Real MT32, not being 'programmed' - using default sounds

[MusicallyInspired]

Some game soundtracks are recorded low to begin with (Longbow is notorious for this) and there's no way to fix that. I recall Tom going through quite a painful process while recording music from Longbow for his downloadable CD soundtrack.

As for volume changes occurring in the middle of the game, I'm not sure. I recall instances where this does and does not happen but I'm not sure if it's the same as you're describing. I believe for the most part this is intentional, though.