1987 Ibm Music Feature Card: Is It Really Worth $3000?

[featured jazz music]

[computer buzzes, beeps]

Greetings and welcome to a journey through time and sound, my friends. Today, we embark on a quest to discover a hidden gem of computing history, the IBM Music Feature Card of 1987. Now, I know what you might be thinking – "What's so special about a sound card from the '80s?" Well, stay with me, and you'll soon find out why this unassuming piece of technology has become a legend in its own right.

The Quest for Sound: A Glimpse into the Past

In the labyrinth of 1980s computer hardware, the concept of a sound card for personal computers was still in its infancy. The familiar PC speaker and early sound chips like those found in the IBM PCjr and Tandy 1000 were making their presence known. But they weren't quite the versatile sound cards we know today.

Enter the IBM Music Feature Card, or IMFC, which emerged as an early contender in the PC sound card arena. It had a unique quality – it was a "general-purpose" sound card, a distinction that set it apart from its contemporaries. Unlike single-voice PC speakers or specialized devices like the Roland MPU-401, the IMFC was designed to work with a wide range of applications and games.

In April 1987, the IMFC made its debut, carrying a suggested retail price of $495. That's roughly four months ahead of the more affordable AdLib Personal Computer Music System, which would become a household name in the PC gaming world. Now, the burning question is, why does the IMFC command such jaw-dropping prices on today's collector's market? We're talking $2400, $2800, or even $3000 for a complete boxed example. Yes, you heard it right. Even the card by itself can fetch around $900. But is it worth the investment? Let's journey back to that fateful year of 1987.

The Battle of the Sound Cards: AdLib vs. IMFC

To truly understand the value of the IBM Music Feature Card, we must compare it to its contemporary rival, the AdLib Personal Computer Music System. Both cards used FM synthesis, a method of generating sound that would become iconic in the world of retro gaming.

The AdLib offered monophonic sound, while the IMFC boasted stereo capabilities. Each had its unique interpretations of instruments and drums, but it's challenging to definitively declare one superior to the other. They both had their charm and character, thanks to FM synthesis.

So, what set them apart, you ask? The answer lies in their intended audience and music composition capabilities. While the AdLib was about creating music on your computer, the IMFC was designed for composing music WITH your computer. It had a MIDI 1.0 interface and a breakout box for connecting to MIDI devices, making it a dream for musicians. It often came bundled with keyboards, cables, and composition software, creating an all-in-one music composition setup. The IMFC was undoubtedly a musician's paradise.

However, the IMFC's high price tag and limited software support led to its rarity in the market. So when one surfaces for sale today, it's a cause for celebration among collectors.

Unboxing a Sonic Time Capsule

Inside the IMFC's packaging lies a treasure trove of nostalgia. A carefully organized collection of paperwork, diagnostic software on floppy disks, and the MIDI breakout box awaits. But the star of the show is the IMFC card itself, sealed in its antistatic sleeve, ready to transport us back to the days of retro computing.

The card features the YM2164 FM synth chip from Yamaha, an upgraded version of the YM2151 found in many '80s arcade games. It's accompanied by serial control and parallel interface units for MIDI connections, as well as audio output jacks for headphones and speakers. The card also supports dual card mode, allowing you to combine two IMFCs for a symphony of sound.

The Sounds of Yesteryear: Composing with the IMFC

The IMFC's primary purpose was music composition. It came bundled with software like Yamaha's Compose and Playrec, providing a platform for musicians to create, record, and playback notes and tracks. Compose featured a sheet music-style interface for composition, while Playrec allowed for live performance.

These programs allowed users to unleash their creativity, crafting melodies and harmonies with the distinctive sounds of the IMFC. However, the limited software support and high cost hindered its adoption by the wider public.

Gaming with the IMFC: A Limited Repertoire

When it comes to gaming, the IMFC's legacy is rather niche. Only a handful of Sierra On-Line games, released between 1988 and 1991, supported the card. Titles like "Leisure Suit Larry 2" and "Colonel's Bequest" offered players a taste of the IMFC's unique sound.

But here's the twist: the Yamaha FB-01, a similar device, also used the YM2164 sound chip and was supported in many of the same games. Some even refer to the IMFC as an "FB-01 on a card." So, if you're on the hunt for that classic FM synth experience, you might want to consider the more affordable FB-01.

The Final Note: Worth the Price?

As we return to the present, the question remains: Is the IMFC worth its hefty price tag in the collector's market? The answer is a resounding "not quite." While the IMFC was a remarkable piece of technology in its time, it never received the support it deserved. The high cost and limited software compatibility meant that it failed to achieve the widespread popularity of its rivals.

Today, alternatives like the Yamaha FB-01 provide a similar sound experience at a fraction of the cost. The IMFC's value lies in its rarity and its place in the annals of computing history. It's a relic of a bygone era, cherished by collectors and preservationists.

In the end, the IMFC is a testament to the quirks and idiosyncrasies of retro technology. It may not be the best sound card you can buy today, but it's a piece of history that continues to captivate enthusiasts and spark creativity. So, if you stumble upon an IMFC in the wild, remember that you're holding a piece of the past, a sonic time capsule waiting to be explored.

[Hang-On soundtrack plays]

And with that, our musical journey through the IBM Music Feature Card comes to a close. I hope you've enjoyed this voyage through the realms of vintage computing and sound. If you're as fascinated by the intersection of technology and creativity as I am, there's a wealth of discoveries waiting for you in the world of retro computing. So, stay curious, keep exploring, and who knows what treasures you might unearth in the world of technology's past.