What a terrible article; it even lists SB16 as being 8-bit mono 44.1kHz, and not having "Hi-Fi" sound quality. BS!

Scali wrote:

The DSP can be upgraded on these though, to add the improved auto-init DMA from the SB 2.0, which cures the popping and clicking (in theory, because software has to make use of it, and most software targets the lowest common denominator, so you even get clicks and pops on SB16/AWE).

OK, but what's the point in pursuing a rarer and more expensive card just to replace part of what makes it unique? 😀 If you want the functionality of a SB 2.0, just get a SB 2.0. They're more common and cheaper, AND already have auto-init DMA pre-installed. Even better yet, get an SB Pro 2.0 for around the same price and have auto-init DMA, stereo DAC, OPL2 compatibility, the option to use OPL3 for the .. I dunno .. 1 game that might use it and still run on a 386, and because why not, get a free CD-ROM interface (if you don't mind sourcing a somewhat pricey Panasonic 2x drive).

I do love the original Sound Blasters because nostalgia, but they really aren't very desirable from a technical perspective. Neither is the Ad Lib. Not when a later card can do everything those can do just as well, plus way more, and can actually be had for less than the price of a black-market kidney.

SirNickity wrote:

OK, but what's the point in pursuing a rarer and more expensive card just to replace part of what makes it unique? 😀

My point was rather that some SB 1.0/1.5 cards may have already been upgraded (one reason to upgrade was better support for sample-playing in Windows). In fact, I believe that later SB1.x cards actually came with the new DSP from the factory.

canthearu wrote:

Yep, i threw an Adlib card away several years ago.

I do regret doing that, even though my motivation at the time was sound.

Hope I'm not the only one who laughed out loud at this.

Scali wrote:

SirNickity wrote:

OK, but what's the point in pursuing a rarer and more expensive card just to replace part of what makes it unique? 😀

My point was rather that some SB 1.0/1.5 cards may have already been upgraded (one reason to upgrade was better support for sample-playing in Windows). In fact, I believe that later SB1.x cards actually came with the new DSP from the factory.

I remember reading another thread on here recently that stated most of the existing SB 1.0/1.5 cards have already been upgraded to DSP V2.00, and finding one with an earlier version is actually quite difficult.

Anonymous Coward wrote:

Scali wrote:

SirNickity wrote:

OK, but what's the point in pursuing a rarer and more expensive card just to replace part of what makes it unique? 😀

My point was rather that some SB 1.0/1.5 cards may have already been upgraded (one reason to upgrade was better support for sample-playing in Windows). In fact, I believe that later SB1.x cards actually came with the new DSP from the factory.

I remember reading another thread on here recently that stated most of the existing SB 1.0/1.5 cards have already been upgraded to DSP V2.00, and finding one with an earlier version is actually quite difficult.

How I can check the DSP version of my CT1320C sound blaster card?

It's probably labeled on the DSP chip itself. Mine has "V1.05" etched into the label. Alternatively, use the test-sbc.exe utility to probe the card. It'll show you the DSP version.

Sune Salminen wrote:

canthearu wrote:

Yep, i threw an Adlib card away several years ago.

I do regret doing that, even though my motivation at the time was sound.

Hope I'm not the only one who laughed out loud at this.

No, BTW, I got a chuckle out of it too. I was really hoping it was intentional. It sounded like something I would say, just lying there, all sneaky-like, for anyone that happened to notice. 😉

SirNickity wrote:

It's probably labeled on the DSP chip itself. Mine has "V1.05" etched into the label. Alternatively, use the test-sbc.exe utility to probe the card. It'll show you the DSP version.

The attachment IMG_5748.PNG is no longer available

Mine just says DSP-1321, so I probably have to wait until I actually use the card in a computer and use that utility to find out.

I can't tell for sure, but that looks like a sticker. If your curiosity is more important than its OEM state, you could probably peel it off and see what's under it. Mine is a bare laser-etched IC. Or just wait and see.

SirNickity wrote:

Sune Salminen wrote:

canthearu wrote:

Yep, i threw an Adlib card away several years ago.

I do regret doing that, even though my motivation at the time was sound.

Hope I'm not the only one who laughed out loud at this.

No, BTW, I got a chuckle out of it too. I was really hoping it was intentional. It sounded like something I would say, just lying there, all sneaky-like, for anyone that happened to notice. 😉

Yeah, I did notice the pun before I posted it, I was trying to remove it because I thought it might be confusing. But I couldn't think of a better way of saying it in the end and decided to run with it 😀