Wanted: CM-32L or LAPC-I

[Sedryn]

Hey, folks.  I'm putting together system so I can play old DOS games and I'm in the process of acquiring a MPU-IPC-T.

I've managed to find a MT-100 but what I'm really after is a unit that doesn't suffer from the buffer overflow issues and preferably a 2nd generation MT-32 compatible module with the 33 additional sound effect samples.  I've been looking for weeks on eBay now and I haven't yet seen a CM-32L or LAPC-I for auction.

Does anybody have any suggestions on where I might find these units or perhaps even have a spare they'd be willing to sell?  I'll pay good money for any of them.

[Cloudschatze]

http://auctions.yahoo.co.jp

There are several MT-32 auctions going on, but only one second-generation unit, from the looks of things. Also... a CM-500 auction ending tomorrow.

Some sort of third-party account (RinkYa, Celga) is needed. I have one, if you need something quick.

[Sedryn]

Wow, thanks again for your help on this.  I'd definitely be interest in the 2nd generation MT-32.  Problem is that I don't read/write Japanese so I can't even tell which of the MT-32's in the listing is the one I want.  I tried translating with google but it will only let me do the main page - all the links to items come up in Japanese and I can't make heads or tells of em.

Do you know of another method I could use to translate the listings from Japanese to English?  Thanks again for pointing this out to me - much appreciated.

[Cloudschatze]

Cutting and pasting into Google's translator works too, if the entire page will not translate correctly.

This was the only obvious revision 01 MT-32, distinguishable by it's headphone jack:
http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k34520939

5000 Yen (~$50 USD) is a bit much, IMO, and they generally can be had much cheaper. Looks to be in great shape though...

[Sedryn]

Thanks again for your help, Cloudschatze.  I see now the language tools does indeed translate the page well enough.  Not sure how I missed it before.  I was using the translation link provided when you do a search, which only translates the first page.

$50 is probably a bit high for the unit but I'd definitely pay it.  Problem is that the seller doesn't ship internationally.  I live in the USA, California state.

Alas, the search continues.  

EDIT:

After thinking it over, I'm thinking it makes more sense to only go for a CM-32L or LAPC-I.  Since I'm already going to have a MT-100 I may as well go for the units that have the additional 33 samples but not the buffer overflow problem.

[Sedryn]

Well, I lost the eBay auction on the MT-100.  I was certain I had it in the bag since I was willing to pay more than most people would for the unit.  I went to slip in a bid at the last minute and wouldn't you know it - the internet connection I was using had to be taken offline literally two minutes before the auction ended.

So, now I REALLY need to get a CM-32L or LAPC-I.  Soon I'll have a genuine MPU-IPC-T and no unit to use with it!

I guess one shouldn't count their MT-100s before they're won, huh?

 :wink:

[HondaSiR]

You may want to add to your purchase list a CM-64 (CM-32L + CM-32P) or a CM-500 (even harder to find). They also contain the additional SFX not found in an MT-32 or MT-100.

[Sedryn]

Thanks for the tip, HondaSiR.  I've actually been searching for any of the following:

MT-32 (2nd generation)
CM-32L
CM-64
CM-500
LAPC-I

My preference is a CM-32L or LAPC-I.  I already have a SCC-1 I'm using for a different DOS PC I'm setting up.  Beggars can't be choosers, though.  If the only thing that comes around is a CM-500 then I'll try to snag it!

[Cloudschatze]

The CM-500 should be last on any list - it's LA-synth engine is flawed.

[BlueMax]

Hmmm....  I'm not really using my CM-64.....   lemme' think about it.

[Sedryn]

Any consideration is appreciated, BlueMax, but I totally understand if you don't want to part with it.

Keep in mind, though, that I'm willing to pay good money for it.  I'll give you 120% of the going rate for the unit if you've tested it and know it works.  

I'm a huge fan of the old Sierra classics but I've just never had the time or inclination to put together some old DOS PCs until recently.  I would have acquired the Roland components long ago if I'd known they were so hard to come by.

"The CM-500 should be last on any list - it's LA-synth engine is flawed."

Thanks for the tip, Cloudschatze.  Since I already have a SCC-1 for GM/GS synth, the LA-synth is what I'm lacking.  I guess I could settle for the SCC-1's MT-32 emulation, but I'd rather not, especially since I want to build two seperate DOS PCs, one with the SCC-1 and another with the LA-synth MT-32 compatible module. So, looks like it will have to be a CM-32L, CM-64 or a LAPC-I for me.  

[HondaSiR]

Why do you have the 2nd generation MT-32 on the list? It doesn't have the SFX and its even harder to find than a CM-32L. In any case, an MT-100 would be ideal in place of this MT-32. But be prepared to pay an additional amount in shipping since this unit is heavier in weight.

The CM-500 should be last on any list - it's LA-synth engine is flawed.

I disagree (no offense though). If the list involves collecting rare MIDI hardware, then the CM-500 should be on top of it. Grab it when the getting is good since no one knows how and when it will pop up again for the taking. Any CM-32L, CM-64, LAPC-I or MT-100 can be acquired rather easily with some patience. Not so for the CM-500 unfortunately.

[Sedryn]

Well, I was looking for a 2nd generation MT-32 or a MT-100 to tide me over until I could find a CM-32L or LAPC-I.  Now that I've lost the MT-100 auction, though, I may just hold out for the CM-32L/CM-64 or LAPC-I .  There's another MT-100 up on eBay right now but it looks kind of beat up to me so I'm not going to go for it - plus the seller admits that they haven't tested the unit (being that they lost the AC adapter).

I'm a newb to all this Roland stuff and what I really want is a module that will faithfully reproduce the MT-32 music for oldy DOS games, particulary the Sierra and Origin ones.  Based on what I've read here and in misc articles I've come across on the web, the CM-32L/CM-64 or LAPC-I is my best choice since it has the extra 33 samples that some games will use.

[HondaSiR]

Based on what I've read here and in misc articles I've come across on the web, the CM-32L/CM-64 or LAPC-I is my best choice since it has the extra 33 samples that some games will use.

The first generation MT-32 would be the best choice for the early Sierra games since this is the module used by the musicians back then and reproduces the most accurate sounds.

Since you are already set to receive an MPU-IPC, I would suggest skipping an LAPC-I. Go for an external module. In the long run you may want to transfer it to a maching that doesn't have an ISA slot. You'll need a special joystick to MIDI cable though but they're quite plentiful and cheap to acquire.

[Sedryn]

"The first generation MT-32 would be the best choice for the early Sierra games since this is the module used by the musicians back then and reproduces the most accurate sounds."

Really?  I mean, it's going to be mainly for the old King's Quest and Ultima games, but I would like to play some of the later titles that used the CM-32L extra 33 samples (even though I'm not sure which games those are yet, I want to have the equipment on hand when I go to play them).  I'm worried about the whole buffer overflow thing if I go for a 1st generation MT-32 and want to play one of those later DOS games.

EDIT:

Well, shoot, maybe I should get both then?  A first generation MT-32 and a CM-32L/CM-64.

[HondaSiR]

You have to get both if you want the most accurate sounds possible. The early MT-32 and a CM-32L.  

Here are some games that support the extra SFX: (info taken from VOGONS)

Gods
Lure of the Temptress
Hook
Curse of Enchantia
Laser Squad
Starlord
Ultima Underworld 1
Beneath a Steel Sky
Megatraveller 2
Out of this World (Dos version)
Leisure Suit Larry 5
ATAC
Die Hard 2
Elite Plus
EPIC
Line Wars 2
Pirates! Gold
Heimdall
Night Breed
Night Breed: Interactive movie

[Sedryn]

Thanks for the info!

Well, if Ultima Underworld uses those extra samples then I MUST have them!

Wuahahahahahahahah!

 :wink:

[BlueMax]

check your "private mail" up on the top-right corner of this site.  

[Sedryn]

Thanks again for the consideration, BlueMax.  Drop me a PM at some point if you decide to accept my offer or want to discuss it further.

[Sedryn]

Alas, circumstance dictates that I forgoe frivilous purchasing for the time being.  I'll have to wait on buying up these classic music modules for a while.