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