Orpheus II: Legendary ISA Sound Card Returns by Popular Demand

The company behind several retro computing hardware projects has announced the resumption of production for the Orpheus II sound card. This device is positioned as a universal solution for enthusiasts seeking to recreate the authentic sound of old DOS and early Windows-based PCs.

Orpheus II features hardware support for all key audio standards of the past: from Sound Blaster Pro and Gravis UltraSound to Yamaha OPL3 FM synthesis and MPU-401 MIDI. The card is built around Crystal CS4237B and AMD InterWave chips, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of software. Users will also gain access to 16 MB of RAM via a SIMM slot, as well as a digital S/PDIF output and analog inputs/outputs.

In the new revision (Rev 1.1), developers have introduced several improvements: replacement of components with SMD capacitors, expanded MIDI interrupt settings, and optimized signal filtering. The device is priced at €340, including airmail shipping. Pre-orders are accepted until the end of May, with shipments scheduled for late July to early August.

Previously, the team stated that the previous batch with the red PCB would be the last. However, high demand among retro enthusiasts prompted developers to reconsider and release an additional batch.