Good soundcard for a DOS computer

[inaski]

Hmmm. This is monkey.ini from MI:

[hardware configuration]
gmidi = 0
roland = 0
soundblaster = 1
internal = 0
voice = 0
joystick = 0
keyboard = 0
mouse = 1
voicebuffer = 8
rolandport = 0
gmidiport = 0
soundblasterport = 0
soundblasterirq = 0
[end]

Doesn't that mean some kind of General midi support?

[Zemus]

That's the configuration file for the CD-versions. The CD launcher is very generic and has GMIDI as an option in the config file even though the game doesn't support it.
Originally you ran the game by typing switches when running the game in DOS.

For example:
"monkey r" runs the game in MT-32 mode.
"monkey i v" runs the game with internal speaker and VGA graphics.

The CD launcher is simply a program that puts in those switches automatically.

[robertmo]

I guess you took this monkey.ini file from Monkey Island 1 (CD version). I think CD version has got music only in CD-Audio. I don't really understand what is that monkey.ini file for.

[Fancia]

As good as any other non-100% MT-32 compatible device. It uses the SC-55 samples to emulate the MT-32 instruments, but it can't take any of the MT-32 sysexes so it will only work with games that use the default MT-32 instruments.  Also, the SC-55 samples have a different balance and volume than the MT-32 instruments they try to emulate, so it doesn't sound very good even on games that only use the default instruments.

To my knowledge, the SC-55mkII, whose samples the SCC-1 uses, includes the actual MT-32 default instruments and uses those for its "emulation."

[Tom]

I've noticed that my SC-55's MT-32 bank is pretty darn close to the MT-32's default sounds, in both volume ... and more importantly, in volocity sensitivity.  Even the actual sounds are quite good.   I was surprised when I did some converting in the past and didn't really have to do much editing with those sounds...if any.  The only BIG difference with the SC-55's MT-32 bank and the real MT-32 was the bender sensitivity, which is easily remedied via controllers (12 semitone default versus 2 semitones.)

[Alistair]

.. However, some SC-55 MT-32 tones sound exactly like the SC-55 ones and not the MT-32 ones.. 'Pizzicato' springs to mind. But as we've debated before, some are quite good. I love 'Elec Gtr 2' on the SC.

Basically, no device can emulate the MT-32 to any use other than for games which use the default MT-32 patches, which make up a vast minority of MT-32 supported games. The MT-32 was brilliant because instruments could be sent to it. No non-MT-32 device can recieve those instruments.

- Alistair

[inaski]

Thanks for everyone who helped, unfortunately I totally underestimated how much the SCC-1 is worth. I was ready pay 35€ for it, but the auction ended at 50€ [62$US] wich was too much for me.

And since it seems the MT32's will not go much cheaper [plus the international shipping costs for item that size are probably 20-30 $US] I can't really afford one of those either, and the LAPC-1 cards are nearly impossible to find, not mention probably really expensive too. So I guess good midi playback isn't for poor people after all.

Well I guess I should keep my eyes open for roland daughterboards, or maybe look into Yamaha XG cards. Again thanks for everyone who helped, and sorry for wasting your time for nothing :wink: .

[Ari]

here's an auction you might like to try. I've got this card too, and it's not bad at all!

[inaski]

Update:  

I have had a CM-64 for little over a week now,  but since I haven't got a midi interface card, I have used it with my primary PC, connected to game/midi-port.

I have been looking for a Roland MPU card ever since I bought the CM-64, and few hours ago I won an auction of SCC-1. So now I need those damn Mini-DIN to DIN adapters.

I was thinking about modifying standard midi cables with Mini-DIN plugs, so I need some info.  Does anyone have a graph that shows how to re-wire the cable? Do I need to use any extra components(resistors etc)?

Also, do I need to connect both the SCC-1 and the CM-64 to Sound Blaster's line in separately, or does the sound go through somehow?