Music Synthesizer Boards for IBM PC's and Compatibles
George Heymann
=== PC Sound Boards ===
(C) 1989 George H. Heymann
After conversations with many users in the last two years, the
one thing that everyone seemed to agree with is that something
had to be done about that awfull "dink...dink...sound", that
eminates deep within the bowels of our IBM and compatible
machines. Especially in light of the gifted sound capabilities of
some other systems such as the Apple IIgs and the Amiga.
Luckily there are options for all of us to consider. I
have been in contact with three companies that are offering some
viable alternatives to the very limited sound capabilities that
are standard on our machines. Here is a list of the
companies involved:
Ad Lib, Inc. Creative Labs, Inc.
50 Staniford Street, Suite 800 131 South Maple Ave., #6
Boston, Ma. 02114 South San Fransisco, Ca. 94080
Innovation Computer Corporation
1325-1327 Juniper Street
Cleveland, Wi. 53015
These Companies offer sound boards with varying capabilities.
One board offers a 3-voice electronic music synthesizer/sound
effects generator, the other two boards offer stereo, with 11
and 12 channel output respectively. The boards have different
levels of customer support, and all offer sound, that is far
superior to the unenhanced PC. Several of these boards are
already being supported by third party software manufacturers
including but not limited to Electronic Arts, Sierra-on-line,
Microprose, Spectrum Hollobyte, Paragon, Activision, Lucasfilms,
Kyodai, Epyx, Velocity Corporation, Origin, and Taito. I will
present this in more detail for you in my reports, that will
follow. I want to make clear to you that I am not affiliated
with any of these companies and do not stand to profit, by any
sales, generated by this information.
This started out as a personal fact finding project and because of
interest from other users, decided to share this information, so
that you could decide for yourself, what product would best fit your
needs.
Information about each product will be presented that contains
specific information about a sound board, its features, cost and
ordering information, including any special offers made by a
specific manufacturer to you. I encourage you to write to your
favorite software companies and urge them to support these hardware
manufacturers in their efforts to supply you, with a superior sound
standard that we can all enjoy.
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