True OPL3 output in DosBox

[jharris01]

I'm able to use the OPL3 capabilities of the YMF-724 in true DOS mode on my very modern dual-core system. Unfortunately, I would like do use DosBox opl passthrough under XP or Win 7, which isn't possible, right?

IIRC, the OPL pass-through only works under Win9x systems. In other words, an OS that supports the ISA architecture (maybe 2000 or XP). A motherboard with ISA slots is needed, but you can get away with a PCI or hybrid system. Some PCI motherboards with a connector called SB-Link are also good candidates (assuming your sound card is compatible).

[endre1952]

The problem is, modern motherboards with ISA slots are expensive, and I don't want to build a "retro" machine just for DosBox. If the DosBox opl passthrough with the YMF-724 PCI card worked in XP, that would be great (it doesn't, AFAIK.)

[Great Hierophant]

The problem is, modern motherboards with ISA slots are expensive, and I don't want to build a "retro" machine just for DosBox. If the DosBox opl passthrough with the YMF-724 PCI card worked in XP, that would be great (it doesn't, AFAIK.)

I got a YMF-724 working in Windows 98SE with DOSBox OPL Passthrough.  We need some kind of solution for XP and above, since Windows 98SE does not install well on modern hardware. 

[jharris01]

Could you tell us more details about your setup? For example what motherboard do you use? Is it a PCI/ISA hybrid? Are you using a SB-Link connector?

The problem is, modern motherboards with ISA slots are expensive, and I don't want to build a "retro" machine just for DosBox. If the DosBox opl passthrough with the YMF-724 PCI card worked in XP, that would be great (it doesn't, AFAIK.)

It looks to me that was a cool feature some talented programmer did but apparently has moved on. The patch has not been updated to the latest DOSBox version. My educated guess: it's easy to route program calls to the right places. That is in part why I think the passthrough works. To make it work on modern systems is another story.

I think for it to work it would have to be soundcard specific. As you know only a few PCI soundcards can benefit from it. Luckily the specifications of the YMF-72x soundchips can be found online. What this needs is a smart programmer with the knowledge and desire to do it. That may never happen