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Testing SID-chips on the C64 Ultimate - UltiSID, 6581, PDSID, ARM2SID - Stereo and FM

Arctic retro

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Commodore 64 Ultimate - Can I really hear the difference between a real SID and the clone ones?
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I thought it would be fun to compare the built-in UltiSID with a couple of real MOS 6581 SID's. As I also got a few PDSID's, and a set of ARM2SID's, I tested them too.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an audio or SID expert, and I am doing this for fun! Doing a comparative test is not easy - take it for what it is.

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20 Comments

@Yuushiboy 3 weeks ago

Thanks for comparing the SIDs! I ordered a Commodore 77 yesterday and planing on getting the ARM2SID when I finally get the C77. I'm afraid of using my old C64 bread bin, don't want it to break cause of age.

@mladvies 1 month ago

You have to take the SID version in mind, When using the 6581, for example, tracks like Alien and Yie Ar Kung-Fu II by Martin Galway, as well as music by Michael Winterberg using his own music routine, make extensive use of the filters. The 8580 has different effects possibilities, especially when it comes to drums. With filters almost all imitations of the original sound don't work properly. Speech works only good with the 6581, unless you have a digi fix on the 8580. New speech in music works most of the time good with the 8580 too. Neon Nights, from LMan is an example of samples and music on the 8580.

@chefsolid-new 3 months ago

Great video, interesting to see the differences. Thanks dude

@lbeaton1 3 months ago

I bought the ARM2SID and I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted it for the FM synthesis support, and I even played that exact FM-YAM demo.

@starsundsternchen802 3 months ago

Kraftwerk is cool! Interesting video as always!

@countlanes 3 months ago

Have a good rest during the summer break.

@miked4377 3 months ago

enjoy your summer my friend!! great video..ireally like that c64 ultimate ! you have done some cool things with it..i am not doing well..but i hope i am ok by the time you do your next video...your a good man ..i wish you and your family the best!

@lifeisrealactiva05 3 months ago

❤❤❤❤❤nice video my 💕💕💕

@a2delariva881 3 months ago (edited)

Hi! A big hug!

@fabianfarina2208 3 months ago

I still find it funny to hear 20 celsius is warm 😅

@igorferreirapoco 3 months ago

I have the ARM2SID configured for 1 SID (Center or L + R) + FM. The UltiSids I have one on $D420 (Left) and another on $D500 (Right).

@MaSchmi 3 months ago

What about fpgaSID?

@AdamTrickett 3 months ago

Speech tends to work by abusing the SID. So it's known to be variable. Even different real SIDs can be different. Fun to see the differences...

@talideon 3 months ago

Comforting to know that DPD are just as awful everywhere!

@exploraart 3 months ago

Version firmware PDsid?

@richardnelson3507 1 month ago

A better test would be testing voice samples, i.e. ghostbusters, impossible mission etc.

@richardnelson3507 1 month ago

And then there's the vacuum SID.

@richardnelson3507 1 month ago

The reason most speech/voice works is because of a bug in the original sid chip that you take advantage of.

@rivards1 3 months ago

Your English is usually pretty good, but one of our weird words is "Bass". It's pronounced "Bass" when referring to the fish. When referring to the musical instrument or the sound frequency, it's pronounced "Base".