I can think of one, no more crappy 32 software midi synth channels. I can think of another, even though you can only use 24MB, the SIMMS on the AWE32 allow for much better soundfonts.

I hated my AWE64 for the 8MB limit and never upgraded it, bye the time I could afford to I went to SB Live!

Re: ordering a CT3980 - good choice! This model, to my ears anyway, sounded the best of all the AWEs that I tested (and that includes the AWE64). I think you'll be really happy with it. (In fact, I ordered one too very recently, as a "back up". Perhaps we both bought from the same seller in the US, who has I think over 20 left in stock.)

dh4rm4 wrote:

I can think of one, no more crappy 32 software midi synth channels. I can think of another, even though you can only use 24MB, the SIMMS on the AWE32 allow for much better soundfonts.

I hated my AWE64 for the 8MB limit and never upgraded it, bye the time I could afford to I went to SB Live!

Right on. The extra MBs provide space for better SFs.

retro games 100 wrote:

Re: ordering a CT3980 - good choice! This model, to my ears anyway, sounded the best of all the AWEs that I tested (and that includes the AWE64). I think you'll be really happy with it. (In fact, I ordered one too very recently, as a "back up". Perhaps we both bought from the same seller in the US, who has I think over 20 left in stock.)

Wow. That's good news. Anyway, just received my card. It comes in its original box. Yes, complete with the box, including all the software diskettes still in the factory protective bags. The Vienna software diskettes and other additional software diskettes were still unopened from it's polythene bag! The user has taken good care of the card. It looks very new.

Hehehe...and the "back up" thing is interesting. 😁

It's good to hear at least 2 supporters holding up AWE32 above AWE64!

retro games 100 wrote:

Re: ordering a CT3980 - good choice! This model, to my ears anyway, sounded the best of all the AWEs that I tested (and that includes the AWE64). I think you'll be really happy with it. (In fact, I ordered one too very recently, as a "back up". Perhaps we both bought from the same seller in the US, who has I think over 20 left in stock.)

What's this sellers name?
I'm tempted to get one too 😳

Hiya,

They are on ebay.com, and they are called "ultradrives", and they are based in the US.

The item title description is:

"Creative CT3980 Sound Blaster AWE32 PnP ISA Sound Card"

Item number = 330244315413

Malik, please can you confirm - are these the same sellers where you bought your CT3980 from? Thanks. 😀

retro games 100 wrote:

Malik, please can you confirm - are these the same sellers where you bought your CT3980 from? Thanks.

Uh...no...his ebay id name is "cyberswatt".

Ah! Thanks for the confirmation.

Message to Amigaz - The CT3980 which I bought from the seller called "ultradrives" has not yet arrived. As soon as it does, I'll let you know what's in the box, and what the condition of the card is like.

retro games 100 wrote:

Ah! Thanks for the confirmation.

Message to Amigaz - The CT3980 which I bought from the seller called "ultradrives" has not yet arrived. As soon as it does, I'll let you know what's in the box, and what the condition of the card is like.

Great, thanks 😀

Does this model have a real OPL3 chip?

Amigaz wrote:

Does this model [CT3980] have a real OPL3 chip?

Oh gosh, I don't actually know! 😊

However, Vogons user "Cloudschatze" said this about the CT3990:

"The CT3990 was the first AWE32 to feature Creative's CQM synthesis."

I have tested both the CT3980 & the CT3990. I remember liking the CT3980 more! 😀

OK, got the CT3980. Excellent packaging, card looks like it is new. (I am guessing it's factory refurbished.) Just the card is enclosed. Nothing else.

Photo shows stamps on box, there were LOTS of them, image is just a selection. Don't know admin file size limit, hope 67k is OK. Had to reduce size and quality, looks a bit rubbish I'm afraid - doesn't really do it justice.

Holy Cow!! Looks like you have to go a mile back to take it's full picture!

But sure looks colourful! 😁

Nice stamps 😁

So the card was a refurb?

How much was the shipping?

The shipping was US$ 27.50 Now that was for first class international. I got 2 cards. The other card is a back up for the first card, which is a back up for the one in use. (Did I tell you I was mad?) 🤣 I asked the seller "ultradrives" if I could go for this cheaper shipping option, rather than Priority. They kindly agreed. The cards were enclosed in anti-static wrappers and then wrapped in BIG bubblewrap, and both cards were put in a fairly large cardboard box, with lots of "packing chips". Good job.

I'm guessing they are refurbished. There's not a fleck of dust on them. Perhaps they are brand new, but I cannot be sure.

Now to cut out my colourful stamps, and hang them on the wall! Make a nice picture! 😀

The stamps are awesome! Almost makes me want to get a full set and frame them.

Wasn't CQM a virtualised surround sound thingamy?

Regarding CQM, I'm afraid I'm a retro techno thicko; perhaps Vogons user "Cloudschatze" would kindly elaborate on this matter?

Just quickly going back to those stamps! ... the chap who stuck them all down on the box did them individually! They're not from a sheet or anything. One at a time! Naturally, I emailed the seller and thanked him profusely for his sterling efforts. 😀

retro games 100 wrote:

Regarding CQM, I'm afraid I'm a retro techno thicko; perhaps Vogons user "Cloudschatze" would kindly elaborate on this matter?

Just quickly going back to those stamps! ... the chap who stuck them all down on the box did them individually! They're not from a sheet or anything. One at a time! Naturally, I emailed the seller and thanked him profusely for his sterling efforts. 😀

I think you may have lucked out, the 3980 uses Creative's OPL clone chip, which does by all reports sound identical to the Yamaha OPL3. It also has S/PDIF capabilities for pure digital sound. You need not worry about CQM crap.

Great Hierophant wrote:

I think you may have lucked out, the 3980 uses Creative's OPL clone chip, which does by all reports sound identical to the Yamaha OPL3. It also has S/PDIF capabilities for pure digital sound. You need not worry about CQM crap.

Somebody can explain for me finally - what REAL difference between authentic YMF chip and itegrated CQM emulation? And what the hell is it - "Creative's OPL clone chip"? And how it looks on PCB? Where that chips? (OPL clone and CQM). I always think in all SB cards exist only two FM synthesizers - original YMFxxx and new CQM.
I have CT1600 with YMF chip, CT2760, CT3900, CT3980, CT3990, CT4380, CT4390, CT4500, CT4520 and i didn't note any difference in FM sound. I deaf? 😦

Somebody got CQM/OPL recordings for comparison? Otherwise I'll create some tomorrow...

Malik wrote:

Is there ANY substantial reason to revert back to an AWE32 from an AWE64, in terms of the AWE32's features or advantages?

Two words: daughter card. AWE64 doesn't allow you to add MIDI daughter card like DB50XG or SCD-15.

Yes, AWE32 has "crappy 32 software synth channels", but AWE GM pretty much sucks anyway (except if you're using SoundFonts). My SW60XG eats my AWE64 Gold for breakfast when it goes to GM.

retro games 100 wrote:

Photo shows stamps on box, there were LOTS of them, image is just a selection. Don't know admin file size limit, hope 67k is OK. Had to reduce size and quality, looks a bit rubbish I'm afraid - doesn't really do it justice.

Wait.

You bought an AWE32, and you also got an assortment of DC Comics stamps?

Lucky bastard. 🙁 😉