-= ISA SOUNDCARD OVERVIEW =An incomplete overview of PC Soundcards for the ISA bus, as offered from around 1988 to 2000.
By GB 23-11-2010, v1.08, reachable at http://vogons.zetafleet.com
Data obtained from many datasheets, drivers, catalogues, internet articles and pictures, as well
as some actual soundcards.
In each category the items are normally listed from earliest releases at the top, on to the
latest items at the bottom.
Suggestions and Corrections are welcome.
ESS ISA CHIPSETS (Audiodrive Series:)
---------------ES488
Controller+Codec 8-bit stereo, SB Mono compatible.
ES688 (common)
Controller+Codec 16-bit 44KHz, joystick support, software TSR MPU-401,
Half-Duplex, No hardware volume.
ES1488
Controller+Codec 16-bit 44KHz, ?
ES1688 (common)
Controller+Codec 16-bit 44KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, joystick
support, Half-Duplex, No hardware volume.
ES1788
Controller+Codec 16-bit 44KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, PnP, dual
joystick, Half-Duplex.
ES1888 / ES1887
Controller+Codec 16-bit 44KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, PnP, dual
joystick, Full-duplex.
ES1868 (common)
Controller+Codec 16-bit 44KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, PnP, dual
joystick, Full-duplex, IDE.
ES1869
Controller+Codec 16-bit 48KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, PnP, dual
joystick, Full-duplex, IDE, Spatializer 3-D VBX.
ES1878
Controller+Codec 16-bit 4?KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, PnP, dual
joystick, Full-duplex.
ES1879
Controller+Codec 16-bit 4?KHz, Integr. OPL3 clone, MPU-401, PnP, dual
joystick, Full-duplex, Spatializer 3-D VBX.
ES938
Audio Effects Processor (mixer expansion) for Chips without integrated
3-D audio processing.
ES968F
Audio Effects Processor (mixer expansion) for Chips without integrated
3-D audio processing.
ES689
Wavetable Music Synthesizer chip, 32 voices simultaneously at 44.1 kHz
CD-quality
ES98X
for ES689, wavetable sample set ROM, from InVision Interactive, GM, 128
melodic instruments, 47 rhythm instruments.
ES690
Wavetable Music Synthesizer chip, chorus+reverb, 52-pin PQFP package,
APM,
ES981
for ES690, 1MB Wavetable Sample Set ROM
ES692
Wavetable with 1MB ROM, GM, 128 melodic instruments, 32 voices, 16-bit,
44.1 kHz.
-All chipsets except the 488 are very SB/SBPro compatible. They also claim WSS compatibility.
-All chipsets often used as on-board Mainboard/Laptop sound systems. Only the ES1868 is found on
high-end soundcards.
CRYSTAL ISA RELATED CHIPSETS (only the most common:)
---------------------------CS4231(A)
Codec 16-bit 48KHz, WSS Compatible, ADPCM, Full Duplex.
CS4248
Codec 16-bit 48KHz, WSS Compatible, ADPCM, Full Duplex (as CS4231
without pulse code modulation compression/decompression).
CS9233
See Dream SAM9233.
CS8905
See Dream SAM8905.
CS4232
Controller+Codec 16-Bit 48KHz, PnP, SB/SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible,
IDE.
CS4236
Controller+Codec 16-Bit 48KHz, PnP, SB/SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible,
IDE, Integr. OPL3 clone.
CS4236B
Controller+Codec 16-Bit 48KHz, PnP, SB/SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible,
IDE, Integr. OPL3 clone, WT digital interface.
CS4237B
Controller+Codec 16-Bit 48KHz, PnP, SB/SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible,
IDE, Integr. OPL3 clone, WT digital interface, SRS 3D Sound.
CS4235
Controller+Codec 16-Bit 48KHz, PnP, SB/SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible,
IDE, Integr. OPL3 clone, low cost.
CS9236
Integrated Wavetable music synthesizer, GM, without DAC, also available
as socket upgrade option, Reverb+Chorus, 1997.
-Cirrus Logic acquired Crystal Semiconductor in 1991.
-Crystal CS9233 and CS4232/4236 require DOS initialisation for the MPU-401 to work in windows.
-CS4236B does not have the above issue. the rev B chips also have a 'Wavetable Digital
Interface'.
-The interface chipsets are used as on-board Mainboard/Laptop sound systems. All chipsets can be
found on both low-cost and high-end soundcards.
DREAM/ATMEL ISA RELATED CHIPSETS (only the most common:)
---------------------------SAM9233
Integrated Wavetable music synthesizer, DSP, 18-bit, MPU-401,
Reverb+chorus, GM/GS.
SAM8905-1
Programmable Effects processor, optionally used next to the SAM9233.
SAM9203
As SAM9233, but this one is an older revision in a larger package.
SAM8905
As SAM8905-1, but this one is an older revision in a larger package.
SAM9407
Single chip sound studio, usually used as a Wavetable music synthesizer
using custom samples loaded in attached RAM.
SAM9733
Integrated Wavetable music synthesizer with effects.
CleanWave8 ROM
1MB sample set.
CleanWave16 ROM
2MB sample set, 128 GM instruments + 159 variations, 9 drumsets.
CleanWave32 ROM
4MB sample set, 128 GM instruments + 195 variations, 9 drumsets + 1
SFX-set.
CleanWave64 ROM
8MB sample set.
GMS931601+GMS931600 ROM
4MB sample set, GM/GS, based on 'illegally copied' and later 'licenced'
Roland SoundCanvas samples.
ANALOG DEVICES ISA CHIPSETS
--------------------------AD1845 JP SoundPort
Codec 16-Bit 50 kHz Stereo, WSS Compatible, Pin Compatible with AD1848,
AD1846, CS4248, CS4231.
AD1848 JP/KP Soundport
as above, the core of the actual Windows Sound System sound cards (next
to an OPL3).
AD1816 SoundPort
Controller+Codec 16-Bit 55kHz Stereo, SBPro/WSS Compatible, MPU-401
MIDI Port, Integr. OPL3 clone, PnP.
OPTi ISA CHIPSETS
----------------82C928 MAD16
Controller (big chip, replaced by 82C929).
82C929 MAD16 Pro
Controller, SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible, M-CD.
82C941
Midi Synthesizer 'QDSP', max 32 voices at 44.1KHz, Supports up to 16Mx8
sampling memory.
82C924
Controller, SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, M-CD.
82C925
Controller, SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, M-CD, Integr. OPL3
clone.
82C930
Controller+Codec 16-Bit, SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible, IDE.
82C931
Controller+Codec 16-Bit, SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE,
Integr. OPL3 clone.
82C933
Controller+Codec 16-Bit, SBPro/WSS/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE,
Integr. OPL3 clone, 3D sound.
-924/928/929/930 used in several variants of the OPTi MAD16 soundcard.
-MAD16 is related to the OAK OTI-601 / OTI-605 'Mozart': The Mozart chip was developed by OAK and
Media Chip, the latter now owned by OPTi.
-Creative Labs bought OPTi's sound division around 1997 (not sure on the year).
C-MEDIA ISA CHIPSETS
-------------------ASC-9308
Controller, SB/SBPro compatible (Still named 'Compumedia', also gives
nearly useless SB16 compat.).
DSP-9309A
Accompanies ASC-9308, maybe for MPU-401 support?
CMI8328
Controller+Codec, MPU-401, ?
CMI8330(/A)
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16+WSS+MPU-401 compatible, Integr. OPL3
clone, PnP, S/PDIF input/output.
-CMI8330 also used on mainboards from PC-Chips and Asus, but labeled 'Soundpro'.
AVANCE LOGIC ISA CHIPSETS
------------------------ALS007
ALS100
ALS110
ALS120
OPL3 clone.
ALS200
OPL3 clone.
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE.
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE.
?
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, Integr.
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, Integr.
-Avance Logic has since been aquired by Realtek.
-Some chips probably rebranded by Diamond Multimedia for their soundcards.
YAMAHA ISA RELATED CHIPSETS
--------------------------OPL2/YM3812
FM chip, 9 channels, mono.
OPL2/YM3812-F
FM chip, 9 channels, mono. (smaller package, sized like OPL3)
OPL3/YMF262 or YMF262-M
FM chip, 18 channels, simple stereo (hard left, center or hard right).
OPL4/YMF278
FM+Midi chip with a max of 4MB addressing space. 100-pin SQFP.
OPL4/YMF704C
as YMF278 with 1MB ROM, MPU-401 interface, GM, 24 Voices.
"contains the same sample set as the stand alone ROM which was
certified by Fat Labs" (GM sound compatibility)
OPL3SA /YMF701
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, Integr.
OPL3.
OPL3SA2/YMF711
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, Integr.
OPL3, revised Log.Device support and DMA/IRQ config.
OPL3SA3/YMF715
Controller+Codec, SB/SBPro/SB16/MPU-401 compatible, PnP, IDE, Integr.
OPL3, adds power management and 3D sound.
-YMF719 Chips are told to be rebranded YMF715's, probably the same story with YMF718 Chips.
-OPL3SAx Cards made by Aopen (AW-719), Labway (LWHA151-A00), Addonics, Genius... Chipset also
used on Mainboard/Laptops.
-OPL3SAx Cards usually with a misplaced WBH (for OPL4-ML DB), sometimes with an OPL4 midi set
instead.
-Sometimes an OPL3 like chip branded only 'LS262' or 'DSP24S' is found on soundcards...
YAMAHA ISA SOUNDCARDS
--------------------SW-20PC Sound Edge
OPTi 82C928, AD1848, Wavetable GM, 2MB ROM, 128k RAM, OPL3, OPL4
YMF278B, Effects YSS205-F, M-CD.
SW60XG
4MB GM/XG Wavetable, no midi connectors?, has a line-in (music only
card).
YAMAHA MIDI DAUGHTERBOARDS
-------------------------DB50XG
4MB GM/XG Wavetable, TG300B mode for GS, MT-32 Mode.
DB51XG
4MB GM/XG Wavetable, TG300B mode for GS, MT-32 Mode.
DB60XG
4MB GM/XG Wavetable, TG300B mode for GS, MT-32 Mode, has a line in
through the Waveblaster connector.
OPL4-ML DB
OPL4 + 1MB ROM (YMF704C), GM.
CREATIVE LABS ISA SOUNDCARDS
---------------------------Game Blaster
Simple music only card: Creative Music System ("C/MS"), two Philips SAA
1099 circuits.
Sound Blaster 1.0
8-bit 22kHz mono, OPL2, SB-Midi port, C/MS.
Sound Blaster 1.5
8-bit 22kHz mono, OPL2, SB-Midi port, empty C/MS sockets.
Sound Blaster 1.6
8-bit 22kHz mono, OPL2, SB-Midi port, filled C/MS sockets.
Sound Blaster 2.0
8-bit 44kHz mono, OPL2, SB-Midi port.
Sound Blaster Pro
8-bit 22kHz stereo (reversed!)/ 44kHz mono, mixer, 2xOPL2, SB-Midi
port.
Sound Blaster Pro 2.0
8-bit 22kHz stereo / 44kHz mono, mixer, OPL3, SB-Midi port.
Sound Blaster 16
16-bit 44kHz stereo, MPU-401, OPL3, sometimes with WBH, sometimes with
M-CD or IDE.
Sound Blaster Vibra 16
SB16 Single chip solutions, sometimes with WBH, sometimes with IDE.
Sound Blaster 32
SB16 + EMU8000 synth with 30-Pin RAM slots, 1MB ROM.
Sound Blaster AWE32
SB16 + EMU8000 synth with 30-Pin RAM slots, 512kB RAM, 1MB ROM, WBH,
has either IDE or M-CD.
Sound Blaster AWE64 (Gold)SB16 + EMU8000 synth with Creative RAM connector, 1MB ROM, 512kB or 1MB
or 4MB(=GOLD) RAM onboard.
Sound Blaster AWE Upgrade EMU8000 synth with 30-Pin RAM slots, usually 512kB RAM, Optional S/PDIF
or jackplug output.
-Sound Blasters use C.L. designed chipsets which have many revisions and resulting card models
CT****.
-Chipsets such as the Vibra 16 also sold to OEM's such as mainboard manufacturers.
-SB16 containing cards practically do not support SBPro mode, as it results in mono sound only.
-SB16 containing cards give hanging notes when using the MPU-401, except for the first DSP-v4.05
(SB16) series and the last v4.16 (AWE64).
-SB16 containing cards can have either a real OPL3 or a CQM FM clone.
-EMU8000 is a semi software synth using 'SoundFont' patches+presets, not MPU-401 compatible
unless through emulation software.
CREATIVE LABS WAVEBLASTER MIDI DAUGHTERBOARDS
--------------------------------------------Wave Blaster
Oki IC404,
Motorola, 4MB ROM GM/MT-32.
Wave Blaster II
EMU8000 IC405, Motorola, 2MB ROM GM/GS/MT-32.
Wave Blaster 32
?
ADLIB ISA SOUNDCARDS
-------------------MSC (original 'AdLib')
Gold
Surround sound.
ASB 16 Special Editon
ASB 16 IDE
ASB 16 4D
ASB 16 4D IDE
ASB 32 Wave IDE
ASB 32 Wave 4D IDE
surround.
ASB 32 Wave Pro
ROM, 4 Spkr surround.
ASB 64 Wave Pro
ROM, 4 Spkr surround.
MSC 16 PnP
MSC 32 Wave PnP
MSC Wave Pro 16
OPL2, Volume wheel (Music only card)
Gold CTRL, Yamaha 12-bit DAC, OPL3, Headers for: SCSI CD / Telephony /
CS4232,
CS4232,
CS4232,
CS4232,
CS4232,
CS4232,
AMC conn., WBH (8-bit ISA slot).
AMC conn., WBH, IDE.
AMC conn., WBH, 4 Spkr surround.
AMC conn., WBH, 4 Spkr surround, IDE.
AMC+IDE+cyberRAM Conn., CS/SAM9233 Wavetable 1MB ROM.
AMC+IDE+cyberRAM Conn., CS/SAM9233 Wavetable 1MB ROM, 4 Spkr
CS4232, AMC+IDE+cyberRAM Conn., CS/SAM9233 + CS/SAM8905 Wavetable 1MB
CS4232, AMC+IDE+cyberRAM Conn., CS/SAM9233 + CS/SAM8905 Wavetable 4MB
CS4236, misplaced WBH, amplifier (same PCB as the MSC 32 Wave).
CS4236, OPTi?? synth with AdMOS Qdsp 1MB ROM, amplifier.
AD1848K SoundPort, Breve misc chips, 1MB wave table GM/GS MT32.
-Only the first MSC and Gold were developed by the canadian AdLib team, they are said to work at
MediaTrix after that.
-AMC stands for AdLib Media Connector for CyberComm or CyberISDN.
MEDIATRIX ISA SOUNDCARDS
-----------------------AudioTriX Pro
MT-00020PC, CS4231, OPL4 GM with 2MB ROM, SB/WSS compat., Expansion
headers for: CD-ROM, +2MB RAM/ROM, Effects.
AudioTriX 3D-XG
Yamaha YMF715E, with mounted Yamaha DB60XG daughterboard.
-the 3D-XG by default routes the PCM/FM output from the OPL3-SA3 chip through the DB60XG's two
analog inputs via the WB header.
TURTLE BEACH ISA SOUNDCARDS
--------------------------56K
Motorola 56001 DSP, S/PDIF (first Digital recording card, plain).
MultiSound Classic
Motorola 56001 DSP, Two Altera EP1810, CS codecs, EMU proteus 1/XR midi
engine 2MB or 4MB ROM on back half.
MultiSound Tahiti
Motorola 56001 DSP, Two Altera EP1810, CS codecs, WBH, no on-card
synthesis.
MultiSound Monterey
As MultiSound Tahiti but sold with RIO Wavetable daughterboard mounted.
MultiSound(2) Fiji
Motorola 56002 DSP, Xilinx XV5210, WBH, S/PDIF daughtercard connector.
MultiSound(2) Pinnacle
Motorola 56002 DSP, Xilinx XV5210, WBH, Kurzweil MA-1, two white 72-Pin
SIMM slots, IDE.
Maui
Motorola, ICS Wavefront GM, 2MB ROM, 256K RAM, 2 two black 30-pin SIMM:
max 8 MB total, No Effects, Dead WBH! (music only card).
TBS-930
OPTi 82C930a (TBS-810 4x/6600 6x/8800 8x CD-ROM kits).
TBS-931
OPTi 82C931a (TBS-810 4x/6600 6x/8800 8x CD-ROM kits).
MonteCarlo 928
OPTi 82C928a (big chip), CS4248 or CS4231, OPL3, M-CD, WBH?
MonteCarlo 929
OPTi 82C929a, CS4248 or CS4231.
Tropez (Classic)
OPTi 82C929a, CS4231, OPL3, Motorola, ICS Wavefront GM, 2MB ROM, three
black SIMM slots.
Tropez32
CS4232, ICS Wavefront GM, 1MB ROM, IDE, OPL3 (TBS-6700/TBS-8900 CD-ROM
kit).
TBS-2000
CS4232, ICS Wavefront GM, 2MB ROM, IDE, OPL3 (TBS-6700/TBS-8900 CD-ROM
kit).
Tropez Plus
CS4232, ICS Wavefront GM, 4MB ROM, IDE, OPL3, white 30-pin SIMM slots
(TBS-2001).
Malibu Surround 64
Crystal CS4237B, Kurzweil Wavetable, 4MB samples compressed to 2MB ROM
size, S/PDIF output.
-56K and MultiSounds are non-gaming soundcards with drivers for MS Windows (3.11/95), and only
few DOS utilities.
TURTLE BEACH WAVEBLASTER MIDI DAUGHTERBOARDS
-------------------------------------------RIO
ICS 2115 Wavefront GM, 4MB ROM (Like Maui but uncompressed), 1 SIPP RAM
slot; max 4MB (slow transfer), Effects.
CancunFX
Dream SAM9733, 4MB ROM, GM/GS, Chorus+Reverb.
Kurzweil Homac
2MB ROM, Rockwell chipset.
MEDIA VISION ISA SOUNDCARDS
--------------------------Pro Audio Spectrum
8-bit card that supports stereo digitized 8-bit sound and dual OPL2
support. (no SB compatibility).
Thunder board
8-bit 22kHz Sound Blaster clone SB 1.0 compatibility. Adlib support.
volume wheel.
Pro Audio Spectrum Plus
16/8-bit 44kHz stereo sound support. OPL3 support, Thunder board chip,
MVD-101-like chip.
Pro Audio Spectrum 16
MVD101, Thunderboard + SB-1.0 compatible, OPL3.
Pro Audio Studio 16
MVD101, Thunderboard + SB-1.0 compatible, OPL3, studio version has some
additional shielding.
Pro Sonic 16
MV JAZZ 16 chipset, OPL3, Adlib+Thunderboard+SB 1.0+SBPro compatible
(no PAS compatibility).
Premium 3-D
MV JAZZ 16 chipset, built-in SRS surround sound, comes with KORG
Wavetable daughter board on WBH.
similar:
Logitech SoundManWave
MV JAZZ 16, OPL-4 2MB ROM, 16-bit 44kHz, SCSI-1, SB+(poor)SBPro compat,
MPU-401 GM, PnP, effects daughterboard conn.
-Also separately available a KORG 4MB midi daughterboard.
ENSONIQ ISA SOUNDCARDS
---------------------Soundscape S-2000
AD1848KP, Motorola 68EC000, OTTO GM/GS Wavetable 2MB ROM, M-CD (also
seen: variants without the M-CD headers).
Soundscape Elite
AD1848KP, Motorola 68EC000, OTTO GM/GS Wavetable 2MB ROM, M-CD, IDE,
ESP daughtercard (based on S-2000. different 2MB patch set).
Soundscape II:
AD1848KP, Motorola 68EC000, OTTO GM/GS Wavetable 2MB ROM, M-CD, IDE,
ESP connectors. (Elite minus the ESP, possibly different patch set).
Soundscape OPUS
AD1845JP, OPUS Wavetable 1MB ROM, PnP (Gateway 2000 OEM, uses unique
I/O ports: may give compatibility issues).
Soundscape VIVO90
AD1845JP, MARK5 Wavetable 1MB ROM, PnP (Requires an EMM386 dependant
TSR driver in DOS).
Similar:
Reveal Sound FX Wave 32
Clone of Soundscape S-2000 (SC600)
V7-media fx
Clone of Soundscape S-2000
-Despite the AD codec the Soundscapes are normally not WSS compatible in DOS, but are so in
Windows. See SSMODE DOS utility.
-Also separately available: SoundscapeDB midi daughterboard, based upon the S-2000 chipset,
available in both 2MB (old set) and 1MB (new set).
-The Soundscapes emulate SB 2.0 mono and also OPL3 FM using the Wavetable, this does not require
a (additional) TSR.
ROLAND ISA SOUNDCARDS
--------------------LAPC-I
MT-32 LA synthesis on a card, predecessor of General Midi (one of a
kind music only card).
RAP-10
SoundCanvas Wavetable, chorus+Reverb, but GM only, includes a Roland
12-Bit Digital audio section.
SCC-1
SoundCanvas Wavetable, chorus+Reverb, GM/GS (music only card).
MPU-401-AT
Simply a MPU401 interface with a WBH, gives no sound without something
else attached.
ROLAND WAVEBLASTER MIDI DAUGHTERBOARDS
-------------------------------------SCB-7
SoundCanvas Wavetable, chorus+Reverb, but GM only.
SCB-55
SoundCanvas Wavetable, chorus+Reverb, GM/GS.
ADVANCED GRAVIS ISA SOUNDCARDS
-----------------------------Ultrasound Classic
GF1, no 16-bit audio recording and onboard analog mixer without CS4231
daughterboard.
The final revision (v3.74) of the GUS Classic featured 256 kB + sockets
for 768kB.
Ultrasound Ace
GF1, As Classic with 512kB RAM + sockets for 512kB, no game port or
recording but a 'Wavetable synthesis' upgrade.
Ultrasound CD3
GF1, An OEM version of Ultrasound Classic, 512–1024KB RAM, M-CD, (green
PCB).
Ultrasound MAX
GF1, A version of GUS with CS4231, 512kB RAM + socket for 512kB, M-CD.
Ultrasound Extreme
GF1, 3rd party OEM solution that combined Ultrasound Classic with
ESS1688, 1 MB RAM, no RAM slots.
Ultrasound PnP
AMD InterWave, different sound set, 1MB ROM, two 30-pin SIMM slots,
ATAPI CD-ROM interface.
Ultrasound PnP Pro
AMD InterWave, added 512kB of on-board RAM required for compatibility
with GUS Classic.
Similar:
Primax SoundStorm Wave
GF1, Re-labeled "Altrasound", Sound M-16B without M-CD, M-16C with M-CD
(as Ultrasound CD3).
Synergy ViperMAX
GF1, same card later repacked as Ultrasound Extreme, but with only
512kB RAM onboard.
Expertcolor MED3201
AMD Interwave LC, cut-down variant of GFA1 chip - AM78C200 Interwave
LC. First series was with standard Am78C201KC.
Compaq Ultra-Sound 32
AMD Interwave, Newer "C" revision of Interwave - AM78C201AKC and
TEA6330T fader. Produced by STB Systems.
STB Systems Soundrage 32 AMD Interwave card missing SIMM slots and IDE interface. There was
"Pro" variant with 512kB RAM. AM78C201KC chip.
Dynasonic 3-D/Pro
AMD Interwave, featured additional DSP chip that offered a graphic
equalizer and additional sound FX presets.
Philips PCA761AW
?
AZTECH ISA SOUNDCARDS (Sound Galaxy series:)
--------------------SG BXII
8-bit, AZTSB0792-U07, AZTDSP36 (intel N80C51BHP), OPL2, volume wheel.
SG NXII/Extra
8-bit...
SG NX Pro/Extra
8-bit...
SG Nova 16
AZT1605...
SG Nova 16 Extra
AZT1605...
SG Orion 16
AZT1605...
SG Pro16 II (1st)
AZT1605, AD1845XP,
OPL3, AZT805-J94, WBH, M-CD, expansion
connector.
SG Pro16 II (2nd)
AZT2316R, CS4231A-KL, OPL3, WBH, IDE, expansion connector.
SG WaveRider 32+
AZT2316A, AD1845JP,
OPL3, AZT816, ICS2125V WaveFront, ICS2122M-001
WaveROM, IDE, M-CD, expansion connector.
SG Nova 16 Extra II-3D
AZT2316*...
SG WaveRider Pro 32-3D
AZT2316R, CS4231A-KL, OPL3, AZT3320 Wavetable, Samsung KS0174
(Wavetable ROM), IDE.
SG Pro16 III-3D PnP
AZT2320...
SG WaveR. Pro 32-3D PnP
AZT2320...
SG WaveR. Platinum-3D PnP AZT2320...
SG NX Pro 16
AZT2320...
SG SCSI
AZTSSPT0592-U01, AZT-NXPMIX0592, AZTDSP31H (intel S-81C51FANM), OPL3.
-1st Generation, then 2nd: AZT1605 Chipset, 3rd: AZT2316/A/R Chipset, 4th: AZT2320 Chipset.
-Aztech chipsets also rebranded and sold by Reveal.
TERRATEC ISA SOUNDCARDS
----------------------Terratec SoundSystem
16-bit OPTi?+Crystal, OPL3, M-CD, WBH.
Gold 16 (rev 3.2B)
ES688, WBH, IDE, M-CD, OPL3 Clone DSP24S (green PCB, short).
Gold 16 (1996 catalogue) ES688, WBH, IDE, M-CD, OPL3 Clone DSP24S, volume wheel (green PCB,
long).
Gold 16/96
ES1868, WBH, IDE (brown PCB, gold colored backplane).
Gold 32
ES1868, WBH, IDE, 1MB Dream Wavetable daughterboard (host card as Gold
16/96).
Maestro 16 (1st edition) ASC-9308 + DSP-9309A + AD1845, OPL3, M-CD, WBH, 1MB Dream Wavetable
daughterboard.
Maestro 16 (2nd edition) ASC-9308 + DSP-9309A + CS4248, OPL3, M-CD, WBH, 1MB Dream Wavetable
daughterboard, Volume wheel.
Maestro 32 (1st edition) ASC-9308 + DSP-9309A + AD1845, OPL3, M-CD, WBH, 4MB Dream Wavetable
daughterboard.
Maestro 32 (2nd edition) ASC-9308 + DSP-9309A + CS4248, OPL3, M-CD, WBH, 4MB Dream Wavetable
daughterboard SAM9203/SAM8905, Volume wheel.
Maestro 16 IDE (rare)
OPTi 82C929 + CS4231?, OPL3, WBH, IDE, 1MB Dream Wavetable
daughterboard?
Maestro 16/96
OPTi 82C924 + CS4231, WBH, 1MB Dream SAM9233/SAM8905 Wavetable, FM
through SAM8905.
Maestro 32/96
CS4232, IDE, WBH, IDE,
4MB Dream SAM9233/SAM8905 Wavetable, FM
through SAM8905.
EWS64S
AD1816A,
Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 72-Pin RAM slot, 26-pin connector
for S/PDIF bracket, WBH pins not mounted.
EWS64L
CS4236(B), Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 72-Pin RAM slot, no front-module.
EWS64XL
CS4236(B), Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 72-Pin RAM slot, with 5.1/4"
front-module with WBH.
EWS64XXL
CS4236(B), Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 72-Pin RAM slot, with 5.1/4"
front-module: Waldorf Microwave XT.
TT1816-S
Analog Devices AD18max10JS, WBH, no amplifier.
Base-1/64
Analog Devices AD1816JS soundport, WBH, radio header.
-The ASC-9308 based cards have no oscillator, only a small uclock chip?
-First lineup from around 1994, then the '96 editions, then the EWS and Analog Devices cards in
1997.
-There are also 'SE', Special Editions, they differ in that the packaging includes less
peripherals/software.
-Maestro 16 and 32 are very similar to the Zoltrix/Gallant SC-6000 soundcard.
TERRATEC WAVEBLASTER MIDI DAUGHTERBOARDS
---------------------------------------WaveSystem Mini (older) SAM9233, 1MB Wavetable, GM, MT-32
WaveSystem Mini (newer) SAM9407, 1MB Wavetable, GM, MT-32
(WT64).
WaveSystem
SAM9233, 2MB Wavetable, GM, MT-32
WaveSystem Prof. (older) SAM9203+SAM8905,
4MB Wavetable,
Chorus/Reverb MFX (Dream GSWAVE).
WaveSystem Prof. (newer) SAM9233+SAM8905-1, 4MB Wavetable,
Chorus/Reverb MFX.
WaveXTable
SAM9708, 16MB Wavetable, GM/XG.
CRYSTALAKE ISA SOUNDCARDS
------------------------Crystal-Clear Wavetable
ROM, M-CD, PCB-ID AD928-3
CLMI 105
CLMI 140
emulation, GS sounds expansion only.
emulation, GS sounds expansion only
emulation, GS sounds expansion only.
GM, MT-32 emulation, GS sounds +
GM, MT-32 emulation, GS sounds +
Big square 160 pin chip?, CS4231, OPL3, CS-9203CL with 2MB CS4110-CS
V1.1
OPTi 928, CS4231, 1Mb Dream Wavetable, WBH.
CS4232, CS9233 Wavetable with 4MB ROM, IDE.
GUILLEMOT ISA SOUNDCARDS (Maxi Sound series:)
-----------------------MS 16
16-Bit, OPL3, M-CD, WBH.
MS 32 Wave FX
?
MS 16 PnP
16-Bit Crystal chipset, WBH, IDE.
MS 32 Wave FX PnP
16-Bit, 1MB ROM + 4MB RAM, WBH, IDE.
MS 64 PnP
16-Bit, 4MB ROM + 72-Pin RAM Slot (16MB), WBH, IDE.
MS 64 Home Studio PnP
CS4232, Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 4MB ROM + 72-Pin RAM Slot (16MB),
IDE, Misplaced WBH (v1.0).
MS 64 Home Studio (older) CS4236B, Dream SAM9233+8905 Wavetable + ?MB RAM+ROM + 72-Pin RAM Slot,
Misplaced WBH (SC8000 v3.31T)
MS 64 Home Studio (newer) CS4236, Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 4MB ROM + 72-Pin RAM Slot (16MB),
IDE, WBH (SC8500 v1.6T).
MS 64 Game Theater
ES1868, Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 4MB RAM + 72-Pin RAM Slot (16MB),
Misplaced WBH (v1.0).
MS 64 Dynamic 3D
ES1868, Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 1MB ROM + 2MB RAM + 72-Pin RAM Slot
(16MB), (SC8600 LITE, shorter card).
MS 64 Home Studio 2
ES1868, Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 4MB ROM + 72-Pin RAM Slot (16MB),
WBH, (Digital I/O connector) (SC8600 v2.0).
MS 64 Home Studio Pro
ES1868, Dream SAM9407 Wavetable + 4MB ROM + 72-Pin RAM Slot (16MB),
WBH, Daughterboard for S/PDIF Input/Output.
-Regarding 64 Home Studio WBH: When there is memory in the RAM Slot there is no room left for a
full size midi daughterboard.
GALLANT ISA SOUNDCARDS
---------------------SC-3000
SC-4000
(Canadian)
8-bit Sound Card.
8-bit Sound Card.
SC-5000
8-bit Sound Card.
SC-6000
ASC-9308 + DSP-9309A + AD1848, M-CD, WBH, volume wheel (PCB-ID: AV302).
SC-6600 PnP
CS4236, WBH, IDE.
SC-6600 PnP PLUS
AD1816, WBH, IDE.
SC-7000 PnP v3.0
CS4236, WBH, IDE, OPL4 1MB ROM.
SC-7000 PnP v4.0
CS4237, WBH, IDE, OPL4 1MB ROM.
SC-7000 PnP PLUS
AD1816, WBH, IDE, OPL4 1MB ROM.
SC-8000 PnP v3.31
CS4236B, WBH, IDE, Dream SAM9233/8905 Wavetable + 1MB ROM + 72-Pin RAM
Slot, volume wheel (similar to guillemot).
-They changed chipset often, sometimes a suffix SC-6600'E' is ES1868, 'C' is CS4237,'Y' is
YMF719, 'AD' AD1816.
-Card names are also used in abbreviated form (SC-7000 being SC-70).
-SC-6000 also known as: Audio Plus True 16 by Zoltrix, Audio Excel DSP 16 by Audio Excel.
ZOLTRIX ISA SOUNDCARDS
---------------------AP II
AP 1600
AP 1600 V.2
AP 1600 V.3
AP 1600 V.33
Audio Performer
AP True 16
AV301/AV302.
AP 3200 V.1
AP 3200 V.2
AP 3200 Wave
AP 3200 PnP
AP 6400 PnP
AP 6400 PnP V.2
AP 6400 PnP V.3
AP 6400 PnP Wave
AP 6400 3D PnP
AP 6400 3D PnP V.2
AP 6400 3D PnP V.5
(Canadian, Audio Plus series:)
8 bit mono, PCB-ID: AV202.
8 bit stereo, PCB-ID: N/A.
8 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV206.
8 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV207.
8 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV208.
8 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV300.
ASC-9308 + DSP-9309A + AD1848, M-CD, WBH, volume wheel, PCB-ID:
16 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV303.
16 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV305.
16 bit stereo, PCB-ID: AV500.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV308.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV306.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV307.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: ULC931 Rev 2.0 / AP64-00 VER 3.0.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV501.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV309.
16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV320.
CMI8330, 16 bit stereo, full duplex, PCB-ID: AV310.
-Does Audio Excel brand sell the same line of cards?
ACER ISA SOUNDCARDS
------------------FX-16
FX-3D
Magic S20
Magic S22
Magic S23
Magic S23A
Magic S30
Magic S32
AD1816?
AD1816?
OPTi 82C929, CS4231, OPL3, WBH.
OPTi 82C930, OPL3, WBH.
CS4232, OPL3, WBH.
CS4237B, CS9233 Wavetable.
Vibra 16 CT2501, OPL3, IDE, WBH.
Vibra 16S, OPL3, WBH.
AOPEN ISA SOUNDCARDS
-------------------AW32 Pro
AW32-3D
AW35
AW35 Pro
AW37
AW37 Pro
S23
CS4232, CS9233 Wavetable set.
CS4237, CS9233 Wavetable set.
CS4237, IDE/Wavetable headers usually not mounted.
CS4237, CS9236 Wavetable chip.
CS4235, IDE/Wavetable headers usually not mounted.
CS4235, CS9236 Wavetable chip.
See Acer Magic S23
MIRO ISA SOUNDCARDS
------------------Sound PCM1 pro
MPU-401.
Sound FM10
Windows only MPU-401.
Sound PCM10
Windows only MPU-401.
Sound PCM12
MPU-401.
(www.mirosupport.de)
OPTi 82C929, CS codec,
Yamaha OPL4 2MB, M-CD, IDE, Windows only
OPTi 82C929, CS/AD? codec, Yamaha OPL3,
No Amplifier, WBH, IDE,
OPTi 82C929, CS/AD? codec, Yamaha OPL4 2MB, No Amplifier, M-CD, IDE,
OPTi 82C929, AD codec,
Yamaha OPL4 2MB, No Amplifier, WBH, IDE,
Sound PCM12 E/PnP
OPTi 82C924, AD codec,
MPU-401.
Sound PCM20 Radio
OPTi 82C924, AD codec,
MPU-401, radio antenna input.
SHUTTLE ISA SOUNDCARDS
------------------HOT-247 SpW.SS 3D PnP
HOT-245A SpW.SS 3D PnP
HOT-245 SpW.SS PnP
HOT-241 SpW.SS PnP
HOT-237 SpW.SS 3D Wave
HOT-235 SpW.SS 3D
HOT-239 Shu.SS 48 Wave
HOT-233 Shu.SS 48 Plus
HOT-223 Shu.SS 48
Yamaha OPL4 2MB, No Amplifier, WBH, IDE,
Yamaha OPL4 2MB, No Amplifier, WBH, IDE,
('Spacewalker' or 'Shuttle' Sound System:)
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
OPTi
82C933, WBH.
82C931, WBH.
82C931, WBH.
82C931, WBH, IDE.
82C930, OPL3, OPTi 82C941 GM Wavetable 'QDSP' 2MB ROM, OPL3, IDE.
82C930, OPL3, WBH, IDE.
82C930, OPL3, OPTi 82C941 GM Wavetable 'QDSP' 1MB ROM, IDE, M-CD.
82C929+AD1848, OPL3, WBH (2x?), IDE, M-CD.
82C928+AD1848 or CS32**, OPL3, WBH (2x?), M-CD.
-Also sold: HOT-243Y Wavetable Adapter Yamaha YMF704 1MB.
-They seem to put two WBH's on some cards, one for OPL4 and another for MPU-401?
PENDING:
Gravis needs overhaul...
Genius soundcards...
Midia soundcards...
Orchid soundcards...
Pine soundcards...
Reveal soundcards.
Audio Excel soundcards.
Logitech soundman game card...
MediaMagic soundcards...
Dream chipsets...
Toptek chipsets...
guillemot ROM+RAM sizes need verification...
ABBREVIATIONS:
IDE
IDE header for Harddisk or CD-ROM.
M-CD
Multiple CD headers, like Sony, Mitsumi and MKE/Panasonic standards.
WBH
26-Pin header for mounting a Waveblaster compatible Midi Daughterboard.
Misplaced WBH
Waveblaster header is placed in such a way that a full size Midi
Daughterboard will not fit.
OPL*
See Yamaha ISA related Chipsets.
GM
General MIDI or GM is a standardized specification for music
synthesizers that respond to MIDI messages.
GS
General Synthesizer compatible, an extension of General Midi by Roland
(and Clones).
XG
An extension of General Midi by Yamaha.
RAM
Used here for the Data area referenced by a Midi engine to hold user
patch sets, which have to be uploaded after boot.
ROM
Used here for the Data area referenced by a Midi engine to hold a fixed
factory patch set.
SB
Sound Blaster, a popular interface for 8-bit Mono Digitized sound, this
interface could be licenced from Creative Labs.
SBPro
Sound Blaster Pro, a popular interface for 8-Bit Stereo Digitized
sound, this interface could be licenced from Creative Labs.
SB16
Sound Blaster 16, giving 16-Bit Stereo Digitized sound, this interface
could NOT be licenced from Creative Labs.
WSS
Windows Sound System, an interface specification for 16-Bit atereo
digitized sound and FM.
MSS
Microsoft Sound System, see WSS.
MPU-401
Standard interface for Midi music.
PCB
Circuit board.
PnP
Plug and Play, meaning the cards resources are set by software/BIOS
instead of jumpers.
GUS
Gravis UltraSound.
CLARIFICATION
Codec
Multi sampling rate / bitrate Digital to Analog audio convertor.
Converts bits and bytes to analog audio.
Controller
Main Sound card chip, doing Bus interfacing, Digital Audio handling
etc, but cannot output analog audio.