Sega Genesis: No-Mod Hardware Tips and Tricks 

Model 1 Genesis looked down right futuristic when I saw it as a kid. Then I had to go back home and look at the gray box of horror. It wasn't long before I had my Genesis. Now I have a non tmss completely restored inside going scart to Frameister. Looks gorgeous and man the Genesis has bass! Best console of all time imo.

Loved the production value of this video. Awesome info and easy to understand. Looking forward to more future videos like these. Great job, Bob!

Had the model 1. Its one of the best made consoles in history. Love the head phone input.

Just wanted to clarify some things in regards to the audio quality and some other things when it comes to model 1 consoles. - Unless the system is failing, ALL motherboard revisions from VA0 (Japan only) to VA6.7 will sound virtually identical in audio quality. - The only model 1 with worse audio quality is the VA7. - While they look similar to the VA7 in that they also lack an .ext port, VA6.5 and VA6.7 consoles have the blank space where the .ext port would be. This is relevant because it's a quick way to figure out if the model you have has good sound. As the VA7 revision doesn't have this blank space, and instead has the ports moved over to the right. - Supposedly, no model 1 Japanese systems have TMSS... sort of. The actual TMSS screen will show up, but the code where it will block out certain games that don't support TMSS isn't present. So it's functionally the same as a non TMSS USA console in that regard, even though the TMSS screens shows up.

Great video. I'm working on Genesis set up now and this is great. I look forward to the next video to get this party started.

I think the megadrive is one of the best iconic designs ever.

This is where the Saturn got it right, best sound for a Sega console up to that point.

Production level > 9000 and increasing. Nice work, Bob! Very polished stuff.

Gotta love BLAST PROCESSING!!! You got yourself another sub dude!!!

huge jump in quality! congrats. also, the roundups are great but they lack replay value (it's just their nature), this kind of videos can be watched and re-watched years from now.

We love the Sega Mega Drive : Genesis- so many great memories - we play a lot of Sega games across the ages

When i grabbed my Genesis 1 long serial FCC (Va2 board inside), i've learn from the site all your infos provided here in this video to to choose the right model ! My rgb cable comes from RGC and it's a cristal clear image and the sound is very nice ... like in your article. Thanks , Bob !

Man, this was really great! I'm still running my Original model 1 set up untouched and it's not flawless. Really looking forward to the more technical continuation.

I'm waiting for the follow up very much, great video!

I love my high def model 1. Took me a good while to find one locally.

Bobs model 1 Genesis showcased is a va2 the best version of the genesis imo but they all need their overdriven preamp fixed(you get the crackles when sliding the volume slider up and down when plugged into the headphone jack bob, that’s why). You can tell by the first two numbers and first letter. Your most likely going to find a va2 3 or 6 in the wild. If the serial starts with 39 that’s year 89 if it starts with 30 that’s year 90 if it starts with 31 that’s year 91 being that the va2 is the first release you want to shoot for 39(89). The first letter is the factory and most va2 are s t u and some vs. w x y z and v from 30 and 31 are va3. The va6 one of the most common to find start with a letter usually b and they have tmss. Yes for nostalgia I like non tmss but don’t mind the tmss because if you have a framemeister the extra time it takes to sync up bypasses it anyway.also I’m pretty sure the headphone jack audio is line level.

Dude this is awesome! This kind of video really suits you!

Never knew about the pigtail for the original genesis AV. Great video!

3:13 Imagine a kid who remembers their games sounding like this, and not knowing that this isn't how it's meant to sound. Then when they revisit their games on modern emulated systems... well nostalgia for a faulty system isn't really the best thing.

Good video, Don’t forget talk about Genesis model 3 for the next video and maybe a video to fix 32x compatibility and get RGB

Nicely done and very helpful 😃

Great stuff - keep up the good work

I would actually go against an HDG, non-TMSS model 1, because you can run into a VA2 which has known sound problems (granted, minor problems), mainly with Konami games.

Would be curious to hear your thoughts on the CDX and how it generally compares to the other models.

Great episode bud. Thanks for this.

Great video Bob!

Now I want a Sega Genesis/MegaDrive even more .... Damn

I have a model 1 genesis with high definition graphics and as a bonus it has an “Absolute Entertainment” metallic serial number sticker on the top.

Hey! Love your videos! but did you ever happen to make the follow up video to this about doing mod work to the sega? Im not sure i caught that vid if you ever made it, Id love to see it though if you have a link! or a video on popular genesis modwork? Keep up the good work man!

"Bad revision Genesis" - never encountered that. VA7 without replaced components sounds worse but never like that. The same can be said about VA1 and VA1.8 Model 2.

Wow. Just wow. You make a ton of content, but if you could manage to make a video like this once a month, it would be amazing!

I like how the Lynx wipe zooms out from your beard.

Thank you for sharing.

Bob, is this part of your 'Quick Shoot' series? LOL. In all seriousness, great stuff. Keep these babies coming for other consoles too?!

Excellent

Clich'e, but perhaps use Streets of Rage? It has a BGM test option. I've listened to that in the past on my first gen Japanese MD. Sounds excellent Had no idea it was outputting mono, just ordered that headphone jack cable, thanks man!

Interesting. I have a model 2 that I actually bought from Blockbuster for $99 (Sonic 2 pack in). I've been told that model 2s sound bad, but comparing mine to recordings of early model 1s on RU-vid, I honestly can't tell the difference. I'm not saying there isn't one, I'm just saying that maybe I got lucky and got a model 2 with decent audio. What I like about the model 2 is that most of the 3rd party cables are made with the model 2 in mind and it outputs in stereo through the din. There's no headphone jack or volume control, but I've never find myself wishing I had those. I hear that model 2s have better picture, little or no jailbars and less rainbowing. Though I'm not OCD about my games. I'm the kind of guy who will definitely drop $20 or so for a good custom cable, component or s-video or something, but isn't going to do a $100 mod on my console to get the best possible picture. I can tell when I switch from RF or composite to component or s-video, the improvement is stark. But I can't say I can tell, without a side by side, the difference between, say, RGB SCART and a set of HD Retrovision component cables. I imagine that, for me, the worse video in a model 1 wouldn't bother me since I doubt I'd notice unless it was right next to a model 2. It also has zero effect on gameplay.

I thought the RetroDC supply was really handy for the genesis stuff, since it can power genesis, 32x, and CD all at once.

I have a CDX with good audio, the only thing that bothers me is the "digital noise" that shows up when the games are being processed. Also have a japanese model 1 with VA6 board stock caps and it indeed has crystal clear audio, but there is a hissing noise all the time through the headphone jack, even at low volume.

Model 2 RGBScart is also compatible with a JVC X’Eye (aka: the best Genesis/Sega CD)

I happen to have an early French model 1. Perfect audio, no TMSS, comes stock with an RGB cable, and as a little bonus it stock has CSYNC instead of composite on the output DIN. Only downside is that it does not even bother to generate composite internally, so there is not even a plug for RF... not as if that is a problem for me!

For the power adapter replacement I found several options that does away with the wall wart box, they use a design similar to the Xboxes by having a standard power cable plug into the sticker and run into the power converter that then plugs into the console. Better yet these usually come with splitters meaning you can run your Sega Genesis, Sega CD, AND 32x all from the same adapter. As for the audio on the model 1, I prefer to mod it to remove the original adapter and put a model 2 adapter on the rear with stereo audio being run from the front by an internal wire, I also prefer to change the volume control into a region control through a 3 position selector switch that is modified to fit the original slider. The jack mod is easy to do and only adds to the system. The region mod I bring up because the jack mod makes the volume control useless depending on where you pull the stereo from.

I might also add that TMSS Model 1 units are more likely to have a pretty good composite video encoder if you care about the quality of that output (and there's a lot of games you could argue don't look right over RGB). Almost none will be as good as a mod or 32X can achieve, but usually won't be too shabby. Find the venn diagram of "EXT. and TMSS" and you'll have the good audio too. (I've read that if the EXT. port is covered up, but the I/O is otherwise the same and nothing has been "shifted around on the motherboard, then it's probably still good audio though.) Non-TMSS units are likely to have a really early and poor composite encoder. Of course, if you'll never use composite, then this won't be a problem. A very small number of games don't actually work properly with TMSS consoles though. Most of these were given reprints back in the day to be compatible with newer Genesis units, but these days it's probably hard to tell which revision is which barring a small serial number somewhere on the cart perhaps if you're lucky.

I thought something was wrong with my bvm for awhile. Turned out it was just the third party gen power supply. Made weird video noise. Looked kind of like light grey ghostly lines that were only visible on black screens

i saw this fella on my life in gaming

Also, on aesthetics, I agree that side by side the model 1 looks cooler than a model 2. Systems without bilateral symmetry, like the model 1, Master System, and TurboGrafix 16 do look cool. BUT, I have my 3 Sega consoles lined up on a shelf, Genesis model 2, Saturn Japanese model 1, Dreamcast. The Saturn and Dreamcast both have bilateral symmetry, so the model 2 Genesis, I think, compliments that lineup. Also, with the Japanese model 1 Saturn being gray, the black model 2 Genesis, gray Saturn, white Dreamcast also just looks cool. It's also a neat symmetry break that the Genesis is the smallest on the left, Saturn is the biggest in the middle, and the Dreamcast is middle sized on the right.

Surprise cameo by the Sharp C1 :o

I actually just got a model 3 and really like it. Also none of my old TVs have scart. One doesn't even have composite so that scart thing isn't something I'd do

I've handled hundreds of genesis 1s and 2s, that 2 you have there must have a fault. I don't think it's a good representative.

Thank you for the cable recommendation. I ordered an adapter and a 32x model 2 patch cable. It's a shame my model 1 cable with 3.5mm cable is now going to have no use. Does a model 1 to model 2 adapter even exist?

A tiny bit of information missing from this video. The version with the flat black where the EXT is supposed to be, that's actually practically identical to the one that says "High Definition Graphics" in terms of audio and video quality. Most of these still have the same discrete Yamaha FM synthesis chip with just a couple of very minor differences. Consult this thread on sega-16 for more information. www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?7796-GUIDE-Telling-apart-good-Genesis-1s-and-Genesis-2s-from-bad-ones

Good job.

got a model 1 without tmss, the audio on left channel sounds like a busted speaker (not the TV, it's the console). would you suggest a recap? also i got some pretty nasty jail bars.

Does the pigtail adapter work with HD Retrovison cables? I can't imagine why it wouldn't but it'd be good to hear confirmation.

IIRC, there are some unlicensed Accolade titles from early in the Genesis’ lifetime which only work on non-TMSS. It’s the whole reason SEGA put it there! EA figured out how to bypass it and, thus, got a sweetheart licensing deal from SEGA so that they would not share it with Accolade.

How does the model 1 Genesis audio compare to the JVC X'Eye? Heard conflicting stories over the years. I own an X'Eye and it sounds almost exact to my model 1 Genesis.

*Eastbound and Down*

WHat about the audio that the sega cd has? My model 2 sega cd and always wondered why they even put av audio on it since the the genisis does the audio anyways. Is the audio any better.

I think I'm finally going to replace my model 2 Genesis with a model 1, I honestly don't think I can take the green effect that it always has

Would I still get sound from the front sound jack with a 32x if I use the 3mm audio port on the HD retrovision cable?

I havr a model 1 with s video. Its very nice.

An important note about Model 2 32x patch cables... Most 3rd party cables connect all 9 pins, when in the reality, the 5v line (the right-hand pin on the bottom row) is not utilized in the OEM cable. When your Genesis/32x is fully connected, this can cause the Genesis to appear turned on (I know for a fact it does on the Model 2) even though the switch is off, because it carries the 5V line from the 32x into the Genesis. This could harm the console and/or 32x in the long run. I noticed that the RGC 32x cable has all 9 pins present in the cable. Have you confirmed whether they leave that pin disconnected? If not, I TOTALLY recommend to anyone that they pull that pin from both sides of the cable. Anyone with an OEM cable will notice that this pin is missing from the connectors.

The JVC X’Eye also uses Model 2 Genesis cables 👍

About that power adapater? is this true? (From amazon) This is a positive tip power supply, which means you either need an adapter or to open up the power supply and reverse the wiring to get it to work with most video game consoles.

Which revision pcb was that crappy model 2 Genesis? Also, what do you think is the best revision model 2 out there? I ask because you can find the model 2's for much cheaper.

You are talking about Genisis models. How about the Megadrive for us European users. Is it the same for them?

I was watching another video called "How to copy audio cd to Ps3 that's recognizable by mp3" from that vid Can you burn cd's with a Ps3 without using a external cd burner. Can you get or order a external cd burner and hook it to a ps3 to see if it will burn cd's, And can you or some 1 put the ps3 in aac codec to see if it will burn cd's so that the ps3 can recognize a cd called Sound Organizer because Sound Organizer has a cd burn button to burn cd's ??

Wow really noticeable difference in sound

I use the power cable from my GEN-X to power up my Sega genesis model 1/ 2 NO PROBLEMS FOR OVER 2 YEARS SO I CAN RECOMMEND the Gen-X clone console power cable

I use a VA-7 over my VA-3 because it has almost no jailbars, but the audio is bad. Do HD Graphics models all have those jailbars?

You know my series 1 Mega Drive with the Ext port and the to TMSS video quality has been very grainy and poor quality lately. Even with a "Pack a punch" RGB cable. I may try changing the PSU first before I start doing recaps etc.

Hi all! I own a PAL 315-5433 = VA6... Is this unit having good or bad audio / video? I am no expert and some guidance would be very appreciated... Thanks!

Any idea why my model 1 mega drive has issues syncing through Kramer VP-66ETH matrix switcher ? I am using a csync cable from retrogamingcables. Works perfectly when connected directly to my PVM.

I own a Genesis model 1 VA3 HDG but has the TMSS it still looks and sounds amazing! This one was from 1991 came with Sonic 1 still boxed and original in my collection. I also own another model 1 a VA7 and it is ok but sound quality is noticeably different from that Sonic 1 set console . Lastly I own another boxed Genesis system a VA3 half board Model 2. The sound and picture on that one is about equal to my Sonic 1 set Console. This is a Sonic 2 set that originally had a bad board but I replaced the board into that casing with this half board later revision

What would be the best Sega Genesis for those of who just want to use composite on a CRT? I have a model 2 Genesis with a Samsung KA2195D video encoder which is infamous for being really bad, and can't be S video modded, I don't think it has the poor audio but I don't have Sonic 3 yet to check and see but I've never noticed the audio sounding weird like those garbage ATGames clone systems from the late 2000's up to 2017 until the Sega Genesis Classic was released.

No suggestion to look into getting a Sega CD unit in order to geat stereo output?

Mine puts out video only through RF/coaxial ... Is it easy to fix that or I would have to look for another console?

Here's another tip. 1. Buy yourself some Armor All wipes(the ones people use to detail the inside of cars). 2. Get a clean cloth and get it damp with warm water. Wipe your consoles clean. Make sure it's completely dry. 3. Take one of the wipes and fully wipe your console down. Go over everything(just make sure to not get any inside the cart slot or the vents. 4. Console should look pretty much brand new. And it should look this way for months.

Whats a good cdx power supply

I never encountered a Genesis with bad audio. My childhood Model 2 unit had as good audio as my current Model 1 does. My Model 1 unit doesn't have the "High Definition Graphics" text or the extension port on the back, but it works like a dream. And it has a 32X installed. What was the point of having that extension port on the back of those early Genesis 1 units anyway? I don't recall any consumer peripherals that used it.

My PAL mega drive mod 2 runs really well with no weird sound or video artifacts. Its all connected with retrogamingcables.com Packapunch md2 cable to Framemeister. Maybe I was just lucky with my console.

Gostei da fita nacional do master system! !

Doesn't the model 1 output mono?

I have a model 2 with a framemister. I must have a better one. cause it sounds decent to me. Could be better thou. I don't have jail bars. From the screen shot of the bypass mod for sonic it looks like it takes away detail, but making the colors better. From the video's i saw the bypass mod looks like it makes everything brighter wile keeping the blacks correct. It prob looks and sounds better when playing on hardware.

keep it real brother

"Oh and by the way if you have something cool sitting on your shelf then-" me: well bourd games and a Sega model 2- *WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO*

I must admit i use a modded Model 2 (Europe), but... i use a sony power supply. They told it was safe to use... should i try another one of its ok?

So I just upgraded to a beautiful lg c1 oled and no longer have access to component and or scart ports. This thing is hdmi ONLY. What would you say is the best way of getting my genesis hooked up to it? I was thinking converters but they add a lot of input delay

As someone who has a 32x and a Sega CD I desperately need to replace my 3 gigantic wall warts with an all in one psu. Lol

(After listening to the Model 2), Is this one reason why At Games kept making crappy sounding plugnplay genesis devices?

there are power supplies that can power a mega drive, 32x, and cd with one plug in your wall

Just want to add, there is a center tip negative version of the same power supply available that lets you forego any pigtail adapters. a.co/d/g4XT7k7

i have a VA0 model 2 genny and it has to be the worst out of any genesis system. the audio is so distorted, PCM samples are too loud, the PSG is too quiet, and you can't even really region mod it (US/JP/EU switch) as it doesn't fully support 50hz. switching it over to eu / 50hz cuts the audio entirely. perhaps i should replace it

We need sega CD too !! :)

3:15 still more on-tune than an atgames/firecore genesis lol

I dont mind the TMSS

👍👍👍👍👍

Are you sure that second genesis wasn't an @Games genesis?

What are the odds that the bad audio revision is made by ATGames?

Damn that gen2 sounds like bad emulation