In a stunning showcase of Commodore 64 sampling, YouTuber Digital Man takes audio fidelity to retro extremes by sampling “Hold” by Garbage on the iconic 8-bit platform. Using a 16MB RAM Expansion Unit (Ultimate II+) and the REU Wave Player running at 44.1kHz, 8-bit, this demo delivers surprising sonic clarity—through a real MOS 8580 SID chip, no less.
But what truly sets this apart? The entire playback was done on a custom-built EVO64 machine paired with the NuTube64 preamp, injecting analog warmth into the digital edges. The result is a powerful blend of vintage audio architecture and modern hardware mods—pushing the limits of what the Commodore 64 can do with sampled audio.
While C64 music typically leans on the SID chip’s synthesis capabilities, Commodore 64 sampling with REU support allows full waveform playback, treating the SID as a glorified DAC. Digital Man’s project not only highlights this technique but does so with a compelling modern sample—bringing Garbage into glorious retro resolution.
For retro computing enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, this is a rare fusion of old-school hardware with modern sonic ambition. It’s an impressive tribute to just how far Commodore 64 sampling has evolved beyond simple chiptunes.
