Reply 1 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 2 of 30, by Stojke
Reply 3 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 4 of 30, by Stojke
Reply 5 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 6 of 30, by keropi
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- l33t++
mauwurf has a video with some games that only sound correctly with a rev1 MT-32 , some sierra games IIRC so if you are into them then it's a no-brainer really
Reply 7 of 30, by Stojke
Reply 8 of 30, by Mau1wurf1977
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- l33t++
There are quite a few differences, but for games you really want the MT-32 (Old).
A lot of Sierra and Dynamix games created custom sounds that sound wrong on the MT-32 (New).
The MT-32 (New) has less noise and therefore will sound a bit different. It also works with games that send MIDI data too fast, but it doesn't have 33 extra sound effects of the CM series and LAPC-I.
IMO the MT-32 (Old) you are looking at is the better buy. Later you can add a CM-32L and then you are set.
Reply 9 of 30, by Stojke
Reply 10 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 11 of 30, by noshutdown
i had one mt32(old) but i rarely use it. its not really GM compatible so it doesn't play midi files right, all that can work with it are dos games, and i have only one motherboard(bx) with isa slot that allows dos games to run with sound.
Reply 12 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 13 of 30, by vetz
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- l33t
wrote:Most activity here appears to be around Pentium II and even later. For me nostalgia is the 80286 to 80486 (& limited Pentium 1). Different people: different interests. 😀
The new stuff is just all the 486 guys runnning out of stuff to buy for their 486s. When they are tired of their new toys the discussions will go back to 486 and Pentium 1.
Reply 14 of 30, by sliderider
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- l33t++
wrote:MK1: original MT-32. Most common: very many made. Extremely common in the US and pretty cheap. No large / mini headphone jack. R […]
MK1: original MT-32. Most common: very many made. Extremely common in the US and pretty cheap. No large / mini headphone jack. Roland issue.
MK2: revised MT-32. Rare. Mini headphone jack. Roland issue.
Modifed: very rare. No idea: never had one. Not Roland issue.
From the MT-32 wiki entry.
"Sound quality problems
Given the MT-32 was intended to be a relatively low-cost prosumer product, many corners were cut in the design of its DAC output. For example the circuitry needed to properly calibrate the DACs was omitted, resulting in distortion of the analog signal.
Despite having the capabilities of a professional synth module, the noisy output of the MT-32 caused it to be generally considered unsuitable for professional studio use, however an aftermarket modification was available from Real World Interfaces to improve the MT-32's sound quality and generally increase its suitability for professional use."
So modded MT-32's would most likely have this mod for cleaning up the signal. I've seen them with and without this mod for sale with no appreciable difference in price despite the modded ones being harder to find.
Reply 15 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 16 of 30, by Stojke
Reply 17 of 30, by PeterLI
Reply 18 of 30, by Cloudschatze
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- Oldbie
The early MT-32 units lack the VCA found in the later units, so the analog output stage is "stuck" at a fixed amplification level. Ignoring the other noise-related issues, you really don't need to be an audiophile to hear the resulting, ever-present hiss.
This applies to the Ad Lib MSC as well, if anyone cares.
Reply 19 of 30, by dnewhous
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- Member
Did either version of the MT32 have a MIDI SYNC connection?
Daniel L Newhouse