What's the secret to getting the MT-32 working with Sound Blaster AWE64 Gold?

[requim]

Actually my question is a little bit broader.  I have constructed several machines of varying vintages (486, Pentium MMX, Pentium III) and have tried running my sierra games on them.  I've had varying degrees of success.  Mostly sound and speed related issues.  However the one thing I can't solve is getting the MT-32 working through the game port.

I have purchased two separate midi - game port adapters.  One Hosa and another no-name.  I have verified the MT-32 works because I also bought a USB - MIDI adapter and it worked fine.  I am obviously missing something because I have tried it through the SB16, SB AWE32, SB AWE64 Gold, Gravis UltraSound, Gravis UltraSound PnP and MediaVision Pro AudioSpectrum 16 all without success.

To say I'm feeling pretty stupid and humbled is an understatement.  Can someone please help?

[Mau1wurf1977]

There are heaps of existing threads on this if you want to read up on the issue...

Two things first:

- Try games with General MIDI. Music should play (although it will sound off). But at least at that point you know that everything is working.

- The cards you mentioned aren't suitable for driving the MT-32 (EDIT: Quite a few games WILL work though. And there are patches for many Sierra games).

You need one that has the MPU401 interface in intelligent mode. For example the Roland MPU401AT and similar cards. There are a few cards from other companies that also work.

This is also documented here on the forums, just dig around in the MT-32 section and you should find all the info.

The SCC-1 also has this interface by the way...

[BlueMax]

It should work... the SB16 and up had decent (if not perfect) MPU-401 compatibility. 

Might even want to verify you have your MIDI in/out plugged in right!  You'll only need IN, so if one doesn't work, try the other.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Unfortunately the MPU401 interface on the SB16 / AWE 32 / 64 doesn't support the intelligent mode. So quite a few games will not work with the MT-32.

I dug up some of my old images:

Connecting the MT-32 to a MPU401 MIDI interface:



Connecting the MT-32 to a USB - MIDI adapter for use with DOSBox or ScummVM:



Connecting the MT-32 to a AWE64 GOLD (Only certain games will work!!!):

[requim]

I've got the connections right.  In goes to Out and Out goes to In.  Still no success with the game port to Midi adapter.  Only tried it on Island of Dr Brain which supports General Midi. 

I have no issues with my USB to MIDI adapter.  Works like a charm just wish DOS supported USB devices then I wouldn't have to deal with this.  C'est la vie.  I'll keep taking a stab at it until something happens.

I'm obviously going to need to pickup an MPU-401 the only issue is finding one at a reasonable price.  If anyone has one for sale I'd be interested in buying it.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Good luck!

They aren't easy to find, that's for sure.