RE2-YM2612/3438 - Project RE:birth 2nd Sound Card
RE2-YM2612/3438 - Project RE:birth 2nd Sound Card
What is it?
Project RE-birth 2nd is the spiritual continuation of Project RE-birth — a legendary open hardware project dedicated to bringing classic FM sound chips back to life.
In 2021, for unknown reasons, the Japanese closed the ym2203.com website, deleted all public schematics, and stopped the distribution of all peripheral hardware. Even with money in hand, it became impossible to purchase any SPFM motherboard or rebirth module. This was deeply frustrating for enthusiasts worldwide.
In the absence of original hardware, I forked almost all RE-birth music modules to truly revive this project. My mission: make FM music chips available to people all over the world — no internal meetings, no mystery stores, no hunger marketing, just long-term stock and fair play for everyone.
The RE2-YM2612/3438 is an OPN2-family sound card for the SPFM series, supporting both the YM2612 and YM3438 chips. The circuit is fully redesigned and compatible with the RE:birth bus.
About the Chips
The YM2612, also known as OPN2 (FM Operator Type-N 2), is one of the most iconic FM synthesis chips in gaming history. It powered the audio of the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis, delivering the rich, punchy FM sound that defined a generation of console gaming. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Streets of Rage, the YM2612's voice is instantly recognizable to retro gaming fans worldwide.
The YM3438 (OPN2C) is the CMOS successor to the YM2612, offering identical functionality with improved power efficiency. It was used in later Mega Drive revisions and is fully software-compatible with the YM2612.
With the RE2-YM2612/3438, you can experience authentic Mega Drive FM sound driven by the real chip — not emulation — through your SPFM-compatible system.
Key Features
- Supports both YM2612 (OPN2) and YM3438 (OPN2C)
- 6 channels of 4-operator FM synthesis — the authentic Mega Drive sound
- Compatible with RE:birth bus standard
- Works with SPFM Light, SPFM Lite, RESPFM, IAP-RESPFM, STM32-RESPFM and more
- Classic NE5532 dual op-amp for excellent audio output quality
- Adjustable volume control on-board
- Excellent digital-to-analog isolation for clean, noise-free sound
- Standardized RE:birth module form factor
- Long-term stock — always available, no artificial scarcity
Supported Chips
- OPN2: YM2612
- OPN2C: YM3438, YMF276
Compatible Mainboards
- SPFM Light
- SPFM Lite (2 slots)
- RESPFM
- IAP-RESPFM (4 slots)
- STM32-RESPFM (4 slots)