The DSP used on the TB Multisound Classic is exactly the same as the one on the Creative WaveBlaster I. However, it has different ROM samples (the ones from the Proteus), so it does sound different from the WaveBlaster I. Also keep in mind that it is not GM-compatible, so if your only goal is to use it for vintage games, better look for something else. Hope that answers your question. 😀

Also keep in mind that it is not GM-compatible

Thank you for this. I was considering buying one to hook up an MT-32, as I believe it supports intelligent mode. Wouldn't I then get GM support?

I think you're mixing up a couple of definitions.

Intelligent mode refers to an operating mode of the Roland MPU-401 MIDI interface, which is a standard for interfacing computers with MIDI sound modules. Many sound cards that claim to be MPU-401 compatible don't implement this mode, only "dumb" UART mode, which causes problems in some games that expect an MPU-401 compatible to be running in intelligent mode.

GM on the other hand has nothing to do with the interface between PC and MIDI device, but is a specification for MIDI sound modules in order to achieve cross-compatibility between them. It's basically a list of features and definitions that a synthesizer should have in order to be called GM-compatible. For example, instrument #0 should be an Acoustic Grand Piano, while #32 is an Acoustic Bass. Therefore, using a particular MIDI interface will not make a sound module GM-compatible.

The MT-32 can be made partially GM-compatible by sending a System Exclusive MIDI file that re-arranges the instruments on the MT-32 in the GM lay-out, but this is only part of the GM specification. Therefore, I'd really recommend you to use the MT-32 for games that specifically support it and use a GM-compatible sound module for later games with GM support. A Roland SC-55 or compatible would be the most obvious choice, although a Yamaha DB50XG or DB60XG daughterboard on a sound card is also a popular choice.

Alright.. let me try this again. 😀

I believe the Multisound supports intelligent mode so if I hook it up to an MT-32 I would get MT-32 support. However, because the Multisound is NOT GM compatible, even if I hook up a GM module to the Multisound via MPU-401, I will not be able to play GM sounds, correct?

The ISA card AND the module must support GM, right?

The module has to be gm compatible. If you are just using the card as an interface, whether or not it's own samples are gm compatible does not matter.

According to this list, the TBM does not support DOS and does not have an MPU-401 compatible interface. FYI for anyone else researching this in the future:

http://www.hot.ee/soundcard/teh/Soundcards.txt

I'll keep an eye out for the Creative WaveBlaster daughter cards.