Sound Blaster Clone v1.5 by David E Larsson, 8-bit ISA, 16-bit compatible, MCA Micro Channel Architecture IBM, cover

Sound Blaster Clone by David E Larsson

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The Sound Blaster Clone sound cards, made by David E Larsson in Sweden, are replicas of the original Sound Blaster sound cards, with some improvements geared towards compatibility and sound quality. In this article, we take a closer look at the two available variants: ISA Sound Blaster Clone (for computers with 8-bit and 16-bit ISA BUS) and MCA Sound Blaster Clone (for computers with Micro Channel Architecture BUS).

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Sound Blaster Clone by David E Larsson, 8-bit 16-bit ISA, MCA Micro Channel IBM

ISA Sound Blaster Clone

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Technical Specifications

La scheda ISA Sound Blaster Clone riproduce l'architettura della scheda Sound Blaster V1.5 originale basata sul bus ISA a 8 bit, preservandone le caratteristiche principali. E' adatta anche a computer con slot ISA a 16 bit. Inoltre, introduce miglioramenti che estendono le sue applicazioni. Le specifiche tecniche principali includono:

  • Chip OPL2 (YM3812): generazione di suoni FM, fondamentale per il supporto audio nei giochi e nelle applicazioni degli anni '80 e '90.
  • Built-in DSP processor: Allows you to manage advanced sound effects, a distinctive feature of the Sound Blaster.
  • Audio output mode: allows you to select between line level and amplified via jumper, adapting to different configurations.
  • Controllo volume integrato: specifico per l'uscita amplificata, ideale per l'uso con cuffie passive.
  • Supporto per audio CD-ROM: include connettori interni per il routing dell'audio da un lettore CD-ROM.
  • MIDI via joystick port: Compatibility with MIDI keyboards and other external devices.
  • Microphone bias: Selectable power supply for active or passive microphones.
Sound Blaster Clone by David E Larsson, 8-bit ISA slot, joystick, MIDI, audio, potentiometer

ISA Sound Blaster Clone Construction Details

The board is designed using modern SMD components, with primary chips, such as OPL2 and CMS, in the original version.

Applications and Features

Questa scheda è ideale per applicazioni retrocomputing che richiedono la riproduzione fedele di audio vintage. La presenza della modalità amplificata ne consente l'uso diretto con cuffie, mentre il supporto MIDI amplia la compatibilità con strumenti musicali e dispositivi esterni.

Sound Blaster Clone by David E Larsson, ISA slot 8-bit, 16-bit

E' compatibile con computer dotati di slot ISA a 8 bit o 16 bit, la scheda è accompagnata da una staffa in plastica (con opzione in metallo venduta separatamente). Ogni unità è sottoposta a test rigorosi per garantire la piena funzionalità.

MCA Sound Blaster Clone

Link allo store per l'acquisto.

Technical Specifications

The Sound Blaster Clone MCA board is designed for the Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, which is typical of many IBM PS/2 systems. Given the cost and rarity of the original cards for this bus, this replica represents an interesting technical solution. The main specifications are:

  • OPL2 chip (YM3812): Support FM audio generation.
  • Built-in DSP: management of sound effects, inheriting the functionality of the original Sound Blasters.
  • Audio Outputs:
    • 3.5mm jack for amplified output.
    • Internal 4-pin line-level connector.
  • Controllo volume: regolazione dedicata per l'uscita amplificata.
  • Internal and External Audio Inputs: Support for microphones and CD-ROMs with multiple pinouts documented on the board.
  • Routing audio interno: permette di indirizzare l'audio verso l'altoparlante integrato del sistema.
Sound Blaster Clone by David E Larsson, MCA Micro Channel Architecture IBM slot, joystick, MIDI, audio, potentiometer

MCA Sound Blaster Clone Construction Details

The board is built on a four-layer PCB with separation between ground and voltage planes to minimize electrical noise. All components are modern, except for the OPL2 chip, which is kept original to ensure sonic authenticity.

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Distinctive Features

Grazie al supporto per l'audio interno tramite il bus MCA, questa scheda permette di utilizzare l'altoparlante integrato del PC per la riproduzione sonora, un'opzione configurabile tramite il sistema POS (Programmable Option Select) di IBM. Inoltre, il volume amplificato superiore rispetto alle schede MCA storiche rappresenta un significativo miglioramento tecnico.

Sound Blaster Clone by David E Larsson, MCA Micro Channel Architecture IBM

Applications and Compatibility

La scheda MCA si rivolge agli appassionati di retrocomputing che utilizzano sistemi IBM PS/2 con bus MCA, offrendo un'esperienza audio ottimizzata per questi computer.

Ecco l'unboxing...

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