Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Looking for a budget sound card for your retro PC, but can't decide on the FM synthesis module?

Welcome to the DOS FM Synthesis Deathmatch!

Stay a while, and listen!

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - OPL2: Sound Blaster 16 CT2740
02:47 - OPL2: ESS AudioDrive ES1869F
04:41 - OPL2: Sound Blaster 32 PnP CT3600
06:38 - OPL2: Sound Blaster Vibra 16 CT2260
08:34 - OPL2: AOpen Cobra AW744 (YMF744 DS-XG)
10:30 - What about the Sound Blaster Audigy?
12:22 - OPL3 Comparison
12:46 - OPL3: Sound Blaster Audigy
14:45 - OPL3 Five-Up Super Comparison
17:18 - What about the ESS AudioDrive?
18:28 - OPL3 vs ESFM
19:23 - ESFM Analysis
19:51 - AWE32 Wavetable sample
20:36 - ESFM Re-listen with context
21:05 - ESFM Cymbals - A Possible Explanation
22:08 - Conclusion, and Why I Use ESFM
22:54 - Outro

ESS ESFM vs Creative CQM vs Yamaha OPL3