diff --git a/sound/a_commands.h b/sound/a_commands.h
index 5658710..c42956f 100644
--- a/sound/a_commands.h
+++ b/sound/a_commands.h
@@ -28,7 +28,15 @@
 extern "C" {
 #endif
 
-#define	MAX_COMMANDS	128
+/*
+ * SDL 3 migration: the audio command FIFO was sized 128 for the SDL 1.2
+ * push-callback model where the driver fired predictably-spaced
+ * callbacks that drained the FIFO promptly. SDL 3's pull-stream model
+ * can call the audio callback less often / with larger buffers, so
+ * commands accumulate between drains. 1024 gives a comfortable
+ * headroom even under sustained heavy fire.
+ */
+#define	MAX_COMMANDS	1024
 
 /*----------------------------------------------------------
 	Asynchronous command interface stuff