MT-32

[endre1952]

I finally managed to get my first true LA synth in 1999 off Ebay, coming from the US to Hungary. The Sierra soundtracks were fantastic at last, but I was very annoyed by the fact that only about 60-70 percent of all tested games worked properly, as intended, with this first gen. MT-32. You know: those LAPC-I sound effects, buffer overflow issues. So a perfect choice it is not.

Some bugs are heard when using a CM-32L, but overall compatibility with games is much higher.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Yea you really need these two modules to cover all your bases!

MT-32 (old) plus a CM-32L or CM-64 and you are set.

Interested in learning what games you tested that use the extra sound effects.

I noticed that some of the spitting sounds in Monkey Island 2 sound a bit different and also that slicing sound of the chef in the kitchen.

[endre1952]

Check out this list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_MT-32-compatible_computer_games

I believe I've once edited it a bit myself. Also, check out Leisure Suit Larry 5. E.g. the laugh sound in the "rap" song.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Yea good list...

I added "The Heart of China" a while ago.

[Alistair]

For Larry 5 as well, a common overlooked one is that not only the SFX like the laugh, but also the partial reserve/polyphony shortages. That is, the (1st gen) unit can't play all notes in some of the songs, even when no SFX or additional notes/SysEx are playing. The closing theme with the patch 'SoloSynth' is a good example.
I think there are others too.
I'm trying to remember which other Sierra games (or songs) have the problem besides ones in this thread, but drawing a blank..

QFG4 also has a similar problem with the SC-55 vs mkII with partials.

- Alistair

[jbltecnicspro]

Very interesting.  I was actually thinking of selling my MT-32 (it's a 1.07) and getting a CM-32L instead.  I know of the discrepencies (we've covered these bases a LONG time ago! ), but I think it would be worth it. 

[endre1952]

If you intend to have just one module around, the CM-32L is the better choice. Who gives a damn about the yellowed plastic? I don't.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Very interesting.  I was actually thinking of selling my MT-32 (it's a 1.07) and getting a CM-32L instead.  I know of the discrepencies (we've covered these bases a LONG time ago! ), but I think it would be worth it. 

I wouldn't sell it, but buy the CM-32L for sure. With both these units you have covered all bases

[jbltecnicspro]

Well, to be honest - I want to keep it down to one unit.  To me, the CM-32L is the least pain-in-the-butt of the two, despite the inherent sound differences.

EDIT:  Dang, only a CM-32P for sale right now.  Drat. 

[jbltecnicspro]

For Larry 5 as well, a common overlooked one is that not only the SFX like the laugh, but also the partial reserve/polyphony shortages. That is, the (1st gen) unit can't play all notes in some of the songs, even when no SFX or additional notes/SysEx are playing. The closing theme with the patch 'SoloSynth' is a good example.
I think there are others too.
I'm trying to remember which other Sierra games (or songs) have the problem besides ones in this thread, but drawing a blank..

QFG4 also has a similar problem with the SC-55 vs mkII with partials.

- Alistair

Could Police Quest 3 have the partial problem?  If I remember correctly, that custom lead by Jan Hammer causes notes to drop out.

[Alistair]

Yes, well said. "LeadSqrJH" (IIRC) has the same issue, although unlike LSL5, most PQ3 tunes have 5 or fewer instruments.

Now you've stumped me, I can't remember if my second gen (CM style) MT-32 has the partial problem with PQ3.. will post later.