LiteSound Apple IIgs Stereo Audio Interface - Install and Review

Although the Apple IIgs has stereo capabilities, for some reason, Apple decided to neuter this feature on the rear output jack. The issue has been resolved by Bob Darlingtons LiteSound Stereo Audio Interface card. Here's the install and review.
To purchase the card - jcm-1.com/product/litesound-a...
Bob Darlingtons KZbin page - / @bobdarlington
Bob Darlington’s Github Page - github.com/BobDarlington/Lite...

[@Apple2gs]

After purchasing my Apple IIGS in 1987, a stereo card was the very *first* accessory I added (it's a must have, no question, and glad to see someone making one available in 2024!). The LiteSound is quite a bit smaller than my Audio Animator, Sonic Blasters, SoundMeisters or SuperSonics I have in my collection. On a side note, I would recommend adding a 2.1 speaker set up to a IIGS with stereo card, the sub-woofer adds a whole other dimension of sound with games like Spacefox! My current set up is an Audio Animator connected to Altec Lansing ACS-33 speakers. They're small, match the GS aesthetically and even sound better than my Bose Roommate speakers!

[@70s80sRetroRewind]

Agreed! The GS is currently hooked up to Boston BA635s which have a "Satellite Subwoofer". Even with those, it was an incredible difference compared to internal speaker.

[@Apple2gs]

@@70s80sRetroRewind - I always considered the internal speaker only for backwards compatibility with 8-bit Apple II software, or like a PC, basic alerts like startup 'beep' or the error bell. Even before I had my stereo card, I used to plug in headphones or connect my GS to a boombox or home stereo. That internal speaker isn't suitable for the Ensoniq.

[@JoesComputerMuseum]

WOOT! Back in stock soon!

[@70s80sRetroRewind]

Awesome! Thumbs up for a great product.

[@lemonherb1]

Back in the 90’s when my GS was my primary productivity computer, I routed the stereo output and the monaural output to an audio switchbox to avoid the internal speaker when I wanted to listen to the stereo output. It was a simple matter of pressing a button for the monoaural. This also might be an effective use to bypass the clicking noise upon shutdown by selecting mono first

[@70s80sRetroRewind]

Hi Lemonherb1. Good point! Thanks for sharing.

[@BobDarlington]

A lot of folks run their stereo card and a Mockingboard out (that's why there's two holes in this plate) to a passive mixer ($25 from Amazon give or take) and then out to speakers. It's pretty slick.

[@Apple2gs]

@@BobDarlington - I don't get the need/want for a Mockingboard in an Apple IIGS. Yes, the AY-3-8910 chip has a unique sound, but there are literally *zero* IIGS titles that support the Mockingboard, and only a small handful of 8-bit Apple II titles (that the GS can run in emulation mode) that do. Seems like a wasted slot in a GS. That said, my AE Phasor card lives strictly in my Apple IIe.

[@BobDarlington]

@@Apple2gs You're right, there's zero GS games that support it. But there's some notable 8 bit games (Ultima V comes to mind) that do support it. That said, get a Mega Audio board from Plamen over at a2heaven that emulates two Mockingboards among other things. I DO have a regular Mockingboard in my GS, and the Mega Audio lives in my IIe.

[@mattj65816]

It was pretty wild that the IIgs basically had the capability to do stereo sound and sound recording, but Apple simply chose not to put the ports on it to do those things. At least they gave us the sound expansion header so they could be added trivially after the fact.

[@70s80sRetroRewind]

I completely agree. The decision to go with a mono out had me scratching my head. Luckily the solution is quick and easy.