Choosing The Proper Genesis RGB Cable
There are many different versions of Genesis RGB cables available. Hopefully, this page will simply everything you need to know:
Genesis 2 Cables
I’ll start with the links to Genesis 2 cables, since it’s much more straightforward: Any Genesis that uses the Genesis 2-style port (such as CDX, RGB-modded Genesis 3, etc) should get one of these cables:
RGB Cables:
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive 2 RGB Scart Cable (UK Seller)
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive 2 RGB Scart Cable (US Seller #1)
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive 2 RGB Scart Cable (US Seller #2)
HDMI Cables:
Genesis 2 RAD2x: http://bit.ly/rad2xgenesis2
Component Video Cables (RGB Quality):
HD Retrovision – Genesis 2 Component Video Cables
Retro Gaming Cables – Genesis 2 Component Video Cables
Retro Gaming Cables – Genesis 1 Component Video Cables
Genesis 1 Adapters (combine with above cables):
Genesis 1 with Stereo Audio to Genesis 2 Adapter – US Seller
Genesis 1 Mono Audio / Sega Master System to Genesis 2 Adapter
Genesis 1 with Stereo Audio to Genesis 2 Adapter – UK Seller (Not compatible with the RAD2x or HD Retrovision cables)
Genesis 1 Cables
If you have a Genesis 1 and there’s any chance you’ll ever use the 32x, buy a Genesis 2 cable, as well as the custom adapter cable discussed in the 32x section. Honestly, it might cost a bit more, but overall your setup might be much easier if you just buy a Genesis 2 and an adapter. If you know for a fact you’ll only use a Genesis 1, then here’s your direct cable choices:
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive 1 Stereo RGB SCART cable (UK Seller)
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive 1 RGB SCART Cable csync (US Seller)
The Genesis Model 1 doesn’t output stereo through the rear A/V port; that port only outputs mono sound. Luckily, the front headphone jack does output stereo, so the Genesis 1 cables listed above have a 3.5mm headphone cable that routes stereo audio through the SCART connector.
Genesis 1 Basic Stereo Audio Mod
Many people (including myself), have found the audio from the headphone jack to be distorted on some Genesis systems (most likely a result of a dirty POT over time). The best solution I found was to pull the stereo sound directly from the headphone amp on the Genesis motherboard. This way, you get a clear line-out signal from a pretty simple mod. Please follow the link below if you’d like to know how to do it and if you use a 3.5mm jack for the mod, you can still use the exact same cables listed above.
Sega CD
Using a Sega CD will not effect your choice of RGB cable, as it’s audio is routed internally through the Genesis. There’s been lots of misinformation about this over the years, so I created a page that explains everything: Sega CD Audio
Summary
It’s my opinion that regardless of the Genesis model, you should get a Genesis 2 RGB SCART cable. Then, if you have a Genesis 1, get the 32x female adapter cable listed in the 32x section. This will ensure total compatibility across all Genesis consoles and accessories and in the long run may actually save you money.
If you’re done, please head back to the main Genesis page. If you’d like info on mods for other systems, head to the Getting RGB From Each System page or check out the main page for more retro-awesomeness.