Sound Blaster AWE32

[endre1952]

I got the tip in this forum that using a Sound Blaster AWE32 CT3900, I will able to make perfect digital OPL3 recordings, because it's got both a real OPL3 chip and digital out.

Well, I found such a card (CT3900) at a local Hungarian auction site. Did not cost a great deal of money. It should arrive in a few days.

I have a few questions: which is the best way to make it co-exist with both an MPU-IPC-T and a GUS PnP card? Also, does its IDE interface work with modern CD and DVD drives? My retro machine a 386 SX-40, and currently I have to use the IDE interface of the GUS PNP to make a modern DVD drive work in the system.

  Thanks for any info!

[Great Hierophant]

GUS PnP - Don't use SBOS or Mega-Em.  Do not use separate IRQs and DMA for recording & playback. 
MPU-IPC-T - You should disable the MPU-401 midi capabilities on the card using the jumpers. 
It should work okay with CD & DVD drives, its more about the drivers than the interface, unless you are trying to boot off the optical drives. 

What would you use to record the OPL3?

[endre1952]

Thanks for the info. I have a sound card with optical input and a coaxical-to-optical converter. I'll just have to make a cable, which shouldn't be too difficult. I have already recorded digital audio from laser disc and digital TV.

[endre1952]

I got the CT-3900 today. I've already put together a cable, and SPDIF recording works like a charm!