My comments on the CM-500

[endre1952]

I've owned three CM-500 modules, but two have been sold on Ebay. With its rather high noise floor and buggy vibrato, it's only a mediocre all-purpose solution, isn't it? I will say that it produces adequate results with any game supporting either the LAPC-I (CM-32L) or the SCC-1 (SC-55). And it does have the 33 extra sound effects of the LAPC-I, which is missing from both versions of the MT-32. Back in the early 90's, I would have been very happy with owning just a CM-500.

[shad0wfax]

I've owned virtually every CM/SC module, and I agree, the CM-500 doesn't shine in any aspects but is nevertheless a good all-round solution if you don't want to /cannot have lots of boxes around in your desk. That's the reason why I keep mine, because it's a mess (at least for me) to have a CM-32L, a SC-55 and so on. It's not the best option in terms of compatibility or sound quality, but nowadays MT/SC modules are not the state-of-the-art either.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Personally I also prefer having individual units and specifically the MT-32 (Old), CM-32L and SC-55. But this is isn't for everyone and most are happy with a single solution that "just works".

While there are differences, most will never notice. Heck most differences aren't even documented and will likely never be documented...

[endre1952]

Some games will only sound "perfect", as intended, on a first gen. MT-32. But to have an MT-32 daisy-chained with the CM-32L just to have "INSERT BUCKAZOID" shown briefly on the LCD display, that doesn't make much sense...Eccentric, aren't we? So am I, but I don't use the MT-32 for that purpose.

[Galahad]

I kindly and respectfully disagree, with the comments and consensus that the CM-500 is a substandard MIDI and gaming solution, as opposed to say having separate MT-32 and/or CM-32/64, with SC-55.  I have listened to some of the ppl here who pointed out the higher vibrato, etc., of the CM-500, as well as some of the sound samples demonstrating the difference in effect, but I personally heard hardly if any difference at all    Having the CM-500 lets me switch between SC-55 and LA modes with ease and minimal fuss or reconfiguration hassles.

As it is, the way I currently have my classic gaming PC / MIDI box set up, I have 2 ISA slots, one with an SCB-55 installed for SC-55 mkII capability, but I hardly ever actually use it -- it functions more as an MPU-401/AT interface to my CM-500    In the other ISA slot, I have an AWE 64 Gold installed.

I love this the way this is set up, b/c with having Yamaha speakers with 2 audio inputs, it basically gives me a SC-55mkI, SC-55mkII, CM-64, and Sound Blaster + AWE 64 Gold MIDI capability, all on one box, with minimal wiring changes needed -- the only time I have to swap out the cables is when I want to use my SCB-55, in lieu of the CM-500 (which hardly ever occurs though).