The team behind the legendary ISA soundcard known as the Orpheus II (O2) recently announced that they will begin the last production run of the Orpheus II. Keropi who is one of the team members made the announcement on the VOGONs forums. Where he stated that they will cease production soon as both he and other member Marmes desired to move on to different product offerings.
Keropi further mentioned in this forum post that since this product is set to be the last run of the O2 soundcards. That it would also serve as a special commemorative edition noting that the cards PCBs will come in red. Which was the PCB color of choice for the famed Gravis Ultrasound (GUS).
The Orpheus II is a modern 3 in 1 ISA soundcard solution which serves to not only replace the Gravis Ultrasound, but also offers better features and compatibility that far exceeds that which the GUS could do in its prime. In addition to the O2’s GUS MIDI music capability.
The O2 has an integrated FM and PCM audio chip from Crystal which has true Yamaha OPL3 FM MIDI music capability. As well as wavetable header pin that can accept daughterboards for added MIDI capabilities beyond the onboard GUS and FM options. Many O2 users opt to pair with the X2GS from Serdaco. This offers a licensed Roland GS soundbank that is essentially an SC-55.
Keropi has stated that the initial orders for the red Orpheus II have been met, and are beginning to ship. However the demand for this card greatly exceeded stock, and Keropi has wanted to make sure that everyone who wants the red O2. Have an opportunity to purchase one. As such Keropi will be offering a “pre order” window so that the exact number of demand can be noted and met. This way the total number of parts and components needed to manufacture these boards can be ordered.
Preorder window will close 14 Aug 2024.
Ordering information can be found at PCMIDI.eu and further information can be had on the VOGONS post regarding this card. Links down below.
LINKS:
PCMIDI.eu. | https://pcmidi.eu/orpheus2.html
VOGONS Post | https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?p=1272940#p1272940
Original Orpheus 2 Post | https://www.retrorgb.com/launch-of-the-new-isa-soundcard-orpheus-ii.html