UPDATE: If you lift the RGB pins during install, you'll need to replace the pullup resistors: www.retrorgb.com/fix-for-all-rgb-bypassed-sega-genesis.html
Wow, that audio is like night and day! It's the purest a lot of us have ever heard that bangin' Sonic 3 soundtrack! Really cool project, Bob. I want one!
If it's VA1, you can mod that sucker and it will then be functionally identical to the first two models. It will then also be compatible with the Terraonion megaSD cartridge, which plays regular SegaCD images. The only thing it won't play is SegaCD 32X, as it's missing the expansion port. RetroRGB has pictures on how to tell whether a Genesis 3 is VA1 or VA2. After the triple bypass, it will have at least the same audio and better video capability than the best model 1 version.
@@cbk12 Officially you need to disconnect the Sega CD to play them from the cartridge, which you can’t do with a CDX, but I recall it was working anyway for someone (Krikzz?).
For anyone on the fence about this, I got a triple bypass installed last December and the differences were INSTANTLY recognizable. Absolutely worth the money.
I'm such a purist. Hearing them side-by-side makes me like the original audio. That grungy sound with the occasional clipping is more...Genesis-y to me.
@@AlexvrbX Yep, and the VA7 model 1s sound just as bad as the VA0/1/1.8 model 2s. It's just not as cut and dry with the Mega Drive/ Genesis, but now the 3BP can even the playing field.
I could hear a difference on my cell phone. This is a great upgrade option for those that want to do it. If i want a clean video and digital sound signals on an HDTV I play Genesis games with the Mega Sg.
you can hear the low tone hiss in the Original, if I get back into collecting Classic Consols I will Look at getting me a 3BP for sure thank you for showing the internet with this, I also remember the old days where you could overclock a Gen 1 to get more Frames in Sonic and Streets of Rage etc as well as Streetfighter 2 etc I miss the old days of Consol hacking..
I've been reading about this on your site, and am thankful the installation is easier on non-Gen 1s. Maybe when lockdown is over I'll find a space to work on my consoles with this.
I really would like a more "easy route" to all this. I made the RGB mod on my N64 but when I look at this TBP for Genesis I always think it's a mess of cables and other parts. And of course, there is the availability problem in my country, Brazil, always a thing to worry.
I'm okay with the wiring schemes, but hell ... soldering leads directly to lifted QFP pins is a recipe for desaster. I don't mind doing so myself, but I can see a bunch of ruined consoles due to that aspect.
You can literally build it and provide it to other Brazilians yourself! That’s the beauty of open source. Components are widely available even during the industry-wide parts shortage. Another benefit of being open-source is that you can adapt it to a more “easy route” if you want which probably means making versions tailored to specific console revisions. One example: A change that made bottom installs easier on the Model 2/3 made the board hit the DIN on the Model 1 when replacing the RF modulator, which is one of the things that can be fixed. Japanese consoles have no RF modulator to replace anyway so you could interface with the original DIN and pipe stereo to the headphone jack. The 3BP also needs 5.6k pull up resistors for lifted pin installs which is probably coming to the universal design. If you’d rather use the pull-ups on the board and leave the pins down you could design it for that.
Triple bypass is such an amazing name. Not only does it sound like a marketing ploy Sega would've used in the 90's, but it's very indicative of what Sega was trying to do to keep the console alive. I mean Avgn puts it best. The genesis with all of its machines hooked up to it looks like it's on life support
There was only one system that I could think of that wasn't either thought of or simply wasn't covered in this segment. The CDX, portable Genesis/CD w/CD player capability. Not many people remember it.
Great informative video as always Bob! I found out about the Triple Bypass from your website some time back. Since then i have tried it (and Voultars RGB) on multiple MKI and MKII PAL consoles. As you can imagine i got different results each time both in audio and visual. My main objective was getting rid of the jailbars. With many hours of tinkering I found on the MKI VA4 i ended up just lifting the sub carrier and using Firebrandx's audio mod got the best results (on that specific board) I prefer the colour output of the CXA. MKII I used the triple bypass on two versions one UK-PAL and one ASIAN-PAL. The jailbars was 99% gone on the ASIAN model but around 80% gone on the PAL model. Now here's whats more interesting, putting them through an OSSC jailbars are a lot more noticeable but through a Framemiester you can barely notice them on any model once the mods are installed or even the stock CXA. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect Sega Genesis/Mega Drive board that has the least noise even after trying it on more than 6 different boards. I'm trying to get hold of a Brazilian MKIII and a X'Eye to see how those results turn out :)
I have a Model 2 and a Hi-Def Graphics Model 1. Switching between the two, my Model 2 has substantially worse audio quality. A good track to test this on is the Stage 1 bar music in Streets of Rage 2. On the Model 2 it sounds terrible, and switching over to the Model 1 the difference is immediately noticeable. I'm probably going to get a triple bypass done for my Model 2 as it's the one I grew up with (never knew the Model 1 existed until later in my life), plus the Sega CD I have is the Model 2 version. Thanks for the great video!
I know this is wildly off topic from the video, but you’re looking great! Most of us in quarantine are gaining weight rather than losing it, so keep up the good work. :)
Great video. FWIW I'm no audiophile (I hate people being pedantic about nothing) but I certainly noticed issues with my MD2's audio. After installing a Mega Amp 2.0 (which I think is the same as the audio part of the 3BP you're talking about?) everything's cleared up significantly. Personal opinion but on this note, I think the MD2 is under-rated as I get stereo from the original din and no jailbars. I also like the style of the MD2 as I had one as a kid. Thought I'd mention this as everybody on forums told me to do the 3BP (most don't seem to appreciate what the Mega Amp 2.0 is or why I wouldn't want to use the full 3BP in an MD2). I'm glad that I was able to get away with the simpler, single mod as each bit of fiddling/soldering comes with a level of risk.
I'm guessing it's because the Mega Amp doesn't really fit in with MDFourier, and isn't as close to original Model 1 MD sound as possible. The 3BP uses a slightly different circuit, which takes MDFourier analysis into account. I'm also the kind of guy who'd rather just bypass the audio on the MD2's as well, as I don't want to lose composite video and the model 2's RGB is already pretty good.
exact model of SEGA Mega Drive I saw at a car boot sale about a year ago in my hometown it had that exact same port on the back of it I always wondered what it was for I wish I got hold of it before some else did
I like how Bob says in his comparisons that it is "one of the worst" motherboard revisions. Oh god, I wish my audio sounded that good for original audio on the first two Model 2's that I bought on ebay. The audio was so bad for me that my ears felt like they were going to bleed. This comparison at least sounds bearable on the original. I wonder if the 3BP will work on my horror Model 2.
The only downside with my mega drive II is that I got one instance of slowdown playing sonic 2 on co-op with a buddy.... is that like supposed to happen? I don't remember that from back in the day on my og mega drive 1 ( which I no longer have)
I dig that a fellow metal head is a gaming need like me too. Also, nice Dean VMNT Rust in peace model. I've only got one artist sig and it a way low end model, it's a Washburn 332 B dimebag darrell guitar.
Yes and I never get tired of hearing it...thank you! I bought it beat up on eBay and rebuilt the whole thing: Hand wown pickups, grinding the frets, etc. It's been the best guitar I've ever owned.
Hi Bob! You are the only guy I trust 100% on Bypass information so I can change my Mega Drive. I would like to know, honestly, what is the best bypass card for RGB on Mega Drive, model 1? Warm regards from Brazil!
Some of the Model 2 board revisions had issues not just due to cheap components, but due to actual mistakes in the circuit layout. Triple bypass is the best fix from what I've heard, but there are other ways to get quality at least somewhat better, on the cheap. As far as video goes, if you use an LCD, nothing beats feeding shielded RGB into an OSSC for lag-free clean signals via HDMI. Well, at least for an original system. Granted quality will still vary based on the Genesis in question. The problem is it is expensive, and if you have multiple classic consoles you need a really good SCART switch and high-quality cables... it adds up quickly.
@@brunorabelo7564 I have an M2 VA4 as well... fairly rare. They generally produce good sound and picture. Anyway, if you already OWN a rad2x and your TV does a good job upconverting it to native panel resolution (clean picture, no lag), it's probably NOT worth it. If your TV doesn't do well with 480p input, then it might be worth it. However the best overall solution now is not the OSSC anymore. 9/10 the Retrotink 5X-Pro is just as good or better, and it's less "fiddly". In most cases you just update the firmware and go. OSSC often requires more fine tuning.
@@AlexvrbX I wonder because from what I researched, the change wouldn't be as drastic when in a lower quality board version, and in any of the versions the mod would be the same as the final result, so it would be worth buying any genesis to perform the installation, and stay with the original Va4 for rarity, since the difference exists but it wouldn't be an abyss.
@@brunorabelo7564 Yes it's definitely going to make the greatest difference on a flawed board (pre-VA3 full length boards especially). But the largest difference is going to be in the audio. 2.x boards have so-so sound... 1.x boards are mostly AWFUL sounding without modifications.
Wouldnt a model 1 genesis benefit more from a rgb bypass (non triple) and firebrandx’s M1 mini mega? I’m about to mod my Model 1 and wondering if I should triple bypass instead?
It'd be cool if there were a way to run the A/V out from the 3BP board to a good ADC for HDMI out as well as additionally maybe an optional S/PDIF out for the audio, and then the Ch. 3/4 switch hole for the RF modulator could be repurposed to switch between HDMI audio out and S/PDIF audio out on a whim.
I started refurbing Segas a few weeks ago, I'm not a scientist and I don't have sound testing equipment, but I think the model 1s I've tested (3 of them) all sounded somewhat flat. I'm using a 32in stereo crt tv.
It's funny how you were talking about bad revisions of the model 2 while holding a model 2 va4 board, probably the best revision model 2 in existence, with the same GOAC chip of the model 3
Funnily enough I don't I ever connected a console I personally owned when it was still 'current' using RF, except as a last resort. My SNES was, from the start, connected through composite. And that's probably only because I didn't realise better options existed. After all, to actually use composite, I had to use a converter, because, believe it or not, it was pretty common in the early 90's for the ONLY connector on a European TV to be a SCART connector. (or as it's officially called, Peritel, but nobody calls it that.) That makes the probability that the TV supported RGB input quite high indeed. And it only got worse further into the 90's. Which honestly makes the n64 video output circuitry all the more bizarre. Only the first generation NTSC machines support RGB, and a slightly later NTSC revision supports being modded for RGB easily. The NTSC models generally all support S-video properly too. PAL machines though? They support Composite only, and for early revisions a partial implementation of S-video that is way too bright. (lacks a few key components.) This is in spite of the fact that the vast majority of PAL televisions in the 90's would natively support RGB SCART, and that the SNES supported RGB output, the n64 uses the same connector as the SNES, and the gamecube again supports RGB out through that exact same connector, leaving only the n64 as the non-RGB capable system in a part of the world where RGB capable TV's were at their peak of availability... Figures doesn't it. XD
RetroRGB no I’m talking about the red insulation not connecting anything sitting below that cap. You can see it in all the shots of that chip. And you have so much copper stripped and only the tip soldered. On that kind of job I like soldering up the leg from the board, especially when there’s something like that cap you were trying to avoid, rather than having a long piece of bare copper floating above another component.
Has to be the very first model though, they are hard to find. Not just the early model number - there’s a small initial run with the first box design, but they are findable in Japan.
RetroRGB that’s surprising to hear, I’ve had three and they were all perfect. Not even the bypass needed. Perfect sound, perfect RGB. Others have reported the same, but I trust your findings. It has to be the very first iteration.
3:30 - Where can we find the wire routing that Jose Cruz validated? I don't see the validated wire routes on the Github or the 3BP page on RetroRGB. Thanks!
Nice review, thanks Bob. Unfortunately, Insurrection Industries does not ship in France. In Europe, they only ship in UK, Iceland, Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland. For other European countries, we can only get the first old Triple Bypass (v0.3) via VideoGamePerfection.com.
Hey great video as alwaysl Let me make a question. What do you think about the audio quality of the Genesis core in Mister Fpga? Wich filter do you suggest to use on it? Im using the no filter option and the sound is pretty clean.
Genesis audio on MiSTer is AWESOME; The team uses MDFourier to make sure it's accurate. Filtered vs unfiltered totally depends on your speakers and your ears...there's no right or wrong answer, it's whatever you like best :)
Strangely enough, I've found HDRV enough to practically eliminate the noise (even got rid of the Samsung encoder artifacting on my VA3 model 2). Like, I'd have to press my face to my TV to see anything. Using my 32X however, introduces bad jail bars. Mileage definitely varies with old tech.
@@joseyanes8300 It basically taps the RGB signal of the console, which produces a sharper/cleaner image than the yellow composite video plug on a regular AV cable does. It's the same idea as the European SCART hookup standard, though instead using a US-familiar method.
I have a genesis model one from my childhood first console and a CDX... How does the CDX and even the new Retro Genesis Mini compare in sound to this mod?
UPDATE: If you lift the RGB pins during install, you'll need to replace the pullup resistors: www.retrorgb.com/fix-for-all-rgb-bypassed-sega-genesis.html
Bob, thanks for being the ultimate source for all things retrogaming. You have no idea how much I value your input and effort.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
@@RetroRGB Many of us feel the same way I'm sure! Keep on keeping on!
I second this, Bob is the greatest source for getting informed on the widest range of topics, with the most in depth information available!
Facts
True story
Wow, that audio is like night and day! It's the purest a lot of us have ever heard that bangin' Sonic 3 soundtrack! Really cool project, Bob. I want one!
I picked up a Genesis 3 cheap from toys r us back in the day. Just keep it to complete the set. Had no idea anybody cared enough to make mods for it.
If it's VA1, you can mod that sucker and it will then be functionally identical to the first two models. It will then also be compatible with the Terraonion megaSD cartridge, which plays regular SegaCD images. The only thing it won't play is SegaCD 32X, as it's missing the expansion port. RetroRGB has pictures on how to tell whether a Genesis 3 is VA1 or VA2. After the triple bypass, it will have at least the same audio and better video capability than the best model 1 version.
@@bruceg22000 so im curious then. Would the cdx play the 32x/cd games combo? From a flash cart?
@@cbk12 Officially you need to disconnect the Sega CD to play them from the cartridge, which you can’t do with a CDX, but I recall it was working anyway for someone (Krikzz?).
@@emmettturner9452 good to know thank you 😊
For anyone on the fence about this, I got a triple bypass installed last December and the differences were INSTANTLY recognizable. Absolutely worth the money.
Did you send yours in?
I could hear the difference even on my cell phone
Same.
yes
Especially Knuckles' theme!
Bluestreak94 Plays Something Random yeah... Knuckles’ theme sounded like a broken paper shredder on that stock Genesis.
Same
On the Genesis 2, I can obviously tell the difference. The 3BP sounds cleaner than the original audio output.
Not all Genesis Model 2's are bad, and and not all Genesis 1's are good. I've got a VA4 Model 2 and the audio and video are pretty damn good already.
I'm such a purist. Hearing them side-by-side makes me like the original audio. That grungy sound with the occasional clipping is more...Genesis-y to me.
@@AlexvrbX Yep, and the VA7 model 1s sound just as bad as the VA0/1/1.8 model 2s. It's just not as cut and dry with the Mega Drive/ Genesis, but now the 3BP can even the playing field.
First mod I ever installed! Brought new life to my model 2. Love that you're doing this since RETRORGB is why I installed in the first place.
Thank you!
Amazing video as always. Lots of awesome love for the Genesis now a days.
Yes finally indeed!
triple bypass kept my dad alive
did you notice a difference in audio/video quality
Thanks for the video, Bob. I'm constantly blown away by the amazing stuff that this community produces.
I have this mod installed on 2 of my systems and is well worth the time & money. One of the best mega drive mods out there IMO
I could hear a difference on my cell phone. This is a great upgrade option for those that want to do it. If i want a clean video and digital sound signals on an HDTV I play Genesis games with the Mega Sg.
Tech in Brazil is really waaaaay behind - 4 years later I finally managed to put my hands on one of these, now is time to install it ♥ ty Bob
Really cool to know! It's beyond my skill/patience but I still love learning about these mods.
I can confirm hearing the difference in the quality. Awesome work! *subscribed*
you can hear the low tone hiss in the Original, if I get back into collecting Classic Consols I will Look at getting me a 3BP for sure thank you for showing the internet with this, I also remember the old days where you could overclock a Gen 1 to get more Frames in Sonic and Streets of Rage etc as well as Streetfighter 2 etc I miss the old days of Consol hacking..
I've been reading about this on your site, and am thankful the installation is easier on non-Gen 1s. Maybe when lockdown is over I'll find a space to work on my consoles with this.
I really would like a more "easy route" to all this. I made the RGB mod on my N64 but when I look at this TBP for Genesis I always think it's a mess of cables and other parts. And of course, there is the availability problem in my country, Brazil, always a thing to worry.
I'm okay with the wiring schemes, but hell ... soldering leads directly to lifted QFP pins is a recipe for desaster. I don't mind doing so myself, but I can see a bunch of ruined consoles due to that aspect.
@@1337Shockwav3 many mods done like that
Yeah.. Cool as hell from an enthusiast viewpoint but essentially you are reworking the board.
@@haraldhimmel5687 ya feel the same. At that point you kinda not playing the og console kind of with bypassing. Its enough to bypass the audio.
You can literally build it and provide it to other Brazilians yourself! That’s the beauty of open source.
Components are widely available even during the industry-wide parts shortage.
Another benefit of being open-source is that you can adapt it to a more “easy route” if you want which probably means making versions tailored to specific console revisions.
One example:
A change that made bottom installs easier on the Model 2/3 made the board hit the DIN on the Model 1 when replacing the RF modulator, which is one of the things that can be fixed. Japanese consoles have no RF modulator to replace anyway so you could interface with the original DIN and pipe stereo to the headphone jack.
The 3BP also needs 5.6k pull up resistors for lifted pin installs which is probably coming to the universal design. If you’d rather use the pull-ups on the board and leave the pins down you could design it for that.
The ultimate sound capabilites, IMPROVED!
Wow, I’d love to learn how to do that mod to my model 2. That audio is a huge improvement.
Now I just need someone to install it for me!
8bitmods.com
@@mansen5485 I'm sure they're great but it sounds like the pigeon-holed themselves out of 16-bit console work with that name. ;)
it's the first time i see someone with the same model motherboard as my megadrive model 2. It's a smaller motherboard than usual.
Holy hell, the bypass even fixes the EQ! Amazing
Coolest thing I've seen this week, by far. Macho Nacho's latest video sent me here. Subscribed
I've actually been using your site lately because I've been looking at buying an old genesis and this video comes up! It's a sign haha
Great video. I've been wondering what this project was and this explanation was really interesting.
7:23 You can really hear the difference with the Hi Hats! Sounds delicious.
Triple bypass is such an amazing name. Not only does it sound like a marketing ploy Sega would've used in the 90's, but it's very indicative of what Sega was trying to do to keep the console alive. I mean Avgn puts it best. The genesis with all of its machines hooked up to it looks like it's on life support
Big ups to my man cruzlink. Hope you doing well, buddy! I still got the Virtua Stick!
Ohh man, the Pete Sampras Tennis music! That takes me back to my childhood playing with my dad and sister.
Never was big on Genesis (didn't grow up with it) but projects like these make the proposition of getting one much more enticing.
There was only one system that I could think of that wasn't either thought of or simply wasn't covered in this segment. The CDX, portable Genesis/CD w/CD player capability. Not many people remember it.
The custom CDX board is not done yet. So there isn't much point in talking about.
Great informative video as always Bob! I found out about the Triple Bypass from your website some time back. Since then i have tried it (and Voultars RGB) on multiple MKI and MKII PAL consoles. As you can imagine i got different results each time both in audio and visual. My main objective was getting rid of the jailbars. With many hours of tinkering I found on the MKI VA4 i ended up just lifting the sub carrier and using Firebrandx's audio mod got the best results (on that specific board) I prefer the colour output of the CXA. MKII I used the triple bypass on two versions one UK-PAL and one ASIAN-PAL. The jailbars was 99% gone on the ASIAN model but around 80% gone on the PAL model. Now here's whats more interesting, putting them through an OSSC jailbars are a lot more noticeable but through a Framemiester you can barely notice them on any model once the mods are installed or even the stock CXA. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect Sega Genesis/Mega Drive board that has the least noise even after trying it on more than 6 different boards. I'm trying to get hold of a Brazilian MKIII and a X'Eye to see how those results turn out :)
Thanks Bob, you are the best educator for retro tech, you are awesome!!!
Thank you!
Awesome. I'd be curious to see Mega SG vs 3BP'd audio that would be interesting.
This.
HARD SAME
Keep the MDG alive, super awesome work.
Excellent narration.... Pleasant to listen to.. Unlike some other vids...
5:55 I tried to wipe that hair off my screen. 😂
Hahahaha...sorry!
I have a Model 2 and a Hi-Def Graphics Model 1. Switching between the two, my Model 2 has substantially worse audio quality. A good track to test this on is the Stage 1 bar music in Streets of Rage 2. On the Model 2 it sounds terrible, and switching over to the Model 1 the difference is immediately noticeable.
I'm probably going to get a triple bypass done for my Model 2 as it's the one I grew up with (never knew the Model 1 existed until later in my life), plus the Sega CD I have is the Model 2 version. Thanks for the great video!
This really made me want to get a Genesis 3.
Yeah, if you only knew someone that could just send you one? Maybe fat guy? Likes beer?
...nah
@@RetroRGB lol. I have 2 Genesis laying around as it is. But I appreciate it.
I know this is wildly off topic from the video, but you’re looking great! Most of us in quarantine are gaining weight rather than losing it, so keep up the good work. :)
Thank you!
Love the Rust In Peace V in the back🤘
Thank you!
Great video. FWIW I'm no audiophile (I hate people being pedantic about nothing) but I certainly noticed issues with my MD2's audio.
After installing a Mega Amp 2.0 (which I think is the same as the audio part of the 3BP you're talking about?) everything's cleared up significantly.
Personal opinion but on this note, I think the MD2 is under-rated as I get stereo from the original din and no jailbars. I also like the style of the MD2 as I had one as a kid. Thought I'd mention this as everybody on forums told me to do the 3BP (most don't seem to appreciate what the Mega Amp 2.0 is or why I wouldn't want to use the full 3BP in an MD2). I'm glad that I was able to get away with the simpler, single mod as each bit of fiddling/soldering comes with a level of risk.
I'm guessing it's because the Mega Amp doesn't really fit in with MDFourier, and isn't as close to original Model 1 MD sound as possible. The 3BP uses a slightly different circuit, which takes MDFourier analysis into account. I'm also the kind of guy who'd rather just bypass the audio on the MD2's as well, as I don't want to lose composite video and the model 2's RGB is already pretty good.
exact model of SEGA Mega Drive I saw at a car boot sale about a year ago in my hometown it had that exact same port on the back of it I always wondered what it was for I wish I got hold of it before some else did
Great video! Have one done each on CDX, Gen 1 and 2, highly recommended
I was today years old when I found out there was a genesis 3
there is a 4 and 5 too.
@@thetechoasis2179 No, There’s only the original, Model 2, and the model 3
The Genesis 3 was made with Sega and majesco in 1998
Now just need to find a local mod shop because there's no way I could pull off something like that on my own...
I want one of those broadcast monitors, they look very clean. I love my crt, but I would love it even more if it was clearer!
Loving this man's rust in piece v in the back ground
Thanks! I fully customized that one :)
Watching on a tablet without headphones and the audio comparison is easily noticeable. One doesn’t sound like a distorted mess.
no spec of dust on that model 1. amazing.
Finally a TH-camr fully cleans their tech before filming!
HypeBeast Bob with the info 🤯 🔥
Awesome video 👍🏻love the Samus poster
Thank you!
RetroRGB it was your video that got me on the hunt for the RAD 2x cable for my SNES but trying to source one is a nightmare
Like this product. Hope you're well and safe.
I've always wanted a Xeye. If only for the fact that the cd is married to the main unit. I think it still looks slick today.
Im ordering mine this week. Can't wait
Cool I already use the HD Retrovision wire on a high quality CRT and PVM so I'm thinking of picking this up
I think I'm going to get this installed in my model 2 at some point
I like how Bob says in his comparisons that it is "one of the worst" motherboard revisions. Oh god, I wish my audio sounded that good for original audio on the first two Model 2's that I bought on ebay. The audio was so bad for me that my ears felt like they were going to bleed. This comparison at least sounds bearable on the original. I wonder if the 3BP will work on my horror Model 2.
The only downside with my mega drive II is that I got one instance of slowdown playing sonic 2 on co-op with a buddy.... is that like supposed to happen? I don't remember that from back in the day on my og mega drive 1 ( which I no longer have)
Pretty sweet! Great vid!
I could actually tell the difference in the audio on my iPhone XR. Sounds super good!
I dig that a fellow metal head is a gaming need like me too. Also, nice Dean VMNT Rust in peace model. I've only got one artist sig and it a way low end model, it's a Washburn 332 B dimebag darrell guitar.
nice video
i might consider getting one and trying to mod it myself, as mega drives model 2 are dirt cheap in Europe
you probably get this a lot, but that's a sick flying V Rust In Peace Guitar you got there!
Yes and I never get tired of hearing it...thank you! I bought it beat up on eBay and rebuilt the whole thing: Hand wown pickups, grinding the frets, etc. It's been the best guitar I've ever owned.
I hear the difference but for some reason I prefer the "bad" sound, sounds a genesis to me lol
Hi Bob!
You are the only guy I trust 100% on Bypass information so I can change my Mega Drive.
I would like to know, honestly, what is the best bypass card for RGB on Mega Drive, model 1?
Warm regards from Brazil!
Now I may be the minority, but the 3BP sounded a bit flat to me. The original had more punch. Excellent video Bob 👍
What a great video! Thank you very much Bob!
my megadrive 2 with the ccam mod has buzzy audio, but i think it is related to the powersupply that had 0.5 volt more than it should.
I see that Rust in Peace Dean! Very cool!
Thank you! I did a bunch of mods to it and it's now one of the best guitars I've ever played.
Some of the Model 2 board revisions had issues not just due to cheap components, but due to actual mistakes in the circuit layout. Triple bypass is the best fix from what I've heard, but there are other ways to get quality at least somewhat better, on the cheap.
As far as video goes, if you use an LCD, nothing beats feeding shielded RGB into an OSSC for lag-free clean signals via HDMI. Well, at least for an original system. Granted quality will still vary based on the Genesis in question. The problem is it is expensive, and if you have multiple classic consoles you need a really good SCART switch and high-quality cables... it adds up quickly.
I have a model 2 Va4 made by Sega.. Is it worth it? I use a rad2x and the image is very good
@@brunorabelo7564 I have an M2 VA4 as well... fairly rare. They generally produce good sound and picture.
Anyway, if you already OWN a rad2x and your TV does a good job upconverting it to native panel resolution (clean picture, no lag), it's probably NOT worth it.
If your TV doesn't do well with 480p input, then it might be worth it. However the best overall solution now is not the OSSC anymore. 9/10 the Retrotink 5X-Pro is just as good or better, and it's less "fiddly". In most cases you just update the firmware and go. OSSC often requires more fine tuning.
@@AlexvrbX I wonder because from what I researched, the change wouldn't be as drastic when in a lower quality board version, and in any of the versions the mod would be the same as the final result, so it would be worth buying any genesis to perform the installation, and stay with the original Va4 for rarity, since the difference exists but it wouldn't be an abyss.
That's what I'll do. I'm going to buy any genesis, install it and compare it with my original VA4.
@@brunorabelo7564 Yes it's definitely going to make the greatest difference on a flawed board (pre-VA3 full length boards especially). But the largest difference is going to be in the audio.
2.x boards have so-so sound... 1.x boards are mostly AWFUL sounding without modifications.
i can notice way more than 1% audio difference on my 8" bx8's
Mega Drive 1 was the best model of all Genesis/MegaDrive . Graphics were so round and omages were fluid like 60fps
You are awesome. Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks very much!
The 3BP sound is brighter and clearer, particulatly on snare drum type sounds.
In the old days you could do cable to composite which is so much better than the rf converter.
Wouldnt a model 1 genesis benefit more from a rgb bypass (non triple) and firebrandx’s M1 mini mega?
I’m about to mod my Model 1 and wondering if I should triple bypass instead?
It'd be cool if there were a way to run the A/V out from the 3BP board to a good ADC for HDMI out as well as additionally maybe an optional S/PDIF out for the audio, and then the Ch. 3/4 switch hole for the RF modulator could be repurposed to switch between HDMI audio out and S/PDIF audio out on a whim.
Way better to use a RetroTINK 5x, as you'd not only get proper scaling, but TONS of great options.
You should have worn your N64 shirt, to confuse the fanboys. lol
I started refurbing Segas a few weeks ago, I'm not a scientist and I don't have sound testing equipment, but I think the model 1s I've tested (3 of them) all sounded somewhat flat. I'm using a 32in stereo crt tv.
The Genesis always sounded tinny and fuzzy to me. It's nostalgic.
It's funny how you were talking about bad revisions of the model 2 while holding a model 2 va4 board, probably the best revision model 2 in existence, with the same GOAC chip of the model 3
That's because it's the only Genesis 2 I have at the moment. I don't have access to everything i used to. before the lockdown.
@@RetroRGB Yes, it was just a funny bit, it wasn't meant to be criticism. Awesome video as usual btw :)
Funnily enough I don't I ever connected a console I personally owned when it was still 'current' using RF, except as a last resort.
My SNES was, from the start, connected through composite.
And that's probably only because I didn't realise better options existed.
After all, to actually use composite, I had to use a converter, because, believe it or not, it was pretty common in the early 90's for the ONLY connector on a European TV to be a SCART connector. (or as it's officially called, Peritel, but nobody calls it that.)
That makes the probability that the TV supported RGB input quite high indeed.
And it only got worse further into the 90's.
Which honestly makes the n64 video output circuitry all the more bizarre.
Only the first generation NTSC machines support RGB, and a slightly later NTSC revision supports being modded for RGB easily.
The NTSC models generally all support S-video properly too.
PAL machines though? They support Composite only, and for early revisions a partial implementation of S-video that is way too bright. (lacks a few key components.)
This is in spite of the fact that the vast majority of PAL televisions in the 90's would natively support RGB SCART, and that the SNES supported RGB output, the n64 uses the same connector as the SNES, and the gamecube again supports RGB out through that exact same connector, leaving only the n64 as the non-RGB capable system in a part of the world where RGB capable TV's were at their peak of availability...
Figures doesn't it. XD
Great video. I LOVE your Metroid poster! Where did you get it?
Thanks! I got it on eBay in 2015 (ish). It's a reproduction of an original. You should be able to find one on eBay or Etsy.
I have a jap Mega Drive 2 with the Triple Bypass and Region Switchless mod. Its awesome folks 🤩💪🏼
Holy shit, that 0.50% difference was quite noticeable.
is that a Rust In Peace themed guitar i spot in the background? nice
Yup! That's my favorite guitar! Thanks!
2:30 dear lord that solder job
I think I just heard Voultar hitting the floor.
If you think that's a bad soldering job, you have no clue what you're doing. Do you even understand what's going on there?
RetroRGB at least clean up the scrap insulation off the board
Are you talking about the capacitor that's soldered on the motherboard to filter the signal? I show it again later in the video.
RetroRGB no I’m talking about the red insulation not connecting anything sitting below that cap. You can see it in all the shots of that chip. And you have so much copper stripped and only the tip soldered. On that kind of job I like soldering up the leg from the board, especially when there’s something like that cap you were trying to avoid, rather than having a long piece of bare copper floating above another component.
Wait, so the model 2 isn't supposed to sound like that?
Bob did you know the very, very first JP MD has perfect video and audio out of the box, no mods necessary, doesn’t even have jailbars.
Has to be the very first model though, they are hard to find. Not just the early model number - there’s a small initial run with the first box design, but they are findable in Japan.
That's definitely not true. I've personally tested a 1st run of Japanese boards and it had a world of issues.
RetroRGB that’s surprising to hear, I’ve had three and they were all perfect. Not even the bypass needed. Perfect sound, perfect RGB. Others have reported the same, but I trust your findings. It has to be the very first iteration.
RetroRGB they were all VA0? After that things get screwy, and by VA5 it’s very different.
I prefer the low pass filtered output of the Mega Drive
only the pre-VA7 model 1's though,
3:30 - Where can we find the wire routing that Jose Cruz validated? I don't see the validated wire routes on the Github or the 3BP page on RetroRGB. Thanks!
Nice review, thanks Bob.
Unfortunately, Insurrection Industries does not ship in France. In Europe, they only ship in UK, Iceland, Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland. For other European countries, we can only get the first old Triple Bypass (v0.3) via VideoGamePerfection.com.
Hey great video as alwaysl Let me make a question. What do you think about the audio quality of the Genesis core in Mister Fpga? Wich filter do you suggest to use on it? Im using the no filter option and the sound is pretty clean.
Genesis audio on MiSTer is AWESOME; The team uses MDFourier to make sure it's accurate. Filtered vs unfiltered totally depends on your speakers and your ears...there's no right or wrong answer, it's whatever you like best :)
I slapped a like on this video faster than Bob can reach his bottle of Jack Daniels. Pretty incredible, I know.
Great content.
Awesome shirt!
Thank you! I linked to the shirt in the description if you're interested.
@@RetroRGB 🤘
Strangely enough, I've found HDRV enough to practically eliminate the noise (even got rid of the Samsung encoder artifacting on my VA3 model 2). Like, I'd have to press my face to my TV to see anything. Using my 32X however, introduces bad jail bars. Mileage definitely varies with old tech.
Pardon my ignorance but how does HDRV work?
@@joseyanes8300 It basically taps the RGB signal of the console, which produces a sharper/cleaner image than the yellow composite video plug on a regular AV cable does.
It's the same idea as the European SCART hookup standard, though instead using a US-familiar method.
I have a genesis model one from my childhood first console and a CDX... How does the CDX and even the new Retro Genesis Mini compare in sound to this mod?