Posted March 01, 2020
So I decided to pick up the CD version of Lands Of Lore 2 awhile back to get access to the files that are missing from the GOG version. One of the perks of this is that I was actually able to run the setup program and choose different MIDI options.
It seems that the MPU-401 Soundtrack and the MT-32 Soundtrack are somewhat different in Instruments. For an example, in the Huline Jungle Soundtrack for the MPU-401 option (Using an SC-8820) here are a few of the instruments used:
16 Channels
Alto Sax, Talko, Kalimba, Pan Flute, Harp, Choir
In comparison the MT-32 does intruments more like this:
10 Channels
Pipe Organ, Trumpets, Piccolo, Elec Percussion and Conga
When actually listening to the soundtrack the MT-32 gives more of an exciting, electric Synthesizer feel while the MPU401 using the Sound Canvas 8820 gives a more gentle, elegant feel (The harp is amazing in this version). Which is better? Well that's for the listener to decide!
While I won't go into how to setup MUNT for MT-32 or Soundfonts/Sound Canvas VA in this post, here is the replacement edit that must be made to LOLSETUP.INI in the Lands of Lore 2 Folder.
For MT-32
[MIDI]
DeviceName=Roland MT-32 or LAPC-1
DeviceDriver=63
DeviceID=0xa001
DevicePort=0x330
And for MPU-401
[MIDI]
DeviceName=MPU-401
DeviceDriver=56
DeviceID=0xa001
DevicePort=0x330
Make sure that the once you load the game you go to the Audio menu and set the "Channels" to the appropriate number (16 for MPU-401 or 10 for MT32) and that the "Music Type" is set to "MIDI".
You don't want to be limited to only 4 instruments playing simultaneously!
As a funny side note, If the CM-32L set is loaded in MUNT you can see that Lands of Lore 2 doesn't quite know what to do with the expanded sound effect set as instruments such as laughing and jet engine get used in the Huline Jungle!
It seems that the MPU-401 Soundtrack and the MT-32 Soundtrack are somewhat different in Instruments. For an example, in the Huline Jungle Soundtrack for the MPU-401 option (Using an SC-8820) here are a few of the instruments used:
16 Channels
Alto Sax, Talko, Kalimba, Pan Flute, Harp, Choir
In comparison the MT-32 does intruments more like this:
10 Channels
Pipe Organ, Trumpets, Piccolo, Elec Percussion and Conga
When actually listening to the soundtrack the MT-32 gives more of an exciting, electric Synthesizer feel while the MPU401 using the Sound Canvas 8820 gives a more gentle, elegant feel (The harp is amazing in this version). Which is better? Well that's for the listener to decide!
While I won't go into how to setup MUNT for MT-32 or Soundfonts/Sound Canvas VA in this post, here is the replacement edit that must be made to LOLSETUP.INI in the Lands of Lore 2 Folder.
For MT-32
[MIDI]
DeviceName=Roland MT-32 or LAPC-1
DeviceDriver=63
DeviceID=0xa001
DevicePort=0x330
[MIDI]
DeviceName=MPU-401
DeviceDriver=56
DeviceID=0xa001
DevicePort=0x330
You don't want to be limited to only 4 instruments playing simultaneously!
As a funny side note, If the CM-32L set is loaded in MUNT you can see that Lands of Lore 2 doesn't quite know what to do with the expanded sound effect set as instruments such as laughing and jet engine get used in the Huline Jungle!
Post edited March 01, 2020 by crimson_twilight