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General discussion (archive)Question re MIDI device selection in GOG games.(9 posts)(9 posts)
(9 posts)
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Posted May 21, 2011
After buying Police Quest off GOG.com, I was wondering if a MIDI device selection should be available for certain games, as I had to manually edit the config files so I could use my MT-32 and SC-55 for the old games as opposed to using sub-par Ad-lib sound, or even use Windows' built in softsynth. Should this be considered for newer releases/re-releases?
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Posted May 21, 2011
Yep, it's easy to switch MIDI devices with GOG games. They all come with their original setup files, so you can easily change them.
Posted May 21, 2011
Mate, that doesn't seem to be the case, well with Sierra games anyway (but Tex Murphy 3 and 4 did have the setup program). Most Sierra games usually have an INSTALL.EXE with them, but the GOG ones don't. I've attached a screenshot to prove it. How I did it was I had to manually edit the RESOURCE.CFG file to use the MT32 driver, and also edit the DOSBOX.CFG file to set the default MIDI device.

But I thought it would be a good suggestion for those who wish to use the tried and true MT-32 and Sound Canvas for their DOS classics.

If GOG.COM would appreciate it, I could write a little program to select a MIDI device, that they can use for future games.
Attachments:
gog.jpg (155 Kb)
Posted May 21, 2011
I'd try the dosbox configuration file. I think that's likely the easiest place to enable MIDI for your device.
Posted May 21, 2011
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hedwards: I'd try the dosbox configuration file. I think that's likely the easiest place to enable MIDI for your device.
But what the original OP is saying is that it usually has to be selected in the game's setup program as well and GOG doesn't always include the setup program (although they do for Tyrian 2000 at least, you can enable 'Wild' detail level in there if you want).
Posted May 21, 2011
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hedwards: I'd try the dosbox configuration file. I think that's likely the easiest place to enable MIDI for your device.
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eyeball226: But what the original OP is saying is that it usually has to be selected in the game's setup program as well and GOG doesn't always include the setup program (although they do for Tyrian 2000 at least, you can enable 'Wild' detail level in there if you want).
Yeah, I misread that.

I'm not sure if this particular thing should be a part of the install program. I could be wrong, but I suspect that few people have this hardware and you can't use the ROM from it without a license.
Posted May 21, 2011
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eyeball226: But what the original OP is saying is that it usually has to be selected in the game's setup program as well and GOG doesn't always include the setup program (although they do for Tyrian 2000 at least, you can enable 'Wild' detail level in there if you want).
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hedwards: Yeah, I misread that.

I'm not sure if this particular thing should be a part of the install program. I could be wrong, but I suspect that few people have this hardware and you can't use the ROM from it without a license.
But bear in mind that Windows has a built in softsynth, which uses Sound Canvas samples. I actually have a proper Sound Canvas (SC-55mkII), a proper CM-32L and a proper original model MT-32, all hooked up via USB.

I'm more than happy to write a program which it should make it easier for the end user to select midi/sound devices
PS: Police Quest 2 sounds *AWFUL* with Adlib sounds.

See why I bought an MT-32 for old Sierra classics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZXVqrSo7AA
Post edited May 21, 2011 by wocko1
Posted May 21, 2011
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eyeball226: But what the original OP is saying is that it usually has to be selected in the game's setup program as well and GOG doesn't always include the setup program (although they do for Tyrian 2000 at least, you can enable 'Wild' detail level in there if you want).
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hedwards: Yeah, I misread that.

I'm not sure if this particular thing should be a part of the install program. I could be wrong, but I suspect that few people have this hardware and you can't use the ROM from it without a license.
In a lot of cases MT-32 stuff can sound ok when just directed through to Windows's own software MIDI.
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wocko1: PS: Police Quest 2 sounds *AWFUL* with Adlib sounds.

See why I bought an MT-32 for old Sierra classics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZXVqrSo7AA
My god, I know Adlib can be bad sounding but that's ridiculous. Someone at Sierra really didn't know how to program for Adlib.

The only thing I don't like too much about the MT-32 is the excessive reverb. I don't like the MT-32 for Monkey Island 2 for example.
Post edited May 21, 2011 by eyeball226
Posted May 21, 2011
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wocko1: Mate, that doesn't seem to be the case, well with Sierra games anyway (but Tex Murphy 3 and 4 did have the setup program). Most Sierra games usually have an INSTALL.EXE with them, but the GOG ones don't. I've attached a screenshot to prove it. How I did it was I had to manually edit the RESOURCE.CFG file to use the MT32 driver, and also edit the DOSBOX.CFG file to set the default MIDI device.

But I thought it would be a good suggestion for those who wish to use the tried and true MT-32 and Sound Canvas for their DOS classics.

If GOG.COM would appreciate it, I could write a little program to select a MIDI device, that they can use for future games.
http://www.gog.com/en/forum/space_quest_series/no_original_setup_utility/post11

This may help.

I've checked all my Sierra/GOG games, and all have install.exe but Space Quest 4-6, Police Quest 1-4,
Post edited May 21, 2011 by Vagabond
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General discussion (archive)Question re MIDI device selection in GOG games.(9 posts)(9 posts)
(9 posts)