First post, by mil
Hi.
(sorry for the long post)
I have been lurking around here for some time, and have been bitten (more like re-bitten) by the retro bug... thanks a lot Mau1wurf1977 😉
Recently I have been thinking about building/rebuilding the following two systems, and I could use some advice.
Mostly about the GUS and if the amount of sound cards is in any way realistic (IRQs, etc).
I do not need all of them to work at the same time, but would like to be able to switch between them without removing any cards. I will of cause add and test them one at a time over an extended period to test each before adding more cards. I will maybe try my hand at doing some recordings (I have little to no experience in this area).
IBM PS/1 486 system
Machine/Motherboard: IBM PS/1 2168 (8xISA) (can't remember the specific model)
486-DX4 100 @75Mhz
On board: Cirrus Logic 5430
RAM: 64MB (currently, will leave it unless it causes issues)
Storage: Currently a 249MB IDE drive (I also have a bunch of different CF to IDE adapters). 3.5" Floppy.
ISA: HardMPU
ISA: Sound Blaster 1.0/1.5/2.0 with CMS
ISA: Sound Blaster Pro 2
ISA: Gravis Ultrasound? (which model/version?)
ISA: Sound Blaster AWE64 (non Gold) (maybe, probably not, first to go in case of issues)
MIDI: Roland MT-32 (old) + Roland CM-32L + Roland SC-55 + Yamaha MU90R (all connected together with an MOTU MIDI express)
LPT: Disney Sound Source or OPL2LPT
Mixer: Behringer Eurorack Pro RX1602
OS: DOS 6.22 / Win 3.11
Super Socket 7 system
Machine/Motherboard: Asus P5A (2xISA) (AOpen white/blue case)
(I got this system from vogons user brostenen with a Matrox G400 and an AWE64 (non-Gold), and I have been very happy with it)
CPU: K6-III+ 450Mhz (currently K6-II 500 Mhz, I think)
RAM: 384MB (currently 128MB)
Storage: I have a bunch of IDE drives (currently some 8.4 GB IDE drive, I think). 3.5" Floppy.
AGP: Matrox G400 Max (currently).
- Else: TNT2 Ultra, Quadro2 Pro, Voodoo 5 5500, PowerVR Kyro II, ATI Rage Fury MAXX, XGI Volari V3, or something else. I have many cards to choose from, and I may decide to prioritize DOS compatibility (scrolling, etc.)
ISA: Yamaha Audician 32
ISA: Sound Blaster AWE64 Gold
PCI: Aureal Vortex2 (Rev. B0) SQ2500
PCI: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
PCI: 2 x Orchid Voodoo 2 (12MB) (unless i choose the V5)
PCI: (Maybe) a SCSI card connected to a Fibre Channel router/bridge connected to a SAN. (I will make another post about why if anyone is curious)
MIDI: Roland MT-32 (old) + Roland CM-32L + Roland SC-88 + Yamaha MU128
LPT: OPL2LPT or Covox Speech Thing
Mixer: Behringer Eurorack Pro RX1602
OS: Windows 98 SE, DOS 6.22 or DOS-mode.
Outstanding issues...
Gravis Ultrasound
I need to decide what GUS I am going to get (hunt down/buy).
Here I am thinking about trying to reduce conflicts and maximize compatibility. I do not care about any SB compatibility and stuff like that.
I have no experience with these cards.
I care about gaming (DOS) and maybe playing with trackers and demos.
After hearing how Settlers sounds with the GUS ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHSNlysy3Hk ), I knew I needed one 😀
Sound Blaster 1.0/1.5/2.0 with CMS
I used to have a 1.0 or 1.5, but I can not find it. I do have some Philips SAA1099 chips. I will see what I can find on ebay, etc.
OPL2LPT
I just need to solder and test these. I will probably use them in some of my older laptops most of the time. But I will also test them on these systems.
Matrox G400 Max
Works, but is very loud.
I am waiting for a 5V fan and some JST PHR-3 cables with connectors 1.25mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm (all variants that I could find, not sure which one is needed and they are good to have)
Other AGP cards
Verify AGP voltage before using/testing any of them.
Power supplies
I need to check them for bad caps before I put in any more of that lovely hardware.
MIDI module batteries
Check Roland CM-32L's, possibly other modules for internal battery leakage.
Missing pieces
I already have all the hardware except for:
The second Behringer Eurorack Pro RX1602 mixer (or maybe one with more channels and use it for the IBM PS/1)
A second MIDI patch bay of some kind (preferably also one that can be controlled/configured with SysEx like the MOTU, though I have not tested this yet).
Covox Speech Thing (I will probably build one, maybe from a kit).
HardMPU (on it's way)
The second Roland MT-32 (old) (on it's way)
I also have an itch to try and find a Korg NS5R or NX5R. But I am trying to constrain myself... not doing well so far 😀
Note: It may be unrealistic to have all those cards in the systems at once. But I will try to see how much will be possible and then adjust my plan as necessary.
Any advice or feedback would be welcome.