Classic AGI with AGIMIDI + MT-32: Volume = 0

[bzyphk]

I installed the classic AGI games and patched them with AGIMIDI tool.  Using DOSBox, it is correctly sending the MIDI signal, but the volume sets itself to 0.  Turning the dial on the MT-32 does nothing.  Anyone have a solution besides the documented solutions found here: http://www.sierrahelp.com/Games/KingsQuest/KQ2Help.html?

[jharris01]

Press master volume then turn the knob? You might have to try it a few times.

[bzyphk]

I'm not sure if that works. What did work is by applying the -t switch to the sierra.com executable at the DOS prompt (for example, KQ1.COM -t).  And it sounds WAY better than through NAGI.

[Marten]

Is there a good reason to map AGIMIDI to a genuine MT-32?   I'd just let it run to the General MIDI of the sound on the computer, and have it use the "Square Wave" sound effect because that's the closest to what the 3-Voice support on the Tandy and PCJr sounded like.

[bzyphk]

Well, according to the AGIMIDI documentation:

-- start --
There are three things to consider.
First: What kind of MIDI interface do you have, Roland or SoundBlaster?

Please note that a SoundBlaster card alone will not work. You need an external synth connected to the MIDI interface.

Second: MIDI notes for the noise track. The defaults have been selected to work with an MT-32, so if you have some other synth, you may want to change them. Noise data is always output on MIDI channel 10, which many synthesizers use for rhythm and sound effects.
Third: The init string. The default init string sends program change on channels 2 through 4, selecting the first instrument on each channel. This typically translates to the acoustic piano. You may want to change this after consulting the manual for your synth. Currently, the maximum length of the init string is 26 characters.
-- end --

Since I was experimenting with the MT-32, and the default settings are for it, I felt it was a good test.  One day when I get a real General MIDI synth perhaps I'll use that.

[Marten]

I think that you've left out part of the documentation.

From http://www.sierrahelp.com/Utilities/SoundUtilities/AGI-MIDI.html:

Please note that a SoundBlaster card alone will not work. You need an external synth connected to the MIDI interface. (Unless you plan to use MT-32 or GM emulation on an AWE- card - more about that below).

(emphasis mine)

And if you scroll down, you'll find information on how to use AGIMIDI without any external hardware.

MT-32 or General MIDI emulation on an AWE-card

If you have a SoundBlaster AWE32 or similar card, you may want to try emulating MT-32 or GM by loading the special drivers that came with your card.

IMPORTANT: In this special case only, you must configure AGI-MIDI for Roland, even though the hardware really is a SoundBlaster card!

I also recommend that you thoroughly read the manual for your card. It can sometimes be tricky to get it to work. It is probably not possible to run under Windows at all. Try to boot DOS as cleanly as possible. Unload all resident programs, except the drivers for the sound card. Memory managers (like EMM386 etc.) are likely to cause trouble, and should be removed.

Now, the above information refers to DOS and EMM386 - it's talking about some classic software there, and was written for using AGIMIDI on rather classic hardware.  Depending on what hardware and operating system you're using, though, things can actually be easier.  Last time I used AGIMIDI, I found that it would happily send data to the virtual MIDI port created under Windows, and so I could run a DOS game from a command line, while Windows managed the sound.

One last point - Anders, the author of the tool, is registered here on the Quest Studios forum.  He hasn't been active for a few years (last post in 2005?  How time flies!) but you could always try dropping him a message and see if he replies, if you have any questions.