I need a good set of midi instruments for my SoundBlaster AWE64 Gold. I tried listening to some midi music and some of the instruments are so messed up that the notes are like 2 notes off tune! and this only happens at certain octaves. Cold anyone point me to a good MIDI instrument set? 😕
SBAWE64 problems
Hi,
I'm surprised you'e still trying to run one of those old cards - just about everything on them doesn't work properly with a recent OS in the computer. For a start the PCI slot interrupts aren't wired correctly, which forces you to run in a non-standard BIOS mode - need I say more.
It sounds like the MIDI files you're having trouble with include some of the later control codes for effects the card doesn't have - this can mess with the tuning - I'd suggest you try it directly from a keyboard - everything should work properly. If you get the same symptoms, it could be the memory on the card not seated properly in the slots or any of several other things before you worry about the sample set - the standard one suppled with the card is as good as anything to test it with...
I'd suggest you move on to a more recent card as soon as possible, they hold the samples in the main memory of the PC, and are a lot more stable. You can even move up to 5.1 or 7.1 surround for less than your old card cost...
Good luck,
Graham
Hi,
I'm surprised you'e still trying to run one of those old cards - just about everything on them doesn't work properly with a recent OS in the computer. For a start the PCI slot interrupts aren't wired correctly, which forces you to run in a non-standard BIOS mode - need I say more.
It sounds like the MIDI files you're having trouble with include some of the later control codes for effects the card doesn't have - this can mess with the tuning - I'd suggest you try it directly from a keyboard - everything should work properly. If you get the same symptoms, it could be the memory on the card not seated properly in the slots or any of several other things before you worry about the sample set - the standard one suppled with the card is as good as anything to test it with...
I'd suggest you move on to a more recent card as soon as possible, they hold the samples in the main memory of the PC, and are a lot more stable. You can even move up to 5.1 or 7.1 surround for less than your old card cost...
Good luck,
Graham
Well, I figured out that it isn't the tuning! The wierd tuning comes with the song, I played it on my mother's (yes, I am still 13) computer and it did the same thing. I was more or less wanting instruments that sounded real good... There doesn't seem to be any compatibility problems, but I am still running windows 98SE Gold, so things might start going crazy when I upgrade to 2000. As far as sound goes, I love my card! It still is better than some of the new ones despite obseleteness. It gets good bass and delivers the high notes just as well. I am happy with my card but upgrades must come soon or it won't be worth anything. Think you could point me to a good instrument set? As always, help is appreciated!
Sounds for PC cards
Hi again,
If you upgrade your card the manufacturer will supply a basic set of samples, but there are lots out there to download for free.
Several of the newer cards support the Yamaha XG synth which runs in software on the PC rather than on a dedicated chip on the card. The standard XG sound set has over 600 voices and you can use an editor like XG Gold to modify them or make your own with Wavelab.
Programs like Acid let you use your own samples, so there's no longer any real limit on what you can do.
I suggest a trip to your local music store might help - PC's are such an important part of the music scene now, there's sure to be someone there who can show you what's available.
You might also have a look at the website of Computer Music Magazine - they have a lot of advice in their discussion groups.
Have fun,
Graham
Hi again,
If you upgrade your card the manufacturer will supply a basic set of samples, but there are lots out there to download for free.
Several of the newer cards support the Yamaha XG synth which runs in software on the PC rather than on a dedicated chip on the card. The standard XG sound set has over 600 voices and you can use an editor like XG Gold to modify them or make your own with Wavelab.
Programs like Acid let you use your own samples, so there's no longer any real limit on what you can do.
I suggest a trip to your local music store might help - PC's are such an important part of the music scene now, there's sure to be someone there who can show you what's available.
You might also have a look at the website of Computer Music Magazine - they have a lot of advice in their discussion groups.
Have fun,
Graham
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