Roland MT-32 Sound Module
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Introduction
Starting with King's Quest IV, Sierra On-Line introduced their new engine, SCI to replace their older engine, AGI. At the time, SCI was cutting edge. It could take advantage of the newer PCs' better EGA graphics and new audio capabilities. Rather than just the internal PC speaker, SCI supported hardware such as The AdLib, Game Blaster and most importantly, the Roland MT-32 Sound Module.
The MT-32 was an external module that could be hooked up to a PC's MPU-401 interface. While many may have fond memories of the AdLib's unique sound, it is the Roland tracks that really shined. Most of the early SCI (SCI0) to some of the first SCI1 games had fantastic MT-32 sound tracks. This lead to some of the most memorable game music from Sierra's composers, like Ken Allen, Mark Seibert and Aubrey Hodges.
The MT-32 was designed before the General MIDI standard.
Models
MT-32 (Old)
MT-32 (New)
Compatible Models
Years Produced
1987- To Do: add last year that an MT-32 compatible unit was made
MT-32 Buffer Overflow and Checksum Errors
"Buffer Overflow" means the data arrives too fast for the MT-32 to handle. As stated previously, second generation units don't have this problem, as no data can arrive too fast for these models to handle. Reasons why this problem can occur:
the game programmer just didn't care the game programmer only tested with a second/third generation model the game programmer did insert the necessary delays, but timed them by counting CPU cycles. Only in the last case will slowing down your system/DOSBox do any good.
"Checksum Error" is distinct from the "Buffer Overflow". It means that some data got lost before it arrived at the MT-32. This can happen because:
the game programmer counts CPU cycles to wait for the next available MIDI cycle (signaled by the MPU-401's "Data Receive Ready" bit) before sending a data byte. On fast computers, it finishes counting before the next MIDI cycle occurs, and so the game just gives up on sending that particular byte, thus losing it. Obviously, this is a different speed issue than the one causing the "Buffer Overflow". the sound card/laptop/USB-to-MIDI's drivers don't handle large amounts of MIDI data properly and lose data. Update drivers. the cables used are broken or not connected properly. Check connections and replace cables. Only in the first case will slowing down your system/DOSBox do any good. Since you've said it doesn't, check the other reasons.
Acquiring a Roland MT-32 Sound Module
The Roland MT-32 Sound Module has not been made since ???. However it is still possible to get a real MT-32 on places like eBay. Note that DOSBox works very well with an MT-32 hooked up to a modern PC with a quality USB to MIDI cable.
Munt
Munt is a MT-32 emulator project that sounds nearly identical to the real hardware. It is a great way to enjoy Roland sound with your classic games if you do not have a real unit. It is also a great way to save the wear and tear on your MT-32.
