In their latest episode, the Triple Freedom channel dives into a comparative test of three different audio chips for the Commodore 64: the original SID, XSID, and ARMSID. Each of these chips has its own unique characteristics:
Original SID: The classic sound chip, known for its warm, analog sound, was used in the original Commodore 64.
XSID: A modern replacement that replicates much of the original SID’s functionality, though it doesn’t emulate every single feature, particularly some analog aspects.
ARMSID: Another modern replacement designed to emulate all features of the original SID, making it highly compatible with both software and hardware.
In this video, Triple Freedom puts these chips to the test to hear how they sound. The host begins by testing each chip with a diagnostic tool and then moves on to playing music from classic games like “International Karate Plus” and a demo called “1099” to push the chips to their limits.
During the tests, the sound is recorded directly from the Commodore 64, allowing viewers to hear the differences for themselves. The host observes that the ARMSID produces a slightly softer, less harsh sound compared to the others, and also has a lower volume output, which can be easily adjusted.
Finally, the host runs each chip through the same tests, enabling viewers to listen and decide which one sounds the best. For those curious about these chips or considering replacing their SID, this comparison should be both helpful and enjoyable to watch.
