Using DB on Vortex 2 from Windows \ VOGONS

Using DB on Vortex 2 from Windows

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First post, by boxpressed

Posted on 2015-11-23, 22:11

boxpressed Offline

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I am using my Diamond Monster Midi 4MB (Dream synth) daughterboard on my Turtle Beach Montego II. As many of us know, the DB works great when booting from DOS--no hanging note bug. However, when launching a game from a Windows DOS box, the MIDI music originates from the Vortex 2's own wavetable synth using the aurealgm.arl patch set. Of course, I would prefer to use the superior synth of this DB.

Using the Aureal app in the Control Panel, I've tried switching the MPU from "TBS Montego II MIDI" to "TBS Montego II MPU-401" and back again. The latter produces no sound at all.

Is anyone able to launch a DOS game from Windows and use a DB attached to the Vortex 2 for Gmidi music?

Reply 1 of 3, by alexanrs

Posted on 2015-11-23, 22:32

alexanrs Offline

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Maybe the audio input is muted in the mixer? Try unhiding everything and unmute all inputs.

Reply 2 of 3, by boxpressed

Posted on 2015-11-23, 23:49

boxpressed Offline

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I can't believe I didn't think about that. Thank you!

When you install the Vortex 2, if you decline the option of installing the mixer (and keep the default volume slider), which is what I did, I'm not sure how you would "unmute" the MPU-401 to fix this.

Now, whichever option I pick in the Control Panel app, I will get the DB synth.

Reply 3 of 3, by boxpressed

Posted on 2015-11-25, 20:38

boxpressed Offline

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Location: Wisconsin, USA

An update with some findings. It turns out that the mixer option mentioned above isn't related to the problem.

The Aureal reference drivers (2041) install a "Control Panel" tab in the Vortex Control Panel that includes 7 settings, including MPU-401. MPU-401 is muted by default.

Strangely, the Turtle Beach Montego II install CD does not install the "Control Panel" tab, so you cannot unmute the MPU-401. I tried with the original CDs from the Montego II and the Quadzilla.

With the Aureal reference drivers, you are able to switch between the DB and internal wavetable when using Windows programs (like FF VII).

However, I found that when you run a DOS program (such as Descent or Duke 3D) via Windows DOS box, whichever option you choose in the MIDI tab of the Vortex Control Panel doesn't matter: the DOS program will default to the DB.

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