View source for Roland MT-32 Sound Module

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<div align="center" style="font-size: 22pt">The Roland MT-32 Sound Module</div><br />

<div align="center">[[File:MT32InsertBuckazoid.png]]<br />
''A Roland MT-32 Sound Module loading [[Space Quest III]]''</div><br />

==<br /> Introduction ==

<blockquote>
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 [[w:EGA|EGA]] graphics and new audio capabilities. Rather than just the internal PC speaker, SCI supported hardware such as The [[w:AdLib|AdLib]], [[w:Game Blaster|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 [[w:MPU-401|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 ([[Sierra SCI Release List#SCI0|SCI0]]) to some of the first [[Sierra SCI Release List#SCI1|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 [[w:General MIDI|General MIDI standard]].
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==<br /> Models ==

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=== MT-32 (Old) ===

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=== MT-32 (New) ===

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=== Compatible Models ===

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== Years Produced ==

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1987- '''<span class="Alert">To Do: add last year that an MT-32 compatible unit was made</span>'''
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==<br /> MT-32 Buffer Overflow and Checksum Errors ==

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{{Quote|Attrib = {{NewRisingSunQ}}<ref name="NRSMT32">[[shpft:2272|MT-32 Buffer Overflow and Checksum Errors thread on the SHP forums]]</ref>
}}
"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.
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&nbsp;

<div class="Quote">
{{Quote|Attrib = {{NewRisingSunQ}}<ref name="NRSMT32" />
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"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.
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==<br /> Acquiring a Roland MT-32 Sound Module ==

<blockquote>
The Roland MT-32 Sound Module has not been made since '''<span class="Alert">???</span>'''. However it is still possible to get a real MT-32 on places like [http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.XRoland+MT-32&_nkw=Roland+MT-32&_sacat=0&_from=R40 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.
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==<br /> References ==

<references />

==<br /> Also See ==

* [[List of MT-32 Compatible Sierra Games]]
* [[w:MIDI|MIDI on Wikipedia]]
* [[Munt|Munt: The Roland MT-32 Emulator]]
* [[w:Roland_MT-32|Roland MT-32 on Wikipedia]]
* [http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.XRoland+MT-32&_nkw=Roland+MT-32&_sacat=0&_from=R40 Search for MT-32s on eBay]

[[Category:Technical Info]]
[[Category:Audio Hardware]]
[[Category:Roland MT-32 Articles]]
[[Category:Music]]
[[Category:Sierra Music]]