SampleScience has introduced AdLibXRom, a sample-based instrument, featuring the sound of the AdLib sound card.
The AdLib soundcard, widely used in 90’s PCs, had a synthesis chip build by Yamaha. This chip was the YM3812, a FM and additive synthesizer which had up to 9 channels of digitally produced sound.
AdLibXRom features 40 sounds from the YM3812 in plugin format (VST & AU for Windows and Mac OSX, both 32 bit and 64 bit) as well as sfz, Kontakt 4, Reason NN-XT, wav & sf2 formats.”
Here are the official audio demos:
Pricing and Availability
AdLibXRom is available now for US $12.99.
This doesn’t sound anything like the YM3812 / AdLib soundcards.
I have to agree with you. It sounds a lot more high definition than the original AdLib. I did a side by side comparison.
I wouldn’t know a “YM3812 / AdLib soundcard” if one smacked me in the dome but I do know that I love the demo sounds here enough to part with $13. Beautifully nostalgic-future-lounge Keyyyys. (Or something) ..I’m In!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAt_OKfjS3E
” The singing of a child’s imagination” @ 3:27 is just awesome
Yeah that’s Henri Chalifour with that jam at 1:00. I’m just going through these tracks and loving it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvY5ETqiEME
It does sound vaguely accurate. I was wondering when the nostalgia over these old chips would kick in. I have an old Yamaha PSS-470 keyboard, which has the YM3812 chip inside. Great vintage game sounds!
So it’s an OPL2 Rompler? Not bad for convenience.
You could also use a real SoundBlaster or equivalent ISA sound card and something like Freq Monster 801 http://fm801.kewl.org/help/windows/
for full midi control OPL 2/3. It also has an emulation mode but not as authentic.
Additionally a cheaply had Yamaha FB-01 or TX-81z module might be up your alley.
And of course the Native Instrument FM series or the free and awesome Dexed. Lots of good ways to enjoy old FM synth.
FB01 is cheap and awesome. 8 voice polyphony, 4 operator FM FTW. Get it for less than $80.
Yeah I want one. I have a TX81z, DS-8, and DOS/Win 98 PC with SoundBlaster 16 for OPL 2/3.
FM is cool. Isn’t there a Midi cartridge for Sega Genesis that gives you synth control of that chip?
I used to laugh about mere Adlib sounds in games or the tinny sound of the Sega Genesis compared, but for some strange reason I feel the nostalgia associated with these cheap FM sounds, too. It definitely brings me back and that is a good thing.
A different YM chip but FMDRIVE offers emulation and synthesis instead of just samplea.
http://www.alyjameslab.com/alyjameslabfmdrive.html