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- Path: sparky!uunet!caen!kuhub.cc.ukans.edu!thompson
- From: thompson@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
- Subject: PRO AUDIO SPECTRUM SOUND CARD FAQ v1.0
- Message-ID: <1992Jul28.172801.41948@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu>
- Date: 28 Jul 92 17:28:01 CDT
- Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services
- Lines: 1291
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- | The Pro Audio Spectrum Frequently Asked Questions List |
- | Version 1.0 |
- | August 1992 |
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
- This list is posted monthly to:
-
- comp.sys.ibmpc.soundcard
- comp.sys.ibmpc.hardware
- comp.sys.ibmpc.misc
- news.answers
-
- Note: I have a PAS-16, so I know more about this particular card.
- I will try to answer questions about all of the PAS cards,
- but my knowledge may be limited in some cases to just the
- PAS-16.
-
- 'PAS cards' refers to the PAS, PAS+, and the PAS-16.
-
- 1) What are the PAS/+/16?
- 2) What are the specs for the PAS-16?
- 3) Are the PAS cards Soundblaster and Adlib compatible?
- 4) How does the PAS-16 compare to the Soundblaster Pro?
- 5) How does the PAS-16 compare to the Gravis Ultrasound?
- 6) Will I have problems using a PAS card with a fast computer (486)?
- 7) Will OS/2 drivers be available for the PAS cards?
- 8) What software comes with the PAS-16?
- 9) Is setting up a PAS+ or PAS-16 hard?
- 10) I have installed my PAS+ or PAS-16, but the sound from games is
- very low and hard to hear. What's wrong?
- 11) Is there a development kit available for the PAS cards?
- 12) How can Media Vision, the maker of the PAS cards, be reached?
- 13) How good is the quality of various sampling rates?
- 14) How much memory does the PAS-16's MVSOUND driver take up?
- 15) Where can I purchase a PAS-16 or PAS+ card?
- 16) What is the Media Vision Pro-16 Multimedia System package and what
- does it contain?
- 17) What SCSI CD-ROM drives are supported by the PAS-16 and PAS+?
- 18) I can't get my PAS-16 to work. What's wrong?
- (Standard Troubleshooting)
- 19) I have some questions about hardware installation.
- (Hardware installation troubleshooting)
- 20) I have some questions about the installation program.
- (Software installation troubleshooting)
- 21) I have some questions about the SCSI interface on my PAS-16.
- (SCSI interface troubleshooting)
- 22) I have some questions about Stereo Studio FX.
- (Stereo Studio FX troubleshooting)
- 23) I have some questions about SP Spectrum.
- (SP Spectrum troubleshooting)
- 24) I have some questions about TrakBlaster Pro.
- (TrakBlaster Pro troubleshooting)
- 25) I have some questions about Monologue.
- (Monologue troubleshooting)
- 26) I have some questions about AudioMate.
- (AudioMate troubleshooting)
- 27) I have some questions about the Windows drivers and Pocket Tools.
- (Windows drivers and Pocket Tools troubleshooting)
- 28) I have some questions about RECFILE and PLAYFILE.
- (RECFILE and PLAYFILE troubleshooting)
- 29) I have problems hearing sounds with certain games.
- (Games compatibility troubleshooting)
- 30) I have some questions about bus mastering devices.
- (Bus mastering device troubleshooting)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 1) What are the PAS, PAS+, and the PAS-16?
-
- The PAS was the original PAS card. It is capable of FM synthesizing,
- and digital sound. It can do 8 bit digital sampling and 8 bit digital
- playback (I don't know at what rate). The PAS has shielding built
- into it that eliminates background noise that can be created by many
- of the components of computer systems (hard drives for example).
-
- The PAS+ is the new version of the old PAS. I don't believe the PAS
- is for sale anymore, as the PAS+ has probably replaced it. The PAS+
- is capable of FM synthesizing, and digital sound. It has the
- shielding that the original PAS had. It can do 8 bit digital
- sampling and 16 bit digital playback.
-
- The PAS-16 is currently the most advanced sound card in the Pro Audio
- Spectrum line. It is capable of FM synthesizing, and digital sound.
- It can do 16 bit digital sampling and 16 bit digital playback. It
- has the shielding that was present in the original PAS.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 2) What are the specs for the PAS-16?
-
- Here are the specs for the PAS-16. I understand that the specs for
- the PAS+ are identical, except that the PAS+ can only do 8 bit
- sampling, and requires you to specify when you want SB compatibility
- mode on or off.
- (Sorry, I don't have specs for the original PAS.)
-
- Compatible with the following sound standards:
-
- SoundBlaster (version 1.5--currently fine for any software)
- Adlib
- Thunderboard
- Pro Audio Spectrum
- MPC
- Windows with Multimedia
- Windows 3.1
-
- True 16 bit stereo sound
-
- --16 bit stereo playback and recording (16 bit linear DAC)
- --Sampling/playback at 8, 12, and 16 bit PCM 4kHz-44kHz in stereo
- --Dynamic filtering 2Hz-22kHz programmable
- --ADPCM compression (2:1) and decompression (2:1, 3:1, 4:1) mono mode
- --Microphone, external line-in, and CD-audio inputs (enables you to
- make CD-quality 16-bit recordings from a variety of sources)
- --Shielded circuitry and dynamic filtering for low noise and clear
- sound
-
- Advanced 20 Voice Stereo Synthesizer
-
- --Yamaha YM262 (OPL-3) synthesizer
- --4 operator FM synthesized sound for true stereo
- --16 bit FM DAC
- --General MIDI compatible
-
- Audio Mixing
-
- --Internal synthesizer (stereo)
- --Digital audio (stereo)
- --CD audio (stereo)
- --External line-in (stereo)
- --Microphone
- --PC speaker
- --10 channels with stereo enhance
-
- Volume Control
-
- --Master volume: 0 to -62dB (1 dB/step)
- --Input mixer +1 to -60dB (2dB/step)
- Signal quality (1 V p-p reference)
- Dynamic range and signal to noise
- --Synthesized and mixed audio: 85 dB
- --Sampled audio PCM: 90 dB
- --Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
-
- Frequency Response
-
- --30 Hz - 20 kHz (+- 3 dB)
-
- Audio Outputs
-
- --Drive level: 11.5 V (p-p)
- --Power: 4 watts per channel (software controllable volume, bass, and
- treble)
- --Load impedance: will drive 4 or 8 ohm speakers
- --Output connections: stereo mini jacks (1/8 inch)
- (same with line in)
-
- 16 bit PC Interface
-
- --16 bit DMA
- --Selectable IRQ (2-7, 10-15)
- --Selectable DMA (0-3, 5-7)
- --Software selectable DMA and IRQ settings with auto configuration
-
- MIDI Interface (Requires Optional MIDI Mate)
-
- --Full duplex MIDI port (can record and playback at the same time)
-
- IBM Standard Joystick Port
-
- High Performance SCSI Interface (Requires Optional SCSI Cable Kit)
-
- --Supports CD-ROM drives, SCSI hard drives, removable/erasable optical
- drives or removable cartridge drives
- --690 kB per second
-
- Connectors
-
- --Internal CD-Audio Connector at J5 is a 5-pin header connector,
- 0.100" space header, pin 1=ground, 2=right in, 3=ground, 4=left in,
- 5=ground.
- --The MIDI/Joystick Port is a D-15S connector type. The pinouts are:
- 1 +5VDC
- 2 JOYSTICK 1 FIRE 1
- 3 JOYSTICK 1 X
- 4 GROUND
- 5 GROUND
- 6 JOYSTICK 1 Y
- 7 JOYSTICK 1 FIRE 2
- 8 +5VDC
- 9 +5VDC
- 10 JOYSTICK 2 FIRE 1
- 11 JOYSTICK 2 X
- 12 MIDI OUT (GROUND on MIDI Mate and Thunder Board)
- 13 JOYSTICK 2 Y
- 14 JOYSTICK 2 FIRE 2
- 15 MIDI IN (+5VDC on MIDI Mate and Thunder Board)
-
- System Requirements
-
- --IBM PC, AT, 80286, 80386, 80486, or 100% compatible
- --640k RAM memory
- --DOS 3.1 or higher
- --Hard disk with 6 MB free space
- --16 bit slot (card measures 7 7/8" by 3 7/8")
- --External speakers (4 to 8 ohm)
- Optional
- --Headphones: 1/8 inch stereo phone plug
- --Microphone: 1/8 inch mono plug, supports 600 to 10K ohm dynamic
- --External amplified speakers
-
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 3) Are the PAS cards Soundblaster and Adlib compatible?
-
- The original PAS is software compatible with the SB. You have to run
- a different driver to get the compatibility. I have heard that the
- compatibility is not very strong, since it is being done through
- software emulation.
-
- Both the PAS+, and the PAS-16 are hardware compatible with the SB.
- This means that there is basically a SB built into the board. It is
- like having two soundcards in one. You run the one PAS driver and
- voila, you have SB capability. By default, the SB section is set
- to IRQ 5, DMA 1, and I/O port 220h, while the PAS section is set to
- IRQ 7 and DMA 3. In addition, it is possible to use both the SB
- section and the PAS section at the same time. You could have game
- music going in the SB section, and then play a .wav file with the
- PAS at the same time. I have not run into any SB compatibility
- problems with my PAS-16.
-
- Adlib compatibility is included with the PAS+ and PAS-16. If you
- are running an older program that requires SOUND.COM to play Adlib
- sounds, you can use the included FM.COM instead.
-
- All SB games use DMA1, an IRQ and an I/O port. Some SB games look for
- the following statement in AUTOEXEC.BAT: "SET BLASTER=A220 Q5 D1 T3",
- where A220 is for I/O port 220h, or which ever I/O port is selected at
- J10. Q5 is IRQ 5, or which ever IRQ is selected at J12. D1 is for DMA 1
- which is required for SB compatibility. Try with T2 or T3 for timer.
- Other SB games do not look for this statement to find the settings but
- allow you to set the settings via an install program or by modifying a
- configuration file.
-
- A few games default to certain settings and do not allow the user to
- change these settings to match the board settings. Make sure that the
- game's settings match with the settings used by the SB section of the
- sound card. The default settings for the SB section are given above.
- Refer to the game's user guide or contact the game manufacturer for
- assistance.
-
- Some games do not work properly if the computer is running in TURBO
- mode. On most computers, there is a TURBO button on the front. If
- this button is not found, disabling the internal/external memory cache
- in the computer's CMOS setup achieves the same result.
-
- Here is a list of games whose SB and Adlib sounds work with the
- PAS+ or PAS-16:
-
- (NOTE: I generated this list through personal testing and from
- messages on the Usenet.)
-
- Adventures of Willy Bemish
- Commander Keen
- Continuum (Adlib)
- Conquests of the Longbow
- Duke Nukem
- Eye of the Beholder II
- F-15 Strike Eagle II (Adlib)
- F-117a Stealth Fighter
- Falcon 3.0
- Galactix
- Gunship 2000
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Jill of the Jungle
- King's Quest V
- Lemmings
- Links
- Prince of Persia
- Railroad Tycoon
- Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe
- Star Trek the 25th Anniversary
- Ultima VII
- Ultima Underworld
- Where in America's Past is Carmen Sandiego
- Wing Commander I & II
- Wolfenstein 3-D
-
- If you have seen any games working with the PAS+ or PAS-16 that are
- not on this list, please send the titles of these games to:
-
- thompson@ukanvax.cc.ukans.edu
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 4) How does the PAS-16 compare to the Soundblaster Pro?
-
- NOTE: Reports from the Usenet indicate that the Soundblaster Pro
- doesn't filter sound when it is sampling in stereo. It only filters
- in mono. Also, the card is not shielded very well from the radiation
- given off by your computer's components. If the hard disk is accessed
- when sampling, you can hear an audible pop in the sample. These
- problems do not appear with the PAS-16, which has shielding.
-
- Here is a summary of features and specs between the SB Pro and the
- PAS-16:
-
- SB Pro PAS-16
- -------------------------------------------
- Max sampling rate 44kHz 8 bit Mono 44kHz 16 bit (CD sound)
- in stereo
- Max playback rate 44kHz 8 bit Mono 44kHz 16 bit ( " )
- in stereo
- Compatible with Adlib, SB, SB Pro Adlib, SB, PAS, PAS-16,
- Thunderboard
- Includes standard SCSI no yes
- Price $190 $215
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 5) How does the PAS-16 compare with the Gravis Ultrasound?
-
- Here is a summary of features and specs between the Gravis Ultrasound
- and the PAS-16.
-
- NOTE: The Ultrasound has not been released yet. Any spec or
- feature for it could be changed when it finally does
- come out.
-
- NOTE: The Ultrasound is capable of 16 bit sampling and SCSI if you
- buy the appropriate daughterboards. The daughterboards should
- be available in the 3rd quarter of 1992. These boards will
- have to be purchased separately and then plugged into the main
- Ultrasound board for it to gain 16 bit sampling and SCSI
- capability.
-
- Ultrasound PAS-16
- -----------------------------------------
- Max sampling rate 44kHz 8 bit 44kHz 16 bit (CD sound)
- in stereo in stereo
- Max playback rate 44kHz 16 bit (CD sound) 44kHz 16 bit (CD sound)
- in stereo in stereo
- Compatible with Adlib, SB, Ultrasound Adlib, SB, PAS, PAS-16,
- Thunderboard
- Includes standard SCSI no yes
- Price as is $130-160 $215
- Price w/ 16 bit sampling $180-240 $215
- Price w/ SCSI $180-240 $215
- Price w/ 16 bit & SCSI $230-320 $215
-
- Prices for the Ultrasound assume a $130-160 range for the card
- itself, and a $50-80 range for the 16 bit daughterboard and $50-80
- for the SCSI daughterboard.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 6) Will I have problems using a PAS card with a fast computer (486)?
-
- I have used a PAS-16 for three months with no problems on a 486-33 ISA
- machine.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 7) Will OS/2 drivers be available for the PAS cards?
-
- Word from the Usenet is that OS/2 drivers are being written right now.
- They should be out in October.
-
- Even if you don't have OS/2 drivers, the PAS cards will work fine in a
- virtual DOS session, or in Win-OS/2. You can also use the Windows
- Multimedia extensions with Win-OS/2 and the PAS cards. When Windows
- 3.1 support is available in OS/2 (probably in September), then you
- can use the Windows 3.1 drivers in OS/2.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 8) What software comes with the PAS-16?
-
- The PAS-16 comes with a variety of software. Make sure that you get
- version 1.2 or above. If you have an earlier version, contact
- Media Vision for an upgrade. The PAS+ comes with the same software.
- Both 3.5 inch and 5.25 disks are included. Here is a summary:
-
- Stereo Studio F/X -- PC Waveform Sound Editor
-
- --Record, playback, edit, cut & paste stereo sound files
- --Uses standard MPC files (.wav)
- --Imports .voc, and .bin files
- --Records sounds from a microphone, CD, or any sound source
- --Effects include echo, reverb, and envelope shaping
-
- Control Panel -- Software controlled mixer
-
- --Control CD-audio, digital audio, FM synthesized audio, external
- line-in, microphone, and PC speaker
- --Includes controls for bass, treble, loudness, and stereo enhance
- --Includes both DOS and Windows versions
-
- TrakBlaster Pro -- Four track music studio
-
- --Combines 44kHz stereo with VGA graphics
- --Includes 4 track scope, spectrum analyzer, and left and right VU
- meters
-
- SP Spectrum -- MIDI Sequencer
-
- --Compose and playback music using the on board 20 voice stereo
- synthesizer or other MIDI devices
-
- Monologue -- Text to speech synthesizer
-
- --Version 3.0 for DOS
- --Lets your computer talk to you
- --Will 'read' text files
-
- Music and Sound Effects Library
-
- --Includes a selection of MIDI songs, digital sound effects, and MOD
- files
-
- Audio Mate -- DOS based multimedia application
-
- --Add CD-audio, digital sound effects and stereo synthesized audio
- to your existing DOS files
- --Works with Autodesk Animator, Animator Pro, Harvard Graphics, and
- others
- --Add sound to .bat and .exe files
-
- DOS Drivers
-
- Windows Drivers
-
- --Includes drivers and DLL's for Windows 3.1 and Windows with
- Multimedia
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 9) Is setting up a PAS+ or PAS-16 hard?
-
- Not at all. You put the DOS install disk in your floppy drive, set
- the current drive the floppy, and type INSTALL. You can then set
- the IRQ's and DMA channels from the software--no flipping dip switches
- or resetting jumpers. To install the Windows software, just put the
- Windows install disk in the floppy, and run INSTALL from Windows.
- The appropriate line to start the PAS driver is inserted in your
- config.sys (only after receiving confirmation from you). You're done.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 10) I have installed my PAS+ or PAS-16, but the sound from games is
- very low and hard to hear. What's wrong?
-
- I had the same problem. You need to set the mixer on your card so
- that the volume is a little higher. You can also set the bass,
- treble, loudness, stereo separation, and a few other things. To turn
- the volume up, you use the PAS.EXE program in your PROAUDIO
- directory. Refer to the manual on how to use PAS.EXE. When you
- get everything set up right, put it in a batch file to be run from
- your autoexec.bat. That way, the mixer is set up when you turn on
- your computer.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 11) Is there a development kit available for the PAS cards?
-
- Media Vision is making a developer's kit that is free of charge. It
- is due in October and will work with the PAS/PAS+/PAS 16 cards.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 12) How can Media Vision, the maker of the PAS cards, be reached?
-
- Contact Media Vision Technical Support for technical assistance on:
-
- Stereo Studio F/X, SP Spectrum, Software Controlled Mixer (PAS.EXE),
- TrakBlaster Pro, Monologue v3.0 for DOS, Music and Sound Effects
- Library, AudioMate, Windows Drivers and Pocket Tools.
-
- If you need a software update, a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
- number for a defective product, RMA status, or have any non-technical
- customer-related issues, contact Customer Service.
-
- Media Vision, Inc.
- 47221 Fremont Blvd.
- Fremont, CA 94539
-
- Main: (800) 348-7116 or (510) 770-8600
- Sales: (800) 845-5870
- Tech Support &
- Customer Service: (800) 638-2807 or (510) 770-9905
- FAX: (510) 770-8648 or (510) 770-9592
-
- BBS: (510) 770-0968 2400 baud (8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
- (510) 770-1661 2400 baud (8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
- (510) 770-0527 9600 baud (8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
-
- Assign your own account name and password.
-
- Compuserve: GO MEDIA VISION or send mail to 75300.2722@Compuserve.Com.
-
- Upgrade information: (800) 283-1596 extension 100
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 13) How good is the quality of various sampling rates?
-
- To get an idea of how good the quality of various sampling rates is,
- here is a chart comparing sampling rates to everyday sounds:
-
- Sampling Rate Similar in quality to
- 44.1 kHz CD
- 32 kHz Cassette
- 24 kHz FM radio
- 18 kHz AM radio
- 12 khz Phone voice
-
- Please, if this chart is off, please let me know.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 14) How much memory does the PAS-16's MVSOUND driver take up?
-
- The MVSOUND driver is what the PAS-16 uses to talk to your computer's
- hardware. You load this driver from your config.sys, and it gives you
- PAS-16 compatibility, SB compatibility, and Adlib compatibility. The
- driver takes up about 9.2 kb of RAM. It can be loaded high.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 15) Where can I purchase a PAS-16 or PAS+ card?
-
- The cheapest place to get these cards is from a mail order house.
- Many dozens of mail order houses can be found in Computer Shopper.
- One such house that sells the PAS-16 and PAS+ is Computability.
- There phone numbers are:
-
- Toll free: 1-800-558-0003
- Regular: 1-414-357-8181 (in case you don't live in the U.S. and
- can't dial an 800 number)
- Hours: 9:00am - 9:00pm Monday - Friday (Central Standard Time)
- 11:00am - 5:00pm Saturdays
-
- The last price I heard that Computability was selling the PAS-16 for
- was $215.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 16) What is the Media Vision Pro-16 Multimedia System package and what
- does it contain?
-
- The Media Vision Pro-16 Multimedia System package is a complete
- Multimedia upgrade kit that Media Vision sells. It contains all the
- hardware you need to get you ready for multimedia. It is compatible
- with the MPC standard. The CD-ROM that is included with it is one of
- the fastest (in access time and throughput) on the market. The
- package includes:
-
- Pro Audio Spectrum 16 Sound Card
- NEC CDR-83J CD-ROM Drive (an OEM version of CDR-83) with drive rails
- and screws
- SCSI/Cable Driver Kit (The CD-ROM drivers are included in the
- Installation Disk 1)
- One CD-ROM Caddy
- Sierra King's Quest on CD-ROM
- Macromind Action on CD-ROM & Manual
- Introduction to Nautilus on CD-ROM
- Lotus 1-2-3 For Windows With Multimedia Help on CD-ROM (Shipped by
- Marketing upon receiving the Product Registration Card from the
- customer.)
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 17) What SCSI CD-ROM drives are supported by the PAS-16 and PAS+?
-
- Internal Drives:
- Chinon CDS-431. Contact Chinon at 310-533-0274 to get the 40-pin to 50-pin converter.
- Hitachi CDR-3650
- NEC CDR-80, CDR-82, CDR-83, CDR-83J, CDR-83M, CDR-84
- Sony CDU-541
- Texel DM-3020, DM-3021
- Toshiba XM-3201B
-
- External Drives:
- Chinon CD-SC (Sony CDU-8001), CD-SC Plus (Sony CDU-8002),
- CDX-431
- CD Technologies Porta-Drive
- Denon DRD-253
- Hitachi CDR-1553S, CDR-1650, CDR-1750S
- IBM 3510
- Laser Magnetics CM212, CM214, CM231
- NEC CDR-35, CDR-36, CDR-36M, CDR-72, CDR-73, CDR-73M,
- CDR-74, CDR-77
- Panasonic CR-501-S
- Pioneer DRM-600 6-disc changer
- Sony CDU-6211, CDU-7211
- Texel DM3010, DM-3120, DM-5020, DM-5021, DM-5120,
- DM-7120A, DM-7120B
- Toshiba XM-3201A, XM-3301, XM-5100A
-
- If your CD-ROM drive is not on this list, it will NOT work with the
- PAS-16 (the SONY CDU-535 and the Laser Library are not SCSI). If it
- is on this list and you would like to use the PAS-16's SCSI interface
- to control the CD-ROM drive, then contact Media Vision.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 18) I can't get my PAS-16 to work. What's wrong?
- (Standard Troubleshooting)
-
- Generic CONFIG.SYS:
- DEVICE = C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
- FILES = 30
- BUFFERS = 10
- LASTDRIVE=X
- (For CD-ROM drive. Refer to the SCSI INTERFACE section below.)
- DEVICE = C:\PROAUDIO\MVSOUND.SYS D:X Q:X V:X J:X T:X
- (Refer to the PAS-16 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION section below.)
- DEVICE = C:\WINDOWS\SMARTDRV.EXE 2048 512
- DEVICE=C:\PROAUDIO\TSLCDR.SYS /D:MVCD001 /R /P:3
- (SCSI CD-ROM driver. Refer to the SCSI INTERFACE section below.)
-
- Generic AUTOEXEC.BAT:
- @ECHO OFF
- PATH = C:\;C:\DOS;C:\WINDOWS;C:\PROAUDIO
- PROMPT $P$G
- C:\PROAUDIO\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MVCD001 /M:10 /L:X /V
- (CD-ROM driver. X is the drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive.
- Refer to the SCSI INTERFACE section below)
-
- 1. Reduce to the generic CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. 2. Reduce
- the computer's CPU speed. Usually this can be accomplished by turning
- off the TURBO mode or disabling the internal/external memory cache by
- going into the computer's CMOS setup. 3. Reduce the computer's bus
- speed to 8MHz. The PAS-16 was designed around the IBM AT specification
- which uses this bus speed. Please note that this is not the same as
- the CPU speed. Once everything works fine at the 8MHz bus speed, you
- can experiment with higher bus speeds. 4. Remove other peripheral
- boards from the computer, such as scanner boards, tape backup
- boards, ... 5. Try the PAS-16 in another 16-bit slot. 6. Try the
- PAS-16 in another computer. 7. If you do not hear any sound, recheck
- the speaker/headphone connections.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 19) I have some questions about hardware installation.
- (Hardware installation troubleshooting)
-
- --Do I have to change any jumpers before I install the PAS-16?
- The default settings will work in most computers. Only try with
- different IRQ (at jumper J12) and I/O port (at J10) settings if you
- experience any problems or know that these settings are used by
- another peripheral board in the same system.
-
- --How do I change the DMA and IRQ settings for the PAS-16 section of
- the sound card?
- The PAS-16's DMA and IRQ can be changed by changing the D:x and Q:x
- parameter on the MVSOUND.SYS statement in the CONFIG.SYS file.
-
- --How do I change the IRQ and I/O port settings for the SB section of
- the sound card?
- The SB's IRQ and I/O port can be changed by changing the jumpers at J12
- and J10 on the sound card.
-
- --Can the PAS-16 section and the SB section share the same settings?
- No. The settings must be different to prevent a DMA and IRQ conflict.
-
- --What are the symptoms of a DMA and IRQ conflict on the PAS-16 section?
- DMA conflict causes digital audio to be distorted or no digital audio.
- It can also cause system to hang, reboot, or issue parity error. IRQ
- conflict causes digital audio to loop and no synthesized audio.
-
- --What are the symptoms of an IRQ and I/O port conflict on the SB
- section?
- The game does not produce digital audio or digital audio is distorted,
- or, running the game causes the computer to lock up.
-
- --What causes a Memory Parity Error?
- A DMA conflict.
-
- --Which jumpers on the sound card can I change?
- The only ones that can be changed are the SB jumpers: J10 for I/O port,
- J11 for DMA 1, and J12 for I/O port.
-
- --How do I disable SB compatibility mode?
- Float all of the shunts for J10, J11 and J12 (by putting the shunt on 1
- pin only). This will disable the SB's IRQ, I/O port and DMA 1.
-
- --Does the PAS-16 work in a 486/50, or, What computers does the PAS-16
- work in?
- The PAS-16 was designed around the IBM AT specification. It will work
- in a 486/50 if the bus (I/O CLK) speed is lowered down to 8MHz. Please
- note that this is not the same as the CPU speed. Once it works fine at
- 8MHz bus speed, you can experiment at higher speeds.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 20) I have some questions about the installation program.
- (Software installation troubleshooting)
-
- --What drivers can be loaded high?
- If there is sufficient upper memory available, you can load
- MVSOUND.SYS, TSLCDR.SYS and MSCDEX.EXE high.
-
- --I have just received a new version of the PAS-16 Installation Disks.
- Can I install it over the old version?
- It is best to remove the PROAUDIO directory including all
- sub-directories first before you install the new version.
-
- --Why does the INSTALL program only allow DMA 1 or 3 to be selected?
- Most existing DOS applications only support DMA 1 and 3. You can use
- a text editor such as MS DOS 5.0's EDIT to change the D:x parameter on
- the MVSOUND.SYS statement in CONFIG.SYS.
-
- --The INSTALL program causes my computer to lock up, or, how do I
- manually install the software?
- To manually install the PAS-16 software on Installation Disks 1 & 2,
- do as follows:
- Add the "C:\PROAUDIO" to the path statement in AUTOEXEC.BAT.
- Reboot the computer.
- MD C:\PROAUDIO
- MD C:\PROAUDIO\MIDI
- MD C:\PROAUDIO\WAVE
- MD C:\PROAUDIO\STEREOFX
- MD C:\PROAUDIO\TBPRO
- Copy LHARC.EXE from the PAS-16 Installation Disk 1 to C:\PROAUDIO.
- Copy DIGISNDW.LZH to C:\PROAUDIO\WAVE.
- Copy MIDI.LZH to C:\PROAUDIO\MIDI.
- Copy MOD.LZH to C:\PROAUDIO\TBPRO.
- Copy PROGRAMS.LZH to C:\PROAUDIO.
- Copy PAS-16.SYS to C:\PROAUDIO.
- Copy CHORD.WAV to C:\PROAUDIO.
- Rename PAS-16.SYS to MVSOUND.SYS.
- Copy SFX.LZH from the PAS-16 Installation Disk 2 to
- C:\PROAUDIO\STEREOFX.
- From the C:\PROAUDIO directory, type LHARC X PROGRAMS.LZH
- From the C:\PROAUDIO\WAVE, type LHARC X DIGISNDW.LZH
- From the C:\PROAUDIO\MIDI, type LHARC X MIDI.LZH
- From the C:\PROAUDIO\TBPRO, type LHARC X MOD.LZH
- From the C:\PROAUDIO\STEREOFX, type LHARC X SFX.LZH
- Add the following line to CONFIG.SYS DEVICE=C:\PROAUDIO\MVSOUND.SYS
- D:3 Q:7
- Reboot the computer.
-
- --What is MVSOUND.SYS for?
- It enables the PAS-16 to produce sound under DOS and is also required
- for WIN31 drivers.
-
- --After I installed the PAS-16 Installation Disks and reboot the
- computer, right after MVSOUND.SYS finishes loading, I hear crackling/
- scratchy noises coming out of the speakers.
- Make sure your Installation Disks have the current version of 1.2. Add
- "T:1" to the end of the MVSOUND.SYS statement. Save CONFIG.SYS and try
- again. Refer to page 1-25 of the PAS-16 User's Guide v1.1 for an
- explanation.
-
- --What parameters does MVSOUND.SYS support?
- D:x, x is (0,1,2,3,5,6,7) for DMA for the PAS-16 section of the card.
- Q:x, x is (2-7,10-15) for IRQ for the PAS-16 section of the card.
- J:x, x is 0 or 1, 1 is for Joystick Enabled (default), 0 is for
- Joystick Disabled.
- V:x, x is from 1 to 100, which is the initial volume setting.
- T:x, x is 0 or 1, 1 is to use the on-board oscillator, 0 is to use the
- motherboard's oscillator. Some computers such as 486/33 OPTI have
- improperly-designed oscillator which causes the OPL3 FM chip on the
- PAS-16 to produce random noises. See Page 1-25 of the PAS-16 User's
- Guide v1.1 for an explanation.
- Note: Not all software support high-order DMA and IRQ (for example,
- TrakBlaster Pro).
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 21) I have some questions about the SCSI interface on my PAS-16.
- (SCSI interface troubleshooting)
-
- --What is TSLCDR.SYS?
- This is a CD-ROM driver written by Trantor Systems. It comes with
- the SCSI/Cable Driver Kit. The current version is 1.46B. The
- parameters that are supported are:
- D:x, x is any device name that you assign to the CD-ROM device.
- R is for reset.
-
- --What is MSCDEX.EXE?
- This is the Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions. The current version is 2.21.
- The parameters that are supported are:
- D:x, x is the same device name that is assigned to the CD-ROM device
- by TSLCDR.SYS.
- M:x, x is the number of 2K memory buffers, 10 is usually used.
- L:x, x is the drive letter you want to assign to the CD-ROM drive.
- V is for a verbose listing of information about memory usage.
- E is for expanded memory usage.
-
- --I don't need the SCSI or audio cable. Can I just get a copy of
- TSLCDR.SYS and MSCDEX.EXE?
- These drivers are royalty-bearing software which means they cannot be
- provided free of charge. Also, they come with the SCSI/Cable Driver
- Kit only.
-
- --Which CD-ROM drives can I use with the PAS-16?
- See the SUPPORTED CD-ROM DRIVES section above. The PAS-16 has a SCSI
- interface which allows it to control SCSI devices. Contact Media
- Vision Sales for the SCSI CD-ROM Cable/Driver Kit (Specify
- internal or external).
-
- --Do I have to use the PAS-16's SCSI interface to control my CD-ROM
- drive which has its own controller?
- No. All that you have to do is to make sure that the CD-Audio signals
- are routed from the CD-ROM drive to the PAS-16.
-
- --I already have a SCSI adapter in my system. Will I have to remove
- it if I install the PAS-16? Can multiple SCSI adapters co-reside in
- my PC?
- You can have as many SCSI adapters in the same system as there are
- available slots. The PAS-16's SCSI will not interfere with other
- SCSI adapters. The only possible conflicts would be conflicts with
- DMAs, IRQs and I/O port used by the sound card.
-
- --I have the Sony CDU-535 CD-ROM drive (or Laser Library). Can I use
- the PAS-16 to control the Sony drive?
- No. This Sony drive uses a proprietary Sony Bus interface. Media
- Vision will release the PAS-16 and PAS+ Sony Bus version in the near
- future to work with this drive. Contact Customer Service after
- August 1 to be added to a waiting list.
-
- --Can I use the PAS-16 to control other SCSI devices?
- Yes. Trantor Systems can be reached at 510-770-1400 for a $59.00
- driver set which supports all SCSI hard drives, removable hard drives
- and magneto-optical drives. Currently there is no driver support for
- tape drives or scanners.
-
- --I used to have the original PAS board and a SCSI/Cable Driver Kit
- and have just updated to the PAS-16. Do I need an updated version
- of the CD-ROM drivers?
- Contact Customer Service for a free driver update for both TSLCDR.SYS
- and MSCDEX.EXE.
-
- --I have the ATI Graphics Ultra (or Vantage) and when the TSLCDR.SYS
- driver loads it detects two SCSI addresses. I also experience
- problems with digital audio and get a red screen on WIN31. Make sure
- you have TSLCDR.SYS v1.46B or later.
-
- --Which SCSI Interface is used on the PAS-16? How do I write device
- drivers for it?
- The PAS-16 uses the Zilog's Z5380. Contact Media Vision Customer
- Service for documentation on the chip's specification and the PAS-16
- Software Developer's Toolkit. This software toolkit is currently
- under development.
-
- --What is the transfer rate of the PAS-16's SCSI interface?
- It has a maximum transfer rate of 690KB/sec.
-
- --I get the error "No SCSI host adapter found".
- The SCSI CD-ROM driver is board dependent. If you would like
- to use the PAS-16 to control the CD-ROM drive, you need to use our
- TSLCDR.SYS driver v1.46B or later.
-
- --I get the error "No devices respond on this SCSI host adapter".
- First, make sure one of the computer's power cables has been connected
- to the back of the CD-ROM drive. Second, check the internal flat
- ribbon SCSI cable to make sure it is properly connected to the back
- of the CD-ROM drive.
-
- --I get the error "Device driver not found: MVCD001. No valid CD-ROM
- selected".
- First, if you are using DR DOS 6.0, it is necessary to change the
- device name for both TSLCDR.SYS and MSCDEX.EXE statements from
- "MVCD001" to "TSLCD". Second, make sure that the device name in both
- of these statements match.
-
- --I get the error "Incorrect DOS version".
- If you are using MS DOS 5.0, MSCDEX.EXE v2.2 requires that CONFIG.SYS
- has the statement "DEVICE=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE". You should not get
- this error f you have MSCDEX.EXE v2.21. This driver can be downloaded
- from the Media Vision BBS.
-
- --I get the error "Invalid drive specification" when I type the drive
- letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive.
- Make sure that you have "LASTDRIVE=X" in the CONFIG.SYS file,
- where X is the next logical drive letter after the letter assigned to
- the CD-ROM drive in the MSCDEX.EXE statement.
-
- --I get the error "CDR 101: Drive not ready".
- First, make sure that you are not trying to read a CD-Audio disk.
- Second, check in the internal, flat ribbon SCSI cable to make sure
- it is properly connected. Third, move the TSLCDR.SYS and MSCDEX.EXE
- statements to the end of CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT.
-
- --I get the error "CDR 103: CD-ROM not High Sierra or ISO-9660
- format reading drive X. Abort, Retry or Ignore?"
- First, check to make sure that you are not trying to read a CD-Audio
- disk. Second, this is usually caused by a software conflict. Reduce
- to the generic CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT and try again.
-
- --I do not hear any CD-Audio at all, or, How do I connect the internal
- CD-Audio cable?
- The internal CD-Audio cable may not have been properly connected or
- it is defective. Use a custom audio cable to connect the PAS-16's
- internal audio input at J5 to the CD-ROM drive.
-
- --Does the PAS-16 support CD-ROM XA?
- No. This feature may be supported in the future.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 22) I have some questions about Stereo Studio FX.
- (Stereo Studio FX troubleshooting)
-
- --Does SFX support 16-bit PCM recording and playback?
- SFX only supports 8 bits.
-
- --Sound loops when playing back under SFX. DMA 3 and IRQ 7 are set in
- CONFIG.SYS file. All other applications work fine.
- First, make sure that the file is not a 16-bit recorded file. SFX only
- supports 8-bit recorded files. Second, try using a high-order DMA, such
- as DMA 5.
-
- --Activating "Record" in SFX disconnects the channels.
- This problem has been reported to Media Vision.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 23) I have some questions about SP Spectrum.
- (SP Spectrum troubleshooting)
-
- --TAPIMV issues the error "FM sound card not found."
- Make sure your Installation Disks have the current version of 1.2. Add
- "T:1" to the end of the MVSOUND.SYS statement. Refer to page 1-25 of
- the PAS-16 User's Guide v1.1 for an explanation.
-
- --I have the Media Vision MIDI Mate v1.0 (MIDI connector box) which
- worked fine on the PAS. After I upgraded to the PAS-16, MIDI IN does
- not work using the same MIDI Mate.
- Inside MIDI Mate, there is a chip at U1 (next to the MIDI cable) called
- an opto-isolator. The old part number is 6N136. For the MIDI Mate to
- work with the PAS-16, it needs the new part number which is 6N138.
- Contact Customer Service for an RMA number.
-
- --The FMEDIT section in the PAS 16 User's Guide has missing pages to
- describe the Mixer, Display Setup, Trigger Note, Quitting, and Pop-up
- Windows.
- Contact Customer Service for a copy of this sent by mail.
-
- --I don't hear any sound when I play a .ROL or .MID in SP Spectrum.
- Make sure that Port is set to 2 for playing songs using the internal
- FM synthesizer. Set Port to 1 for playing out of an external MIDI
- equipment. Refer to the SP Spectrum section in the PAS-16 User's
- Guide for additional information.
-
- --I get the error "Run time error, Divide by 0" when I run SP Spectrum.
- This is caused by an incorrect setup of the memory manager, commonly
- seen in QEMM and Wytek co-processor in 486 machines. Contact
- Quarterdeck or the manufacturer of the memory manager for assistance
- with reconfiguration.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 24) I have some questions about TrakBlaster Pro.
- (TrakBlaster Pro troubleshooting)
-
- --While running TBPRO, a MOD file plays for 20 seconds then abruptly
- stops and system hangs up.
- This is caused by a DMA conflict. Make sure the PAS-16 section is not
- set for DMA 1 unless the SB compatibility has been disabled.
-
- --Does TBPRO support high-order DMA and IRQ?
- No. TBPRO only supports DMA 1,3 and IRQ 2,3,5,7.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 25) I have some questions about Monologue.
- (Monologue troubleshooting)
-
- --Running Monologue causes my computer to lock up.
- Monologue uses the SB section of the sound card. Monologue defaults
- to IRQ 7 where as the SB section of the sound card (at J12) defaults
- to IRQ 5. To change Monologue's IRQ setting to match the card's
- setting, run Monologue's INSTALL.
-
- --All possible SB's IRQs at J12 have been tried and Monologue still
- locks up or does not produce any audio.
- Select the "AdLib" driver instead of "Media Vision Products" and try
- again. Also, you need to run you bus at its standard speed (8 mHz).
- If you run it faster, Monologue will lock up. Try resetting the bus
- speed back to 8 mHz using your BIOS setup.
-
- --Dr. DOS 6.0's memory manager causes Monologue to lock up the computer
- when using ALT-T to activate Monologue.
- First, run MEMMAX -U to disable upper memory. Second, run Monologue.
- Third, run MEMMAX +U to re-enable upper memory.
-
- --The TALKDRVR.SYS is missing from the Monologue v3.0 For DOS disk.
- This driver was provided with Monologue v2.0 and has been removed from
- the disk for v3.0 by the software manufacturer (First Byte).
-
- --The Monologue User's Guide indicates that there should be two 5 1/4"
- disks.
- There is only one 5 1/4" disk.
-
- --The "Alt-T" key combination does not work.
- Some programs like WordPerfect or WordStar also use the same key
- combination which will create a conflict with Monologue. To resolve
- this problem, you need to assign a new hot key combination. Go into
- the Monologue directory and run CONFIG.BAT.
-
- --Monologue's "Alt-T" key combination does not work properly.
- Sometimes it does and sometimes strange things happen.
- First, delete the Monologue directory completely. Re-install
- Monologue and then try again.
-
- --When I run "SAYFILE filename.doc" at the DOS prompt nothing happens.
- SAYFILE.BAT is missing a parameter to allow a DOC filename to be
- passed to the SAYF.EXE so that it can speak the file. Modify
- SAYFILE.BAT by changing the third line from "SAYF" to "SAYF %1" and
- then try again. Run "SAYFILE filename.doc". Press Enter.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 26) I have some questions about AudioMate.
- (AudioMate troubleshooting)
-
- --I am having trouble running Animator Pro with Audiomate.
- TAPIMV2 needs to be updated to support Animator Pro. Contact
- Customer Service if you would like to be added to a waiting list for
- the update.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 27) I have some questions about the Windows drivers and Pocket Tools.
- (Windows drivers and Pocket Tools troubleshooting)
-
- --What do I need to do before I install the PAS-16 Windows Drivers
- disk?
- If you have the PAS Windows drivers installed or have an older version
- of PAS-16 drivers, go into the Control Panel, Drivers, and remove
- every driver which references Pro Audio Spectrum or Media Vision.
- Restart WIN31 and then install the new drivers. Or, if you have
- Norton Desktop For Windows which will interfere with our Windows
- Driver's INSTALL program. To work around the problem, go into
- SYSTEM.INI, [boot] section. Replace "SHELL=NDW.EXE" with
- "SHELL=PROGMAN.EXE". Or, if you are using DR DOS 6.0's SHARE which
- causes our INSTALL program to crash the system. To work around the
- problem, remove SHARE. Re-boot the computer. Then install the
- Windows drivers.
-
- --Do I need MVSOUND.SYS for Windows?
- Currently, yes. In the future, the PAS-16's Windows drivers will
- not have to depend on MVSOUND.SYS.
-
- --Can I use different IRQ and DMA settings under Windows, than under
- DOS?
- The DMA set in SYSTEM.INI for Windows can be different from the DMA
- set in CONFIG.SYS for DOS as long as WIN31 is started in 386-Enhanced
- mode. However , if you start WIN31 is started in standard mode, you
- make make the settings the same.
-
- --What is the advantage of using a high-order DMA and IRQ?
- High-order DMA allows 16-bit DMA transfer which enables the
- MVPROAUD.DRV sound driver to handle digital audio more efficiently and
- also to provide more available DMA selections. High-order IRQ only
- provides more available IRQ selections.
-
- --I have just received the latest version of the PAS-16 Windows Drivers
- disk. Do I have to remove the older version first?
- Yes.
-
- --Sound plays normally under DOS using the selected DMA and IRQ
- settings, but loops under Windows using the same DMA and IRQ settings.
- This is caused by an IRQ conflict. Edit the SYSTEM.INI file to change
- the IRQ setting under [mvproaud.drv] section.
-
- --Pro Mixer's wave meter points at the beginning of the red area
- instead of at zero.
- A future release of WIN31 drivers will correct this problem. It
- should be ready by August.
-
- --What do I have to do before I can record using Pocket Recorder or
- Sound Recorder?
- Go into Pro Mixer or Pocket Mixer to set the audio input source to
- recording mode.
-
- --When I record at 16-bit mode, there is very bad clipping or it does
- not work at all. 8-bit recording works fine.
- If you are using an low-order DMA then change to a 16-bit DMA under
- the [mvproaud.drv] section of SYSTEM.INI and try again.
-
- --Recording at 8-bit is very scratchy. 16-bit recording does not
- have this problem.
- The PAS-16 has a 16-bit PCM DAC. Recording at 8-bit using a 16-bit
- DAC is definitely more noisy than recording at 8-bit on the PAS which
- only has an 8-bit DAC. In the next release, Pocket recorder will
- record better at 8 bits.
-
- --Does the Pocket Recorder support the Cut, Copy and Paste features?
- These features will be supported in the next release. Check with Media
- Vision in August to find out if WIN31 Drivers and Pocket Tools v1.4 is
- available.
-
- --I get the errors "Can't find input device with pid." and "Can't find
- output device with pid." when trying to run Pocket Recorder.
- Make sure the MVSOUND.SYS statement appears in CONFIG.SYS and that
- the driver loads properly when the computer boots up.
-
- --I get the error "PREC has caused a General Protection Fault error
- in USER.EXE..."
- This error occurs most frequently in 286 computers and also in faster
- computers which have less than 2MB of virtual memory under Windows.
-
- --If Pocket Recorder is used to record a 16-bit wav file, and is saved
- then played from Media Player, the file will play properly to the end
- but the thumb button on the position slider will not have reached the
- end.
- This problem has been reported to Media Vision and will be fixed in
- the future release of WIN31 Drivers v1.4.
-
- --While recording under Pocket Recorder, if I open/close/use other
- applications, there are clicking/popping sounds that also get recorded.
- This problem has been reported to Media Vision and is currently being
- researched.
-
- --Pocket Recorder's OLE (Object Linking & Embedding) does not work
- properly.
- The OLE feature is not fully implemented. Please document the problems
- in detail and fax or mail to Technical Support to be forwarded to Media
- Vision.
-
- --A file recorded using RECFILE.EXE (PAS-16's DOS utility) plays back
- fine under Pocket Recorder but this same file will not play back under
- Media Player.
- A new version of RECFILE.EXE, dated 6-22-92 or later, does not have
- this problem. On BBS, download P16REC.ZIP; on Compuserve, download
- TOOLS.ZIP.
-
- --How do I play CD-Audio under WIN31?
- First, put a CD-Audio disk into the CD-ROM drive. Failure to do this
- will cause the [MCI] CD-Audio driver to not install properly Second,
- go into the Control Panel, Drivers. Click on the Add button. Select
- "[MCI] CD-Audio" driver. Click on the OK
-
- --I do not get any FM sound when I run DOS games under the DOS shell
- of Windows.
- The OPL3 FM synthesizer chip on the PAS-16 can operate in either OPL3
- (4-operator) mode or 3812 (2-operator) mode. Under Windows, Voyetra's
- OPL3.DRV driver puts this FM chip into the OPL3 mode to produce rich FM
- sounds. However, most existing games only use the 2-operator mode.
- This should change in the future.
-
- --Under Media Player, CANYON.MID plays properly but when I play other
- MIDI files, I don't hear any music.
- WIN31 only supports General MIDI. The MIDI files that you have may be
- Non-General MIDI.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 28) I have some questions about RECFILE and PLAYFILE.
- (RECFILE and PLAYFILE troubleshooting)
-
- --When PLAYFILE.EXE starts and stops, it produces a "popping" sound.
- Get a newer version of PLAYFILE.EXE. Please download P16REC.ZIP from
- the BBS.
-
- --I am having trouble recording 16-bit wave files using the V+xxx
- parameter.
- Get a newer version of RECFILE.EXE. Please download P16REC.ZIP from
- the BBS.
-
- --I do not hear any sound when I play back under WIN31's Media Player
- a file which has been recorded using RECFILE.EXE.
- Get a newer version of RECFILE.EXE. Please download P16REC.ZIP from
- the BBS.
-
- --I get the error "File is full or blocked" when I run RECFILE.EXE.
- This problem is caused by slow system throughput. First, reduce to a
- generic CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. Second, make sure the hard disk
- has been optimized (unfragmented). Third, try at a lower sampling rate
- or try recording to a ramdrive.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 29) I have problems hearing sounds with certain games.
- (Games compatibility troubleshooting)
-
- --The joystick does not work at all or does not work properly when
- using the PAS-16's joystick port.
- First, some computers have a built-in joystick port on the motherboard.
- Other computers have a multi-I/O board that has a joystick port. Make
- sure that only one joystick port is enabled and the other one is
- disabled. Second, if the computer is to
-
- --I have games that have already been installed before I installed the
- PAS-16. These games are still playing through the internal PC Speaker.
- You need to re-select the sound card or re-install each game. Please
- refer to the guides for these games or contact the game manufactures
- for assistance.
-
- -Links, The Golf Game, by Access, causes my computer to lock up.
- Links defaults to IRQ 3 and I/O 220. And the PAS-16 defaults to IRQ5
- and I/O 220. Run SETBLAST.EXE (which came with Links) to change the
- defaults used by Links to match whichever settings used by the PAS-16.
-
- --Wing Commander II, by Origin, causes my computer to lock up or does
- not produce any digital audio.
- First, make sure you have enabled speech in the WC II's INSTALL.EXE
- program. Second, make sure you have expanded memory. Third, if you
- use QEMM 6.0, the "Stealth" option may distort sounds and lock up the
- computer. Fourth, check the WC II's WC2.C
-
- --Falcon 3.0, by Spectrum Holobyte, does not play any radio voice
- messages and produces popping sounds.
- Try running the computer in non-TURBO mode or by disabling the
- internal/external memory cache. If the problem persists, contact
- Spectrum Holobyte at (510) 522-1164 to request a software patch. The
- current revision is D.
-
- --I have some Disney Software games a that have problems with digital
- audio.
- Contact Disney Software at (818) 567-5340 to request a software patch.
- Any problems that you experience using this patch should be reported
- back to Disney Software.
-
- --I have some Lawrence Productions games that have problems with
- digital audio.
- Contact Lawrence Productions at (800) 421-4157 to request an updated
- CT-VOICE.DRV. Any problems that you experience using this patch should
- be reported back to Lawrence Productions.
-
- --LHX, by Electronic Arts, only plays sounds out of the internal PC
- Speaker or Ultima V1, by Origin, produces distorted/noisy sound effects
- and music.
- Please slow down the computer and try again. This game does not abide
- by the sound requirements of the FM synthesizer chip, creating a
- problem when running in fast machines.
-
- --Robin Hood, The Legend of the Long Bow, by Sierra, produces poor or
- no digital audio.
- If the PAS-16 is currently set at IRQ7, please select a different IRQ,
- for example IRQ5, and then try again.
-
- --Ultima Underworld does not produce any digital audio. Music plays
- fine.
- After you have finished installing the game and selected the Sound
- Blaster driver. Run UWSOUND, which comes with Ultima Underworld, to
- select the IRQ setting to match with the PAS-16's IRQ setting.
-
- --I am having trouble running Interplay's Star Trek: The 25th
- Anniversary. Can't select the Pro Audio Spectrum from the sound
- options.
- The Pro Audio Spectrum option is for the PAS. The PAS uses a 2-operator
- FM synthesizer chip, and the PAS-16 uses a 4-operator FM synthesizer.
- The AdLib or SB sound options should work fine.
-
- --After exiting Windows 3.1 and running Sierra's Mixed-Up Mother Goose,
- FM sounds are faint. Cranking up volume helps but exposes background
- noise.
- The PAS-16's VPASD.386 driver will be updated to resolve this problem.
-
- --I am having trouble running Microprose's Gunship 2000.
- Microprose has developed new sound drivers which can be downloaded
- from our BBS. The file name is GUNSHIP.ZIP which contains different
- driver files for different IRQ settings. During GS2000's setup routine,
- select the AdLib driver.
-
- --I am having trouble running Kings Quest V on CD. Music plays fine but
- there is no speech.
- First, try "PAS RESET". Second, make sure that the SB driver has been
- selected. Third, make sure that the CD-ROM drivers have been properly
- loaded and that the CD-ROM drive is responding since KQ5 needs to access
- the CD-ROM drive to play speech.
-
- --I am having trouble running Microprose's F-117. Sounds play at the
- wrong speed.
- This game plays FM synthesized audio. Make sure your Installation Disks
- have the current version of 1.2. Add "T:1" to the end of the MVSOUND.SYS
- statement. Refer to page 1-25 of the PAS-16 User's Guide v1.1 for an
- explanation.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- 30) I have some questions about bus mastering devices.
- (Bus mastering device troubleshooting)
-
- --I hear periodic clicking sound or static noise whenever the hard
- disk's light goes on (while drive is being accessed).
- Lower the bus on-time and increase the bus off-time by the same amount
- so that the on-time is smaller than the off-time, or experiment to find
- the best ratio. For example, with the Adaptec 1542B SCSI Hard Disk
- Controller, the config.sys lines look like this:
- DEVICE=C:\ASPI4DOS.SYS /N11 /F5
- DEVICE=C:\ASPIDISK.SYS
- Where N11 is 11/16ms and F5 is 5/16ms (default settings). The problem
- is resolved when we changed to N5 and F11.
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Thanks to everyone who sent me information for this FAQ. The people
- on comp.sys.ibmpc.soundcard have been very helpful--especially the
- kind sole who posted the FAQ from Media Vision. That document has
- contributed greatly to the troubleshooting sections of this FAQ.
-
- Right now, I'm going to keep this a mainly PAS-based FAQ. I don't
- know too much about other sound cards. But as I learn more in the
- future, I may incorporate more information about other sound cards
- into this FAQ.
-
- I will try to update this document monthly, but around June and
- December of each year, the update may lag a bit. I am terribly busy
- during those two periods.
-
- Please send any comments, questions, or ideas to:
-
- thompson@ukanvax.cc.ukans.edu
-
- Or, post to comp.sys.ibmpc.soundcard.
- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- | Charles A. Thompson | thompson@ukanvm.cc.ukans.edu |
- | CS Student, University of Kansas | thompson@ukanvax.cc.ukans.edu |
- | and _avid_ SkiBum. | OS/2 2.0 is for YOU!!! |
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