Considering buying a MT-32

[Glottis]

First of all I would like to say, Hi everyone! Since this is my first post here.    I'm also at the moment considering of buying an MT-32 myself. I'm going to record some of my favourite Sierra tunes using this soundcard. I'm not certain whether the MIDI output on this card is 100% MPU-401 compatible (intelligent mode). But in general shouldn't it work just fine with the MT-32 (Incl. Sysex commands, patch banks etc)? And If it lacks the "intelligent mode" of the MPU-401, then how would it affect the sound?

[Tom]

Welcome aboard, Glottis!!  Greetings, salutations, and all that other good stuff.  Help yourself to a doughnut...

It would only affect the MT-32's sound if it wasn't capable of properly  ransmitting the SysEx data contained in Sierra MIDI files; sound patches, Master volume and reverb are about it for Sierra games supporting the MT-32.  I know nothing about how Mac's and MIDI function together, so I have no idea if the sound card will transmit MIDI data properly, but I see no reason why it wouldn't...according to the specs.

[Alistair]

Looks fine to me. Also looks like a damned good sound card.

There'll obviously be NO 'intelligent mode' supported. But really that means very little.

- Alistair

[Dustin]

It does look like a very impressive card.

[Glottis]

Welcome aboard, Glottis!! Greetings, salutations, and all that other good stuff. Help yourself to a doughnut...

It would only affect the MT-32's sound if it wasn't capable of properly ransmitting the SysEx data contained in Sierra MIDI files; sound patches, Master volume and reverb are about it for Sierra games supporting the MT-32.

Glad to be here!

Yeah, I was thinking something like that too. I doubt that there will be any major problems since it is just a simple task of sending MIDI data through the card to the MT-32.

I know nothing about how Mac's and MIDI function together, so I have no idea if the sound card will transmit MIDI data properly, but I see no reason why it wouldn't...according to the specs.

Neither do I, but that doesn't matter since I'll be recording/playing under Windows XP.

[Maxime]

Hmm, the EgoSys Juli@... This soundcard was quite high-rated on AudioFanzine, a French music-oriented website

[Glottis]

Whoopie!  

Got my MT-32 yesterday, but I haven't tried it with any games yet. Now all I need to do is to make/solder some 6,3mm-RCA cables for it. Need to buy a MIDI cable as well. The unit itself looks very nice, only a few minor scratches here and there.

I'm anxious to hear how it will perform with games like Gateway. There's lots of great game music to be recorded. I could possibly post some samples here sometime next week.

[Dustin]

Whoopie!  

Got my MT-32 yesterday, but I haven't tried it with any games yet. Now all I need to do is to make/solder some 6,3mm-RCA cables for it. Need to buy a MIDI cable as well. The unit itself looks very nice, only a few minor scratches here and there.

I'm anxious to hear how it will perform with games like Gateway. There's lots of great game music to be recorded. I could possibly post some samples here sometime next week.

Your going to love your MT-32's sound. Aside from it's accoustic piano sounds being a bit weak (Electric piano is incredible), it has sounds that  rival some of the newest synths available. I can't wait to hear your game recordings.


Keep us posted,

[Glottis]

All right, I've recorded a couple of test tracks from games like Master of Orion, Simon the Sorcerer and Seal Team. The link is in my profile. If you don't have a FLAC-plugin for eg. Winamp, try this one.

Your going to love your MT-32's sound. Aside from it's accoustic piano sounds being a bit weak (Electric piano is incredible), it has sounds that rival some of the newest synths available. I can't wait to hear your game recordings.

It sure does sound a whole lot better than SB16 OPL3 synthesized music. I used to own a SB16 when I played DOS games on my 486 in the 1990's. The MT-32 also sounds really balanced on games that were specifically designed to utilize it.

[Ari]

Master of Orion is one of those weird games that, while not claiming GM support still manages to play well with a Sound Canvas even though you choose MT-32 as your music playback.

I recorded most of the music of MOO to midi format, and then with a few little changes converted it to GM and GS.

I also recorded some MP3s of my GS conversions if anyone wants to hear, I'll post them in a new thread.  :wink: