You'd be using VSTs/softsynths. There is an XG VST for XG and GS MIDI, some Roland VSTs for GS MIDI, and MUNT for the MT-32 and associated hardware.

The first thing you must install, is the VST Host Driver, developed and maintained by the forum member behind Falcosoft.

https://github.com/Falcosoft/vstdriver/releases

Then, you must track down the VST plug-ins and get them working with that. After that, you should learn more about MUNT and getting that working. You can find some useful software on Falcosoft's website, including his full-featured MIDI player.

https://falcosoft.hu/softwares.html

You should also install the Coolsoft Virtual MIDI Synth and MIDI Mapper, to help you along your way. Learn more about SoundFonts, for General MIDI use.

https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/virtualmidisynth

https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/midimapper

RetroGamer4Ever wrote on 2025-01-14, 20:01:

You'd be using VSTs/softsynths. There is an XG VST for XG and GS MIDI, some Roland VSTs for GS MIDI, and MUNT for the MT-32 and […]
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You'd be using VSTs/softsynths. There is an XG VST for XG and GS MIDI, some Roland VSTs for GS MIDI, and MUNT for the MT-32 and associated hardware.

The first thing you must install, is the VST Host Driver, developed and maintained by the forum member behind Falcosoft.

https://github.com/Falcosoft/vstdriver/releases

Then, you must track down the VST plug-ins and get them working with that. After that, you should learn more about MUNT and getting that working. You can find some useful software on Falcosoft's website, including his full-featured MIDI player.

https://falcosoft.hu/softwares.html

You should also install the Coolsoft Virtual MIDI Synth and MIDI Mapper, to help you along your way. Learn more about SoundFonts, for General MIDI use.

https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/virtualmidisynth

https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/midimapper

Excellent, exactly what I was hoping in a response!

Thank you very much!

Got everything working more or less, but it's a damn shame that I missed Roland's virtual soundcanvas that they stopped selling last year 🙁

You can also install QuickTime For Windows and get a decent GS synth, though your mileage may vary with that one. At the very least, it's better than Microsoft's botched DirectMusic GS synth.

The cable I purchased works fine for midi output from my computer, and the mini IN light flashes when my DOS machine is sending midi data, but nothing is reaching the vst synth.

I have configured the "default midi device" to be "USB MIDI Interface" in Coolsoft MIDIMapper.

*edit*

Scratch that, something is horrifically wrong on my 486 regarding midi. I got it working from another device.