abrams@cs.columbia.edu (Steven Abrams) (09/12/90)
I'm looking for info on the Sound Master and Sound Blaster type cards. Let me preface this query by saying that I'm not looking for professional quality sound or super-duper anything. I've got all that already. I'm looking for something that's going to be a lot of fun to use, but not too limited. Apparently, the SoundMaster PC is non-controllable via any software package they sell, but makes really prety sounds when used with a bunch of games. Is this correct? How many games is this really supported by? Does it have any other use at all? Price: $89.95. AdLib makes a Music Synthesizer card with composition software, instrument makers, etc. Is this any fun at all? Is this supported by more/less/same games as the SoundMaster? Price, $149.00 + 75 for Composer software, 40 for Instrument Maer, 30 for MIDI option on Composer. According to an ad I have, the SoundBlaster does everything the Music Synthesizer card does PLUS it has a MIDI port (irrelevant, I've got one already). It also comes bundled with a composition program and VoxKit software for digitizing and playing back sound, esp voice. It is NOT made by AdLib, as best as I can tell, but it is supposed to be compatible. Price: $199.00 Does anyone know anything about these? How about others? The SoundBlaster sounds like the best deal, but is it? Anyone have info on any of the various speech/vocoder cards for the PC? Or generic A/D-D/A systems? Please e-mail responses, I'll summmarize if warranted. Prices quoted are from a catalog, not sug. list. ~~~~Steve -- /************************************************* * *Steven Abrams abrams@cs.columbia.edu * **************************************************/ #include <std/dumquote.h> #include <std/disclaimer.h>
joes@hpccc.HP.COM (Joe Szuecs) (09/15/90)
I own the Soundblaster and Adlib card, as well as a standard MIDI interface. I would recommend the Soundblaster card over the Adlib. The sound quality is better, it IS Adlib compatible (uses the same chip set and their card responds to the Adlib driver) and, as you have stated, has more stuff on it (voice, etc...). In general, the sound quality of these "game" cards is rather lackluster. MIDI is the way to go if quality sound is an issue. Joe Szuecs Hewlett-Packard Product Support Division Mountain View, California (415) 691-5128 joes@hpprsd.hp.com