound Generator Envelope Generator) modes

Global Controls:

• LFO speed and depth for vibrato/tremolo effects
• Channel assignment for polyphonic vs monophonic operation
• MIDI channel routing and velocity response

Musical Capabilities:

The YM2612 can produce a wide range of sounds

• Bass synthesizers with rich harmonic content
• Lead synthesizers with complex modulation
• Pad sounds with evolving textures
• Percussive sounds using fast envelopes
• Bell and metallic tones through specific algorithms
• Organ-like sustained tones

The GENaJam + GenMDM essentially turns the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive into a fully controllable, real-time FM synthesizer that can be played from any MIDI controller or DAW, making the classic Genesis sound accessible for modern music production. Ready to use out of the box. (Supply your own 3.5" TRS Cable to your instrument)

Code, instructions, feature list etc, here.

Special thanks to the creator of GenMDM: little-scale
Special thanks to the creator of the original Genajam: Jamatar, check out their awesome music!