Creative SOUND BLASTER MCV Assembly instructions

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SoER REFERENCE MANUAL

Micro Channel Version
USER REFERENCE MANUAL
© Copyright Creative Labs, Inc., 1991
© Copyright Creative Technology Pte Ltd. 1991

Creative Labs, Inc. License Software Statement
The software described in this manual is protected by copyright
laws internationally. Therefore you must not copy it for any
purposes other than backing-up our software and protecting your
investment from loss.
The software must not be used on two or more machines at the
same time.
WARRANTY
Creative Labs, Inc. warrants that the physical diskettes and
documentation enclosed herein to be free of defects and
workmanship for a period of 60 days from the date of purchase.
In the event of a defect in material or workmanship during the
warranty period, Creative Labs, Inc. will replace the defective
diskettes or documentation when the defective product is returned
to Creative Labs, Inc. by the owner. The remedy for this breach
of warranty is limited to replacement only and shall not cover any
other damages, including but not limited to the loss of profit,
special, incidental, consequential and other similar claims.
Creative Labs, Inc. specifically disclaims all other warranties,
expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties
of merchant ability and fitness for a particular purpose with
respect to the defects of the products and program license granted
herein. With respect to the use of this product, in no event shall
Creative Labs, Inc. be liable for any loss of profit or any other
commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental,
consequential or other damages.
IBM, Micro Channel and PS/2 are registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
AdLib is a registered trademark of Adlib Inc.
MSDOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.
R SOUND BLASTER

FCC NOTICE
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, and uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
CAUTION
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the grantee of this device could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
WARNING
All cables used to connect the computer and peripherals
must be shielded and grounded. Operation with cables,
connected to peripherals, which are not shielded and
grounded may result in interference to radio and TV
reception.
Creative Labs, Inc.
2050 Duane Avenue Santa Clara CA 95054
USA Technical Support Line: [phone]
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 3} |

Please read the “README’ file, if any, for the latest information concerning
the SOUND BLASTER/MCV which is not available at printing time. To read
the file, type:
[+

CONTENT
Contents Page
1 Introduction seeeoeseeaooseoe SCORSCHOFCKSSHO SSS SHSSOSECSHSHES ESOS H OHO CCE SESE OH CEH OOO SE 7
2 Installation Notes eeeeeeeeceeeoeoeoeoeeeoeeoeeeese eeeeeceeeoocaeseeoe eeesooeese eee 8
2.1 Installing the Sound Blaster/ MCV
2.8 Installing on the Hard disk
2.5 Installing Sound Driver (INST-DRV)
2.4 Set Sound Environment
3 Joystick Port /MIDI Connector ...........cecee ccccsccccccccceee LG
4.1 Disable Joystick Port
6. Double Joysticks
5.5 MIDI and MIDI Connector Box
5.4 MIDI Software
3.5 dJoystick/MIDI Port Wiring Diagram
4.1 Third party Software Support
§ Talking Parrot .........cc00- penescscssnssscossscsssessocsescoss ccvccscccee 0
5.1 How to Start
5.2 Running on a different I/O Address
5.3 Video Display Selection
5.4 Customize Your Parrot
6 SBTALKER Text-to-Speech Synthesizer...............0.... 2885
6.1 Activating SBTALKER
6.2 Removing SBTALKER
6.3 Running SBTALKER on EMS
6.4 SAY.EXE
6.5 DR.SBAITSO-Your Personal Consultant
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 5 i

10
11
12
VOXKIT - Voice Utilities .............ccccccccccscecccccccccccccccsccces OO
7.1 VOC-HDR.EXE
JOINTVOC. EXE
VREC. EXE
VPLAY. EXE
TRIM. EXE
VSR.EXE NNNNYN
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Intelligent Organ ..........cccccccscscceees occcccccsccccsccseccccce OO
I/O port Address Installation
Time for Some Action
Save, Load & Replay
Instruments and Accompaniments
Tempo & Volume Control
Time Signature, Scale & Keys
Default Settings & Other Functions
More on Learn Mode
MIDI Mode
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APPENDIX A
General Specifications ...........cccccccccccccccccccccccccscccscsccccccccs 58
9.1 Sound Capabilities
9.2 Voice Input (Digital Sampling) Capability
9.3 Joystick Port
9.4 MIDI Interface
APPENDIX B
Hardware Data seeeeeoeseossoecoeseeoeseeoeeseeee ea 60
APPENDIX C
Quick Reference for Problem Solving .............ccccccsesseee Ol
11.1 Help For Installation
11.6 Common Problems and Questions Encountered
APPENDIX D
Adapter Description File SHHSSSSHSSHSSHSHSSHSSHSSHSSHOSHSSHSSSSHSHOSSOSCHOSCSCSOSHECCOOES 70
[°

1 Introduction
CREATIVE’S SOUND BLASTER /MCV CARD
The Sound Blaster has become the de-facto standard for the PC sound environment.
Thanks to all the support from you folks, it is supported by hundreds of titles of
PC software.
Today, we proudly introduce to the market the long awaited Micro Channel Version
of the Sound Blaster for all you folks with the PS/2* (Model 50 and above)
computers.
Fully compatible with the Sound Blaster, this Micro Channel Version has the
following outstanding features:
1l-voice FM music synthesizer (Adlib* compatible)
Digitized Voice Channel
Voice input (sampling) channel
MIDI interface
Joystick port
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It has a built-in microphone amplifier and jack, recording is accomplished simply
by plugging in a low cost dynamic microphone. Using DMA and proprietary
hardware decompression algorithm, it’s performance is further enhanced by
conserving precious disk storage, memory and CPU time for application programs.
It comes bundled with these popular Sound Blaster software :
¢ FM Intelligent Organ
e Talking Parrot
e SBTALKER with DR SBAITSO
AND, on top of that, we bundled in an extra high value productivity software - the
SB VOICE EDITOR and Utilities. You can now cut and paste the digitally recorded
voices and add special effects to them.
Due to the lack of space, the MIDI interface comes out of the joystick connector.
The MIDI connector Box or MIDI connector plug required for the MIDI function
comes bundled with the popular optional MIDI sequencing software - SEQUENCER
PLUS JR.
Watch out for many Multi-media applications that are just around the corner. We’re
sure that you will find Sound Blaster/MCV one of the most useful and enjoyable
adapter for your PS/2* computer.
Thank You.
Creative Labs, Inc.
AdLib is a registered trademark of AdLib Inc.
PS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 7 |

Installation Notes
The Sound Blaster/MCV can be used only on IBM* PS/2* model 50
and upwards which has the Micro Channel Bus.
2.1 Installing the Sound Blaster /MCV
1.
Make a backup copy of your PS/a* reference diskette, if you
have not done so.
Copy the @5084.ADF file which is on the Sound Blaster Disk
1 diskette into your PS/2* backup reference diskette.
Switch off the power supply of your computer and remove
its top cover.
Plug the Sound Blaster/MCV into any slot in your computer.
Put back your computer top cover now.
Insert your PS/2* backup reference diskette into the A:
floppy drive.
Power on your computer and wait for it to detect the new
Sound Blaster/MCV.
Your computer will report error message 165, indicating a
new adapter card has been installed into your computer,
select automatic setup to configure your computer to accept
the Sound Blaster/MCV. Instructions is provided on the
screen. Follow them carefully.
NOTE : Whenever you remove, add or change an adapter card
in your PS/2* you have to reconfigure your computer.
P8/e is & registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
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USER REFERENCE MANUAL

8. Your computer will restart after it has done its reconfiguration.
Leave your PS/2* backup reference diskette in the A: drive.
You should not get an adapter configuration error now.
When the configuration software is booted up, choose the
option ‘Set Configuration’ then select ‘Change Configuration’
to view the adapter cards setup. Should there be any
conflicts, an asterik will appear beside the conflicting entry.
If there is no setup conflicts, proceed to step 10.
9, There are two possible conflicts
a) Conflicts of DMA Channel
This is caused by another adapter card that uses DMA
channel #1 Cusually a scanner card). Change the DMA
channel on the other card to channel 3 or channel O.
b) Conflicts of I/O address
We recommended that you find out the other conflicting
adapter card and change its address because many software
that support Sound Blaster/MCV default to I/O address
eeOH. If you change this default setting, you will have to
install the new I/O address on these softwares.
Follow the on-screen instructions to change the conflicting
entry.
10. Exit from the configuration software and your computer will
restart. Take out your PS/2* backup reference diskette, and
insert a system diskette or if you have a hard disk boot up
your computer from the hard disk.
11. Connect your active speakers or home stereo set to the Sound
Blaster/MCV audio output jack.
12. Insert the Sound Blaster/MCV distribution diskette into the
A: floppy drive.
PS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
I 10 SOUND BLASTER

13.
14.
a)
b)
15.
16.
Then change drive to A: and type
A> TEST-SBC
This program tests the I/O setting used by the Sound Blaster/
MCV. It also tests the Interrupt Line (IRQ) used and
performs a diagnostic test on the Sound Blaster/MCV. At the
end of the test, you should have heard music and voice
coming from your external speakers. You may proceed to
next section.
If this test fail, there are two very probable sources of
error:
DMA conflict - “Error found, error code: 0400”
This is caused by another adapter card that uses DMA
channel #1 Cusually a scanner card). Change the DMA
channel on the other card to channel 3 or channel O and this
error should go away.
“Error found on Interrupt”
This is usually caused by a conflict of interrupt lines (IRQ).
Select another IRQ line on SOUND BLASTER/MCV and run
the test again. Refer to Table 1 of Appendix C “Interrupt and
DMA Assignment” for a suitable choice.
Also refer to Appendix C: QUICK REFERENCE FOR PROBLEM
SOLVING for additional installation or technical problems
that you might encounter. If you have tried everything and
still could not get the SOUND BLASTER/MCV to work
properly, you may call the TECHNICAL SUPPORT LINE.
If you change the IRQ line or use an I/O address other than
220H, you must refer to the section on INSTALLING SOUND
DRIVERS to install all sound drivers to the new settings.
P8/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 1] I

2.e@ Installing on a Hard Disk
If you have a hard disk, you can install all your SOUND BLASTER/
MCV software onto your hard disk by executing the hard disk
installation program, INST-HD.EXE found in the Sound Blaster/
MCV distribution diskette.
To execute INST-HD.EXE, you must specify the drive name of your
hard disk.
For example:
INST-HD C:
INST-HD.EXE will install the SOUND BLASTER/MCV software into
a, directory \SB. Several sub-directories are automatically created
under this directory.
Note :Before executing any SOUND BLASTER/MCV program, you
must enter this command:
SET SOUND= C:\SB ; Cif you are installing into C:)
or
SET SOUND= D:\SB ; Gif you are installing into D:)
(See “2.4 Set Sound Environment” for details)
Hereafter, it is assumed that you are in \SB sub-directory.
2.5 Installing Sound Drivers (INST-DRV)
This section is meant for those who have changed the default IRQ7
to another interrupt line or changed the Sound Blaster/MCV I/O
address setting to another address. When an IRQ or I/O address
is changed, the sound drivers must be re-installed to accept the
new changes.
There are 3 sound drivers to install, they are :
1) CT-VOICE.DRV ; Creative voice driver for SOUND
BLASTER/MCV
2) ORGAN. DRV - Organ driver for Intelligent Organ
| 12 SOUND BLASTEE

5) SBFMDRV.COM ; FM Music driver for PLAYCMF.EXE
The CT-VOICE.DRV is inthe \VOXKIT\ sub-directory onthe Sound
Blaster distribution diskette. It is used by VEDIT.EXE and may be
used by other voice programs.
The ORGAN.DRV is in the \FMORGAN\ sub-directory on the Sound
Blaster/MCV diskette. It is used by the FMORGAN.EXE program.
The SBFMDRV.COM is amemory resident FM music driver found
in the Sound Blaster/MCV diskette. It is used by PLAYCMF.EXE
and maybe used by other programs to play FM music.
CT-VOICE.DRV and ORGAN.DRV are copied into the \SB\DRV sub-
directory on your hard disk. SBFMDRV.COM is copied into the \SB
sub-directory on your hard disk.
The INST-DRV.EXE program is used for installing the I/O address
and interrupt line setting on these drivers. Again, you do not need
to run this program unless you have changed any of the factory
default jumpers.
Format:
INST-DRV [ dir path ]
eg:
To install drivers in the current directory, just enter:
> INST-DRV at the DOS command
To install drivers in other directory, the directory name must
be supplied:
eg:
> INST-DRV \SB\DRV
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 13 I

Once in INST-DRV, select the correct I/O address on the screen. The
Interrupt Line (IRQ) is automatically detected by this program, no
selection is required.
Next, proceed to a section where a list of drivers are displayed.
Pick the drivers you want to install from the menu. Exit when
finished.
2.4 Set Sound Environment
Since SOUND BLASTER/MCV is going to be supported by many
software, it would be more desirable to have all the sound drivers
kept in a single sub-directory, rather than having them in different
sub-directories.
The “SET’” environment command provided by DOS allows us to
set a SOUND environment. Once this is set, application programs
are able to locate their sound drivers or certain SOUND BLASTER/
MCV files in the specified sub-directory.
You must set the sound environment each time you boot up your
hard disk. To set the environment, enter the following line at the
command prompt:
SET SOUND=C:\SB
(if the Sound Blaster software is installed in C:)
or
SET SOUND=D:\SB
dif the Sound Blaster software is installed in D:)
Please refer to your DOS manual for more information on the
“SET” command.
The “SET SOUND=” command should be placed in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file, if you want to avoid typing the above
command everytime.
Once you boot up your computer, this command is executed, all
SOUND BLASTER/MCV application programs can check the DOS
environment to find the required drivers or files.
: 14 SOUND BLASTER

Currently, VOXKIT.EXE, FMORGAN.EXE and PLAYCMF.EXE uses
this method to locate their respective drivers in the \DRV sub-
directory under the \SB directory. If the drivers are not found in
the \SB\DRV directory, then the current directory is searched.
USA Technical Support Line: [phone]
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 15 I

3 Joystick Port / MIDI Connector
The Joystick Port on the SOUND BLASTER/MCV is identical to that
the standard PC Game Control Adapter (or Game I/O port). It
accept any PC analog joystick with a 15-pin D-Sub connector. It
supports any software that uses the standard analog PC joystick.
This 15-pin connector also serves as the MIDI interface of the
Sound Blaster /MCV. With the joystick port replicated on the
optional MIDI BOX, both the MIDI device and Joystick can share
one slot, leaving more room on your PS/&* for other peripheral
cards.
3.1 Disable Joystick Port
If your computer already has a joystick port (or Game I/O card),
you may remove it and use the one on the Sound Blaster/MCV.
If you do not wish to remove it, you must disable the joystick port
on the Sound Blaster/MCV, since two identical joystick ports will
conflict with each other.
The MIDI port is not affected by the removal of this jumper.
Remove jumper JP4 on the Sound Blaster/MCV to disable the
joystick port. (See figure 1 for the location of this jumper.
3.2 Double Joysticks
If you need to run two joysticks from the SOUND BLASTER MICRO
CHANNEL Joystick Port, a Joystick Splitter Y-Cable can be
purchased from Creative Labs, Inc. <A Y-cable from other
companies might not work for the Sound Blaster/MCV joystick
port.
PS/2 is & registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
I 16 SOUND BLASTER

3.0 MIDI and MIDI Connector Box
The MIDI interface on SOUND BLASTER/MCV implements the
standard recommended by the International MIDI Association.
To connect the SOUND BLASTER/MCV to a MIDI keyboard (or
synthesizer), you need to plug the optional MIDI Connector Box to
the Joystick/MIDI connector. This MIDI Connector Box is required
because the standard MIDI IN/OUT plugs can not fit onto the
computer interface connectors.
This MIDI Connector Box provides one MIDI-IN and several MIDI-
OUT connectors. Two MIDI cables are included with the MIDI
Connector Box. You will not miss the joystick port since it is
replicated on this MIDI Connector Box.
3.4 MIDI Software
The bundled FM Intelligent Organ software supports the MIDI
keyboard. You are able to play on the computer keyboard as well
as the MIDI keyboard.
Please ask your dealer or call Creative Labs, Inc. for the latest
updates on MIDI software available for the SOUND BLASTER/
MCV.
USER REFERENCE MANUAL 17 |

3.5 Joystick /MIDI Port Wiring Diagram
JOYSTICK B ——\ JOYSTICK A
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[ 18 SOUND BLASTER