In the process of researching my audio circuit I came across the perfect chip. The SSM2163 mixes 4 stereo signals down to two via VCAs, is controlled via I2C, and even includes it's own Vref generator. Basically it's my whole audio board in one chip. It's absolutely perfect, and of course it hasn't been manufactured in a decade. Apparently it was made by SSM for analog synths, but they were absorbed by Analog Devices in the 90s and AD has no use for the device anymore.
While trying to track down one of these chips I came across a sort of chinese grey market for used and discontinued electronics. The process was interesting: I put my email and the part number into a couple of websites and within an hour I had 40+ bids! The prices did not inspire confidence; they ranged from $2.50 to $175... just what am I dealing with? I eventually threw caution to the wind and made a $20 payment to a company who promised two parts, shipped.
And then they reply, telling me they're now out of stock. I kissed my $20 goodbye and considered it a lesson learned, but to my total surprise I was refunded in full. Hooray for the free market? For the record, the company was HY (HK) IC LIMITED and 'Julie' handled the transaction extremely well.
After poking around some more I've given up on this chip. I've already got the DS1807 digital pots, and the hassle of fielding so many offers was quite a bit more trouble than just laying this out in discrete parts.
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