Five SID Cartridges, One Honest Test
Daniel from C64 CUSTOMS returns with a detailed and hands-on comparison of five Commodore 64 sound cartridges—each tested, configured, and demoed using real hardware. The contenders? The Mssiah, Cynthcart running on the Kerberos MIDI interface, the DubCRT, and the elusive LukHash Essentials Cartridge, which is currently out of production. If you’re serious about exploring the full audio potential of the C64, this video is your backstage pass to the SID scene.
Daniel’s comparison isn’t just technical—it’s practical. He walks viewers through the quirks and strengths of each cart, showing exactly how they perform under identical test conditions. And yes, there’s plenty of chiptune goodness along the way.
Config First, Then Chiptune
Before jumping into audio demos, Daniel dives into the setup process for each cartridge. Some, like the DubCRT, are plug-and-play. Others—like the Kerberos running Cynthcart—require a bit more finesse, including software flashing and breakout cable configuration.
He explains the routing of audio signals through expansion ports and shares helpful tips like connecting pin 7 of the video/audio connector for clean output. If you’ve ever been confused by jumpers, mixer options, or which software version you need—this segment alone is worth your time.
Let the SID Speak
Once each cart is up and running, Daniel puts them through a series of identical test programs. These include classic demo tunes, live synth performances, and even some sample-based sequences. From fat basslines to crisp arpeggios, each sound cartridge offers its own flavor of SID audio.
The LukHash Essentials cart surprises with its stereo output and punchy timbre. Meanwhile, the Mssiah continues to shine with its onboard sequencer and tight MIDI support. DubCRT leans into lo-fi grit, ideal for that raw, underground sound. Each result is played back directly, with no post-processing—what you hear is what the cartridge gives you.
SID Variety for Every Use
Daniel doesn’t declare a single winner. Instead, he highlights the specific strengths of each unit. Want portability? Go for the DubCRT. Prefer real-time performance? Cynthcart on Kerberos is your friend. Need tight sequencing and MIDI? Mssiah’s got your back. And if you can find a LukHash cart, it might just be the secret weapon for stereo sound nerds.
By showing real-world use cases, Daniel helps viewers decide what fits their workflow—not just what sounds good in theory.
Final Thoughts
This Commodore 64 sound cartridge shootout from C64 CUSTOMS is an essential watch for anyone building out a retro music rig. Daniel’s no-nonsense walkthroughs and audio tests cut through the fluff and deliver the facts with clarity and style. Whether you’re remixing SID tunes or just want to experiment, this video offers the sound advice you need—pun entirely intended.
