The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC for DOS sound is:

-AWE64 configured via UNISOUND to use Port 220, IRQ 7, DMA 3, HDMA 5, MIDI port 330 line-out goes to speakers/headphones

-PicoGUS configured to use Port 240, IRQ 5, DMA 1, MIDI Port 320, sound output goes to line-in on AWE64

This way I can use the AWE64 as a Sound Blaster card, and the PicoGUS becomes either a MPU-401 (in my case with a X2GS from Serdaco) or a GUS depending on what my mood is. In your case, you could use the PicoGUS as a MPU-401 device and then put the MT-32 output into the line-in on your AWE32. If you want to use your PicoGUS as a GUS, then you'll need to swap the audio cable leading to the AWE32's line input from the MT-32 to the PicoGUS .

Let me know if you need any clarification on this idea!

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 14:50:

The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC […]
Show full quote

The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC for DOS sound is:

-AWE64 configured via UNISOUND to use Port 220, IRQ 7, DMA 3, HDMA 5, MIDI port 330 line-out goes to speakers/headphones

-PicoGUS configured to use Port 240, IRQ 5, DMA 1, MIDI Port 320, sound output goes to line-in on AWE64

This way I can use the AWE64 as a Sound Blaster card, and the PicoGUS becomes either a MPU-401 (in my case with a X2GS from Serdaco) or a GUS depending on what my mood is. In your case, you could use the PicoGUS as a MPU-401 device and then put the MT-32 output into the line-in on your AWE32. If you want to use your PicoGUS as a GUS, then you'll need to swap the audio cable leading to the AWE32's line input from the MT-32 to the PicoGUS .

Let me know if you need any clarification on this idea!

I didn't think the PicoGUS had the port to plug the MT-32 in. I thought you needed a MPU-401 device inbetween? Right now I plug my MT-32 into the game port on my AWE32. Can you just plug the MT-32 directly into the PicoGUS with some sort of adapter cable?

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-20, 15:59:

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 14:50:

The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC […]
Show full quote

The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC for DOS sound is:

-AWE64 configured via UNISOUND to use Port 220, IRQ 7, DMA 3, HDMA 5, MIDI port 330 line-out goes to speakers/headphones

-PicoGUS configured to use Port 240, IRQ 5, DMA 1, MIDI Port 320, sound output goes to line-in on AWE64

This way I can use the AWE64 as a Sound Blaster card, and the PicoGUS becomes either a MPU-401 (in my case with a X2GS from Serdaco) or a GUS depending on what my mood is. In your case, you could use the PicoGUS as a MPU-401 device and then put the MT-32 output into the line-in on your AWE32. If you want to use your PicoGUS as a GUS, then you'll need to swap the audio cable leading to the AWE32's line input from the MT-32 to the PicoGUS .

Let me know if you need any clarification on this idea!

I didn't think the PicoGUS had the port to plug the MT-32 in. I thought you needed a MPU-401 device inbetween? Right now I plug my MT-32 into the game port on my AWE32. Can you just plug the MT-32 directly into the PicoGUS with some sort of adapter cable?

The PicoGUS 2.0 comes with an adapter to hook up any external MIDI device to one of the two 3.5 mm outputs on it (the other is for audio output). If your MT-32 is working fine for you right now, then you don't need a PicoGUS as a MIDI device and can continue running it into the line-in on your sound card; I just like to have a PicoGUS since I play a few games that don't work properly with a Sound Blaster MPU-401 implementation, TIE Fighter in particular.

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 17:03:

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-20, 15:59:

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 14:50:

The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC […]
Show full quote

The PicoGUS can interface with a MT-32; it just needs to be set to MPU-401 Intelligent Mode. The setup that I use on my retro PC for DOS sound is:

-AWE64 configured via UNISOUND to use Port 220, IRQ 7, DMA 3, HDMA 5, MIDI port 330 line-out goes to speakers/headphones

-PicoGUS configured to use Port 240, IRQ 5, DMA 1, MIDI Port 320, sound output goes to line-in on AWE64

This way I can use the AWE64 as a Sound Blaster card, and the PicoGUS becomes either a MPU-401 (in my case with a X2GS from Serdaco) or a GUS depending on what my mood is. In your case, you could use the PicoGUS as a MPU-401 device and then put the MT-32 output into the line-in on your AWE32. If you want to use your PicoGUS as a GUS, then you'll need to swap the audio cable leading to the AWE32's line input from the MT-32 to the PicoGUS .

Let me know if you need any clarification on this idea!

I didn't think the PicoGUS had the port to plug the MT-32 in. I thought you needed a MPU-401 device inbetween? Right now I plug my MT-32 into the game port on my AWE32. Can you just plug the MT-32 directly into the PicoGUS with some sort of adapter cable?

The PicoGUS 2.0 comes with an adapter to hook up any external MIDI device to one of the two 3.5 mm outputs on it (the other is for audio output). If your MT-32 is working fine for you right now, then you don't need a PicoGUS as a MIDI device and can continue running it into the line-in on your sound card; I just like to have a PicoGUS since I play a few games that don't work properly with a Sound Blaster MPU-401 implementation, TIE Fighter in particular.

Well I'm thinking about using a different card than the AWE32 in my 486 because other than using it as a MT-32 interface I think it's probably wasted in there. So I'd need something to interface with the MT-32 for MT-32 music and something for everything else. Can you do both easily with the PicoGUS?

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-20, 17:06:

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 17:03:

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-20, 15:59:

I didn't think the PicoGUS had the port to plug the MT-32 in. I thought you needed a MPU-401 device inbetween? Right now I plug my MT-32 into the game port on my AWE32. Can you just plug the MT-32 directly into the PicoGUS with some sort of adapter cable?

The PicoGUS 2.0 comes with an adapter to hook up any external MIDI device to one of the two 3.5 mm outputs on it (the other is for audio output). If your MT-32 is working fine for you right now, then you don't need a PicoGUS as a MIDI device and can continue running it into the line-in on your sound card; I just like to have a PicoGUS since I play a few games that don't work properly with a Sound Blaster MPU-401 implementation, TIE Fighter in particular.

Well I'm thinking about using a different card than the AWE32 in my 486 because other than using it as a MT-32 interface I think it's probably wasted in there. So I'd need something to interface with the MT-32 for MT-32 music and something for everything else. Can you do both easily with the PicoGUS?

As of firmware 2.10, the PicoGUS can run in Sound Blaster or GUS mode and a MPU-401 without an IRQ simultaneously. The challenge is that the PicoGUS doesn't have a line input, so it's hard to route the MT-32's output into the sound mix without using an external mixer or a set of speakers with multiple simultaneous inputs.

I disagree that the AWE32 is wasted on a 486 based on my experience; I used an AWE64 on a 486 DX2-66 back in 1998, and it worked very well in that rig. The Windows 3.1 software it came with seemed to be a natural match for the system, and most games that the 486 ran well had either General MIDI or native AWE support. Of course, if you want to put that card in something else, then grabbing something like a Yamaha YMF718 would be a good option for the 486 since it has excellent Sound Blaster compatibility and a genuine OPL3 along with a good MPU-401.

[EDIT]
If you want to know more about what the PicoGUS can do, check out the documentation over at the Github page. 😀

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 20:34:

I disagree that the AWE32 is wasted on a 486 based on my experience; I used an AWE64 on a 486 DX2-66 back in 1998, and it worked very well in that rig. The Windows 3.1 software it came with seemed to be a natural match for the system, and most games that the 486 ran well had either General MIDI or native AWE support. Of course, if you want to put that card in something else, then grabbing something like a Yamaha YMF718 would be a good option for the 486 since it has excellent Sound Blaster compatibility and a genuine OPL3 along with a good MPU-401.

I thought the AWE32 would be better in my MMX 200.

Would a YMF718 be a better choice than the PicoGUS?

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-20, 20:42:

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-20, 20:34:

I disagree that the AWE32 is wasted on a 486 based on my experience; I used an AWE64 on a 486 DX2-66 back in 1998, and it worked very well in that rig. The Windows 3.1 software it came with seemed to be a natural match for the system, and most games that the 486 ran well had either General MIDI or native AWE support. Of course, if you want to put that card in something else, then grabbing something like a Yamaha YMF718 would be a good option for the 486 since it has excellent Sound Blaster compatibility and a genuine OPL3 along with a good MPU-401.

I thought the AWE32 would be better in my MMX 200.

Would a YMF718 be a better choice than the PicoGUS?

It depends on what you want to do. If you just want to have a simple sound card that is Sound Blaster compatible, can be configured with UNISOUND for DOS games, and has a line-in for your MT-32, then the YMF718 is a good choice. If you want a card that's more flexible and can work as a Gravis Ultrasound, Sound Blaster, or Tandy 3-voice card, the PicoGUS is better but would need some extra work (like an external mixer) to merge your MT-32 audio into what you listen to. 😀

MadMac_5 wrote on 2024-09-21, 13:46:

It depends on what you want to do. If you just want to have a simple sound card that is Sound Blaster compatible, can be configured with UNISOUND for DOS games, and has a line-in for your MT-32, then the YMF718 is a good choice. If you want a card that's more flexible and can work as a Gravis Ultrasound, Sound Blaster, or Tandy 3-voice card, the PicoGUS is better but would need some extra work (like an external mixer) to merge your MT-32 audio into what you listen to. 😀

I actually have a mixer. A MidiMan 10. Could I use that with the PicoGUS to get the MT-32 working without having to unplug or change plugs on things? I picked it up for free years ago but never got around to using it for anything.

Part of any recommendation will be dependent on how much you want to spend a solution, and if you want an MPU-401 interface with intelligent mode (aka normal mode) built-in. Without intelligent mode you'd need to use SoftMPU for any games that require it.

A dedicated Roland MPU-401 interface with an interface card (MIF-IPC-A or a modern clone), or an MPU-401AT will be a good choice from a compatibility perspective since this will fully support MPU-401 intelligent mode as needed some games used by the MT-32.

A modern MPU-401 w/ intelligent mode card like a PCMIDI is another option, although that is subject to availability. There are also cards like the Orpheus series or the upcoming MK1869 w/ PCMIDI add-on that can function as a dedicated sound card with an MPU-401 interface that supports intelligent mode. The PicoGUS can also do this via emulation (I have one but haven't used it for MPU-401 support yet).

Other than the PicoGUS, the above options will be a bit pricey and subject to availability.

If you're okay with using SoftMPU then any sound card with a bug-free UART MPU-401 interface will be fine. The Yamaha YMF718/719 cards are a good choice. They have genuine OPL support as well for proper FM playback, which is also a good thing to have on a 486 since a lot of games of that era also used FM synthesis. They also tend to be more readily available and less expensive than other options.

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 14:48:

Part of any recommendation will be dependent on how much you want to spend a solution, and if you want an MPU-401 interface with […]
Show full quote

Part of any recommendation will be dependent on how much you want to spend a solution, and if you want an MPU-401 interface with intelligent mode (aka normal mode) built-in. Without intelligent mode you'd need to use SoftMPU for any games that require it.

A dedicated Roland MPU-401 interface with an interface card (MIF-IPC-A or a modern clone), or an MPU-401AT will be a good choice from a compatibility perspective since this will fully support MPU-401 intelligent mode as needed some games used by the MT-32.

A modern MPU-401 w/ intelligent mode card like a PCMIDI is another option, although that is subject to availability. There are also cards like the Orpheus series or the upcoming MK1869 w/ PCMIDI add-on that can function as a dedicated sound card with an MPU-401 interface that supports intelligent mode. The PicoGUS can also do this via emulation (I have one but haven't used it for MPU-401 support yet).

Other than the PicoGUS, the above options will be a bit pricey and subject to availability.

If you're okay with using SoftMPU then any sound card with a bug-free UART MPU-401 interface will be fine. The Yamaha YMF718/719 cards are a good choice. They have genuine OPL support as well for proper FM playback, which is also a good thing to have on a 486 since a lot of games of that era also used FM synthesis. They also tend to be more readily available and less expensive than other options.

Is there any downside to using SoftMPU vs a card with real intelligent mode? I assume the compatibility is pretty decent with all the updates people have been making over the years.

Is there a projected price on the MK1869 yet? It looks interesting but if it's going to be $150+ or something like that then that might be more than I'm willing to spend.

Speaking of vintage cards, would something like this with SoftMPU work pretty well in my 486? https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644361911 or https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644325301

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-21, 14:56:

Is there any downside to using SoftMPU vs a card with real intelligent mode? I assume the compatibility is pretty decent with all the updates people have been making over the years.

In terms of compatibility, it's worked with various games that I've tested (e.g. games from Sierra, Accolade, etc.) I haven't used it extensively, so I'm not sure as to its total compatibility.

It is also TSR program so it does use up some RAM (about 8kb).

Is there a projected price on the MK1869 yet? It looks interesting but if it's going to be $150+ or something like that then that might be more than I'm willing to spend.

Based on the pricing of their other cards, I expect it will be more than $150. Just the prices for the PCMIDI card has been between 110 to 120 EUR (about $120 to $135 USD).

Speaking of vintage cards, would something like this with SoftMPU work pretty well in my 486? https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644361911 or https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644325301

I haven't used either of those cards, so I can't speak to them. I have used cards based on later ESS audio chips (1688 and 1868) and they've worked quite well for SoundBlaster compatibility.

One other thing to consider is general build quality and audio noise. A lot of older cards weren't the best quality, so they can exhibit noise either from noisy DACs (hiss) or electrical interference. I find a lot of old Sound Blaster cards and SB clones are a particularly problematic for this.

I've tested a few Yamaha YMF based on cards and they had clean audio output.

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 15:37:

I've tested a few Yamaha YMF based on cards and they had clean audio output.

Guess I'll have to look for a Yamaha then. What names/part numbers should I search for on ebay?

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-21, 14:56:

Is there any downside to using SoftMPU vs a card with real intelligent mode? I assume the compatibility is pretty decent with […]
Show full quote

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 14:48:

Part of any recommendation will be dependent on how much you want to spend a solution, and if you want an MPU-401 interface with […]
Show full quote

Part of any recommendation will be dependent on how much you want to spend a solution, and if you want an MPU-401 interface with intelligent mode (aka normal mode) built-in. Without intelligent mode you'd need to use SoftMPU for any games that require it.

A dedicated Roland MPU-401 interface with an interface card (MIF-IPC-A or a modern clone), or an MPU-401AT will be a good choice from a compatibility perspective since this will fully support MPU-401 intelligent mode as needed some games used by the MT-32.

A modern MPU-401 w/ intelligent mode card like a PCMIDI is another option, although that is subject to availability. There are also cards like the Orpheus series or the upcoming MK1869 w/ PCMIDI add-on that can function as a dedicated sound card with an MPU-401 interface that supports intelligent mode. The PicoGUS can also do this via emulation (I have one but haven't used it for MPU-401 support yet).

Other than the PicoGUS, the above options will be a bit pricey and subject to availability.

If you're okay with using SoftMPU then any sound card with a bug-free UART MPU-401 interface will be fine. The Yamaha YMF718/719 cards are a good choice. They have genuine OPL support as well for proper FM playback, which is also a good thing to have on a 486 since a lot of games of that era also used FM synthesis. They also tend to be more readily available and less expensive than other options.

Is there any downside to using SoftMPU vs a card with real intelligent mode? I assume the compatibility is pretty decent with all the updates people have been making over the years.

Is there a projected price on the MK1869 yet? It looks interesting but if it's going to be $150+ or something like that then that might be more than I'm willing to spend.

Speaking of vintage cards, would something like this with SoftMPU work pretty well in my 486? https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644361911 or https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644325301

I wouldn't reccomend either of those 2 ebay cards in particular, unless you already have them. Been down that road. I have a near identical ESS (mine uses a 988 instead of the umc, but shouldn't matter as it's the 6xx that is used for sound) with the opl chip as I was hard set on getting an Ess with real opl. I found the output lacking when used with a wavetable, very flat and non-dynamic sounding, playing with coupling capacitor values made it better but not great.

Opti cards are another acquired taste, if you have one - sure. Input levels all over the place and more often then not good luck getting it working in windows properly (if that matters). That on has an AD codec so it may not be that bad, I'd still err on the side of caution.

Like was mentioned ymf715/718/719 are imho one of the best options when it comes to sound quality. Followed by late ESS 18xx cards. The "cheapest " ones without built in amp/ide etc are ironically the best, less to induce noise and less resources to hog. Of course they are ESFM, however if you have multiple systems it can nice to have one for times when you want to hear something differently. Stellar compatibility also.

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-21, 16:15:

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 15:37:

I've tested a few Yamaha YMF based on cards and they had clean audio output.

Guess I'll have to look for a Yamaha then. What names/part numbers should I search for on ebay?

Basically any 715/718/719 card. 718 usually has an extra IC for 3d sound (and sometimes jumpers) but nobody uses that anyway, 719 has the 3d sound portion built in. Preferably a card that has more then one crystal oscillator, cards that have the 24khz one support 48khz playback (if important). Try to stick to cards that use the reference design- ie, if you search for audican32 ymf718... most will look similar, pick those, not an "odball" layout
Something like https://www.ebay.ca/itm/166553574792?mkcid=16 … emis&media=COPY
(That's a great seller btw, however if you wait you can find these for less )

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-21, 16:15:

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 15:37:

I've tested a few Yamaha YMF based on cards and they had clean audio output.

Guess I'll have to look for a Yamaha then. What names/part numbers should I search for on ebay?

The most common ones I've seen are the Labway A151-A00, Atrend ATC-6631 or the Addonics A151-910. I've attached pictures of these so you get an idea what to look for.

One note about the Labway and Atrend cards is they use shorter than normal PCBs. This means that they can't accommodate full-sized wavetable cards (like the Roland SCB-55 or Yamaha DB50XG), but they'll work fine with more compact wavetable cards like the modern Dreamblaster cards.

The Addonics A151-910 has a taller PCB and can work with larger wavetable cards.

Just something to keep in mind if you ever wanted to add a wavetable daughtercard to your setup.

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 15:37:

In terms of compatibility, it's worked with various games that I've tested (e.g. games from Sierra, Accolade, etc.) I haven't u […]
Show full quote

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-21, 14:56:

Is there any downside to using SoftMPU vs a card with real intelligent mode? I assume the compatibility is pretty decent with all the updates people have been making over the years.

In terms of compatibility, it's worked with various games that I've tested (e.g. games from Sierra, Accolade, etc.) I haven't used it extensively, so I'm not sure as to its total compatibility.

It is also TSR program so it does use up some RAM (about 8kb).

Is there a projected price on the MK1869 yet? It looks interesting but if it's going to be $150+ or something like that then that might be more than I'm willing to spend.

Based on the pricing of their other cards, I expect it will be more than $150. Just the prices for the PCMIDI card has been between 110 to 120 EUR (about $120 to $135 USD).

Speaking of vintage cards, would something like this with SoftMPU work pretty well in my 486? https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644361911 or https://www.ebay.com/itm/256644325301

I haven't used either of those cards, so I can't speak to them. I have used cards based on later ESS audio chips (1688 and 1868) and they've worked quite well for SoundBlaster compatibility.

One other thing to consider is general build quality and audio noise. A lot of older cards weren't the best quality, so they can exhibit noise either from noisy DACs (hiss) or electrical interference. I find a lot of old Sound Blaster cards and SB clones are a particularly problematic for this.

I've tested a few Yamaha YMF based on cards and they had clean audio output.

I think the quality of output of ymf/late ess based cards has mostly to do with the high integration level, the less links and overall external components in the audio chain the better. Both Yamaha and ESS had years of in house audio development. They weren't just copying anyone's design "for cheaper", they actually knew how to do things

bertrammatrix wrote on 2024-09-21, 17:05:

I think the quality of output of ymf/late ess based cards has mostly to do with the high integration level, the less links and overall external components in the audio chain the better. Both Yamaha and ESS had years of in house audio development. They weren't just copying anyone's design "for cheaper", they actually knew how to do things

Agreed, high levels of integration does make a difference.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have cards like the Adlib Gold and Goldlib clone that are covered in components and tend to be a bit noisier.

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 16:57:

The most common ones I've seen are the Labway A151-A00, Atrend ATC-6631 or the Addonics A151-910. I've attached pictures of these so you get an idea what to look for.

So either of these would be good?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/405239744095
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256614793723

Tempest wrote on 2024-09-21, 21:15:

So either of these would be good? […]
Show full quote

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-09-21, 16:57:

The most common ones I've seen are the Labway A151-A00, Atrend ATC-6631 or the Addonics A151-910. I've attached pictures of these so you get an idea what to look for.

So either of these would be good?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/405239744095
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256614793723

Yup, those would be fine.