What is Mwave?

Mwave is the name of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).  A DSP is a 
microprocessor, like the 8086 or 80386, but tailored to do mathematics in a 
special way.  This tailoring makes a DSP highly suitable to the task of 
processing audio signals.  The Mwave platform is capable of performing the 
following kinds of processing:

  - WAV Audio recording/playback
  - Music Synthesis
  - Modem Communications
  - FAX Communications
  - Telephone Answering Machine (TAM)
  - Voice Menu Systems
  - Speech Synthesis/Recognition
  - Effect Processing (Like Digital Delay)
  - And more.

A DSP can also process other data, including the decompression of images (JPEG 
or MPEG formats).  Basically, it is another computer.

IBM's technology is unique amongst DSPs in that it offers a preemptive multi-
tasking operating system at a very low cost.  This allows the use of multiple 
functions at the same time.  As an example, the Spectrum OfficeF/X card can 
perform 2400 baud Modem communications and Music Synthesis simultaneously.

Currently available Mwave-based cards are the IBM Multimedia modem and the
Spectrum OFficeF/X.  Spectrum Signal Processing makes both cards.  The main
difference between the two is the software bundle.  I am most familiar with 
the OfficeF/X, so I will list its features:

  - v.32bis Modem (14,400 baud.  Upgradeable Summer 1995 to v.34, 28,800 baud).
    Windows Only!
  - 14,400 baud FAX (using DMA for true background FAXing or Class II)
    Windows Only!
  - Telephone Answering Machine (TAM).  Windows Only!
  - TAM/FAX discrimination (TAM answers phone, but if FAX tones are heard, 
    control passes to the FAX application).  Windows Only!
  - MIDI Synthesizer (multitimbral, 32 note polyphony, 22kHz sample rate, 
    wavetable) for Windows.
  - SoundBlaster Emulation in DOS.
  - WAV audio support for Windows.
  - Optional MIDI cable (Windows MIDI port drivers included).
  - MPU-401 UART mode emulation in hardware for DOS.
  - Panasonic and Sony proprietary CD-ROM interfaces.

That's just the current list.  Since this is a DSP, it is programmable, and
anything can change.  A higher bandwidth for the MIDI Synth (at a lower level 
of polyphony) is possible.  The v.34 upgrade will be available Summer of '95.  
All of these upgrades are software.  The card never needs to be replaced, 
or updated.

The Digital Delay application I have written is proof that just about anything 
is possible with the Mwave platform.  The limit is the programmer's 
imagination. 

Note that the current Mwave software runs only under Windows 3.1 and requires 
4meg of RAM.  I had trouble running DOS communication software in a Windows 
DOS box (I use Procomm Plus for Windows instead).  This may be a 
configuration error that I haven't worked out.

For more information, and to order, call Spectrum at 1-800-667-0018.  The 
OfficeF/X was available for $349 as of this writing.  Programmer's Paradise 
offers the Mwave Developer's Kit used to produce this application.  Call them 
at 1-800-445-7899.  PC Compleat has the card for a lower price ($299?).  
Comparison shop.  Computer Shopper reviewed the OfficeF/X in the May 1995 
issue.  

For the real scoop, feel free to contact me, preferably on the Internet, or 
Waldo's Magic BBS.  See DELAY.HLP for contact info.

Above all, Catch the Wave!