Questions about the SoundFont RAM on AWE32 and AWE64!

[Goku7]

I've been wondering this ever since I first heard about DownLoadable Sounds (DLS).  Is there any way to trick the AWE64 into using its RAM to load DLS instruments?  I figure in theory it should be possible, assuming there was enough RAM on the card to hold, for example, FF8's original 8meg DLS file.  

I mean, it's simply RAM onboard the card, so its not a hardware limitation that would reject the data.

So, if that's the case, is a driver hack or modified version of the AWE control panel that would allow you to select DLS files feasible?

[Srethron Askvelhtnod]

Isn't this thread better suited for Game Tweaking?

And, just so I can pretend I'm not ignoring your question,   I personally have no idea. That doesn't mean anything, though, as I'm hardly knowledgeable in such areas.

[Goku7]

No, I think its better suited here, because I'm talking about the possible hardware capabilities of the SoundFont-RAM onboard the various AWE32's and AWE64's, not specific games in particular.

[ficedula]

It would *technically* be possible but it'd be hard; you'd need to write a new driver for the card, which is NOT easy.

What you CAN do (what I *have* done for FF8) is just convert the DLS files to SF2's and load them in that way ... not quite so elegant, but it's easy and it works.

How to convert...? AWave works for that. Though it isn't freeware.

[Goku7]

I thought about the DLS-->SF2 approach, but the problem is I'm stuck with a 512kb setup.

Another idea I had was to take some of the SBLive! DLS drivers and see if they can be tweaked into supporting the AWE cards SF-RAM.

[ficedula]

Well, if you use my patch to the FF8 Configurator then FF8 will load soundfonts in instrument at a time, so it doesn't use the whole soundfont at once...

...but 512KB is pushing it, really! You might get *some* songs in that, but of the 8MB DLS, some of the songs could easily use up to half the instruments...

[Goku7]

My dad is using an AWE32, with 4megs onboard, and I'm gonna use the two new 4meg chips I got to increase it to 8meg when I get the chance.  If Creative Labs would restock their supply of memory daughterboards I could get some, but as far as I know they're taking their sweet time.

[Sukaeto]

I checked the price on Memory chips for an AWE card once . . . a 24 Meg chip is (or was then) like $200.  It'd make more sense just to buy an SBLive! DD5.1 for about $70.  It's similar to an AWE card, but expands on its features (and has some awesome new ones, too . . . like EAX.)

[Goku7]

I already have EAX 2.0 capability.  I'm running 2 different sound cards: A Sound Blaster AWE64; and an XG Hardware Card called Maxi Sound Fortissimo.  The Fortissimo has EAX capability, and appearantly hardware-accelerates any playback from a Software DLS Synthesizer.  I've got no clue on how they pulled THAT off......  

Anyway, If the card can be tricked, then alot of AWE users could get hardware DLS without shelling out the money for a new card.

[J*** H*******]

Message.

[Goku7]

My XG card does 48Khz playback.  I really only use the SBAWE64 for it's sf-ram and its joystick port, cause the XG card's port keeps "forgetting" its calibration every time I reboot.