Advanced Micro Devices Inc has launched the Am78C201 InterWave audio processor, claiming it to be a complete single-chip personal computer audio system. It supports the Windows and Windows95 application programming interfaces, Windows Sound System, General MIDI, MPU-401, Miles Audio Interface Library, HMI Sound Operating System, legacy AdLib and SoundBlaster-compatible applications, MPC-2 and Gravis UltraSound, the Sunnyvale company says. Coming in a 160-pin package, it complies with the Plug & Play specification. It uses downloadable 16-bit 32-voice wavetable synthesis and audio output changes can be co-ordinated with the visual effects on the screen so that the sound, for example, of a jet engine can be made to change pitch and seemingly follow the aircraft as it moves across the screen.It features powerful Mix, Move and Modify capability to enable developers to create new sounds, combine multiple audio sources, and modify sounds in real-time, adn on-chip audio effects processing gives developers control of such special effects as vibrato, tremolo, chorus, echo, flanging – phase shifting, and reverb. The Am78C201 is sampling now at $40 when you order 1,000 or more, with volume planned for next quarter.
