From: harrison@lclark.edu (Mark Harrison)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.soundcard
Subject: Gravis vs. SoundBlaster vs. Pas 16 (was Re: THE GRAVIS ULTRASOUND)
Date: 12 Oct 92 19:45:56 GMT
Article-I.D.: lclark.1992Oct12.194556.20417
Organization: Lewis & Clark College, Portland OR

In article <Bw0w0w.A8J@news.udel.edu> jon@chopin.udel.edu (Jon Deutsch) writes:
>In article <1992Oct12.171112.14657@lclark.edu> harrison@lclark.edu (Mark Harrison) writes:
>|>In article <Bw0H0K.835@news.udel.edu> jon@chopin.udel.edu (Jon Deutsch) writes:
>|>>
>|>>OK, hang on a sec...  The PAS16 has a soundblaster built on-board?
>|>>Does this mean that the PAS not only has built-in 16bit/44Mhz rec/play,
>|>>but will also do perfect SB emulation??
>|>>
>|>>Then WHAT is all the fuss about Gravis?  
>|>>Do tell!    
>|>
>|>If all you are interested in is SB emulation, then go for the PAS 16. 
>|>Just keep in mind that when developers start releasing stuff for the
>|>Gravis, you will still be stuck with SB emulation.  A lot of people keep
>|>focusing on the SB emulation.  That's NOT what the Ultrasound is all
>
>	OK, I understand this.  Now, who's-to-say that people actually
>	WILL start supporting the Gravis?  I mean, OK, it's gotten a lot
>	of net-hype, but as far as real-world advertising, NO ONE has
>	ever heard of the damned thing.  
>
>	I understand that eventually, a new sound card standard will evolve,
>	it HAS to.  But, I'm not too convinced that Gravis' marketing campaign
>	is going to be able to pull it off.

Well, time will tell I guess.  Personally I believe in the thing and am
taking my chances with it.  As far as their markering campaign, I don't
know.  But I am guessing that they have laid low with it until they could
actually release it.

>	Watch out for SB16, Gravis.

This is what I meant in my first post.  Everyone keeps concentrating on the
SB.  The SB16 is still just a bigger and better version of old, crappy
technology.  Most people who know anything about sound knows that FM is
not the way to go.  That's what the hype is over this card.

Some people have been saying things like "well this card has that and the
Gravis doesn't." That's all true.  To make the Gravis have the same
capabilities as a PAS 16 for example, it might cost more.  Plus you can
get the PAS 16 NOW.  The PAS has SB emulation in hardware, the Gravis
doesn't.  Yes, Gravis is inferior to the PAS (and others) in some
respects.  But the market won't revolve around SB technology forever. 
That's my point.  So I think a lot of the comparisions being made are
unfair.  The Gravis is not a bigger and better SB.  The PAS 16 is.  The
Gravis is new technology, the PAS isn't.

The Gravis may turn out to be a flop, but I highly doubt it.  Sure the
masses who know nothing about soundcards might not recognize it's virtues. 
But a lot of the people in stores selling the thing will.  And they will
influence what the people buy.  And just to inform you, there are two
games I know of right now, that do support the Gravis. 

You're right.  So far there isn't much out there but hype.  But take into
consideration that it has just officially been released.  At least give
them a chance to prove themselves.  (And I think they will.)

Finally to all the critics out there.  If you are happier with 16 bit
recording, SCSI, etc.  Fine.  You are better off than we are.  But
remember, this is only a temporary thing IMHO.  You might get more for your
money now, but later you may find that in the long run, you you have less
to show for it.  I guess it's all just personal preference.

-- 
=============================================================================
Mark Harrison           |  "We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
harrison@sun.lclark.edu |   Our great computers fill the hallowed halls."
              -- Me     |                                    -- Rush
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