Sega Master System MK1 & Mega Drive MK1 To Composite Video + Audio AV Cable (Retro Gaming Cable)

Retro gaming cables are here at Cable Chick! Need a relacement AV cable for your Sega Mega Drive 1 or Master System MK1 game console? Well you’ve come to the right place!

What Are Retro Gaming Cables?

Our retro gaming cables have been specifically designed for the 8-bit and 16-bit video game consoles we grew up with, from companies like Sega, Nintendo and a little later, Sony. These cables have been developed to either serve as quality replacements for the original AV cables which shipped with the game consoles, or offer superior AV output quality so you can enjoy these old consoles like never before!

Cable Options for the Sega Master System MK1 and Mega Drive 1

When it comes to hooking up your Sega game console to a TV, you have four main options with a MK1 console:

1. RF Output (not available on Mega Drive 2 models): The RF output is the connection where you need to tune your TV to receive a signal from the game console. This is the oldest AV output standard, and as it sends all video and audio information through a single coaxial lead, the quality is also the poorest.
2. THIS CABLE > Composite Video: The next step up and noticeably better for video and audio, however the results are still not great due to the signal being carried through a single pin, and Sega consoles being notorious for poor quality Composite Video output – however, this is how most of us have experience Sega consoles growing up! Please note that the Mega Drive 1 only supported mono audio from the AV output, while the MK2 console supported stereo audio!
3. S-Video: S-Video is supported via the multi-AV output on both the Mega Drive 1 & 2 models, and represents a significant step-up from Composite Video quality, thanks to the signal being carried across multiple pins. If your TV doesn’t support RGB SCART input, this will be your best option, but requires a different cable with an S-Video plug.
4. RGB SCART: The SCART connector was an amazing analog standard used in Europe, and it made it’s way over to Australia on some higher end CRT televisions. With full separation of the video and audio signals, you will get the very best picture possible from an RGB SCART connection, which is supported on both the Mega Drive MK1 and MK2 consoles.

A special note for Audio Support

It’s important to note that the Multi-AV port on the series 1 Master Systems and Mega Drive consoles only supported Mono-Audio. This may be fine for the Master System and it’s more limited audio, however to enjoy Stereo audio on your Mega Drive 1 console, just use a 3.5.mm Stereo Audio to 2RCA cable from the headphone jack on the front of the console!

Retro Gaming on a modern HDMI TV or monitor

Although you could convert Composite Video to HDMI for use on a modern screen, a converter will not be able to improve on the poor image quality of the Composite Video standard. So if you have a RGB SCART compatible TV, our Sega Multi-AV 8-Pin DIN Cables can be used with our SCART to HDMI Converter for 720p or 1080p upscaled digital audio and video output, and excellent output quality.

Keeping things simple

You may read all of this and think this is terribly complicated, however it’s more the case that we are just trying to cover all the bases. When it comes to the early Sega consoles, you just need to remember these things:

• The Master System MK1 and Mega Drive MK1 consoles use the same Multi-AV output, with the same functionality.
• Mega Drive MK2, and Genesis 2 and 3 modles (from the USA) use a different Mini-DIN AV output.
• Sega Multi-AV port can output Composite Video (this cable), S-Video or RGB SCART video, plus audio.
• RGB SCART offer the best possible video output for your Sega consoles, if you have a SCART TV.
• For stereo audio on the Mega Drive MK1, use the front headphone jack.

Features:

• 5 Year Cable Chick Warranty!
• Replacement AV Cable for the Sega Master System (MK1) & Mega Drive (MK1) Game consoles only
• Outputs Composite Video + Mono Audio for connection to most TVs
• Requirements: Sega Master System / Mega Drive series 1 Game Console + TV with an AV Input
• A perfect replacement for your old/damaged Sega AV cables, or an upgrade from RF connections
• Length: 1.5m (Approx)
• Colour: Black