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Reply 400 of 420, by d3vilsadvocate

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Thanks for the input so far

Will try to downclock the CPU tonight. Also ordered another soundcard just to be sure it’s not defective.

The binaries can be downloaded btw:
https://github.com/gmcn42/mt32-pi-control/releases

Reply 401 of 420, by d3vilsadvocate

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kalgon wrote on 2023-02-28, 06:02:
SScorpio wrote on 2023-02-27, 22:08:

There's a command line utility I can't find at the moment. It lets you switch MT32 revision or Fluidsynth SoundFonts by sending MIDI messages. This also forces a reload of the MT32 Pi software which might let you stop it without doing a full shutdown.

I suppose this is the utility you were talking about:
https://github.com/gmcn42/mt32-pi-control

I tried like all the commands imaginable in this program and nothing at all happens. The cacophony just keeps on playing. I can't even use the reset command...

I also tried MOSLO with a midi-based game and at 10% the speed it made no difference whatsoever. As soon as a midi sound is being played, the cacophony happens.

I don't think it's related to the speed of the PC or else there would be other users of the McCake that would have noticed that by now, no?

Reply 402 of 420, by d3vilsadvocate

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FYI: I switched out the YAMAHA soundcard with another 719 model and now the McCake works just fine, no more cacophony! So happy now. My comp needs 2 more fixes and I can finally call it complete 😀

Reply 403 of 420, by Wouter

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d3vilsadvocate wrote on 2023-02-26, 14:58:
Hey, could someone provide some support with the McCake? […]
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Hey, could someone provide some support with the McCake?

I installed mine on a YMF719E-S Yamaha soundcard. If I setup a game to use it as a midi device and then test it, it might work for a short while. But then it starts going crazy by playing random sounds all the time (it sounds like an orchestra warming up...), even while the PC is rebooting.

Am I doing something wrong? Is it broken? Or not compatible with this soundcard?

EDIT: I switched out the YAMAHA soundcard with another 719 model and now the McCake works just fine. So happy now. My comp needs 2 more fixes and I can finally call it complete 😀

I had this same problem on a Pentium MMX 233 with an Aztech 2320 based card. I checked the MIDI IN pin with an oscilloscope, and it had full amplitude high frequency noise on it. My hypothesis was that the level converter on the WP32 could not handle the high capacitance on the MIDI IN line of the sound card, so I added an AC terminator (series capacitor and resistor) between MIDI IN and GND. Now it works perfectly.

However, I am not an electronics engineer, so I don’t know the actual cause. Simply touching the pin with a probe would sometimes also remove the noise.

Reply 404 of 420, by appiah4

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Wouter wrote on 2023-03-10, 02:41:
d3vilsadvocate wrote on 2023-02-26, 14:58:
Hey, could someone provide some support with the McCake? […]
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Hey, could someone provide some support with the McCake?

I installed mine on a YMF719E-S Yamaha soundcard. If I setup a game to use it as a midi device and then test it, it might work for a short while. But then it starts going crazy by playing random sounds all the time (it sounds like an orchestra warming up...), even while the PC is rebooting.

Am I doing something wrong? Is it broken? Or not compatible with this soundcard?

EDIT: I switched out the YAMAHA soundcard with another 719 model and now the McCake works just fine. So happy now. My comp needs 2 more fixes and I can finally call it complete 😀

I had this same problem on a Pentium MMX 233 with an Aztech 2320 based card. I checked the MIDI IN pin with an oscilloscope, and it had full amplitude high frequency noise on it. My hypothesis was that the level converter on the WP32 could not handle the high capacitance on the MIDI IN line of the sound card, so I added an AC terminator (series capacitor and resistor) between MIDI IN and GND. Now it works perfectly.

However, I am not an electronics engineer, so I don’t know the actual cause. Simply touching the pin with a probe would sometimes also remove the noise.

That is very interesting.. I wonder why this might be an issue with McCake and not normal daughterboards.. Sounds like the Rpi module is sensitive to the noise moreso than real hardware; maybe it's a MUNT issue?

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Reply 406 of 420, by DesktopDynamite

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Hello,

I would like to setup 3x sound cards based in the following specs:

Mobo: ASUS P3B-F v1.04 Intel 440BX motherboard Slot 1 [2x ISA slot variant]

CPU: PENTIUM III 500Mhz SL37D

Graphics AGP: MEDION MSI GeFORCE4 TI 4200 128MB DDR SDRAM AGP

Graphics PCI: Voodoo 3 2000 PCI

Soundcard PCI: Yamaha YMF724-V AC-XG

Soundcard ISA: Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE64 value CT4520.

Case: InWin H500 desktop case

Current OS = Win98SE, but intend to use MS-DOS later on]

Currently both sound card have been installed, and since I like the sounds of the Yamaha I decided to set it as the default, hence had to fiddle with IRQ settings and changed IRQ, DMA etc with those of the Creative 64.

Now, regarding the 3rd sound card I am intending to use the WP32 MCCAKE with a raspberry pi.

Question 1:
Which raspberry pi model is recommended that does the job ?

Question 2:
Would it be possible to use music from WP32 MCCAKE. and Sound Fx from Creative AWE64 for example ? And if so, should I get some type of KVM switch with audio [3.5 jack] to output SFX and Music through the same set of speakers ?

Question 3:
How can I set the WP32 McCake parts, I would like to put it inside the 5.25 drive bay enclosure, is that possible ? Serge from Serdaco already sent me this info but am confused.
"hi
you will need a waveblaster header on one of your soundcards
then mccake can be used in combination
-->please check your Creative AWE64 ISA, and Yamaha YMF-724 PCI if one of them has the waveblaster header
if not you could add a 3rd card, mpu card for mccake. (i can refer you to the right person to get this with mccake)

best regards
Serge"

Sorry to bombard you here with these questions. Am still learning and grasping ideas from various posts etc, coming from Amiga computers background here.

Thanks in advance!

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Reply 407 of 420, by Matchstick

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DesktopDynamite wrote on 2023-03-19, 23:35:
Question 1: Which raspberry pi model is recommended that does the job ? […]
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Question 1:
Which raspberry pi model is recommended that does the job ?

Question 2:
Would it be possible to use music from WP32 MCCAKE. and Sound Fx from Creative AWE64 for example ? And if so, should I get some type of KVM switch with audio [3.5 jack] to output SFX and Music through the same set of speakers ?

Question 3:
How can I set the WP32 McCake parts, I would like to put it inside the 5.25 drive bay enclosure, is that possible ? Serge from Serdaco already sent me this info but am confused.
"hi
you will need a waveblaster header on one of your soundcards
then mccake can be used in combination
-->please check your Creative AWE64 ISA, and Yamaha YMF-724 PCI if one of them has the waveblaster header
if not you could add a 3rd card, mpu card for mccake. (i can refer you to the right person to get this with mccake)

1) You need a Raspberry Pi CM4 "Compute Module".
2) Can't answer because of 3)
3) Neither of the cards you are using have a wavetable header. The WP32 MCCAKE is not a stand alone internal device. It has to plug into a sound card that has a wavetable header. So if you want to do this you need a 3rd sound card for it. Otherwise replace one of the two you have.
But honestly I do not see any reason to do this. it's completely overkill and is going to be a resource and compatibility nightmare.

If you are intent on using those 2 cards, then it would be better to use the MT32L which is basically the external version of the WP32 McCake
Otherwise I would go for the MK8330 modern reproduction card, for the most overall use cases and toss out those 2 cards. http://www.pcmidi.eu/mk8330.html

Reply 408 of 420, by Jo22

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^Cool card, thanks for the link. I've wrote about CMI's long ago, so this interests me. ^^
It would be perfect, if it had an extra MPU-401 integrated based on the Music Quest design..

"Time, it seems, doesn't flow. For some it's fast, for some it's slow.
In what to one race is no time at all, another race can rise and fall..." - The Minstrel

//My video channel//

Reply 409 of 420, by DesktopDynamite

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Matchstick wrote on 2023-03-20, 00:47:
1) You need a Raspberry Pi CM4 "Compute Module". 2) Can't answer because of 3) 3) Neither of the cards you are using have a w […]
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DesktopDynamite wrote on 2023-03-19, 23:35:
Question 1: Which raspberry pi model is recommended that does the job ? […]
Show full quote

Question 1:
Which raspberry pi model is recommended that does the job ?

Question 2:
Would it be possible to use music from WP32 MCCAKE. and Sound Fx from Creative AWE64 for example ? And if so, should I get some type of KVM switch with audio [3.5 jack] to output SFX and Music through the same set of speakers ?

Question 3:
How can I set the WP32 McCake parts, I would like to put it inside the 5.25 drive bay enclosure, is that possible ? Serge from Serdaco already sent me this info but am confused.
"hi
you will need a waveblaster header on one of your soundcards
then mccake can be used in combination
-->please check your Creative AWE64 ISA, and Yamaha YMF-724 PCI if one of them has the waveblaster header
if not you could add a 3rd card, mpu card for mccake. (i can refer you to the right person to get this with mccake)

1) You need a Raspberry Pi CM4 "Compute Module".
2) Can't answer because of 3)
3) Neither of the cards you are using have a wavetable header. The WP32 MCCAKE is not a stand alone internal device. It has to plug into a sound card that has a wavetable header. So if you want to do this you need a 3rd sound card for it. Otherwise replace one of the two you have.
But honestly I do not see any reason to do this. it's completely overkill and is going to be a resource and compatibility nightmare.

If you are intent on using those 2 cards, then it would be better to use the MT32L which is basically the external version of the WP32 McCake
Otherwise I would go for the MK8330 modern reproduction card, for the most overall use cases and toss out those 2 cards. http://www.pcmidi.eu/mk8330.html

Thanks for your suggestion and advice.
My goal is to ultimately have some kind of MT-32 emulation, and correct me if I'm wrong, not all DOS and Win98 games support MT-32 sound, right ? Hence I need at least one of the cards plugged in.

So if I understood correctly, the MT32L can be only installed externally due to it needs to be connected to the MIDI/Gameport of the sound card?

And lastly, coincidentally I stumbled upon this video, Orpheus I + Dreamblaster X2 https://youtu.be/9swHDYrB7Cc

What is your opinion if I ditch both my current soundcards, which one do you recommend for me, The Orpheus 1 or MK8330 ? If I understood correctly the MK8330 is cut down price version of the Orpheus card.

Reply 410 of 420, by Matchstick

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DesktopDynamite wrote on 2023-03-20, 01:23:
Thanks for your suggestion and advice. My goal is to ultimately have some kind of MT-32 emulation, and correct me if I'm wrong, […]
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Thanks for your suggestion and advice.
My goal is to ultimately have some kind of MT-32 emulation, and correct me if I'm wrong, not all DOS and Win98 games support MT-32 sound, right ? Hence I need at least one of the cards plugged in.

So if I understood correctly, the MT32L can be only installed externally due to it needs to be connected to the MIDI/Gameport of the sound card?

And lastly, coincidentally I stumbled upon this video, Orpheus I + Dreamblaster X2 https://youtu.be/9swHDYrB7Cc

What is your opinion if I ditch both my current soundcards, which one do you recommend for me, The Orpheus 1 or MK8330 ? If I understood correctly the MK8330 is cut down price version of the Orpheus card.

Correct on both accounts.

Orpheus and the MK8330 are both valid choices. I would not say the MK8330 it is a cut down version, it is more of an alternative, they are based on different sound chips that were competitors at one time.
Orpheus 2 (1 was retired) is a SB/SB-PRO/Adlib/WSS/Descrete OPL3 card based on the Crystal CS4237B
MK8330 is a SB/16/SB-PRO/Adlib/WSS/1:1 Clone OPL3 card based on the CMI8330

The MK8330 is half the price with basically the same features and compatibility, so that would be my direction (I have a real CMI8330 card with a WP32 McCake myself).

Reply 411 of 420, by DesktopDynamite

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Hello again,

I have been in contact with serda.com and would like to install the WP32 McCake for my build, BUT since both of my sound cards don't have the Wave blaster header, he first suggested to go for the MP32L [externally] but still, after replying he suggested to go with the WP32 McCake and I would like to install it internally inside a 5.25 as seen in many builds here [Show us your custom Physical mt32-pi Builds] .

In my Pentium III rig I have the following 2x sound cards; The AWE64 Value CT4520 and the Yamaha YMF-724V [attached]

He then suggested the following;

" DB15 connector at the back of your pc outputs MIDI TTL signal so i think you only need to connect 2 wires to mccake (MIDI SIGNAL + GROUND)
and then also the audio signal back to your soundcard (probably you have a header for cd in or something on your soundcard)"

The above method is also suggested since the mobo is an Asus P3B-F v1.04 and does not have any USB headers to power up the MT32L...

I am able to solder, but before I opt to buy the WP32 McCake I need a clear pinout and understanding of what stuff would I need to solder, such as dupont wires etc.

Thanks in advance!

Reply 412 of 420, by SScorpio

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The McCake is the wrong product for you. The MP32L is really what you should get.

But here's the GamePort pinout https://old.pinouts.ru/Audio-Video-Hardware/p … le_pinout.shtml

And I believe this should be the pinout off the McCake. https://www.epanorama.net/documents/pc/waveblaster.html

The Chill V would also make the McCake external. You'd still need a gameport to MIDI cable. https://www.serdashop.com/CHiLL3

Reply 413 of 420, by DesktopDynamite

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SScorpio wrote on 2023-03-25, 01:00:
The McCake is the wrong product for you. The MP32L is really what you should get. […]
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The McCake is the wrong product for you. The MP32L is really what you should get.

But here's the GamePort pinout https://old.pinouts.ru/Audio-Video-Hardware/p … le_pinout.shtml

And I believe this should be the pinout off the McCake. https://www.epanorama.net/documents/pc/waveblaster.html

The Chill V would also make the McCake external. You'd still need a gameport to MIDI cable. https://www.serdashop.com/CHiLL3

Hi,

The reply of Serdaco was as follows;
" allright, then i think you could make a small elegant cable and connect to mccake with panel
the DB15 connector at the back of your pc outputs MIDI TTL signal so i think
you only need to connect 2 wires to mccake (MIDI SIGNAL + GROUND)
and then also the audio signal back to your soundcard (probably you have a header for cd in or something on your soundcard)
so i think you can wire up mccake to use internally, and have minimal cables, it could be elegant
do you get the idea ? "

Then he gave me the links with the pinout, one of them is the one you suggested "https://www.epanorama.net/documents/pc/waveblaster.html"

Reply 414 of 420, by dreamblaster

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Hi yes both MP32L and Mccake can be used inside a PC.
MP32L has a footprint for pin headers on the pcb, so you can also add a cable to a panel.
By the way, I had new panels printed some time ago, now updating the pictures !

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Visit http://www.serdashop.com for retro sound cards, video converters, ...
DreamBlaster X2, S2, S2P, HDD Clicker, ... many projects !
New X2GS SE & X16GS sound card : https://www.serdashop.com/X2GS-SE ,
Thanks for your support !

Reply 415 of 420, by dreamblaster

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WP32 McCake demo/review by pc-sound-legacy : https://youtu.be/qs4Pw2bHatM

Visit http://www.serdashop.com for retro sound cards, video converters, ...
DreamBlaster X2, S2, S2P, HDD Clicker, ... many projects !
New X2GS SE & X16GS sound card : https://www.serdashop.com/X2GS-SE ,
Thanks for your support !

Reply 417 of 420, by megatron-uk

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Does anyone have the measurements of a McCake board?

Specifically looking for the depth from waveblaster header to the edge closest to the ISA connector.

I have a couple of ESS 1868F boards which I would like to use as a host, but they are quite 'thin' compared to something like an SB Pro/SB16 and suspect fitting a McCake may be wider than the card itself.

My collection database and technical wiki:
https://www.target-earth.net

Reply 418 of 420, by keropi

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megatron-uk wrote on 2024-02-21, 09:00:

Does anyone have the measurements of a McCake board?

Specifically looking for the depth from waveblaster header to the edge closest to the ISA connector.

I have a couple of ESS 1868F boards which I would like to use as a host, but they are quite 'thin' compared to something like an SB Pro/SB16 and suspect fitting a McCake may be wider than the card itself.

is this what you are looking for?
seems to be ~5.5cm

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🎵 🎧 PCMIDI MPU , OrpheusII , Action Rewind , Megacard and 🎶GoldLib soundcard website

Reply 419 of 420, by megatron-uk

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Perfect, yes.

That should fit nicely on the larger of the two 1868 cards I have:

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My collection database and technical wiki:
https://www.target-earth.net