Roland SCC-1 provides same sound as Roland CM-300?

[Death Adder]

Hello, everyone.

I purchased a Roland CM-300 (GS) a few years back, because a particular game had it listed in its setup menu by name and I wanted to hear how its music sounded thru the device. Since then I've learned that just about any General MIDI device would have sufficed, which makes me want to buy a Roland SCC-1 now, to replace the CM-300. My question though, is whether or not the SCC-1 provides the same sound quality and performance as the CM-300?

Thanks.

[Ari]

There's a pretty good Wikipedia article on the various Roland MIDI modules. You can check out the differences here.

[endre1952]

They should be the same. SCC-1 doesn't need a seperate midi interface, it has its own MPU-401 interface on an ISA card. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Death Adder]

Thanks for the info. I'm now more confident about buying the SCC-1 and selling the CM-300.

[Mau1wurf1977]

Just be aware that the SCC-1 is a internal ISA card and you won't be able to use it on machines without a ISA slot.

Why not grab a SC-55 or SC-55 MKII Sound Canvas? They are nice units, plenty around as well, come with a nice LCD display and have a line input for e.g. Sound Blaster speech and also a headphone port + volume knob at the front.

[endre1952]

If he already has a CM-300, why would he get an SC-55 (unless he wants a spare)? For games, they sound the same. CM-300 also has a line in, a pair of mono jacks.

Yes, he might get an SC-55 MKII for somewhat improved quality.

[shad0wfax]

As a general rule, I'd always prefer an external midi module over an internal card. Internal cards are very dependant on the interface type (ISA, PCI, or whatever) and OS (drivers), whereas with external modules you only need a midi interface and you can use very old gear without headaches because the drivers, operating system, type of interface, and so on. Moreover, internal cards are more subject to electrical interferences that can affect the sound.

[Mau1wurf1977]

If he already has a CM-300, why would he get an SC-55 (unless he wants a spare)? For games, they sound the same. CM-300 also has a line in, a pair of mono jacks.

Yes, he might get an SC-55 MKII for somewhat improved quality.

Because he said he will sell the CM-300!

[Death Adder]

Just be aware that the SCC-1 is a internal ISA card and you won't be able to use it on machines without a ISA slot.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Why not grab a SC-55 or SC-55 MKII Sound Canvas? They are nice units, plenty around as well, come with a nice LCD display and have a line input for e.g. Sound Blaster speech and also a headphone port + volume knob at the front.

The main reason I wish to replace my CM-300 with an SCC-1 is because I dislike the external units. They are inconvenient for my needs and my workspace. It's the same reason I bought an LAPC-I a couple of years ago, and am just now getting around to selling my MT-32. But thanks for the suggestion, anyway.