There has been cases of Apogee fans using two OPL3 chips to get stereo sound:
http://publiccommanderkeenforum.yuku.com/topi … Prosject-OPL3X2
To be more precise about my original post, I'm talking about the techniques used in AdPlug, which were used in DSx86, basically DOSBox for Nintendo DS. I figured it would be easy to put the code in, as an optional feature or fork.
The concepts here are essentially the same as the above old thread, use two synths either which are generating slightly different waveforms, or which are slightly delayed from each other, and play them on left and right channels to create rich stereo.
From the AdPlug readme:
"Output Tab:
-----------
- Emulator 1 -
This output method uses a very accurate OPL emulator, which was originally
written by Tatsuyuki Satoh, but was later improved by Jarek Burczynski.
- Harmonic Effect -
This option fully utilizes a process that pitch-shifts OPL2 data very
slightly on one channel in order to produce a psuedo-stereo Phaser-like
effect from a mono source. Two copies of "Emulator 1" are generated for it
to accomplish this goal. Note that a prerequisite for this option to work
is that "Emulator 1" must be selected as the chosen emulator. Also note
that this option will force 16-Bits Stereo modes, and you will not be able
to change either of those options unless this option and "Dueling Synths"
are both disabled.
- Emulator 2 -
This output method uses a somewhat inaccurate OPL emulator, which was written
by Ken Silverman.
- Dueling Synths -
This option utilizes the OPL2 Synth Wrapper's ability to host two separate
streams of OPL2 data simultaneously and output the combination as 16-Bits
Stereo PCM data. One copy each of Mr. Satoh's and Mr. Silverman's
emulators are generated for it to accomplish this goal, with them being
heard respectively on the left and right channels. Please note that a
prerequisite for this option to work is that "Emulator 2" must be selected
as the chosen emulator. Also note that this option will force 16-Bits
Stereo modes, and you will not be able to change either of those options
unless this option and "Harmonic Effect" are both disabled. "
For me, both are more enjoyable ways to listen to OPL audio, and one of which is implemented in DSx86 (forget which). Of course, I would rather play on a big screen than a DS 😀
Also worth noting that both DOSBox and DSx86 credit Satoh/Jarek and Silverman for FM synthesis application, although DSx86 author Patrick Aalto mentions he "heavily optimized" it.