The SC-55, and the Yamaha sound module in this video, are some of the best-sounding MIDI devices I've heard for DOOM (with the exception of perhaps some modern soundfonts). I know the DOOM and Duke music was composed for SC-55, but the Yamaha module also sounds very, very good. I kind of like Roland GS and Yamaha XG equally; they both have an amazing sound. I currently use a virtual Yamaha module, the S-YXG50 VST, which can be used with mudlord's VST MIDI driver as the computer's main MIDI device (and it works with 64-bit Windows). The soft synth version I use isn't as good as the real hardware, but it's still okay. Other MIDI synths/sound cards I liked using for DOOM music include Ensoniq/Creative VIBRA128 (very nice percussion), Gravis Ultrasound, and Turtle Beach Montego II, but the sound modules, Roland and Yamaha, are my favorites.
The Duke3D music was more likely to have been composed for the SC-88. I know this because the music on the exit screen isn't played back by your MIDI device, but rather is a recording of an SC-88. Not to mention they used the SC-88 sound set for the music in the Sega Saturn port.
I tend to use Roland when playing DOS games but I prefer Yamaha XG when I'm working on my own music (which doesn't happen often because I only use 90s MIDI sound modules when I specifically want that "sound" or when I'm doing it for fun.)
Kool! Thanks for taking the time to make a demo comparing these two awesome enhanced MIDI standards and sound modules with what are arguably some of the best and most successful musical scores ever paired with video games.
I'd forgotten XG was a thing. I never had a chance to tinker with it (I was 8 when this particular unit came out), but I have to say: ...DAYUM! I grew up on Windows XP's shitty old generic General MIDI soundfonts, and it's only been in the last couple of years I've actually listened to MT-32, GS and XG, and this particular unit sounds AMAZING. Well, time to check eBay... *sees $265 price tag* ...I could get a damn Neo Geo console for that price.
This is my 2nd Yamaha. My first was the TG100 lol. Total n00b here with the special features of this unit lol. In this video I just set the mode and to GS and XG then sent the standard MIDI file to it via SOL. The MU100 mode and what not is all being done automatically by the 2000, not me. I have been wanting to get a SM card though. :)
Should work, but personally I'd go for a hardware patcher like the Roland UM-880 instead. Then you can send any input to any output, ideal for multiple computers.
Ah I see. The TG100 doesn't serve much purpose anymore, but at $10, it was way better with GMs then my CM-500 was for sure. The CM-64 is my favorite module though. Just love the way it sounds, especially the games that use the PCM Expansion cards. Perfect blend of retro synths. :)
Haven't tried the TG modules myself so not much comment on those. ^^ IIRC the XG sound bank can be chosen in Util->System, then cycling with the Part buttons until you get Map. Default is MU100Native - MU Basic however has higher compatibility with earlier XG modules and many XG MIDIs too (which were geared for said modules). There's also the PLG expansion cards that can go in the back, but those are for professional use and thus no games really use them.
As a MIDI module enthusiast (have a MU1000 EX, CM-64, and several other Roland and Yamaha modules), I approve of this. :) Seems you're using the MU100 Extended XG mode, which changes some of the base instruments to their MU100 versions. But it does a better job distinguishing the difference between XG and the GS/TG300B modes in our case. Now how about using the MU2000's Sampler and DLS bank usage abilities to make a third render? :3 (hint: involves the SmartMedia card port :P)
i prever the XG Standard Kit, the Tight Snare Drum of the GS Mode is too harsh for me, all Midi Game Soundtracks require intensive editing in the midisequencer, I learned to love the sound of my Sw1000XG and I know it very well, annoying that the SW1000XG dont work in Win 10, i use a extra WinXP System to run the Sw1000XG mit Cakewalk Pro Audio and XG Works, maybe I'm looking out for a Mu2000 on ebay ;)
alright!. the regional midi was played from the actual XG and GS sound model. so here it is. its time to play some more midis from the actual sound devices and chew bubble gum and i'm all out of gum.
Being a self-proclaimed fanboy of the Roland MT-32 and most Roland products, I have always preferred Roland in most cases to Yamaha sound, but here I have to say for me it's DEFINITELY a Roland win with Doom, but for Duke... I don't know really. Neither soundfonts really captured for me the Duke Nukem feel, it sounded too... light. Duke should be GRUNGY and ROUGH, but it was too clean in these two. If I had to pick a winner I'd go with the Yamaha just because of the rougher guitar sound.
+xan1242 No, the MU2000 sounds much better. It is in MU-Basic mode wich equals the older Yamaha XG devices. The MU-100 mode sounds !much! better, but will cause some lower volume instruments in some parts. Especially E-Guitars. Not talking about polyphony...
Hubert Hans Well that's what I meant, really. I don't deny that the native mode of it sounds any worse. I didn't find that out until much later lol I wish I had one of these to toy around with.
The XG Sound is still used in the Entry Level/Portable Keyboards. Just be lucky that you'll still find that in use usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/keyboards/portable_keyboards/index.html
Hey! Is it okay with you if I use your MU2000 videos in my review on the MU series I'm doing? I just need some footage of the MU2k as a visual reference - I only have a 1000 myself. You'll get credit both in the description and with on-screen text any time your video is shown. Thank you!
No, problem. Don't know which videos you have seen, but the Silver Knights one shows the sequencer playing a chain (play list) off the SM card. Also Gradius on PLG150-AN is one of the funkier things I've done with it.
No point really. MU2000's GS support is based on the SC-55 MkII. It does not support SC-88 native mode. Opposite is true for Roland, the later units support XG Lite/XG Level 1 (MU80) but not MU100 or higher.
The GS version sounds better IMHO. That being said RU-vid isn't doing anything a favor here. I own a SC-88Pro and it always sounds a lot better than RU-vid demo's featuring it.
LuL. The MU2000EX is fully GS compatible and kicks Rolands SC Synth in the dust. The SC-88 and such are primitive Wavetables with a little more effects than the GM standard has to offer. Yamaha XG is a big difference here because it allows more sounds and effects as GS ever did. The Yamaha MU2000 with EX firmware is the ultimate external Synth for GM/ GS and XG games. If used correctly. (+SPDIF-Out for ISA/ PCI Soundcards wich supports Toslink) The SC-88 and SC-55 sound good with some games, but they are not the best choice for the buck. (The MU Series Even allows Upgrades) The whole difference, if the MU2000 is in MU100 Mode: It trys to emulate instruments on their behavior with implementing Attack and Sustain as variables to achieve a natural sound. The Roland SC Synths do not have this ability. If the MU2000 is put into compatibility mode, its sounds like here in the video.
Very cool!! Is there anywhere I can get an english version of the manual for the MU2000EX? I have searched far and wide with no luck, can someone help me?!!
I always thought the Yamaha dtr guitar was superios in every way to the Roland dtr guitar. Just listen to E1M1 or E3M1...the yamaha guitar has the metal feel to it.
The MU500, 1000, 2000 all share the same XG sound set, which is the final generation of XG. The 500 has 64bit polyphony, no LCD, and no PLG-board support. The 1000 and 2000 have 128bit polyphony, LCD and have 3 PLG-board slots which can all be used at once. 1000 and 2000 also had firmware upgrades to the EX versions for 100% Roland approved SC-55MkII level GS support. As for the 1000 vs 2000, the 2000 has a hardware sequencer and sampler built in. It has a SmartMedia card reader for saving data, you can play a MIDI file from a game through it and simply push record to generate a MIDI file to the SM card on the fly in real time. Very useful feature if you like to ''rip'' MIDI files directly from games.
lol, they cheated. The XG waves got updated but the GS ones are still MU-80 waves. I had always wondered if they had updated waves in these later modules.
Lol, I have around two dozen modules now. Certain modules fit certain games better than others. I tend to play with Yamaha more as it's easier to work with. No MU is complete without a PLG150-DR imo.
@@Galova If you check my channel out, you will see that I adore all music sources. My real-chip VGMPlay setup is quite the monster. As for MIDI, I love to experiment. I have run 8 bit Sega Master system games over high-end drum boards. Exploring all this tech is quite a fun adventure.
