What is Mwave?

Mwave is the name of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).  A DSP is a 
microprocessor, like the 8086 or 80386, but tailored to do mathematics in a 
special way.  This tailoring makes a DSP highly suitable to the task of 
processing Audio Signals.  The Mwave platform is capable of performing the 
following kinds of processing at a reasonable cost:

  - WAV Audio recording/playback
  - Music Synthesis
  - Modem Communications
  - FAX Communications
  - Telephone Answering Machine (TAM)
  - Voice Menu Systems
  - Speech Synthesis/Recognition
  - Effect Processing (Like Digital Delay)
  - And more.

A DSP can also process other data, including the decompression of images (JPEG 
or MPEG formats).  Basically, it is another computer.

IBM's technology is unique amongst DSPs in that it offers a preemptive multi-
tasking operating system.  This allows the use of multiple functions at the 
same time.  As an example, the WindSurfer card can perform 2400 baud Modem 
communications and Music Synthesis simultaneously.

Currently available Mwave-based cards from IBM are the WindSurfer and 
AudioVation.  AudioVation is geared toward the audio market, and doesn't have 
as much onboard memory as the WindSurfer.  AudioVation's audio specs fall 
short of the WindSurfer as well.  I am most familiar with the WindSurfer, so I 
will list its features:

  - v.32bis Modem (14,400 baud.  Upgradeable in September to v.34, 28,800 
                   baud for about $80).
  - 9600 baud FAX (using DMA for true background FAXing.)
  - Telephone Answering Machine (TAM)
  - TAM/FAX discrimination (TAM answers phone, but if FAX tones are heard, 
    control passes to the FAX application).
  - MIDI Synthesizer (8 voice, 22kHz, wavetable)
  - SoundBlaster Emulation (in a Windows DOS box only)
  - WAV audio support for Windows
  - Optional MIDI cable.

That's just the current list.  Since this is a DSP, it is programmable, and
anything can change.  v.27 (14400 baud) FAX will be available around June.  
SoundBlaster Emulation under DOS is certainly possible.  More voices for the 
MIDI synth is possible (16 is probably the limit for wavetable).  All of these 
upgrades are software.  The card never needs to be replaced, or updated.

A note is in order on the current SoundBlaster emulation.  It is a bit flaky.  
I personally would not recommend this card for someone who really wants to do 
SoundBlaster stuff.  I have a Pro-Audio Spectrum for that purpose.  Certain 
applications that use SoundBlaster might not run in a Windows DOS box.  Some 
applications need drivers loaded at DOS boot time (this is not supported).  
Perhaps when the SoundBlaster emulation is implemented for DOS, these 
limitations will go away. 

The Digital Delay application I have written is proof that just about anything 
is possible with the Mwave platform.  The limit is the programmer's 
imagination. 

Note that the current Mwave software runs only under Windows 3.1 and requires 
4meg of RAM.  Most DOS communication software runs fine in a Windows DOS box 
(I use Procomm Plus).  The FAX app that ships with the WindSurfer is the only 
FAX app currently supporting DMA instead of COM ports.  This will change. 

For more information, and to order, call IBM at 1-800-IBM-2YOU.  The 
WindSurfer was available for $299 as of this writing.  Programmer's Paradise 
also offers the card, and the Mwave Developer's Kit used to produce this 
application.  Call them at 1-800-445-7899.  They may also have the card at a 
lower price.  Comparison shop.

For the real scoop, feel free to contact me, preferably on the Internet, or 
Waldo's Magic BBS.  See DELAY.TXT for contact info.

Above all, Catch the Wave!