I have a Toshiba laptop with an ESS688 sound chip running DOS. I'm playing Master of Orion 2, and I notice that it supports both the ESS688 and the Sound Blaster Pro options in the setup program. Which one is best to use? Will I get better sound from using the SB Pro option, or is it best to always use manufaturer-specific options?
Try both. Can you hear a difference?
In theory ES688 mode should sound better as that card supports higher stereo sampling rates and uses the same external OPL3 chip as an SBPro for FM.
I've had mixed results with the 'AudioDrive' option - Warcraft II for example sounds bloody awful with that option selected, but using SB Pro emulation sounds great.
Generally the AudioDrive option just sounds more filtered if anything, so I stick to SB Pro.
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For most games ESS option will sound better but different. Try both. If you want the authentic SB Pro 2.0 sound, then choose that option. If you want a softer, more organic sound try ESS.
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