First post, by bjt
- Rank
- Oldbie
I'd like to improve the SoftMPU compatibility list (http://github.com/bjt42/softmpu/wiki). However, I only own a SB16, YMF718, and a handful of games that use intelligent mode MPU.
Update 22/10/2013 - All known intelligent-mode games are tested and working. Let me know if you find any others!
On the hardware side, I'd like to test compatibility with other genuine Sound Blasters and the various clones (e.g. Aztech, Crystal, ESS, Analog Devices).
Update 20/05/2014 - Most sound chipsets are tested and working. The following are still to be tested:
- Sound Blaster 1.0/2.0
- Pro Audio Spectrum
- Ensoniq Soundscape (Any)
- PCI soundcards
Some weird and wonderful setups are possible with SoftMPU, as the Sound Blaster and MPU don't even have to be on the same card (SB Live + RAP-10 MPU, anyone?).
If anyone fancies helping out, here's some hints for testing. SoftMPU can be downloaded here: http://bjt42.github.io/softmpu. It's not essential to have a real MT-32/CM-32L for these tests, as long as you have some sort of MIDI device, either built-in wavetable or external.
Game Testing
Ideally, your soundcard can be configured to run on IRQ2 or 9, as many games expect to find the MPU interface there. YMF71x cards support IRQ9, I'm sure there are others too. Testing with other IRQs is still useful, as many other games allow a user-specified IRQ or don't use interrupts.
Confirm there's no music without SoftMPU loaded.
Is there music with SoftMPU loaded (SB on IRQ2/9 if available)?
Is there music with SoftMPU loaded (SB on IRQ5 or 7)?
Does the game allow a user-specified IRQ?
Does the game produce buffer overflows on a Rev.0 MT-32?
Sound Card Testing
You will need a game that's already on the compatibility list. Ideally, you would use a game that requires MPU interrupts to test the sound card. Laser Squad is a good one because it allows a user-specified IRQ.
Confirm there's no music without SoftMPU loaded.
Does SoftMPU detect and initialise the card successfully?
Is there music with SoftMPU loaded?
Does the card support IRQ2 or 9?
Thanks to anyone who wants to help out 😀 Please post your results here and I'll update the list.