MBF instruments are out-of-whack.

[T-Squared]

Recently, I've been using MBF with different Doom WADs, and it's great to be able to play these limit-breaking WADs with their own music, with instruments that mimic the originals.

 

However, there is a problem that I've discovered, with a bare-metal machine (An ASUS P3B), and I don't know if it's my machine, or a bug in MBF's Adlib/Sound Blaster audio generation.

Certain instruments and pitch-bends are wildly out-of-tune, and I don't know how to fix it.

[fabian]

Are you talking about MBF.exe run in dosbox or something? 

[T-Squared]

No, this is MBF.exe run on actual period hardware.

[andrewj]

Boom and MBF on DOS play music via Allegro, and don't use the normal DOOM instruments (in the GENMIDI lump).  That may be enough to explain it (there would be no fix if true).

 

You could try MBF 2.04 (the recent update) to see if that is any better.

[T-Squared]

I think I have v2.04. Maybe I should upload a comparison recording of them to show the problem with the pitch-bend.

 

Boom, at the very least, plays with proper pitch-bend. (albeit with personality-lacking instruments, unlike Id's sound engine and DMX)

[andrewj]

Hmmm I reckon Boom and the old MBF are using the same code (Allegro) and would sound the same.

 

If it is problem with the recent MBF update, you're best bet is probably to ask on the Vogons forum, there the thread for the recent MBF there, or perhaps post a bug report to their github.

[ludicrous_peridot]

Actually, I observe the same from time to time. Which audio card are you using for music?

I was blaming this on Allegro not setting up the MIDI device properly on start/exit, so am normally doing this with a tool myself, by sending a GM MIDI reset to my MIDI device. This is not the package I am using - the one I got was from the thread specifically on my device - but may do the trick still.

EDIT: seeing you already mention Adlib/SoundBlaster this may be off tangent. Are you using OPL music?

Edited July 29, 2023 by ludicrous_peridot

[T-Squared]

Yes, I am using OPL music.

 

Gerwin has already taken a look at the MBF 2.04 source code and fixed it. I KNEW I wasn't crazy!