I already own a Carby so I considered skipping the Gamecube section, but when I heard "Cover of Big Blue" playing I had to stay and watch the whole thing. Also great info for the N64 part, that's what I was waiting for!
@@Tom-qo4mz Get the Carby, native 480p is worth the money even if you get the Rad 2x for your N64. It will only detect composite (from NTSC GameCubes) and do a flickery bob de-interlace, so a rock solid native 480p signal will look much better.
Voultar has done side by sides on the 2 chip, and concluded the 1 chip's gamma is too high and bright. his 2 chip mod will probably be the definitive when it is released this year.
Currently having trouble getting the links to work but I keep refreshing, the idea of this product sounds great for me since I'm looking for minimal fuss.
When looking at the site, this is apparently powered by retrotink. So, seeing as I have Svideo cables and retrotink 2, I still fit most of these consoles and get close to the quality.
MrDabrain75 to be honest, for 240p or 480i, s-video and component don’t look TOO different to me. Component has a bit more color depth in places sure, but unless you really want 480p from your GCN or PS2, s-video through a Tink pro is going to look really good.
Interesting to see how Nintendo differed the Multi-AV in different locations. And even more to see how the RAD2x handles this.. With every video you do about this tiny box, I'm more surprised by this little box. And Ireally apprechiate the konw-hor you're sharing.
Great video, I feel I’m very lucky being in the UK and being able to run most of my consoles RGB via the SCART lead into my plasma. The image quality is so much better than composite. Interestingly my PAL GameCube which is chipped and Swiss modded only as an multi AV out as they dropped the digital out in later models so again this device might benefit me for this console Also I sold my PAL N64 and bought a Japanese NTSC N64 which is modded to run RGB via the Scart and I’m using an everdrive cart switched to NTSC mode. I feel this device might benefit the format I’m running N64 in. I’ve toyed with the slightly cheaper hyperkin cable but this device seems for flexible.
The NTSC Gamecube is why I play all of my Gamecube games on my Wii with an HDMI adapter. The RAD2x is fantastic for the other consoles though. I'm getting mine this week!
I still would have paid more for a RAD2x that tapped S-Video signals if no RGB signals were found. That said, it is true that it serves a very niche use case, and that the N64 is known for good composite hardware. The EON Super 64 (or, as it is known in some circles, the "bootleg RetroTINK") is still somewhat competitive in that space if you really need a Nintendo multi-out to HDMI for those niche use cases.
I would say keep in mind that they're made in the UK &, as he says in the video, our N64s don't support S-Video. It wouldn't make sense to introduce a feature that would cause compatibility issues in the region they're actually made in! Although, if there was enough interest in it, it might be an idea for them to make a secondary model that does include it
Yeah great. Been waiting for forever to buy this and today the website crapped out the second you could buy it for like a half hour and now they are all gone. Awesome
Its not even the overwhelming demand crashing the site that i take issue with. Its the fact that you literally could not checkout because either they didnt remove the asterisks on the listings or the drop down box was missing the "yes" option so you could even add the cables to your cart. This prevented me from even checking out despite being there on time.
@@ians_parks I stayed on it for 2 hours and saw later that on Twitter all were sold out already? Mine had been in the cart before the time even counted out so yeah I wasnt a happy camper🙁
i respectively disagree about n64 s-video. I upgraded my composite cable to a specific svideo cable for PAL. I use a Sony Trinitron sidescreen CRT....and the difference is huge. any text is much clearer and the edges of objects/polygons are more stable, have no crawl and the colours are deeper and more lush.
fair enough! is there a technical reason why the cable could not interpret svideo signal from the n64 as default rather than composite/rgb. most n64s seem to have svideo
I am with you. I have the Purple Monster S Video cable and that on my CRT looks great. I do the same with my Snes with Hd Retrovision Component Cables.
Actually, there is a difference in the composite video cables between PAL and NTSC regions, a resistor which in one case it's in the console (NTSC), in the other must be in the cable (PAL). If you mix them, video can be either too bright or too dark. On some televisions (even CRTs) is less noticeable than others.
@@RetroRGB I guess Mike Chi took that into account, as well as the different RGB circuit that is present in PAL SNESes, most of them but not all of them... what a mess.
I agree 100% with your assessment. RAD2X (and the related RetroTink 2X) is the easiest way to get old Nintendo consoles on any HDTV, with zero lag and IMO, zero frustration. I have one for testing/outside of my usual setup situations, and the ease of use (aside from the need for a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable). The "RGB detection" feature is the best thing about it. Compare this to an OSSC... an unmodded SNES of any generation tends to be temperamental with anything other than 2X, due to its odd sync cycles. Yes, you can mod it to combat this, but that shouldn't be necessary IMO. With an OSSC I recommend some sort of transcoder to COMPONENT if you are not using component or SCART. A Koryuu or a RetroTink2X will work for this. THEN you will need some sort of intermediary to handle the off-spec line multiplier resolutions above 2X. I use a HDMI switcher that ended up being a "happy accident" in that regard. Compared to the RetroTink and based products like the RAD2X.... it's very "super-user" oriented. This, you can just plug right into a SNES or N64. With the regular 2X, you can just plug an S-Video cable into it (or your existing composite cables), then HDMI into the TV and you're just done. Much easier.
From what I understand parts are currently hard to source and demand is still pretty high. Its best to follow RetroGamingCablesUK on twitter for updates on available stock.
I think the issue is for most people is that RGC that supply these cables have nothing to do with modders. I'm in the UK and there isn't many professional grade modders out here. If they are professional they charge extortionate prices without including shipping. I found an N64 pre modded for £50 and I haven't been able to check it out since last night I waited until 1am for the RGC website to actually work and then went to sleep, all sold out by morning. Number 1, that time zone is better for USA citizens, not UK citizens. I guess quite a few USA citizens preordered a crap ton. Thanks Robert.
I would LOVE to have a S-Video compatible version of this just for the GameCube, I have one of the console without the Digital output and I just want to be able to capture it with a semi-decent quality. I guess I could also buy a Wii and use its Component output with a converter or a Wii2HDMI, that would probably be cheaper, or even hack my Wii U to play GC games, but... bleh, playing GC games on a Wii feels weird and I would prefer to use the original console.
Nobody knows a competent answer so far....: I have a PAL N64 with Tim Wortington RGB Mod and a Everdrive64 X7. That goes into the RAD2x cable with smoothing on and then in the mClassic. PAL Games work fine, the mClassic scales the 576p/50Hz from the RAD2x Cable to 1080p. NTSC Games goes only pass through via mClassic, the Signal remains in all modes of the mClassic only 480p/60Hz. I still had the option to buy a good RGB cable and then use the OSSC, but I love the combination of Smoothing mClassic plus Smoothing RAD2x. Sorry for my bad English, greetings from a German Guy!
Bob, would it be fair to say that your commendable focus on the importance of lag to retro gaming, is partly why you don’t seem to be overly fond of the Framemeister? Granted, I’m a recent subscriber and have yet to watch many of your videos. I have viewed Coury and Try quite a bit and they seem like advocates for the FMeister right along with some other solutions you do seem excited about, like Rad2x, Retrotink and OSSC. Maybe I’m reading you incorrectly? And if my hunch is correct, that’s totally a defensible position in my mind. Any insight would be welcome and keep up the great work. I subscribe to your channel because I am in search of precise and accurate information regarding the best solutions for retro gaming; isn’t that the point, after all?
Well, there's a few things. First and foremost, when it was released in 2011, I'd consider it nothing less than amazing. BUT, we now have solutions far cheaper, with no lag, so there's no reason to spend so much money on a device that no longer justifies it's high price tag. So, nothing but love and respect for what the Framemeister accomplished, but ever since the RetroTINK and OSSC have become available, I've felt it's time to move on. ...and oh boy, wait till you see what's coming out in 2021 :)
I'm a bit of both camps with HDMI signal. For NES and SNES I prefer the pure unaltered digital data (Using a Hi-Def NES mod on my NES console and a Raspberry Pi as a dedicated SNES emulator), but for the N64 I love what I've seen from combing an EON Super 64 and an mClassic. Granted yes they alter the signal, but damn it just looks so pretty.
This is awesome, but i'm really hoping we see some HDMI solutions for PS1/2 and Wii since those are the ones that lack the most attention from what i've seen.
Hyperkin's wii hdmi cable is relatively harmless. If it were any other cable of their's i sure as shit wouldnt suggest buying it but the wii one seems to just be straight 480p. No upscaling, stretching, or incorrect colors like all the others.
@@ians_parks It's just a component to hdmi converter, same as those Wii2HDMI adapters. I have one of these but i wish there was a better solution with some kind of improvement or maybe upscaling. We used to have WiiDual but it was way too expensive. I don't understand why there's so much effort on getting the best image quality out of the gamecube instead of the wii, since it practically made the gamecube obsolete imo.
Anyone had Jitter issues with their SNES consoles? I am having some bad issues on Mario World and Zelda, multiple consoles, multiple cables. Thinking I need to get the dejitter mod... Thoughts?
I'd get a Prism...Kaico is a clone company, so please don't support them: bit.ly/retrobitprism There's also a really cool brace available for the Prism: www.retrorgb.com/gcvideo-support-brace.html
@@RetroRGB oh I see! Awesome, thank you for letting me know! I will look at the Prism. That brace will be very useful too. Thanks again for the in-depth videos.
I think is because it’s sold out; I receive the email get to the store manage to put one in the cart (both options available) then start browsing the store and even I put check out option it was sold out 😣 the option to put another one was gone on the disclaimer
Just got my rad2x cable for SNES and noticed while playing Super Mario World on the Cheese Bridge Area level the bottom section of my screen is scrambled. Didn’t notice it in any other games or levels thus far.
Great video dude, This is my first time on the channel! To get an RGB signal from my SNES (without using this), what do you think of using a regular SNES to Scart cable, and then Scart to HDMI? Are there any big issues with this?
Thank you! As long as you use something like a RetroTINK2x SCART or OSSC, that's a great option. Stay away from scalers designed for TV signals though: www.retrorgb.com/upscalers.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZUrqWN4AcJc.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7VOsOuQ5mhM.html
@@donaldhebel9716 The only people who were able to place orders were those who only tried to get one type of cable. Some werent even in stock to begin with and we werent given any headups prior.
They should probably start accepting preorders and just ship them out whenever they're ready EDIT: They are accepting preorders now. It'll take 14 days to ship.
Im planning on buying this and add to it the mclassic and the gaming mcable, would this give me the ultimate, snes, wii, ps3 and n64 image possible on 1080p and 4K tv's?
@@RetroRGB would you say the image from the retrotink 5x is better on snes and n64 than the rad2x? I would also add an mclassic and mcable to either of them since those I already got.
IS anyone using this with his/her SNES? I got mine a few days ago and I noticed a "humming" sound coming from the TV speakers when using the SNES. If I use the RAD2X with my Gamecube or N64, I don't get the humming sound at all.
I recently bought a Rad2 and love it for the SNES and N64. However, I have noticed a few "issues" with it and I watched the video about adding the RGB mod to the N64 and will probably need to do that to mine soon. So, in some SNES games, in certain levels in DKC1, like the Mine Cart levels, the shadows and overall darkness of the levels are quite dark. It's like almost the contrast is too high. But then once I leave the level, you can see the Rad2x automatically get brighter again. What gives? And then the N64, playign Ocarina of Time, it wasn't as sharp as I thought it would be and I think I will need to do that RGB mod. Or, seein how I play the NES, SNES, and N64 "regularly", should I invest and get the RetroTink 4k (for $750) and have a one-device for all retro systems?
I mean, that’s totally up to your budget. The RT4K is a far superior product…at a much higher price. You could get the RT5x instead to save money. But either plus some good analog cables would be a great option for multiple consoles.
Hi. Quick couple of questions. What would you recommend more... a rad2x or using a good quality scart into a scaler like a retrotink scart, 5x or ossc? I did own a ossc but it kept cutting out every few seconds. Timing issue? So own a rad2x now. Ive heard you say before that ossc's do have trouble out putting rgb with snes/sfc? Anyway keep up the good work, great channel.
If you already have some good RGB SCART cables, a RetroTINK 5x will look amazing. I'm a big fan of the RAD2x's simplicity and the smoothing filter for N64 games, but the RT5x is definitely better. Honestly though, both work well, you don't have to worry about lag and the image is processed right...so use whatever's easiest overall :)
I couldn't get my Super Famicom to work with it. I haven't tried my N64 because I need a game but my NES Toploader works great and my Gamecube systems work as well. I just get rainbow stripes with the SFC.
So I see they have RAD2x models for many consoles, and it appears to be the exact same unit, just with a different non-interchangeable pigtail. Makes this mod more expensive than others if you want it for multiple consoles. Wonder how difficult it would be to map the internal pinout the pigtails connect to and create a multi-console pigtail so you can just buy one and use it across your collection?
Yeah, you could do that, but then you don't get the nifty auto-detected input, smaller footprint, etc. More cable mess to deal with. Plus you don't get the fun of figuring out how it works and then making it do what you want.
Digital-to-digital HDMI mods like the ones you mentioned will always be the best options. Products like the RAD2x are the opposite: Excellent solutions for people who don't want to mod at all.
"Rad2x via composite video" How does that work exactly? Is there a button/switch on the Rad2x that activates composite video, a setting on the TV or is that simply plugging the Rad2x into the back of an unmodified N64?
It auto-detects if RGB is available. If it is, it switches to that. If RGB isn't detected, it uses composite video. Check out the launch video for more details: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DyE85OFGQpM.html
Think I'll be going this route. I want the UltraHDMI mod, but I won't send my console to some rando to mod when I have the tools and scope right here at home. They make it out to be _sooo_ hard. It's just a flat flex bridged to the quad flat pack RCP with its massive .5mm pitch leads. I can do that drunk lol
Boring comment : "Technically the first ever Multiout produced by Nintendo was on the French NES. It's almost exactly the same used later on the the SNES."
They're the same thing. If you're only connecting the N64, just get the RAD2x since it's easier. If you're connecting multiple consoles, maybe get the TINK?
Hey Bob! I hope this comment reaches you, but I did have a question on where I could go from here to improve the quality of my Nintendo 64 setup. I have a chain of quality S-Video cables > RetroTink 2x > mClassic > 4K TV. (I run multiple consoles) Since UltraHDMI is non-existent right now, is there any benefit to pursuing RGB or anything else in my chain to improve the quality? I know I've heard you mention that the jump from S-Video to RGB is not as prominent as Composite to S-Video, so I wasn't sure if there were any ideas that could make things a little better either in the chain or just holding out for UltraHDMI. Your expertise is greatly appreciated!
My personal opinion: What you have is awesome and you should leave it as-is for now. While you will get a jump in performance doing an RGB mod and using some HD Retrovision cables into the TINK2x, I think you might want to wait for an eventual UltraHDMI installation, as that will be a bigger jump. Just my opinion though!
I'd agree a conventional Retrotink might be the best option for those unable or unwilling to mod an NTSC N64. For PAL Gamecube owners with digital ports, a Carby and Swiss to force 480p is a better solution than using SCART RGB or a RAD2x.
Do you have recommendations on Mini HDMI to HDMI cables/adapters? Their current stock is sold out and I'm seeing mixed reviews on a bunch of other m-HDMI to HDMI. EDIT: To clarify, I am looking to stream N64 with HDMI without breaking the bank too hard/modding my N64. Was considering the RetroTink until I saw the RAD2X videos.
The RAD2x is perfect for streaming. Also, since the resolution is only 480p, pretty much any MiniHDMI to HDMI adapter will work perfect. I'd just get the cheapest one from Amazon.
You may want to try and hunt down a early model gamecube with the digital out port so you have access to all the gc video devices as well as progressive scan. If this isnt an option then you may want to look into an svideo setup, possible with the retrotink or ossc. I wouldnt recommend the rad2x for gamecube specifically. It'll work sure but composite isnt ideal.
Yup, works fine. It's composite video, so it's not as clear as the RGB output from the PAL version, but it'll definitely work and be zero lag. If your GC has a digital port, definitely look into a Carby instead though. Links should be in the description.
Also, PAL Gamecube games are 576i/480i, progressive scan was never supported, so RGB output is already the best you can get from these games. Then again, you can mod your GC to be region-free and accept NTSC games in 480p or even force PAL games to run at 480p with the aid of tools like Swiss... but officially, no 480p PAL GC game exists.
yeah they replaced the progressive scan feature with the 50/60hz option on PAL games. Swiss is a great tool to work around that. You can even run the games in 576P with it.
I have been unable to get my N64 rad2x to work the Mclassic. Would anyone be able to provide me the connection setup with cables or and be able to confirm if they work together? Thanks!
This was very informative. So I have a Retrotink 2x pro with s video cables. I use them on my snes and n64. I am still not so satisfied with the picture on the n64. I was looking at the HD Retrovision component cables to use with the snes, but I know that n64 needs a rgb mod to use them. I am aware that the retrotink 2x does not support RGB, but the rad2x does, even though Mike Chi collaborated on the rad2x. So I guess what my question is would it be better in your opinion to get the hd retrovision snes cables and use with my retrotink, or go for the rad2x? I do plan on rgb modding my N64 because ut is compatible with the "simple" solution mod. It just looks SO bad on hdtvs, I need to do something. BTW that CARBY is so damn awesome for the gamecube. Metal Jesus sold me on that lol.
In my opinion RGB isn't a huge jump in quality from S-Video on the n64. Have you turned on the smoothing filter? That was by far the biggest "upgrade" for me. As for RAD2x vs RetroTINK pro: It all depends on how many analog-outputting consoles you're trying to connect. If it's just a SNES and N64, the RAD2x is much cheaper and you can use it on both. If you have other consoles as well, getting one scaler and swapping cables for each is better. Just let your wallet decide that one :)
There's currently an alternate firmware floating around for the OSSC with HQ2x, but I never had time to test it. Maybe Markus will integrate it into the main firmware? If not, it'll definitely be in the OSSC Pro.
I would love to get the rad 2x for my N64. Too bad these are out of stock and they’re not taking pre orders. You can get the rgb mod from voultur but hd retro vision component cables have to be pre ordered. I would then get the retro tink 2x to get the most out of the rbg mod and the hd retro vision component cables. The ultra hdmi mod is almost impossible to get and fetch a high price on eBay. I just can’t win with my favorite system.
Just wait OSSC Pro. - A secondary video output (e.g. VGA) module for connecting to CRTs - Latency/input lag tester interface module, similar to the Time Sleuth - A game controller port module - Pure line multiplication - The lag free scaling that OSSC is famous for - Adaptive line multiplication - Full frame buffer
Are there any drawbacks to using the RAD2x to hdmi as opposed to rgb to a scart converter to hdmi? I know the latter can result in a small loss in image quality.
As long as you use the right SCART to HDMI converter those are great too. Just don't use that terrible one: www.retrorgb.com/upscalers.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZUrqWN4AcJc.html
So would this be plug and play for both PAL Snes and Super Famicom on a PAL TV? I got the hd retrovision component cable recently, but 50Hz games just flickered on and off and 60hz wouldn't actually display anything.
Yes, but remember it doesn't convert the signal, so it you feed it NTSC, it'll output NTSC and vice versa. As long as your TV is compatible it'll work.
It doesnt accept 480p as an input, only as an output resolution. So essentially itll be 480i bob deinterlaced to 480p. You wouldnt get progressive scan out of your gamecube using the rad2x like you would with a gcvideo adapter. I'd recommend getting a Carby or Prism adapter instead assuming your gamecube has the digital out port on that back. If not then a retrotink2x mini with a quality s-video cable would be the next best option.
Hi Bob (@RetroRGB)! I recently modded my N64 with viletim's RGB mod and had two questions for you now that I've received a RAD2X today. 1) Is there any benefit to enabling de-blur through the RGB board when the RAD2X has a smoothing option? 2) Is it worth flashing the board with borti4938's N64RGB firmware to use the 15-bit mode together with the RAD2X?
One thing that was mentioned was pal and ntsc switching. I thought that wasnt an issue through hdmi. Do modern tvs still have that issue? Sorry for the simplistic question Im just not sure how to word it.
No, that's a good question. Some modern NTSC TV's I tested just don't like PAL signals, while others work fine. The RAD2x passes through whatever it receives though and is compatible with both.
Well it’s from a self described “pro” modder from EBay who is notorious for terrible mod work like that. Voultar has many videos on his channel fixing these mods, I highly recommend you watch them. You will seriously be horny afterwards, he does such a good job doing these mods.
Hello! Im a newby here, so if you've discussed this somewhere. I apologize upfront. I recently came across two OEM Nintendo S-Video cables that are DIFFERENT. (One has a significantly thicker/beefy-er cable.) and wss wondering if you (Bob) or anyone else has any info or knowledge of these 2 separate products. Im looking into getting my N64 hooked up to my modern TV, and IMO want to go the route of the Retrotink 2x pro. I just need to know WHICH s-video cable is better. Obviously, the thicker cable one, has better shielding. But still wanted to know if there's really that big of a difference between the two s-video cables, or should I just buy another high quality s-video cable & avoid the Nintendo ones all together. ANY information or help would be GREATLY appreciated! I hope EVERYONE has a great day!
That's interesting, I don't remember seeing different types of official Nintendo cables. I think the one from Insurrection Industries is all you'd need though...you certainly wouldn't need to spend a lot on "official" Nintendo ones: insurrectionindustries.com/product/nintendo-s-video/
@@RetroRGB thanks for the reply! Those are actually the cables I've been drooling over! lol (Insurrection) Those Nintendo cables are a bit pricey. Certainly glad Im not gona be spending the $130 asking price on eBay for that fatter Nintendo cable. Im going w/ the Insurrection cable. Thank you again! 🤘😎👍
Hi so I got my rad2x 😁 and RGB modded my N64 (Tims)... How about sync ? I just put in Tims RGB mod and changed nothing for sync. Wil rad2x improve performence with a specific sync ? Or doesnt it matter ?
@@RetroRGB ok It works but peaps kept asking why I didn't do thé sync bridges on Tims board and wonderd if it would make a difference. Tnx for thé reply. Leard a lot from you're Chanel but thé sync stuf is just woushh over my head 😅
@RetroRGB Can you guys make a comparison between the retro tink and the RAD 2X because I don’t know which one to get. Or at least which one should I get?
What about input lag? In comparison between standard analog and the RAD2x, is there any added lag between pressing a button on the controller and it registering on the screen?
I showed a quick example of "zero lag" at the end of this video, but for a full explanation, please see the main RAD2x video. Lag is less than 1ms, which is essentially "zero" in retro gaming, cause nothing can poll faster than 1ms.
