FM Synth vs MIDI

[Arkhan]

You mean the programmed instruments. Yes their are many MIDI programs out their that all sounds differnt.

No, I mean the MIDI modules that have preset banks of sounds.

So what does the PC engine use to run the music that is not voice, or sound recordings.

It uses the sound chip built into it.  Duh.

[Ji-L87]

It uses the sound chip built into it.  Duh.

And what a pleasant sound chip it is <3

/off-topic

[Tatsujin]

Its a PSG (programable sound generator) which can be feeded with sines, rectangles & sawteeth.

[Arkhan]

Its a PSG (programable sound generator) which can be feeded with sines, rectangles & sawteeth.

and a combination of any of these!

SINETOOFS

[alexsduo]

I have been trying to get a Yamaha TG-33, but mostly because it has "TG" in the name...

[Mathius]

There is just something about FM that is magical to me. When I play Castlevania X68000 on my PS1 I like to switch between sound modes via the hidden menu and listen to qualities of each. But for some reason the stock X68000 sound just... sounds "right". I am assuming the stock chip in Sharp's computer is FM, of course. I am an idiot when it comes to soundchips. But, I am learning.

[Arkhan]

Micro Cabin is by far the best FM user

Listen to FF1 for MSX, and you will bow to their masterfulness

Illusion City is another one.

[Mathius]

Micro Cabin is by far the best FM user

Listen to FF1 for MSX, and you will bow to their masterfulness

Illusion City is another one.

Aye. I will do that.

[SuperDeadite]

There is just something about FM that is magical to me. When I play Castlevania X68000 on my PS1 I like to switch between sound modes via the hidden menu and listen to qualities of each. But for some reason the stock X68000 sound just... sounds "right". I am assuming the stock chip in Sharp's computer is FM, of course. I am an idiot when it comes to soundchips. But, I am learning.

Been awhile since I booted up my PS1 version, so I don't remember how good the MIDI emulation was in that.  But for that game I go back and forth between the musics.  The game basically has three totally different soundtracks.  The FM is badass, the MT-32 is atmospheric and creepy (like Super C IV's music, but even better), and the SC-55 is goes for realistic instruments.  It's nice being able to switch when you're going for that 4th loop run as well.

[Digi.k]

I like the MT-32 used for most of the sega arcade classics. SC-55 sure sounds very different and more like "instrumental".

MT-32 is my favorite.

The worstest ever part of MIDI is the Windows GM crap.  

it sounds worse than cheesepianos of the late 80s/early 90s

remember adlib compatible soundcards ?  regarding the pc era I loved the Gravis utrasound but that was a bitch to configure......

anyway back on topic.. FM and midi both sound lovely but the FM just pips it..

[SuperDeadite]

Battle 2:  Parodius Da!

This game actually uses the FM and MIDI togheather via a mixer.  The FM supplies the drums
and the MT-32 supplies the melody and bass.   Once again both sound great, but I dig the MT-32
Lots of COWBELL used in this game too.

[Mathius]

Battle 2:  Parodius Da!

This game actually uses the FM and MIDI togheather via a mixer.  The FM supplies the drums
and the MT-32 supplies the melody and bass.   Once again both sound great, but I dig the MT-32
Lots of COWBELL used in this game too.

Listening to it now. So far FM-only is my hero.

[esteban]

Battle 2:  Parodius Da!

This game actually uses the FM and MIDI togheather via a mixer.  The FM supplies the drums
and the MT-32 supplies the melody and bass.   Once again both sound great, but I dig the MT-32
Lots of COWBELL used in this game too.

I look forward to listening to this later.

SUGGESTION: edit the original post with a LINK to the Battle #2 post. This way, folks can quickly jump to each comparison (and the ensuing discussion). A list (table of contents) will help everyone

[SuperDeadite]

good idea.  done

[Ji-L87]

This FM & MIDI-combo actually sounds all kinds of nice. Never heard of this kind of combination before, was it used by any other games?