Just so you know, the SB Pro 2.0 requires the -5VDC (make sure the ATX to AT adapter has the -5V with the 3.3V dummy load).

Okay, Yeah. I have some of those AT adapters with a dummy load.
Thanks.

bjwil1991 wrote:

Just so you know, the SB Pro 2.0 requires the -5VDC (make sure the ATX to AT adapter has the -5V with the 3.3V dummy load).

Correct me if I'm wrong but the SB Pro 2.0 doesn't require -5v. You might be confusing it with the SB 2.0 (CT1350B) which does require -5v.

Can someone explain this dummy load thing? When is it necessary? How is it implemented? Simply a resistor? Something more advanced?

root42 wrote:

Can someone explain this dummy load thing? When is it necessary? How is it implemented? Simply a resistor? Something more advanced?

Pretty sure an SB Pro doesn't require a -5v supply.

The dummy load is simply a low impedance resistor (5ohm 10W should do the trick) to satisfy some power supplies requirement of a minimum load on the 5v line to operate properly.

Ok, thanks. Sounds reasonable.

Personally I think the original sound blaster is the better audio experience. THe Sb Pro 2.0 sounds muffled to me. Is there any way to remove that muffled sounding filter from the SB Pro 2.0?

There is a way to disable the integrated amp, but, that'll require software to change the volume.

Shagittarius wrote:

Personally I think the original sound blaster is the better audio experience. THe Sb Pro 2.0 sounds muffled to me. Is there any way to remove that muffled sounding filter from the SB Pro 2.0?

Yes, the low-pass filter is software defeatable. I made a software mixer that can do that.
When I get home, I'll upload it here.

Thanks people.
You learn something NEW every day on this website.
Any recommendations on what CPU, RAM and Operating systems work best for audio play back on this SB ?

Here is the mixer I made a long time ago while learning about C programming and the Sound Blaster interface.
It requires a mouse to work, and I think it assume port 220h.

Sorry about the terrible look and crappy interface. I'll definitely update it soon as I am trying to resurrect my SB Pro card for my next 486.

What ISA sound card do you think offers the best clarity and audio experience ?

Intel486dx33 wrote:

What ISA sound card do you think offers the best clarity and audio experience ?

So far, from my investigations the ESS Audiodrive ES688 is ideal.
It is 100% Sound Blaster Pro compatible with what I've thrown at it, has a real Yamaha OPL3 synth, supports ADPCM samples and uses a sliding low pass filter (unlike the fixed freq on the SB Pro) so it sounds clearer.
Oh, and it has a line-out and speaker out.

tpowell.ca wrote:

So far, from my investigations the ESS Audiodrive ES688 is ideal. It is 100% Sound Blaster Pro compatible with what I've thrown […]
Show full quote

Intel486dx33 wrote:

What ISA sound card do you think offers the best clarity and audio experience ?

So far, from my investigations the ESS Audiodrive ES688 is ideal.
It is 100% Sound Blaster Pro compatible with what I've thrown at it, has a real Yamaha OPL3 synth, supports ADPCM samples and uses a sliding low pass filter (unlike the fixed freq on the SB Pro) so it sounds clearer.
Oh, and it has a line-out and speaker out.

hmmm I tested an 688 card with Duke Nukem 2 and after a while the sfx stop and the machine freezes - tested 2 different systems that work fine with the game using a CT1600. Am I missing something?
My card is this one:

I will also try your mixer first chance I get, thanks for sharing!

I also second that as well, or the ESS ES1688F since it can be switched between Sound Blaster DSP 2.01 and Sound Blaster Pro DSP 3.01 for the Sound Blaster emulation.

The card you have is almost similar to the one I have (I have the ES1688f).

I noticed DS0 doesn't have a jumper on there. Add a jumper to that and change the IRQ from 7 to 5 (IS1 = Open, IS0 = Close).

keropi wrote:

hmmm I tested an 688 card with Duke Nukem 2 and after a while the sfx stop and the machine freezes - tested 2 different systems that work fine with the game using a CT1600. Am I missing something?

Interesting. I'll have to try it.

Btw, my app will only be able to control the hardware filters on a TRUE Sound Blaster Pro.
Not a compatible card, not an SB16 or newer, nor a classic Sound Blaster 1.xx or 2.xx.

bjwil1991 wrote:

I also second that as well, or the ESS ES1688F since it can be switched between Sound Blaster DSP 2.01 and Sound Blaster Pro DSP 3.01 for the Sound Blaster emulation.

The card you have is almost similar to the one I have (I have the ES1688f).

I noticed DS0 doesn't have a jumper on there. Add a jumper to that and change the IRQ from 7 to 5 (IS1 = Open, IS0 = Close).

the foto's angle tricks the eye, the card is configured for IRQ5 : IS1:open , IS0:closed
It was quite a bummer, at first all seem OK but after a while it seems the dsp goes out of sync or something and just crashes 😵

keropi wrote:

bjwil1991 wrote:

I also second that as well, or the ESS ES1688F since it can be switched between Sound Blaster DSP 2.01 and Sound Blaster Pro DSP 3.01 for the Sound Blaster emulation.

The card you have is almost similar to the one I have (I have the ES1688f).

I noticed DS0 doesn't have a jumper on there. Add a jumper to that and change the IRQ from 7 to 5 (IS1 = Open, IS0 = Close).

the foto's angle tricks the eye, the card is configured for IRQ5 : IS1:open , IS0:closed
It was quite a bummer, at first all seem OK but after a while it seems the dsp goes out of sync or something and just crashes 😵

What about the DMA? It's set to none, or are my eyes deceiving me again? Try setting the DMA to 1 and it might work since the SFX uses the DMA.

it's the weird angle, I've drawn some lines now - DMA is set to 1
I got confused too looking at the pic as well 🤣