Installing Sound under NetBSD

  1. Get a soundblaster or other supported board.
  2. Compile a kernel with support for your board.
  3. Plug it in and reboot.
  4. Ensure the device probes.
  5. Make the special devices.
  6. Test the board!
Compiling kernels isn't something I'll discuss here, I'll assume that you know how to use config and compile kernels. Double check that the IRQ, INTR, and DRQ in the config file match up with those set by jumpers or software on your board.

If you're fortunate, then the board will appear in the start up device probes. In my machine it looks like this: 

sb0 at isa0 port 0x220-0x22f irq 7 drq 1: dsp v2.01
If yours isn't found, then double-check that the settings in the config file match those on the board or those set in the board by some DOS setup tool. Check the man page for that device; does it actually work?

If yours is found, then the next step is to make certain the special devices are created. As root, do this: 

cd /dev
./MAKEDEV audio sound mixer
which will create the three parts you might need.

Finally, hook up some speakers to your card and give it a whirl. 

cat foo.au > /dev/audio

Unfortunately I am stuck here, with no sound coming out! I'll add some samples here as well as lists of unix utils for audio.

HELP! The cat into /dev/audio is unkillable and hangs! This is likely a IRQ mismatch. It can't be killed and is in IE+ or SE+ state. It should end when the file quits catting into hell.