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From: MDS128@psuvm.psu.edu
Newsgroups: comp.music
Subject: Re: MT-32 questions
Message-ID: <90192.210130MDS128@psuvm.psu.edu>
Date: 12 Jul 90 01:01:30 GMT
References: <1990Jul6.180115.18366@dept.csci.unt.edu>
Organization: Penn State University
Lines: 22


   I have an MT-32 that I purchased about two years ago for about $400.  I
don't think that you can buy a new one anymore - I think that they are relying
on the MT-100, the newer version that you were talking about.  I believe that
that uses L/A synthesis instead of just sample playing like the MT-32.  As for
noise, to tell you the truth, I hope they don't get any noisier than the MT-32.
The reverb is especially noisy, particularly when changing it during playback.
I use it on a sequencer, though, and for $400, I think it's a steal.  It has
its share of good and bad sounds, but the 32 voice polyphony (more or less) is
wonderful.  Especially the drum part.
     The reason that I say it has 32 voices more or less is because some sounds
use more than one oscillator - some use as much as 4, which cuts polyphony down
to 8.  This can be a real pain while trying to make a song with, say, thick
layered string chords.  But, if used properly with a sequencer, it will give
you lots of bang for the buck, even if the bang is not of the highest quality.
     As for the current going price, I dunno.  I think that the MT-100 is about
the same price (I haven't even seen one in person).  I would imagine that you
could get your hands on one for about $300.
                                                Michael Smith (MDS128 at PSUVM)
P.S. - If you do end up getting one of those, check out the newer Sierra
    adventure games - they all use the MT-32 or -100 for a soundtrack, and I
    must say that I was very impressed when I first heard one.