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-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Last-Modified: 04/09/93
Version: 1.25
GRAVIS ULTRASOUND ("GUS") FAQ VERSION 1.25 [04/09/93]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Certain questions concerning the Gravis UltraSound ("GUS")
sound card are asked over and over on the UltraSound Daily Digest (a
mailing list for GUS users) and on comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard. In an
attempt to alleviate some redundancy from the lives of USENET/Internet
folk, this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions, with answers) list has
been created. It's maintained by Dave DeBry (ddebry@dsd.es.com,
debry@peruvian.cs.utah.edu). If you have any questions, comments,
complaints, or extra cash, please feel free to send them to him.
Don't expect a reply very quickly, as Dave does have a life outside of
this FAQ (contrary to the belief of his friends).
If you would like to join the mailing list and be privy to the
latest and greatest information, banter, and poor spelling concerning
the GUS, mail to <ultrasound-request@dsd.es.com>. The automated
server will tell you how to sign up for the mailing list, tell you
where the FTP sites associated with the Digest are (they recieve
software updates directly from Gravis often), and other such
information that will eventually lead you down the trail to Nirvana,
Valhalla, Heaven, or whatever Land O' Happiness your religion wants to
get to.
BTW: All FAQs, including this one, are available on the
archive site rtfm.mit.edu in the directory pub/usenet/news.answers.
The name under which a FAQ is archived appears in the "Archive-Name:"
line at the top of the article. This FAQ is archived as
PCsoundcards/gravis-ultrasound/faq.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Special thanks go to the following people for their work on
the FAQ and also for hunting down the mysteries of the GUS:
- Francois Dion - Phat H. Tran
- Thomas Wong - Bruce Sharpe
- Ron Dippold - Paul Cunnell
- Matthew E. Bernold - Bjorn H. Kleven
- John Smith
...and many others (please don't be offended if I've forgotten
your name!). Thanks, folks!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Index of Questions
------------------
1] What is the GUS?
2] How does the GUS emulate the SoundBlaster and Adlib cards?
3] Where can I get a GUS, and how much will it cost?
4] What version of the GUS hardware is the latest?
5] What version of the GUS software is the latest?
6] Where can I get the latest GUS software?
(AKA: Where is the GUS FTP site and/or Gravis BBS?)
6a] What if I don't have FTP access?
7] Is the GUS still in beta-test phase?
8] What machines will the GUS work with?
8a] I've heard about problems with the OPTi chipset...
9] Why should I upgrade the memory onboard my GUS?
10] Where can I get memory for the GUS, and how much will it cost?
11] I'm having trouble installing the GUS software...
12] I'm having trouble getting the GUS to work with Windows...
13] How do I get the GUS to work with this program?
14] How do I get the GUS to work with this aardvark?
15] What new hardware is coming out for the GUS?
16] What new software is coming out for the GUS?
17] How do I build the MIDI interface for the GUS?
18] What are *.PAT *.VOC *.WAV *.SND *.MOD *.669, and *.MID
files, and how do I use them?
19] What exactly is GUS 3D?
20] What exactly is Wavetable Synthesis?
21] Is there a GUS device driver for Linux/BSD386/*IX?
22] I'm having trouble joining the Ultrasound Daily Digest...
23] How do I get the GUS to work with OS/2?
24] How do I go about programming the GUS?
25] What are the pinouts for the CD Audio IN on the GUS?
26] I'm having trouble with... GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
27] I can't seem to fit the new disks onto a floppy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1] What is the GUS?
The Gravis UltraSound (generall referred to as the "GUS") is a
sound card built by Advanced Gravis Technologies (GRVSF on the Nasdaq
exchange). It is a stereo card that can play 32 synthesized voices
and 32 sampled voices simultaneously. It is also MIDI compatible.
The synthesizer on the GUS is based on a technology called
Wavetable Synthesis (WS) instead of FM synthesis (like the Adlib and
Soundblaster series). WS is flexible enough to emulate FM synthesis,
and so an emulator has been created so SoundBlaster and Adlib programs
can use the GUS (see question #2).
The GUS, in its basic state, can sample 8 bit stereo at 44kHz.
It can playback 16 bit stereo samples at 44kHz. There is a
daughterboard that you can buy and plug on to the GUS that makes it
possible to sample at 16 bit stereo 44kHz.
The GUS has the following "external" ports:
o Stereo line in
o Stereo line out
o Stereo amplified out
o Stereo microphone in
o Game port / MIDI port
The GUS has several "internal" ports, including:
o CD Audio IN
o Expansion ports for daughtercards (see question #15).
o Other as of yet unexplained pins/ports.
The game port can be changed to MIDI in/out/through ports by
means of an adapter available from Gravis. Alternatively (and for a
LOT less money) you can build your own (see question #17).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2] How does the GUS emulate the SoundBlaster and Adlib cards?
Currently, the emulation is done in a TSR/device driver that
comes with the card, called SBOS. It's pretty small, and doesn't
conflict with too many programs.
SBOS has several command line options available (if run in the
TSR version; the device driver version requires a reboot to change the
setup) for compatibility with various different programs. To find out
what switches to use for which programs, there is a list of options
being maintained (see question #13).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3] Where can I get a GUS, and how much will it cost?
The "suggested retail" for the card is $200 (U.S. dollars),
but if you pay that much, you haven't done your homework. However,
homework on this card isn't easy because Gravis still hasn't actually
advertised (they have a weird policy concerning advertising).
If you call around, you should have no trouble getting the GUS
for less than $150. Suggested places are Babbages, Bizmart, and
Telemart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4] What version of the GUS hardware is the latest?
This is a question that is actually pretty irrelevant. Yes,
there have been different "releases" of the GUS card (the number is
etched into the board), but there really aren't any differences.
Evidently, some of the newer cards have been redesigned to require
less hardware (and less cost to Gravis), but no functionality changes
have been made.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5] What version of the GUS software is the latest?
SBOS: 2.04
Playmidi: 3.50
GUSMOD: 2.11
All updates are available on the GUS FTP sites.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
6] Where can I get the latest GUS software?
(AKA: Where is the GUS FTP site and/or Gravis BBS?)
GUS FTP sites:
archive.epas.utoronto.ca pub/pc/ultrasound
wuarchive.wustl.edu systems/msdos/ultrasound
BTW: You can get a LOT more than just GUS software releases
from Gravis on the FTP sites. There's lots of PD software written
specifically for the GUS, music (midi music, midi patches, mods, 669
music, samples, etc., etc), tech info on the card, back issues of the
UltraSound Daily Digest, etc., etc... check it out!
Gravis BBS:
(604) 431-5927
6a] What if I don't have FTP access?
For those of you who don't have FTP access, find out about the
email request servers that do remote FTP for you. (I don't have
enough space to let all the files be requested by the Digest Request
Server, and it's useless to duplicate that info anyway.) There are
several mail-FTP servers out there; ask around on the net if you can't
find them.
Alternatively, you can call the Gravis BBS. There are several
major disadvantages with this, though:
1] Long distance to Canada (no offense to you Canadians :).
2] 2400 baud.
3] The BBS doesn't have all the public domain stuff that
the FTP sites do.
4] It's almost *always* busy.
Please *DO NOT* ask people to post binaries to
comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard. It's not a binary newsgroup, and that's a
lot of wasted bandwidth to people who don't want the programs. Use
email. It saves bandwidth, fights cavities, and builds character.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
7] Is the GUS still in beta-test phase?
Absolutely NOT. It doesn't matter where you hear this rumor,
it's false. The rumor stemmed from the idea that you could get the
very latest GUS driver software, SBOS, etc., from the Gravis BBS.
These programs aren't beta test stuff. They are concrete examples of
Gravis listening to bug reports from GUS users and turning out fixes
as fast as they can.
That's commitment to customers on Gravis' part, NOT a lack of
a quality assurance department.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
8] What machines will the GUS work with?
You need an IBM compatible computer with at least a 286
processor. It needs to be at least a 386 if you want to use the GUS
with Windows.
8a] I've heard about problems with the OPTi chipset...
There have been troubles with the GUS if your computer's
chipset is made by OPTI. Not all OPTI chipsets are bad, but some of
them have a faulty DMA controller. We're still trying to pin down
which chipsets are flawed; when we have a better idea of exactly which
ones are bad they'll be added here. Until then, be careful if your
computer has an OPTI set, and try reading the UltraSound Daily Digest,
or comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard on USENET.
Written by: dantonio@magick.tay2.dec.com
]
] Actually, it's not just OPTi chipsets, UMC has been implicated
] as well (Gravis first noticed the problem with UMC chipsets) and
] according to Digital Audio Labs (who told Gravis what was going on),
] the bad datacode is 9149 and the bad chip is the 82C206. This is all
] explained in the docs for GUS0013.ZIP (I think), the OPTi fix posted
] to the GUS FTP sites.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
9] Why should I upgrade the memory onboard my GUS?
For starters, the announcement has already come out of Gravis
that the standard GUS will come with 512k instead of 256k. This means
that software companies will write their programs to use *at least*
512k onboard the GUS. And with all the users going to 1meg, chances
are that things will be written for that limit.
It's a cheap upgrade. If your board came with 256k, it will
only cost you about $30 to go up to 1meg (see question #10).
There's already a lot of MIDI files out there that require the
full 1meg to play them, because they use lots of different instrument
patches.
If you plan on doing any sampling, you'll need the space. You
can do direct-to-disk sampling, but it can cause "skips" to go into
the sample each time the sample goes down the bus to the drive. In a
worst case situation, you could be sampling 16 bits in stereo at
44kHz. So, you're doing 88000 samples (stereo, remember) of 16 bits
each every second. That's 171k (176000 bytes) every second, which
means the full 1meg memory will fill up in 5 seconds at that rate.
With only 256k, you can get about 1.5 seconds.
Of course, only people doing very serious stuff with the card
need to sample at that high of a rate in 16 bits. MOD files generally
do 16kHz 8 bit mono samples. But upgrading the card is still pretty
important in that case... do the math, and you'll see.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
10] Where can I get memory for the GUS, and how much will it cost?
You need six 256x4 DRAM chips, with speeds of 80ns or better
(in other words, 80ns OR LESS). They tend to run about $4 a piece, so
the total price will be $24 + shipping.
To find a place with them, just look through the Computer
Shopper magazine. Check the index for 'memory' and call a few places
for prices. (After a little calling, I found a place selling them for
$3.45 apiece.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
11] I'm having trouble installing the GUS software...
One of the earlier versions of the GUS software disks (1.21)
had a problem with the install program. Check out the GUS FTP sites
or the Gravis BBS for the latest stuff (see question #6).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
12] I'm having trouble getting the GUS to work with Windows...
There in one possibility that accounts for about 50% of the
problems people have with the GUS and Windows: you can't have SBOS
loaded before going to Windows. (You don't need it... if the Windows
program was written right, Windows will handle the link to the card;
the program shouldn't care.) Try running ULTRINIT (it clears the GUS'
program memory), or rebooting.
Other problems:
(a) No sound at all in Windows...
Written by: dantonio@magick.tay2.dec.com
]
] People often put ultrasnd.ini into \windows\system which they
] shouldn't. They SHOULD put \ultrasnd\windows\midimap.cfg into
] \windows\system to get the MIDI stuff setup correctly.
(b) I'm not getting any sound when I play MIDI files under Windows.
The Patch Manager shows empty boxes.
Written by: bs@mda.ca (Bruce Sharpe)
]
] You need a file called ULTRASND.INI. You can find this file
] in any one of the following places:
]
] 1. The v1.21 distribution disk set.
] 2. One of the GUS FTP sites.
] 3. The Gravis BBS.
] 4. CompuServe: GO PCVENB, Library 14, name is ULTSND.INI
] (rename it to ULTRASND.INI after downloading).
]
] ULTRASND.INI must be placed in the directory pointed to by the
] environment variable ULTRADIR (usually C:\ULTRASND). It does *not* go
] into the WINDOWS or WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory.
]
] Even if you have an ULTRASND.INI in your ULTRADIR directory,
] look at it. It should have many lines in it saying things like
] "0=acpiano". If it is only a few lines long, get another copy and put
] it into the ULTRADIR directory. Reboot Windows and you will soon be
] hearing beautiful music!
]
] (The purpose of the ULTRASND.INI file is to let the Windows
] driver know what patch file goes with what patch number. If the
] driver doesn't find the .INI file in the ULTRADIR directory it creates
] a truncated version with no patch names in it.)
(c) All the list boxes are blacked out in the UltraSound Patch
Manager.
Written by: bs@mda.ca (Bruce Sharpe)
]
] This was a problem that was fixed in v1.02. It only occurs in
] certain Windows color schemes (e.g., Ocean). If you can't get your
] hands on a more recent PatchManager, then change your color scheme.
(d) Other general Windows/GUS problems.
Written by: john.smith@gravis.com (John Smith)
] At least one major problem people have been having with the
] new release has been solved. Many thanks to Fransisco Perez. He
] noticed that he had a grvsultr.386 file in his \windows directory and
] it was NOT the new one. Apparently, windows looks in the path and
] uses the first one that it finds. It should have gotten the one in the
] windows\system directory. Using the old one with the new patches etc.
] causes SERIOUS problems. The old install software required the user to
] copy some things manually and some people put the files in the windows
] directory instead of the windows\system directory. The new install
] will install windows automatically and puts the files in the
] windows\system directory. To correct the problem, make sure the
] following files are in your windows\system and ultrasnd\windows
] directory ONLY!!! If you find them anywhere else, you should remove
] them....
]
] ...\windows\system\
] grvsultr.386 <
] midimap.cfg < These files are also located
] ultmport.drv < in the UltraSnd\Windows
] ultrasnd.drv <
]
] ...\ultrasnd\
] ultrasnd.ini
]
] ...\ultrasnd\windows\
] ultrasnd.ini
] oemsetup.inf
] mixer.exe
] patchmgr.exe
] patchmgr.hlp
] ultrahlp.hlp
]
] Some of you have been trying to re-run the automatic Windows
] install simply by running WINGUS from your UltraSound\Windows
] directory. The problem with this is WINGUS is looking for an install
] script file that has an extension of .INF. The first file it
] encounters is OEMSETUP.INF, which it trys to execute but because this
] is NOT a script file you will get MANY error messages. Try renaming
] OEMSETUP.INF to OEM.TMP then run WINGUS. WINGUS will then see WIN.INF
] and load that instead.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
13] How do I get the GUS to work with this program?
Written by: rdippold@cancun.qualcomm.com (Ron Dippold)
]
] GUS Tested Programs Compatability List V1.05 Jan 26, 1993
]
] Send updates to rdippold@qualcomm.com.
]
] This is a list of compatibility settings for the Gravis
] Ultrasound card. I have not personally verified all of these, most of
] them are submitted to me by other GUS owners. Your results may vary.
] Nor is this a list of all programs that will run with the GUS - this
] is just a list of those that have been tested by those who sent me
] mail. It is for the purpose of helping GUS owners run a program
] without hunting for the appropriate options.
]
] If the switches listed don't work, try removing EVERYTHING
] from your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. These settings worked
] for someone, and memory managers and other device drivers seem to be
] the main culprits when something doesn't work.
]
] The "Version" indicates the version of SBOS that the program
] was tested with.
]
] Please note the "Most Wanted" section at the bottom of
] programs which just don't seem to want to work. Please check all 16
] combinations of settings ( -o= none, 1, 2, 3 and -x= none, 1, 2, 3)
] before submitting it as a "won't work."
]
] Things are now arranged in a hierarchical fashion. If you
] manage to "promote" anything up the hierarchy, please let me know
] ASAP. Ditto if you notice a problem with a game running with an old
] version of SBOS that no longer occurs with a new version.
]
] Native GUS Support
] ========================================================================
] Chuck Yeager's Air Combat (new version)
] Star Control II (some people have problems with 1 meg of GUS RAM)
]
[ If you have problems with SCII because you have 1meg of
GUS RAM, you can solve the problem by playing a 669 file
with the 669 player before startting SCII. No one knows
why this fixes it, but it does. -Ed. ]
]
] SBOS Soundblaster support Version Parameters
] ========================================================================
] 4-D Boxing 1.20 None (Voice is too slow)
] 4-D Boxing 1.23 None
] Aces of the Pacific 1.20 None
] Alone in the Dark 1.20 None
] Amazon 1.20 None
] Armour-Geddon 1.22 None
] ATP 2.0 1.22 None
] AV8B Harrier Attack 1.20 -o2
] Battle Chess 4000 1.23 None
] Blaster Master 1.20 -x3
] Brix 1.23 None (Strange if with SBOSDRV.SYS)
] Catacombs 3D 1.20 None
] Chuck Yeager's Air Combat (old) 1.23 None
] Civilization None
] Comanche: Maximum Overkill 1.20 None (Get Update from Novalogic)
] Comanche: Maximum Overkill 1.20 None (or music=adlib, digital=sb)
] Commander Keen (part 4) 1.22 -x2
] Contraption Zack 1.22 None
] Darkseed 1.23 None
] Daughter of Serpents 1.22 None
] Dinosaur Adventure 1.22 None
] Dragon Flight 1.22 None
] Dragon's Lair III 1.22 None
] Dune 1.20 None
] Dune II 1.22 None
] Earl Weaver Baseball II 1.20 None (digitized sounds out speaker)
] Elite Plus 1.20 None
] Escape from Alcatraz 1.20 -o3
] F-117A Stealth Fighter 1.23 -o1
] F-15 Strike Eagle II 1.20 -o3
] F-15 Strike Eagle III 1.23 -x2
] F-29 Retaliator 1.23 None
] Falcon 3.0 1.22 None
] Fate of Atlantis 1.20 None
] Formula One Grand Prix 1.20 -o2
] Front Page Sports Football 1.20 None (voice may echo)
] Galactix 1.3 1.20 -o3 (not fully compatible)
] Galactix 1.3 1.22 None
] The Games: Summer Challenge 1.20 None
] Gobliiins (Cocktel) 1.22 None
] Goblins 2 1.22 None
] Gods 1.23 None
] Grand Master Chess 1.22 None
] Gunship 2000 1.23 None (game pauses in speech)
] Hardball III 1.22 None
] Heart of China 1.20 None
] Hole in One Minature Golf Dlx 1.22 None
] Humans 1.20 -o3
] The Incredible Machine 1.20 None
] Jill of the Jungle 1.23 None (Strange if with SBOSDRV.SYS)
] Joe and Mac: Caveman Ninja 1.22 None
] Ken's Labyrinth 1.23 None
] Kiloblaster 1.22 None
] King's Quest V 1.20 None
] King's Quest VI 1.20 -o3 (no speech)
] King's Quest VI 1.22 -o2 -x3
] King's Quest VI 1.23 -x3
] Knights of the Sky 1.20 None
] L.A. Law 1.22 None
] Leather Godesses of Phobos II 1.20 -o1
] Legend of Kyrandia 1.20 None
] Legend of Robin Hood 1.20 None
] Legends of Valour 1.22 None
] Leisure Suit Larry V 1.22 -o2 -x3
] Lemmings 1.20 Lemmings -x for PC type
] Lemmings 1.22 None
] Links 386 1.05 or later 1.20 -o1 -x2 (turn off bckgrnd sounds)
] Links 386 1.05 or later 1.22 -x2 (load with golf /s )
] LHX Attack Chopper 1.23 None
] Llamatron 2112 1.22 None (Turn off QEMM)
] Mars 1.23 None
] Might and Magic IV 1.22 None (some problems - try Adlib)
] Monkey Island II 1.20 None
] Overkill 1.20 None
] Patriot 1.22 None
] PGA Golf 1.20 -o2
] Playroom 1.20 None
] Populous II 1.23 None
] Powermonger 1.20 None
] Prince of Persia 1.20 -o1
] Putt-Putt Joins the Parade 1.22 None
] Quest for Glory III 1.23 -o2 -x2
] Reader Rabbit I 1.20 None
] Reader Rabbit II 1.20 None
] Reading Adventures in OZ 1.20 None
] Red Baron 1.20 None
] Rex Nebular 1.22 -x3
] Rome AD 92 1.22 None
] Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe 1.23 None
] Siege 1.20 -x3
] Sierra Xmas Card '92 1.22 None
] Sim Ant 1.20 None
] The Simpsons 1.22 None
] Simusex 1.20 None
] Spear of Destiny 1.20 -o2
] Spear of Destiny 1.22 None
] Starfire 1.20 None (no voice)
] Street Fighter II 1.22 None
] Stormovik SU-25 1.23 None
] Strange Deadfellows 1.20 GF1 int = MIDI int
] Stunt Driver (1.5?) 1.23 None
] Stunts (slight slowdown) 1.20 None
] Stunts 1.22 None
] Stunt Island 1.22 None
] Task Force: 1942 1.22 None
] Terminator 2029 1.23 None (MIDI IRQ must be 7)
] Thunder Hawk 1.20 -x3 (still flakey)
] Tristan Pinball 1.20 None
] Ultima Underworld 1.20 None
] Ultima Underworld II 1.22 None
] Ultima VII 1.23 None
] Unreal Demo 1.20 IRQ must be 2
] Unreal Demo 1.23 None (sounds much better)
] V for Victory: Utah Beach 1.22 None
] V for Victory: Velikiye Luiki 1.22 None
] Where in the World is Carmen... 1.20 -o1
] Where in the World... DELUXE 1.23 -o1
] Willy Beamish 1.20 None
] Wing Commander 1.20 -o2 -x2 (slow)
] Wing Commander 1.22 -o2 -x2
] Wing Commander II 1.23 None
] Wolfenstein 3D 1.22 None
] WOW II 1.3 (MOD player) 1.20 None
] World Circuit 1.23 -o2
] Wrath of the Demon 1.20 None
]
] Note - Adlib support will usually allow you to select Adlib
] sounds and Soundblaster Music. You just don't get Soundblaster
] digitized sounds.
]
] SBOS Adlib Support Version Parameters
] ========================================================================
] Altered Destiny 1.23 None
] Conan 1.20 None
] Covert Action 1.23 None
] Future Wars 1.20 None
] Heart Light 1.22 None
] So You Want To Be a Hero? 1.20 None
] Star Trek 25th Anniversary 1.22 None
] Tegel's Mercenaries 1.22 None
]
] Most Wanted List (Games that Just Don't Work so far)
] ========================================================================
] Dr. Who Dalek Attack 1.22 Game freezes after explosion
] SimLife 1.22 Runs with -o3, but no sound
] Wizkid 1.23 Seems to wipe all TSRs
----------------------------------------------------------------------
14] How do I get the GUS to work with this aardvark?
Sorry. I'm getting a little bored typing all this up.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
15] What new hardware is coming out for the GUS?
Written by: Bruce Sharpe (bs@mda.ca)
]
] -------------------------------------------------------------------
] | Advanced Gravis Product Support BBS Pricing & Availability |
] -------------------------------------------------------------------
] | Item When? SRP($US) |
] -------------------------------------------------------------------
] | MIDI Connector Box | Apr '93 | $49.95 |
] | 16-bit Stereo Recording Interface Card | Apr '93 | $149.95 |
] | LMSI CD-ROM Daughter Card for CM205 and | Qtr 1 '93 | $59.95 |
] | and CM215 (Phillips, Magnavox, LMSI) | | |
] | Sony CD-ROM Daughter Card for Sony 31A | Qtr 1 '93 | $49.95 |
] | Mitsumi CD-ROM Daughter Card | Qtr 1 '93 | $49.95 |
] | SCSI CD-ROM Daughter Card | Qtr 1 '93 | TBA |
] -------------------------------------------------------------------
]
] Details? Good question.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
16] What new software is coming out for the GUS?
Gravis has signed contracts with several companies to release
and/or support software for the GUS:
a) Gravis Ultrasound 3D
[ SEE ALSO -- Question #19 ]
"Advanced Gravis announced a development that will forever
change the way PC game players, business, and multimedia software
users perceive sound from their computer software. Gravis UltraSound
3D for the PC, the next step for the Gravis UltraSound card, places
the computer user in the middle of an audio environment for immersive
virtual reality audio. For the first time outside virtual reality labs
and at an affordable consumer pricepoint, sound effects, music, even
simple clicks of a mouse can be placed in an audio space that
surrounds the user like a sphere.
"Utilizing Focal Point technology, UltraSound 3D processes the
audio signal through a technique called "convolution," new right and
left binaural audio signals are generated that create a wraparound
sound effect to the human ear. The sound signal is actually a stereo
signal shaped electronically to make the listener hear the sound as
three-dimensional and in the correct location -- a psychoacoustic
effect that can be manipulated in real time. When compared to an
equalizer, binaural processing adjusts the gain and phase of the
frequency band. But it would take two hundred sliders for gain and
another two hundred sliders for phase shift per ear and the ability to
change all of them in real time to achieve the immersive virtual
reality audio effect of Gravis UltraSound 3D."
b) Midisoft Recording Session
"Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. and Midisoft
Corporation have signed an agreement whereby Midisoft music authoring
software will be bundled together with Advanced Gravis UltraSound(tm)
multimedia PC hardware. The world-wide, non-exclusive licensing
agreement extends to the end of 1993.
"Under the terms of the agreement, Gravis will license
Midisoft Recording Session for Windows and a collection of MIDI songs
for inclusion in the retail versions of the Gravis UltraSound sound
card. The bundle will give users the ability to easily play, compose,
record, and edit MIDI music for personal, business, or educational
purposes."
c) Power Chords for Windows
"Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. and Howling Dog
Systems have signed an agreement whereby Howling Dog's music software
will be bundled together with Advanced Gravis UltraSound(tm)
multimedia PC hardware. The world-wide, non-exclusive licensing
agreement extends to the end of 1993.
"Under the terms of the agreement, Gravis will license Power
Chords for Windows and a collection of MIDI songs for inclusion in the
retail versions of the Gravis UltraSound sound card. The bundle will
give users the ability to easily play, edit and compose MIDI music for
personal, business, or educational purposes using a familiar guitar
interface and powerful drum kit."
d) Other deals that have been announced:
Written by: John Smith <john.smith@gravis.com>
]
] Titles Planned for UltraSound Support!
] Shipping the 1st Qtr. of 1993
] Updated: Feb 20th, 1993
]
] The following list has been complied from information given to
] us by the publishers at the time they received our GUS development
] kit. What follows is a partial list of those publishers' plans.
]
] Publisher Working Title Rel.Date
] --------- ------------- --------
] Accolade Star Control II Shipping
] Other titles planned for summer.
]
] Activision Return to Zork March
] Future titles also planned for 1993
]
] Apogee Software Pickle Wars Feb-Mar
] Extensive GUS support this year, including educational titles.
]
] Apunix Sound Tool Mar-Apr
] They plan to release four other titles with GUS support.
]
] The Blue Ribbon SuperJAM Feb-Mar
] Sound Works Ltd.
] Also working on other MPC titles. Well known music company
] producing quality work for several years. Featured numerous
] times in Keyboard magazine.
]
] Bt Software Xanthus Feb
] Enterprises PC Composer Mar
] Published 3 selling titles to date. Will support GUS in all
] future titles.
]
] Comptons New Media Untitled Apr-May
] Has planned support for all future releases.
]
] DigiVox Sound Impression Mar
] Has plans for other future titles
]
] E Book Untitled Apr
] Has plans to support the GUS in future releases. An EA(AFL)
]
] Electronic Arts Ultra Chuck Yeager Shipping
] NHL Hockey Feb-Mar
] Further support planned for additional titles. Cannot release
] working names yet.
]
] Epic Games Drum Blaster Feb-Mar
] Shareware company planning support for all their new titles
] including Track Blaster, Zone 66, Solar Winds, Savage Crusade.
]
] Hollyware Johnny Quest Feb-Mar
] Famous cartoon adventure series of the 60's. Several titles
] planned for GUS support in 1993.
]
] Ibis EarPlay Jan
] RiffTutor Feb
] Well known for their music programs. GUS support planned for
] all coming titles.
]
] ID Software Doom Feb-Mar
] Bio-Hazard
] Huge success with Wolfstein 3D. GUS support planned for all
] upcoming titles.
]
] Intel Corporation 960 Family Features Feb
] Planning to use GUS in several Multi-Media Projects.
]
] Interplay Buzz Aldrin's Race Mar
] into Space
] Plans GUS support for all 1993 titles. Now handles Virgin
] Games, also planning GUS support.
]
] IntraCorp Inc. Terminator 2 Chess Feb
] Trump Castle 3 Mar
] Have produced quality games, such as Home Alone 2, Bridge
] Master and Dark Half.
]
] LucasArts Entrtnt. Untitled Apr
] Several titles planned for GUS support
]
] Kesmai Corporation Air Combat Warrior Feb
] Online gaming system has big plans for GUS support
]
] Megatoon Jersey Devil Mar-Apr
] Electronic Arts (AFL) has many titles planned for GUS support
]
] Mercer Comp Systems Midi Performer Feb
] Music Software company plans GUS support for several new
] titles
]
] MicroProse World Circuit Shipping
] David Ledbetter's Golf Jan-Feb
] Harrier Jan-Feb
] These titles will include a patch, or will be revised for full
] GUS support.
]
] MidiSoft Recording Session Shipping
] Music Software Company. Will support GUS in all future
] titles.
]
] New World Computing Empire Deluxe Feb
] An affiliate of Broderbund Software. Plan GUS support for all
] future titles.
]
] Norsehelm Products Ragnarok II Mar
] Seven Wonders
] Producers of quality arcade adventure games. Plan to support
] GUS in future titles.
]
] NovaLogic Comanche shipping
] Maximum Overkill (the new Missions disk)
] UltraBolts Apr
] Affiliate of Electronic Arts. #1 selling fall title. Includes
] their own SBOS. GUS delivers superior stereo sound (not MONO)
] with much clearer sound effects.
]
] Odyssey Software Space Wars Mar
] Received excellent press coverage in recent articles
]
] Psygnosis Lemmings 2 Feb-Mar
] Renowned for huge successes in arcade style games. Plan to
] support GUS in other 1993 releases.
]
] Silicon & Synapse Lost Vikings Mar
] Well known developers of the SNES. They have also done
] development for Interplay.
]
] S.S.I. Great Naval Battles Shipping
] Electronic Arts affiliate. Well known for combat simulations
] and D&D software. This title includes their own SBOS patch.
]
] Twelve Tone Systems Cake Walk Pro Mar
] Music publisher will produce several titles with GUS support
]
] Three Sixty Battle Cruiser 3D Feb
] Electronic Arts Affiliate. Excellent reputation for air,
] combat and war simulations. Plan to support GUS in other 1993
] releases.
]
] VOR Technologies Empires of the Known Mar
] Universe
] Online gaming system. Plans GUS support to take advantage of
] digital audio.
]
] Westwood Studios Untitled Apr-May
] Has plans in the works for GUS support and 3D support in
] summer releases.
]
] WinJammer Software WinJammer Shipping
] Well established Music Shareware Company. Producing a new
] midi-sequencer with GUS support.
e) Tons o' Free/Share/Cripple/*Ware
Check out the GUS FTP sites (see question #6) for the latest
stuff.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
17] How do I build the MIDI interface for the GUS?
Written by: pcunnell@micrognosis.co.uk (Paul Cunnell)
]
] > Has anyone made the midi interface for the GUS that is in the FAQ?
] > If so, were did you find the part# 6N138? I cant seem to locate
] > this anywhere. Also, (excuse my ingorance i'm not an EE) but
] > what exactly is that part and its purpose? Thanks...
]
] The 6N138 is a high sensitivity opto-isolator, manufactured by
] Hewlett Packard (and I believe, a company called Quality Technology)
] The main point in using this part as opposed to other more common
] opto-isolators is the low LED ON current spec. (1.6mA)
]
] A midi out circuit is basically a LED in series with 600 ohms,
] and a 5V supply. Taking into account the 1.7V forward drop across the
] LED, you get about 5mA in the on state. Other optos generally need
] more current to turn them on (say 15-60mA, but this varies a lot). A
] 'high speed' 6N137 opto will also work, I believe, but that would be a
] bit marginal on the input current (spec. is min 5mA).
]
] Since a number of people have been asking, I'll add below the
] midi circuit that I'm using, plus a bit of general explanation I've
] culled from other peoples' postings on the subject.
]
] Generic Midi Out/In/Through Circuit
] ===================================
]
] The following shows a typical OUT, cable, and IN circuit
]
] MIDI OUT port ---->|<- cable ->|<---- MIDI IN port +5V
] 270 |
] +5V DIN DIN +--\/\/\/-+
] | 220 +-+ +-------+ +-+ 220 +--------+ |
] |\ +-\/\/\/--|4|-|-------|-|4|--\/\/\/--| OPTO |-+-+- UART RXD
] UART | \ | | | | | | |ISOLATOR| |
] TXD ---| \---\/\/\/--|5|-|-------|-|5|----------| |-+ |
] | / 220 | | +-------+ | | +--------+ | |
] | / +--|2|-+ +-|2| 6N138 GND|
] |/ 7407 | +-+ +-+ |
] GND |
] |
] +-------------------------------------------+
] |
] | +5V DIN
] | | 220 +-+
] | |\ +-\/\/\/--|4|
] | | \ | |
] +--| \---\/\/\/--|5| MIDI THRU
] | / 220 | |
] | / +--|2|
] |/ 7407 | +-+
] GND
]
] Note that when the UART TXD is high, no current flows through
] the resistors and optoisolator's LED, causing the optoisolator's
] phototransistor to remain off, allowing the UART RXD to be pulled high
] by the 270 ohm resistor. When the UART TXD is low, current flows
] through the resistors and optoisolator's LED, turning on
] optoisolator's phototransistor, grounding the UART RXD. The voltage
] drop across the optoisolator's LED is typically 1.5 volts, leaving 3.5
] volts to be dropped across (3 times 220) 660 ohms, which allows about
] 5 ma to flow.
]
] The reason a current loop is used is that it allows an ground
] isolated interconnection. Note that the ground from the MIDI OUT
] port's device is not connected to the ground of the MIDI IN port's
] device. This prevents ground loops in systems where appropriate
] attention has not been paid to grounding issues, such as the case of
] typical musicians in a typical club!
]
] Gravis Ultrasound Circuit
] =========================
]
] 15 pin D connector
] 220R
] pin-1 +5v ----+--------------------------/\/\/\---------------\
] | \ 4
] | Gnd--2 MIDI OUT
] | |\ |\ 220R / 5
] pin-12 tr >---|------| o-----| o----------/\/\/\--------------/
] | 13|/ 12 11|/ 10
] | 220R
] +---------------------------/\/\/\-------------\
] | \ 4
] pin-15 rx <---|--------------------+ Gnd--2 MIDI THRU
] | |\ |\ | 220R / 5
] | +--| o-----| o---+-------/\/\/\------------/
] | | 1|/ 2 3|/ 4
] | |
] | +------+
] | 270R | 220R
] +--/\/\/\--+ +------+----------/\/\/\--------\
] |B |C |A | \ 4
] +-|----------|----|-+ | MIDI IN
] | 8 6 2 | ----- / 5
] | | / \ IN914 or IN4148 +-/
] | 6N138 | --- |
] | | | |
] | 5 3 | | |
] +------------|----|-+ | |
] | |K | |
] pin-5 Gnd --------------+ +------+----------------------+
]
] Inverters are 74LS04. (This is a 14-pin IC containing 6
] inverters. Connect pin 14 to +5V, pin 7 to GND)
]
] Leave pin 2 of the MIDI IN unconnected (Don't connect to
] ground).
]
] Acknowledgements:
] Michael R. Kesti (mrk@gvgspd.gvg.tek.com) - general description
] Mr. D Ingles (davei@comp.lancs.ac.uk) - midi thru bit
] Remek Lipinski (remek@mamura.ee.mu.oz.au) - schematic (updated)
] David Morning (dam@dcs.glasgow.ac.uk) - schematic (original)
] Dave Perry (dp@hydra.carleton.ca) - research & pin corrections
]
] Some hints for testing your circuit
] ===================================
]
] 1] Check *all* connections (use a continuity tester, and tick
] them off on a printout of the circuit).
]
] 2] Check them again ;-)
]
] 3] Make sure you have the latest (GUS0012.zip) windows midi
] driver, and make sure it is installed properly.
]
] 4] Make sure your midi sequencer package is set up to use the
] Ultrasound Midi In/Out ports. (As opposed to the Ultrasound
] Synth)
]
] 5] If you still have no joy,
]
] a] Just connect the +5V and GND to your midi circuit,
] (leave the d-connector pins 12 and 15 unconnected),
] and then connect pin 13 of the 7404 to +5V check you
] have (about) +5V appearing on pin 10. This checks
] midi out.
]
] b] Connect pin 4 of the midi-in DIN socket via 2 extra
] 220R resistors to +5V. Check pin 4 of the 7404. It
] should be low (about 0V). Then connect pin 4 of the
] midi-in DIN socket to 0V. Pin 4 of the 7404 should go
] high. This checks midi in.
]
] c] Reconnect the d-type pins 12 and 15, and connect a
] midi cable between midi-out on the circuit and and
] midi-in on your synth. Set up your sequencer to use
] the Ultrasound MIDI port as an output, and ensure that
] one of the tracks is set to use this port. Check your
] synth is expecting MIDI data on the same channel as
] sequencer is transmitting. Start sequencer playing.
] Check that midi data is being transmitted at pin 12 of
] the d-type (look at it with an oscilloscope, if
] possible).
]
] Note
] ====
]
] Standard disclaimers apply - use this information at your own
] risk, and if your fry your card/PC/synth/toaster, then you have my
] sympathy, but not much else ;-)
]
] If you're not happy about messing with circuits and soldering
] irons and wires and stuff, then you may wish to wait for the midi
] connector box from Gravis to become available.
]
] I notice that in the older FAQs, there is a description (from
] Dustin Caldwell <DUSTIN@gse.utah.edu>) of the solder side pinout for a
] 15-pin D-type connector. This looks wrong to me. I have a 15-pin male
] d-type in from of me, and it looks like this from the solder side
] (i.e. the side you attach the wires to, rather than the side with the
] pins that plugs into the card):
]
] Gnd +5V
] 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
] +-----/-------------------------------\-----+
] | \ o o o o o o o o / |
] | ( ) \ / ( ) |
] | \ o o o o o o o / |
] +--------\-------------------------/--------+
] 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
] Rx Tx
]
] It is easy to get the pins confused on these connectors - the
] female version seen from the solder side of course has everything the
] other way around (pin 1 is on the left hand side).
]
] Hope this helps (or at least doesn't add to the confusion :-).
] All reasonable quality D-type connectors have pin numbers marked
] against the pins anyway.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
18] What are *.PAT *.VOC *.WAV *.SND *.MOD *.669, and *.MID files, and
how do I use them?
Written by: Matthew E. Bernold <MEB117@PSUVM.PSU.EDU>
]
] These are all different types of sound files.
]
] *.PAT files are GUS instrument files, or PATCH files. These
] files are what your GUS uses to recreate the various instruments it is
] capable of playing. Your .PAT files should be in your /ULTRASND/MIDI
] and /ULTRASND/SBOS directories.
]
] *.VOC and *.WAV files are basic digital sound files with
] headers. The *.VOC files are used on the soundblaster, and the *.WAV
] files are used by Microsoft Windows. Players capable of using these
] formats can read information on sampling rate, 8 or 16 bit, and
] mono/stereo from the header of these files. *.WAV files can be played
] in MS Windows by many programs. *.VOC files can be converted to *.WAV
] by many different programs, including SOX which is available via FTP.
] The latest version (7.0) has been ported to PC clones and can be found
] on the GUS FTP sites.
]
] *.SND files are raw sound files with no header information.
] This is the format currently used by the GUS. This means that you
] have to tell the player program about the sample, because the
] information on how to play it is NOT in the file, like with the *.VOC
] or *.WAV files. You can play these files using PLAYFILE which came
] with the GUS.
]
] *.MOD files are 4-voice 15 or 31 instrument music files which
] originated on the Amiga. They use 8-bit, 16kHz samples to produce the
] instruments, and note information to play the songs. *.MOD files are
] similar to MIDI files, but they are a bit more flexible because you
] can use any sample as an instrument (including voices and sound
] effects) instead of relying on the MIDI synth's own built in
] instruments. You can play these files using GUSMOD which can be found
] on epas.
]
] *.669 files are 8-voice music files. I don't know much about
] them, so maybe Tran (author of the GUS 669 player) can fill in this
] area. You can play these files using P669GU0 which can be found on
] epas.
]
] *.MID files are MIDI files. You can play these files with
] PLAYMIDI that came with the Ultrasound package, or with MediaPlayer in
] MS Windows. You might have to create a *.cfg file for the MIDI file
] if it was originally created for a synth that does not conform to the
] GM Midi standard.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
19] What exactly is GUS 3D?
First and foremost: YES, this is SOFTWARE. You will NOT need
to upgrade your GUS to be able to do the GUS-3D stuff.
Written By: dionf@ERE.UMontreal.CA (Francois Dion)
]
] There are several systems that are in use to get 3D sounds on
] recordings and some have been around since the 50s. Now i wont go into
] the "how it works" of the more recent ones, but i think this will
] clear up some confusion. The first part is a "hands-on" experiment,
] the second is informations, including the address and phone of the
] owner of the technology that is used with the Gravis Ultrasound.
]
] Let's get back to the early days of stereo. One record company
] (i cant seem to remember) was pushing it, while another (again, blank.
] anyone?) competed. Interestingly enough, technological development
] was put on stereo, and not on the first 3D system which was called
] "binaural recording" and it simply consisted of two microphones placed
] like the ears. You can try it this way:
]
] Go to a hat store and buy an extruded foam mannequin head.
] You'll then need two microphones. Condenser will do, but you will need
] to power them if you want to use them with the GUS, since it take a
] dynamic microphone because it does not supply phantom power like some
] mixer with XLR plugs. I will post a circuit later for Radio-shack
] condenser mike unit (a small element that cost about 2$) if there is
] some interest. If you dont want to mess with that, go with a cardiod
] dynamic element. Note that sensitive enough cardiod will cost you a
] lot, so think about that. You cut holes in the ears of the head, to
] insert the microphone units (dont forget to make the wires of the
] elements go inside the head and out the rear (or wherever). Use glue
] to fill the crack around the mic. Also, the more the ears look like
] real ears, the better it will work. If you trim the foam, dont forget
] to use an hairdryer to soften it (it will be more uniform). That's it.
] Try recording sounds, and you'll be surprised. I was! I did the
] experiment with a polystyrene head on which i incrusted two PZM
] microphones.
]
] Now that you understand how 3D recording is nothing like
] stereo recording, we'll see what is accesible presently.
]
] First, the gadget we just built in the previous section exist
] commercially, and is called "Mikey" and is made by Spherical Sound.
] It's the only system commercialised where the microphones are placed
] in a head.
]
] Another system is made by Virtual Audio and claims to enhance
] stereo depth, but is not labeled 3D audio. I dont have much more info
] on it, but from the description it looks like the same thing as the
] "mikey".
]
] Two other systems use less restraining microphones situation
] and can also be used on any signal because a DSP simulate a 3D signal
] from parameters entered on the machine. QSound (no hyphen) was
] developped in Quebec, and the inventor sold the concept to another
] company (Archer it seems). It is not that good even with electrostatic
] headphones, and is pretty bad if you are listening to it thru speakers
] and you are not in the soft spot. And for trivia: Madonna, Sting,
] Wilson Phillips and Paula Abdul to name a few have used the QSound on
] their latest recordings. Another trivia: The Q logo is very very close
] to Hydro-Quebec logo... QSound cost around 18K$ and is not midi
] controllable.
]
] The other variant with a DSP is Roland RSS (Roland Sound
] Space). It is a bit better (depending on how it is used) than QSound
] with headphones, but suffers the same faith as QSound when you are
] listening with speakers. Just move a bit from the soft spot, and
] suddenly what was in front left is now back left. RSS was used on
] Suzanne Cianni _Hotel Luna_ album. RSS cost around 40K$ and is midi
] controllable.
]
] Another system on which i have zero information is called
] Audio Cybernetics.
]
] The last technology is called Focal Point 3D Audio. It was
] developped by Bo Gehring and first used on the Macintosh computers
] with a modified Audiomedia (Digidesign). It cost around 1400$ in this
] configuration. But, Gravis saw that (Focal Point is from Seattle) and
] it is the system that we will be getting. At a much better price. The
] system produce the sounds with these parameters: direction, elevation
] and distance. I am pretty sure that Gravis will have to develop a
] SYSEX command set. We already need it badly, but with 3D, i will shoot
] myself if i cant control it thru sysex.
]
] By the way, here's how to get in touch with Focal Point 3D
] Audio, if you're interested.
]
] Focal Point(tm) 3D audio
] 1402 Pine av., #127
] Niagara Falls, NY 14301
] Voice/fax: 1-416-963-9188
]
] Ok, you have read the 3D thing, and you cant wait. You want
] big sound. The only possibility for now is surround. Now surround cost
] a lot of money, and it will not be useable anymore once you get the 3D
] driver. Wrong.
]
] Now, i hope you have an amplifier, cause if you dont, you can't
] use this little hack to get surrounding sound. WARNING: i am not
] responsible for any damage resulting from the use or misuse or
] anything else related to this circuit. Check that your - posts are
] connected to ground and not the +. If it's the case reverse the
] connections to the amplifier.
]
] It works surprisingly well considering the cost. Have fun!
]
] | Amplifier |
] | + - - + | You connect the front speakers as usual (dont mixup
] /| | | |\ the polarities!) _
] | |_| |_| | FLS: Front left speaker (/_\)
] | /_\ /_\ | FRS: Front right speaker
] | FLS FRS | R: variable pot 50 ohm. 10 watts or more (depends on
] |_ _| the amplifier)
] > | | <
] ><'R R'>< RLS: Rear left speaker (use a much smaller speaker
] > < for rear than front. 8 ohm also.)
] | RLS RRS | RRS: Rear right speaker (")
] | _ _ |
] | \_/ \_/ | the 2 - on front speakers are connected to the
] |_/ \_._/ \_| ground of the amplifier internally, so you dont
] + -|- + have to connect them.
] |_
] > |
] ><'R
] > Here, you do need to connect the 2 - thru R to the
] _|_ amplifier ground.
] - AMP GND
]
] Put the 3 potentiometer in a box so that you have the control
] in one place, and use enough wire so you can move with it. You'll have
] to experiment so that the R going to ground is a little higher than
] the other 2 and once that adjusment made, the other two must be
] adjusted so that the rear speakers are just adding a touch of depth
] (if you turn them off, you notice that the surround is gone). Also, if
] you have A-B speaker selection, plug the rear speakers on the + of B
] instead of A, you will then be able to switch them off easily. Of
] course, when you will use the 3D audio, it will affect the signal, so
] it's better to unplug the rear section. But for your video, tape, CD
] and regular GUS, you will still find it cool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
20] What exactly is Wavetable Synthesis?
Written By: dionf@ERE.UMontreal.CA (Francois Dion)
]
] It is easier to find the Holy Grail than to find a text
] describing precisely what synthesis method the GUS uses, so it's time
] i take a shot at it. For this text i have searched thru ftp archives
] troughout the world, have asked info from Ensoniq, Roland,
] TurtleBeach, Advanced Gravis, Forte Creative Labs and i also took into
] account the numerous comments, praise and flames i received to model
] the text. Since this text is a result of a collective internet and
] industry wisdom, flames will go the way of /dev/nul. And please, read
] the text carefully, because i have received some comments from people
] who were thinking i wrote something when in fact i wrote the opposite
] (particularly from non anglophones).
]
] You probably have heard about the GUS beeing a wavetable
] soundcard. I have received some comments that the GUS is not such a
] thing, but since the industry uses this term (i.e. CL waveblaster,
] GUS, TB multisound etc...), i am not in a position to create confusion
] by renaming the technology. Wavetable explains perfectly what it is.
] A table containing a waveform.
]
] The GUS uses the third generation of wavetable synthesis, so
] before i start explaining it, i'll talk about the first two
] generations first.
]
] The first generation of wavetable synthesis was actually a
] _digitally_ controlled _analog_ oscillator(s) where parameters
] controlling the waveform were kept in memory. The curtis based synths
] and some others are directly derived from this concept.
]
] The second generation of wavetable synthesis uses a digital
] oscillator, with the waveform held in memory in it's basic form (one
] period usually). Parameters to alter the oscillator behaviour are
] also in memory. I use the general term "memory" instead of RAM,
] because in some case it's actually ROM, FlashROM, PROM, EPROM,
] switches, buffers etc... The Ensoniq chip found in the Macintosh Plus
] is an example (8 bit, 4 oscillators, 4096 byte wavetable).
]
] The third generation of wavetable synthesis which can be found
] in two flavors (RAM or ROM) is based on the second generation, but
] uses bigger wavetables to hold the waveform (either in single period
] or multi period format) including this time the attack and release. In
] this section, i will focus only on the GUS implementation, which
] basically encompass all other implementations. Basically, what you
] have are 32 oscillators which can do the exact same thing, and be
] programmed separately and/or simultaneously. What the hardware can do
] without the operating system is not too important here since we are
] looking at what the GUS _can_presently_do_ (with modifications to the
] OS, the GUS could do pretty much any synthesis method one can dream
] up), not what it would have done if the OS wasn't available. Of
] course, more processing done in hardware means more CPU cycles left
] for other things.
]
] So in the GUS, you have some RAM (up to 1Mb) that holds 1, 2,
] 3, etc, wavetables which consist of a sampled (or soft-synthesised)
] waveform, some parameters and optionally a sampled attack and release.
] Vhe GF1 ahip (an asic based on the Ensoniq DOC-II chip) will then
] playback a waveform when triggered based on some parameters it is
] given, and on others it will fetch from the wavetable. I dont know if
] all parameters can be fetched from RAM by the GF1, nor if the GF1 can
] fetch some instructions from RAM, but by using the current OS built in
] the windows drivers or in the DOS library, this is what the GUS
] _can_presently_use_ to synthesise music:
]
] - sampled or envelopped attack in 8/16 bit, signed/unsigned
] format *
] - sampled waveform (anything! a period, or a several seconds
] sample) *
] - sampled or envelopped release *
]
] with:
] - velocity (volume) *
] - panning (balance) *
] - precise frequency playback rates (with frequency based
] antialiasing and oversampling) *
] - mixing of all the channels *
]
] Up to here, it's sample playback. But there is more:
]
] - full vibrato (FM, depth, rate, sweep)
] - full tremolo (AM, depth, rate, sweep)
] - LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) *
] - forward, reverse, dual direction looping or no looping *
] - the loop points can be anywhere (for sampled attack and release) *
] |-------|-------------|--------------|
] Start Start loop End loop End
] - 6 point envelope
] - tuning *
] - fractional endpoint *
] - combination of oscillators (up to 4 if the GF1
] implementation is the same as Ensoniq) *
] - previous waveform usage *
]
] And more recently:
] - 3D (focal point 3D positioning)
]
] ( "*" indicates that the operation is done in hardware. Some
] others may be done in hardware but i have not done any tests or found
] any technical information to confirm it. I also base 1 item on the DOC
] II capability, which should be implemented in the GF1.)
]
] Also, reverb, flanger, phasing etc... could be easily
] implemente within the drivers. Presently it can be done with a little
] work on the patches and/or midi timestamp (i have succesfully made
] flanger and phasing). Another thing that could be implemented is
] dynamic patch loading since the card supports it (i have done it). You
] can even get a distorted sound (ideal for guitars, vox, analog synths)
] by simply changing the 2's complement flag (work best with
] soft-synthesised patches).
]
] Last, it is far better to have a RAM wavetable synth than a
] ROM one, since you can upload your samples. Even sound canvas owners
] (and other synths too) complain that their ROM based GS synth lacks
] interesting drum and bass sounds, cannot play sound effects, and is
] not usable for dance and techno. Also you can have more space for
] each samples, because you always have only the samples you need in
] memory, so you can have better sampling rates and better waveforms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
21] Is there a GUS device driver for Linux/BSD386/*IX?
There is a group of people working on device drivers and C
libraries for Linux, BSD386, 386bsd, Minix, SysVR3/386, and whatever
other PC/UNIX flavors there are out there.
If you'd like to be on the mailing list with this group, mail
to this address:
pugd-request%itchy@dsd.es.com
(PUGD stands for PC/UNIX GUS Driver. It's silly, but I was
pressed for time. :)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
22] I'm having trouble joining the Ultrasound Daily Digest...
If you've mailed to ultrasound-request@dsd.es.com and haven't
received a reply within 48 hours, then send mail to
ultrasound-owner@dsd.es.com. The mailer at dsd.es.com sometimes has
trouble understanding some of the more relatively remote systems on
the net, so I have to kludge it by hand.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
23] How do I get the GUS to work with OS/2?
As of now, there is no OS/2 specific device driver for the
GUS. However, there is a mailing list specifically for GUS and OS/2
users. The list discusses how to use the two together, and there's
also a group of people on the list working on a device driver. If
you'd like to join the list, mail to:
gus-os2-request%itchy@dsd.es.com
There are a few simple tricks to get the GUS to work with OS/2
to a small degree right now:
Written by: Thomas Wong <twong@civil.ubc.ca>
]
] As it is right now, what you'll have to do is use a 8 bit DMA
] channel in your setup of the GUS to make it work under a DOS window
] under OS/2. If you have already installed/setup your GUS card, just
] go into the c:\autoexec.bat file under OS/2 and manually change the
] number in the environment variable. So, for example, use DMA channel
] #1. By doing this, you can now use playmidi, 669 player, gusmod... a
] number of GUS programs. But you still can't run playfile or SBOS (it
] may crash). In other words, you can use a play a list of midi, 669,
] mod...etc files in a DOS window, but can't play games. Gravis did say
] they will come out with an OS/2 driver but no date is set.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
24] How do I go about programming the GUS?
First off, go to the FTP sites and get the two UltraDox files
written by Phat Tran. Read them carefully, learn to love them.
There have been folks who have written MSDOS C libraries for
GUS work... they may have actually uploaded the code to one of the FTP
sites by now.
(If you want to use the GUS with another OS besides MSDOS,
read questions #21 and #23.)
That's the best place to start. There's rumors about a
development kit from Gravis that you don't have to sign a
non-disclosure agreement to use... we'll keep you posted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
25] What are the pinouts for the CD Audio IN on the GUS?
Written by: <grtorlba@seattleu.edu>
]
] About two days ago I posted requested some info on the
] 4-pin CD audio pin on the GUS. I never got a reply but I got the info
] by downloading volume 1 of the digest. I looked at the FAQ and it
] wasn't there. Would you add that bit in the GUS FAQ so that others
] should not have to go through what I had to?
]
] The pin info was:
]
] left ground ground right
]
] I've tried this pin assignment and it seems to work.
] The articles in the digest pointed out that they weren't certain of
] the left-right assignment but the two pins in the middle are
] definitely the grounds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
26] I'm having trouble with... GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Written by: john.smith@gravis.com (John Smith)
]
] It looks like a lot of the problems are incorrect
] installations.
]
] Make sure that you put ALL the correct files in the
] /ultrasnd/sbos directory and remove any old ones. Sbosdrv.exe,
] Loadsbos.exe and Sboslib.sbs MUST all be from the same release
] revision. They are NOT mixable. A lot of the problems you are seeing
] could happen if the wrong driver is used with the new loader and patch
] library. To make sure you are using the correct files, delete ALL
] files from /ultrasnd/sbos. Then unzip the new release into the sbos
] directory. Then COPY sbosdrv.exe up to the /ultrasnd directory. Then
] COPY loadsbos.exe up to the /ultrasnd directory also. Now pick either
] sboslo.bat or sboshi.bat up to /ultrasnd/sbos.bat. These two batch
] files assume you are using emm386. If you are using another memory
] manager (like qemm, 386max etc), use the appropriate command to load
] it into high memory. (NOTE: If you installed your software in some
] other directory, substitute it in place of /ultrasnd).
]
] Not all of the tips below apply to all programs. This is just
] a brief summary of some of the things we had to do to get some games
] running properly.
]
] 1) Make sure the BLASTER environment string tracks our
] ULTRASND string. Many games look at BLASTER to set up their stuff.
] SBOS needs ULTRASND. If they are not the same, the game will be
] looking one place and SBOS will using another. This is another reason
] NOT to have an SB and GUS in the same system. Presumably, the SB would
] want BLASTER set up for it and any game looking at it would not work
] with SBOS. BLASTER is set up like this:
]
] BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 T1
] | | | |
] | | | - Type of SB (1 = regular SB)
] | | ----- DMA channel (MUST be 1)
] | -------- IRQ used. (same as GUS midi irq)
] ------------- I/O base address
]
] This variable is set up by the GUS setup program. It should
] never need to be modified unless you modify ULTRASND by hand.
]
] For example, wolf3d looks at BLASTER to get its parameters.
] Sound will NOT function if the IRQs are different, but it will detect
] an Adlib.
]
] 2) Make sure that SBOS is up and running BEFORE you install
] your game. Some games configure themselves during their installation
] procedure. If SBOS is not running, it will assume there is no sound
] board present.
]
] 3) Some games have a separate setup/configuration section.
] Make sure you run this after you install the game OR change the
] ULTRASND variable. They are usually called setup, install or config.
] Look around for it. Some games also save the last configuration to use
] the next time the game is run. This means that if it didn't detect the
] card (because SBOS wasn't loaded), it will save that info and will
] start up the NEXT time with sound disabled. You will have to manually
] turn sound back on somehow. See your games manual. For example,
] Wolf-3d will do this.
]
] 4) Some games need all available RAM to run. Since SBOS
] currently takes approximately 19K, it may not have enough to run. Some
] games will shut off some of the sounds if RAM is short. Check your
] manual. It may also be necessary to load SBOS high to reclaim some of
] the RAM.
]
] 5) If you have poor performance with SBOS loaded, see if you
] have an expanded memory manager running. (qemm, 386max, emm386 etc)
] There is a SEVERE performance penalty to be paid if you run with
] these. Its a byproduct of your machine running in protected mode.
] Usually, only games that use direct I/O (mod players for example) are
] seriously effected by this. If you must have SBOS loaded high, then
] you will have to live with this. It is possible to disable the virtual
] DMA if you are using qemm. (NOVDS) Doing so should speed things up a
] bit.
]
] 6) It is possible for an application to detect the Adlib side
] of the GUS without SBOS being loaded. It depends on the method it uses
] to detect it. Obviously if that happens, the application will think it
] has an Adlib, but nothing is going to work.
]
] 7) Many games need to detect (and use) extended/expanded RAM
] before some sounds will be activated (usually digitized stuff) Refer
] to your manual for these kind of problems. An SB will not operate
] properly under these conditions either. For example, Falcon III will
] not play digitized sounds until EMS is set up properly. SBOS has
] nothing to do with this problem.
]
] 8) Some games hard code their I/O address and/or irq
] selections. Refer to your manual. You will have to make the GUS'
] selections match these. I believe some Sierra games do this. Wing
] Commander requires a base port of address of 220 for digital speech to
] work.
]
] 9) Unless you are POSITIVE that a particular game needs an
] option, (-o1 -o2 etc) DON'T specify one, 99% of the games do NOT need
] one. You may screw up the driver by specifying one that you don't
] need. You should unload and reload the driver before specifying an
] option. Since it is possible to use more than one option, you may be
] telling it conflicting things if you don't unload it.
]
] 10) There are several new features in SBOS that you should be
] aware of:
]
] 1) SBOS reloads its patches before an application
] runs. This should eliminate having to reload it between
] running windows or a native GUS application (GUSMOD Star Con
] II, playmidi etc) and a game that uses SBOS.
]
] 2) You can change the vector that it uses for
] communicating between sbosdrv.exe and loadsbos.exe. The
] option is -Cxx, where xx is the new software vector to use.
] This is specified to sbosdrv. Currently, only 1 application
] is known to need this. Netroom uses the default vector (7E)
] so sbosdrv thinks it is already loaded. If you are using
] netroom, you MUST change the vector #. Netroom is the only
] application that we know of that has this problem. There may
] be others. We don't know of ANY games that do.
]
] 3) You can tell SBOS to leave line-in enabled by
] specifying a -L when SBOS is loaded. This can be useful if you
] want to monitor some other audio output source thru the GUS.
]
] 11) The volume up and down keys (defaults are [ and ]) do not
] work in all games. Any game that takes over the keyboard vectors will
] disable this feature. You must use the -V option when loading sbos to
] alter the volume for these games. This option works like this: -vxx
] where xx ranges from 0 to 31 (31 being max volume) Note: in SOME
] versions prior to 1.4B2, hitting the volume keys would hang your
] system. This has been fixed.
]
] 12) Some games grab all possible SB irqs (2,5 and 7) when they
] initialize to find what IRQ the SB is on. If they do this with SBOS
] and SBOS happens to have the UltraSound IRQ on one of the SB irqs, it
] will not let SBOS get its irq. Make sure that you set the UltraSound
] irq to one of the upper ones (11,12 or 15). Jill of the Jungle is an
] example of a game that exhibits this problem.
]
] 13) Now for some simple things to look for.
]
] a) Is board seated properly?
] b) Is DRAM in sockets correctly (bent pins etc)?
] c) Are stereo/speakers hooked up properly?
] d) Are you connected to the right outputs on GUS?
] (Some Ultrasound boxes are labeled wrong ...)
]
] TOP OF ULTRASOUND
] =================
]
] Amplified Out
] Line Out
]
] Joystick/Midi 15 pin connector
]
] Microphone In
] Line In
]
] BOTTOM OF ULTRASOUND
] ====================
]
] e) Do you have enough environment space for ULTRASND
] and BLASTER variables?
] f) Did you set the volume too low?
] g) Is \ultrasnd in your path?
] h) Could you have gotten a bad download of new SBOS?
]
] 14) Several people have complained about sbos loading VERY
] slowly. Is your joystick or MIDI plugged in? Try unplugging it. As
] of now, we haven't been able to reproduce this problem. It may be
] related to installing the software incorrectly or a DMA conflict.
]
] 15) If your joystick doesn't operate properly in a game, look
] for these things.
]
] a) Has it been calibrated (see manual)
] b) Do you have 2 games ports in your system? (GUS and another
] game port). If so, one MUST be disabled.
] c) DO you have a line like the following in your autoexec
]
] joycomp 20
]
] where 20 is the compensation factor determined thru the
] calibration utility, ultrajoy.
]
] 16) There are several things people have noticed that seem to
] effect SBOS that need to be investigated. None of these have been
] verified, but you should be aware of them and you might try
] eliminating them as possible sources of your problem.
]
] 1) Loading SBOS hi can cause some FM stuff to sound 'weird'.
] 2) Using 'Stealth' mode on QEMM seems to have a detrimental
] effect.
] 3) Change sbos.bat file to use loadhi instead of lh if using
] QEMM.
] 4) Stacker seems to cause some people problems. It works OK
] for others.
] 5) Order that TSR's are loaded may have an effect. Try loading
] SBOS first, last etc.
] 6) When using XWing make sure that you have at least 896K of
] EMS (not XMS) and 563K of conventional. If you are
] having problems with slowdowns try turning off the
] music.
]
] 17) The only other thing we can think of is a hardware problem
] on your card. The diagnostics in the new setup program should be able
] to isolate it.
]
] Granted, we are a bit biased, but we believe that you should
] get SUPERB sound out of your GUS. If you are getting less than
] satisfactory results, there can only be a few explanations.
]
] 1) in windows, make sure its in 'high fidelity' mode.
] 2) Incorrect software installation.
] 3) Incorrect hardware installation (IRQ,DMA etc) (probably)
] 4) Bad hardware.(PC or GUS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
27] I can't seem to fit the new disks onto a floppy.
First of all, the files need to go on to a HD 3.5" disk.
Next, some of the disks were zip'ed a second time to include a
small README file (in other words, the .zip file you downloaded
contains two files: a README file, and another .zip file). This would
have been a good idea, except the .zip file got bigger; too big for a
HD 3.5" disk. So, you'll need to unzip the file, read the README, and
copy the new .zip file to a floppy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------