C/MS Music Systems Synthesizer
George Heymann
=== Creative Labs, Inc. ===
(C) 1989 George H. Heymann
Until recently, no sound standard existed in the IBM PC and
compatibles arena, due to the very limited sound capabilities of
an unenhanced PC. Creative Labs, Inc., with their product
"Creative Music System (C/MS), Sound Board", are providing a
platform that third party software developers can use
to enhance their software.
.
The C/MS sound board is a half-length music synthesizer card that
features 32 preset instruments with 12 voice stereo output, It
has a 2.5 watt built in amplifier that will allow you to directly
drive speakers, headphones, or a home stereo.
.
The C/MS synthesizer sounds terrific and the layout of the board
is very clean. The card provides two standard RCA jacks (one each
for left & right channel output), as well as a headphone jack and
volume control. Installation is a breeze, I never even looked at
the documentation until after the installation and was up and
running in less than ten minutes time. Complete instructions are
provided, which would allow even novice users, to install the
board themselves. A technical support line is also available, to
help users with any problems that may occur.
.
This board comes with an impressive array of music software,
including music composition, music accompaniment, instrument
definition, organ, and a background music software program. As a
promotional offer, Creative Labs will also include three
additional music software packages (C/MS intelligent organ, C/MS
pop-up music, & C/MS sing-along II), which they value at $148.90,
when you purchase their stereo music synthesizer board for
$195.00 . This package also includes utilities that allow you to
interface your own software (written in Assembly, C, Pascal, or
Basic), with the C/MS board.
.
Third party software support is an item you will have to give
serious consideration, if you will be using your sound board for
other than music applications. Creative Labs card is currently
being supported by Sierra, with sound drivers available for Kings
Quest IV, Police Quest 2, Leisure Suit Larry 2, Space Quest 3 and
Silpheed. Users with older versions of these games that do not
include the C/MS drivers, can call Creative Labs for them.
.
Origin Systems is also supporting C/MS starting with their recent
title, "Times of Lore". When asked about third party software
support, W.H. Sim, President of Creative Labs, Inc., stated "Many
major game entertainment software developers are also going to
support C/MS, such as: Accolade, Broderbund, Cinemaware,
Electronic Arts, Lucas Films, Mediagenic (Activision), Spectrum
Hollobyte, Adaptive Research..." .
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