Re: TDX Stereo Board (question and sale/build request)

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Rodney Hester writes ...
> 
> A question and a request:
> 
> - Using this board, won't most audio only come from the left channel
> (leaving the right one silent), assuming apps that don't do "native" stereo?
>

     IIgs games and other applications which do not try to output GS sound
through both channels of a typical 'Stereo Card' will tend to output sound
through the Left channel of a 'stereo card'. This seems to be the case for,
mainly, a few older games. Music play/composition software (e.g. Music
Studio, Instant Music, ...) will almost always send sound to both channels
and so will many games.

     Not all two-channel sound will be stereo. For instance, a game may place
some effects to your Left and some to your right. A music composition program
may do the same with instruments. On the other hand, some programs do include
true stereo sound.


     In any case, 'old Apple II sound' is not involved. The basic system BEEP
and sound from oldies like Sky Fox, Karateka, Sneakers, etc. is produced
using the old Apple II hardware included in a IIgs-- i.e. by toggling a latch
which has an output to the computer's speaker. This sound will not be
available through a stereo card.

     Old Apple sound mixed with unseperated GS sound is available at the
speaker and the Sound jack on back of the IIgs. (The jack is for a stereo
plug; however, the output is mono-- the two output lines are connected to the
same place.)



> - Either way, would anyone be willing to either a) sell me one of these, or
> b) contract with me to build and test one for me?  I lack the electrical
> skills needed to pull this one off
 ....

     Actually, you probably do. It's a pretty simple circuit and doing it
yourself is kind of fun.



Rubywand