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LGR - The Orpheus II Sound Card
🕑 Added 2023-06-05 22:07:25 +0000 UTCIt's June! Already! Argh! Well here's a nifty thing that I've been meaning to cover since April, jeez.
Checking out the Orpheus 2, a new 16-bit ISA sound card! Could this be the best retro sound card for PCs at the moment? An argument can be made for that, I feel. All the excellent features of the Orpheus I, like Sound Blaster Pro compatibility, a real OPL3, and on-board intelligent mode MPU – plus an integrated Gravis Ultrasound PnP clone! As far as modern ISA sound cards go, the O2 is easily a step above the rest right now.
As for what's next, I've just begun working on a video about the Book8088 and Hand386 that finally showed up here. I know other channels have covered each of them in some form already, but I still feel they're worth giving a closer look on LGR. Let me know if you'd like anything specific tested on them, or any questions you'd like answered in video form!
And being the start of a new month, $5+ patrons can expect to receive the latest LGR Wrap Up video in the coming days. So keep an out for that, and a huge thanks to everyone for your ongoing support! YouTube is dreadful with ad revenue lately, so know that y'all are appreciated and help a ton to keep the channel going.
Comments
BobH
I wish we could plug these things into modern PCs, sigh...have you ever tried the Gravis 3D sound 'thing' that Doom apparently did? I ask that in full knowledge that I'm not actually sure what it even truly was. Casual google searches don't really reveal much (but I'll keep looking after I press 'post' and probably find something incredibly in-depth). (and, also, loved that goldlib vid!) edit : okay, just found a post from alt.games.doom saying it didn't support 3D sound, so I may just be hallucinating facts from nearly 30 years ago.
LGR
Of course! Finally time to move on from PX3 appearing in every other video, heh.
The 8-Bit Guy
Yes.. ad revenue is definitely down big time. Also, thanks for showing Petscii Robots!
LGR
Only the limited black edition. The regular green PCB version is in production and will be available soon, only difference is the board color.
Evan B
figures.. the Orpheus II LT is sold out.. more unobtanium :-/
Bryan McIntosh
There is no way I can justify this card since I am well-stocked with retro sound cards for my Windows 98 PC (aside from a GUS), but I am so excited to hear how it sounds! For someone who is getting into the hobby (but not afraid to juggle resources), this looks like an excellent way to get a high quality product that doesn't suffer from the weaknesses of its component parts.
LGR
My favorite of the series too, I'd forgotten how fun the music is!
LGR
Hey nice, I've no doubt you'll enjoy it!
Dukefazon
6:58 - "Your sound card works perfectleeey!" Wow, I was super surprised when you showed Leisure Suit Larry 6, I cried out loud "LEISURE SUIT LARRY!" :D I love that game, it's the best in the series!
Parallax Abstraction
My name just came up in the queue for an Orpheus II. Lot of money for one, but damn if it isn't slick. Looking forward to using it in a DOS build soon.
LGR
Many years ago, perhaps not, but they certainly are not the norm for retro computer folks nowadays. GUS cards have become rare, sought-after collectors items that command hundreds of dollars.
Lennart Sorensen
Was having a GUS that unusual? Pretty sure I have 3 or 4 of them (At least one classic 1MB, one 8MB PnP and one 8.5MB PnP Pro, maybe another classic). All bought new many years ago. My first )(and I think only) sound blaster was an SB Live Platinum.
DOSGamerMan
Good video. Slight text error when comparing OPL3 to Gravis to sound canvas. When you are playing the sound canvas music, its labeled Gravis Ultrasound again on the onscreen text.
LGR
Very much agreed on all counts. It's quite a chunk of change all at once, but the widespread effectiveness of everything it does is so good. Arguably worth selling one or two of those other cards to pay for just this one!
LGR
Indeed, badges are always a nice touch :) That kickstand is all thanks to a design from Shelby over at Tech Tangents. One of the first things I had to print when I got my setup recently.
LGR
Literally never sounded better, I could listen to that on a GUS all day
Alyxx the Rat
I think this card seems worth the price considering how much you would have to pay for those cards separately. And the classic GUS is becoming rarer and rarer, so having a reproduction of it that ALSO includes SoundBlaster support as well as proper Windows support for OPL3 is just pure sex. It really is a retro enthusiast card through and through and I love it. Also playing Jazz Jackrabbit and OMF tunes on Gravis Ultrasound makes you realize how good those games CAN sound if you give them the right hardware. The difference between SB and GUS is insane.
Geekenspiel
Badges! Super excited you're reviewing this - and love that sound card kickstand!
SolarstrikeVG
Ditto, noticed that.
Vladimir Vyun
Sorry, I'm a bit confused. At about 12:50 you show a sound sample that is not very good and then a sample that is good. But both are labeled as Gravis Ultrasound. Is this a mistake or I just missed something?
Corey Ruth
That OMF2097 theme on this card... *chef's kiss*!
yyzkevin
Great card but it sure is expensive! I think the PicoGUS is a great alternative option given its price and functionality.
Ken Decker
Absolutely love your 3D printed card holders. Makes the presentation look even more professional than your presentations already are. Had major-memory good-feels watching this one. Thanks!
LGR
Hehe, I didn't even notice it the first few times scrubbing through the audio. Bizarre the things that sound correct while recording yet make you feel crazy later! And yeah, I know of other channels that have it much worse, but still. Discouraging to do the same work for half the pay of what it was a couple years ago.
Hernando Heilbron
Not gonna lie, I audibly chuckled at the Ultraside bit 😂 It also sucks to hear that YouTube is giving you grief
