It's possible, it doesn't have a real OPL3 and could be doing some sample rate conversion?

The strength of the Vortex 2 isn't FM, but the decent SB Pro 2 compatibility and wavetable header / MIDI port.

Yes, FM Emulation on the Vortex 2 is quite inaccurate. It does offer some unique sound in some games thanks to that inaccuracy, but I would avoid it if possible.

Anyway I could put a AWE64 Gold in with it without IRQ issues? I can't assign the usual ones to the AWE because the DOS emulation driver always takes it up and can't be changed

MrEWhite wrote:

Anyway I could put a AWE64 Gold in with it without IRQ issues? I can't assign the usual ones to the AWE because the DOS emulation driver always takes it up and can't be changed

Check out the "INF tweaks" from the Vogons driver archive. There is a version without SB emulation. It solves exactly your problem, that way you only have the Vortex 2 driver, no SB emulation and you can use your AWE64 without issues 😀

You unpack the driver, copy the INF tweak you want into the driver (over-writing it), then install it.

I have a Vortex 2 installed along side an ISA Audiodrive - the Vortex is for Win9x and the Audiodrive is for DOS mode. Deactivating the Vortex in DOS is easy - you just don't run the init software, and likewise the Audiodrive (non PnP) is invisible to Win9x. Works well.

I kinda wanted to use the Vortex 2 for MIDI with a daughterboard and the AWE64 for everything else under DOS.

I thought the real advantage of the Vortex 2 was the A3D, I'm pondering getting an SQ2500 for my 'modern' gaming box so I can have the best surround sound in Half Life.

ynari wrote:

I thought the real advantage of the Vortex 2 was the A3D, I'm pondering getting an SQ2500 for my 'modern' gaming box so I can have the best surround sound in Half Life.

And that wavetable header 😜