Missing sounds in QFG4CD

[Cloudschatze]

Here's a baffling problem:

In Quest for Glory IV (CD Version), Igor's chisel makes no striking sound through the SC-55mkII or CM-500 (GS Mode)

It makes a sound using a Soundscape VIVO card.

It makes a sound using the MT-32.

What gives?

[Alistair]

My guess would be, that it's digital. And, that you have (like me) an IRQ (or some other) conflict that doesn't like you playing SC's SFX.

I'll have to check it out, because my above comment is full of holes and guesswork though.

Cool question Eric.

- Alistair

[Cloudschatze]

No, it's definitely not digital, but probably should have been.

I also tried the MU-100, which produced no sound, and an OPL3, which did. Another PC has produced the same results.

Also, has anyone ever noticed that certain instruments are "off" when listening to the GM soundtrack? Take Dr. Cranium's laboratory theme for example. During the introductory guitar scale, a detuned marimba (or xylophone, etc.) comes into play. This may simply be the ROM sample, however, both instruments are in tune when using the Soundscape, or OPL synths. I inquired of NewRisingSun regarding this issue, and he replied that, while it sounded fine on his system, it may be an ill-programmed controller, possibly resulting from the compression of sixteen tracks into a nine-track, MT-32 compatible soundtrack.

[Alistair]

He probably won't appreciate me saying this, but he's probably wrong. I mean, he's right that they compressed 16 tracks into 9, but that shouldn't alter GM instruments.

The marimba is supposed to sound like that in Dr' Cranium's lab, as far as I remember, Eric. In the context of the piece anyway.

Any other 'off-sounding' patches you can think of? I'm curious.

I wonder if you are experiencing any problems due to the low polyphony of the SC-55. That might cut out your sound effects, and make some instruemtns sound weird. Unlikely though (although I do remember some pieces having issues).

- Alistair

[Tom]

I don't recall the song, but I was thinking that the 'detuned' marimba was probably supposed to be on purpose -- maybe caused by a few benders placed in the right spots.  And, perhaps some of Cloudschatze's other MIDI devices aren't reading the benders properly?  Or more likely, aren't recognizing a change in the bender scale settings, which can be set in GM...and usually are adjusted to match the MT-32, in Sierra GM scores.  Just a thought.

[Cloudschatze]

I agree. I think that the soundtrack is supposed to sound the way it does, at least, when played back on a SoundCanvas...

Any idea about the sound effects though? There may be additional instances of missing sounds when using a GM playback device, though Igor's is very obvious.

[Alistair]

Here's a thought- your sound card buffer is too low (or gets overloaded)? Meaning the SFX get sent to your sound blaster digital side, but they skip it due to the lightning effects *already* palying in the graveyard, so the card can't cope.

I'll have to check it out (he says, again. Doh!). I seem to be short on time!

- Alistair

[Cloudschatze]

Alistair,

Visit Igor beside the Adventurer's Guild in Mordavia. It is here that, if you are using the Sound Canvas, you will likely not hear a MIDI sound-effect as he inscribes. Reconfigure for the MT-32, and you will.