Re: Stereo Sound Cards

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <CpLsun.BG@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu>,
Stavros Robert Karatsoridis <skaratso@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu> wrote:
> 
> 	I have looked everywhere for a stereo sound card for my IIgs, but
> none of the places I have called (Sun Remarketing, Quality Computers,
> Resource Central) have them. I have a "little" HyperStudio digitizing
> board, but I want to find/purchase a stereo sound card for my computer,
> which is a ROM 01.

I'm surprised that Resource Central doesn't know this already.  I
bought a couple of SoundMeister cards from them late last year.  The
SoundMeister was made by Econ Technologies, which has gone out of
business (at least, D. Proni has moved on to other projects).

Alltech Electronics have taken over the production and distribution of
the SoundMeister.  Since they are a mail-order house, they will
probably be the only mail-order source.

Contact:

Alltech Electronics
602 Garrison St
Oceanside, CA 92054

800-995-7773  Orders only
619-721-7733  Inquires and tech support
619-721-2823  Fax
619-721-0705  BBS (300-14.4 V.32, Futurenet)

You can also E-Mail them at   #1@alltech.calif.fnet.org


There was some information about it in the May issue of GEnieLamp-A2.
They estimate it will cost US$59.


It is a pretty standard stereo sound card.  It has amplified and
line-level outputs, and stereo input (but can only record one channel
at a time) which accepts low-level (microphone) or line-level input.
It uses the Ensoniq's A/D converter, so will be similar to the
HyperStudio digitizing card (but possibly better quality).

It includes a connector plate which screws into the back panel of the
computer.  It uses 2.5mm stereo sockets (similar to a Walkman).
If you want to connect speakers to it, you should either get good
quality amplified speakers with a volume control, or unamplified
speakers and rely on the computer for volume control.  A stereo system
is a better option.


The card includes "DigitalSession", a sound editing and recording
program (you could also use HyperStudio's Sound Shop, AudioZap or other
programs, but I think DigitalSession is the only program that will
digitize through the second channel of the SoundMeister).


I did have one problem with my card: I managed to destroy the
non-amplified output stage (which is also used to generate the
amplified output).  I'm not sure how I did this, but I think it was
caused by plugging in a sound cable while the computer and stereo were
powered on.  Luckily it was just a blown op-amp, and it was easy to
replace (a workmate did the soldering for me).  In future, I'm going
to make sure everything is turned off before connecting anything to
the card.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand