TamaMan wrote on 2025-01-24, 19:25:

Razgriz wrote on 2025-01-23, 04:20:

Would it only work with Rolands that come with MT-32 modes or would my 8820 ALSO be able to take advantage of this? I've been trying to get Ultima VI specifically to play from my Roland because I quite like the sound of it over the Adlib emulation of my SBLive!.

Should technically work with any GM device (8820 included, and if no issues with the game sending the MIDI data to the sound device) but of course will sound only as "good" as that particular GM device sounds. If the 8820 has a SC-55 mode, that should bring it even closer, perhaps.

The decision on chosen instruments for that MIDI.DAT has been done by ear using a SC-7. You may edit MIDI.DAT yourself to fix/change non-optimal sounding instruments for your device.

The 8820 does indeed have a 55 mode.

I followed instructions, but still can't seem to get it to play through anything except adlib. I'm going to chalk it up to "SBLIVE is weird"

I did use to have a SBLive! back in the day, I can't remember how successful I was with it and my SC-7. Perhaps the problem is the usual one - "100% MPU-401" / "intelligent mode" compatibility:

• https://www.vogonswiki.com/index.php/List_of_ … _computer_games
• https://dosdays.co.uk/topics/mt32_game_compat.php#ultima6

Try SoftMPU or patched drivers here: http://nodling.nullneuron.net/ultima/ultima.html.

PS. If you work a lot with MIDI on vintage HW, I do recommend getting some redesign/reproduction MPU-401 card or, for example, the Music Quest's IH9MQ9 or similar. Those should not break the bank too much.

PPS. Alternate solution. Getting better MT-32/MIDI output from the Live! itself: Isn't the Live! based on the Ensoniq AudioPCI card...? https://youtu.be/9VKsCqeDeyU?si=nLH13SYlAXcIrk-r