How about the Roland LAPC-I (1989)? I know it's just an ISA version of the MT-32, but still.....

I'm guessing "wavetable" = sample based synthesis or ROMpler in this case.

The LAPC-I technically counts as it uses ROM based samples are part of its synthesis. On a related note, the first home computer with built in sample based synthesis is likely the Apple IIgs. The other systems of the era had simple DACs.

True wavetable is something different: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavetable_synthesis

LAPC-I is using a somewhat different engine, partially synthesis, partially samples.

And yes, what is called wavetable is not wavetable in the first place. But I think there are no true wavetable PC soundcards and there barely will be any mess related to it.

I had to create a profile just to respond to this (now ancient) topic!

If I recall correctly, I had the OmniLabs AudioMaster sound board. I was in the market for a sound card after saving my pennies, and I found an ad in the Computer Shopper magazine that had a 1-800 number to call to listen to comparisons of the AudioMaster with other cards on the market. I must've spent hours listening to that phone system... And when it arrived, I had SO much FUN! I had never had anything that wasn't pure synth handling my MIDI playback.

I went back and played all of my Sierra Games first, then started digging through all my files for more MIDI. (Incidentally, this card also got me interested in the similar but different MOD format for music. Here's a throwback very few might remember: https://modarchive.org/module.php?42567)

Boy! Those were some golden days, perusing the BBSes, digging through shareware bins and later scouring the included CD's from the back of PC magazines. There was so much fun stuff to be had that never really saw the light of day otherwise.

Thanks for making this post that led me here!