BS: Help: Soundcard UK

Subject: Help: Soundcard UK
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 01:22 PM

Since my computer got zapped in a thunderstorm and I had to fit a new soundcard (Soundblaster Live 5.1) I have been driven nuts by the poor quality of the MIDI.

I am looking for a cheap solution. To the best of my knowledge, the Yamaha DB50XG daughter board which used to be mounted on a Soundblaster AWE 32 sound card is still working and I would like to try it.

Is there anyone in the UK who has upgraded and has an old SoundBlaster or compatible card which has the Waveblaster expansion socket (the "Value" ones for example didn't have this), PCI or ISA that they would like to sell?

Or any alternative suggestions welcome,

Thanks,

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: Micca
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 03:05 PM

Jon, I may have an AWE 32 from when I upgraded , complete with CDs PM me...and meann while I will have a look...

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 03:09 PM

Jon,

There's a box of old soundcards sat on a shelf at work. I'll have a look tomorrow for you.

How would I recognise the Wavetable Expansion Socket? Is it on the back of the card or on the board itself?

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Jul 01 - 03:34 PM

Thanks Micca and Ed. I will PM Micca to see if he has found his old card first but Ed, I may be grateful for you searching through the box.

I don't know if any of the SB series had the expansion socket fitted but the feature disabled - I would have to check model numbers to be certain but I have placed an example picture of a SB16 with the expansion socket here in the hope that it will help identifying suitable cards.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 07:10 AM

Jon,

I've had a hunt through the box but none of the cards appear to have the socket you need, they're mostly cheap sb16 copies. Sorry.

Let me know if Micca doesn't come through, I have a few contacts that might be worth a try.

Regards

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: English Jon
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 07:22 AM

Jon F,

have you considered Roland's "virtual sound Canvas" software?

It synthesizes midi voices in software, and plays them like a standard midi instrument, but over your audio channels. Sound quality is pretty good. I think the software is about £50 but there is a demo that you can download from edirol.co.uk (roland europe) that should give you 30 days trial.

Hope that helps,

EJ

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 07:39 AM

English Jon,

I thought of advising Jon F similarly.

There is, however, a big latency problem (running into seconds on my PC)

Depending on what Jon wants to do that might or might not be a good solution.

I've got a 'crack' for the software if it helps.

Ed

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: Micca
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 09:00 AM

Jon, It Fits, You SHALL go to the ball, I have PMed you...

Subject: RE: BS: Help: Soundcard UK
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 09:06 AM

OK, looks like Micca has got me sorted out!

Thanks to all for the help. I hadn't considered a possible software solution BTW.

Jon