reFX quadraSID

4.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Dive into the nostalgic world of retro sound with the reFX quadraSID, a versatile synth plugin that emulates the iconic sound of the Commodore 64's SID chip. Perfectly crafted for musicians and sound designers, this plugin offers an authentic 8-bit sonic experience while integrating seamlessly with modern digital audio workstations. The quadraSID captures the essence of vintage gaming consoles, allowing you to create chiptunes or blend retro elements into contemporary tracks.

With a comprehensive range of features that includes multiple oscillator waveforms, filter modes, and modulation options, the quadraSID provides endless possibilities for sound exploration. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to sculpt and manipulate sound, whether you're diving deep into custom patches or using one of the many presets available. The plugin also supports polyphony, giving you the ability to create lush, layered textures that are more than just nostalgic nods to the past.

Key Features:

Emulation of the legendary Commodore 64 SID chip
Multiple oscillator waveforms for diverse sound creation
Comprehensive filter modes for precise sound shaping
Extensive modulation options for dynamic sound design
Intuitive interface for easy navigation and sound manipulation
Includes a wide range of presets and supports custom patch creation
Polyphonic capabilities for rich, layered sounds
Compatible with major DAWs for seamless integration

Videos

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XenosSoundworks

128 presets for QuadraSID VST Chiptune Synth available at ReFX.com

XenosSoundworks

ReFX QuadraSID - Abandoned Commodore 64 SID chip Emulation With Advanced Features In Its Time

SadowickProduction

Free Download: 143 Vanguard Presets, 100 ReFX QuadraSID patches

XenosSoundworks

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about reFX quadraSID.

Features and functionality

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The plugin recreates the 6581 analog filter, capturing its unique weirdness and distortion, appealing to those seeking authentic SID chip emulation.
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VSTSID’s filter/LFO has been adjusted to operate between 30 - 10000 Hz to closely mimic the original SID chip's characteristics, enhancing its authenticity.
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User experience

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The plugin includes presets from renowned SID musicians like Rob Hubbard and Martin Galway, enhancing its appeal for enthusiasts of classic SID music.
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Tutorials are being developed to cover all aspects of the plugin, aiming to make it easier to use than a SidStation and more flexible than a TherapSID.
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Comparisons

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The plugin provides a GUI and DAW compatibility, offering advantages over existing libraries like reSID, which lacks these features.
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VSTSID, while not an exact emulation like QuadraSID, offers a simpler SID-like experience, with tempo-synced arpeggiation, though it lacks manic rippling noise at low tempos.
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Use cases and applications

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The plugin is praised for its sequencer/arpeggiator/step looper, which effectively emulates the SID sound, making it an attractive option for those interested in chiptune music.
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Software and compatibility

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The 32-bit QuadraSID v1.6.2 works in Reaper v6.02 under 64-bit Windows 8.1, highlighting compatibility for those using older software versions.
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QuadraSID is 32-bit only and unsupported, requiring 32Lives to function on modern systems, though it may crash occasionally and could become non-functional eventually.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users anticipate the potential release of an AU version for broader compatibility with different digital audio workstations, expanding its usability beyond current formats.
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Critic Reviews

Remix64 - QuadraSID VSTi PlugIn Review - by Thomas Detert

remix64.com

QuadraSID 6581 by reFX is a nostalgic nod to the classic SID sound, effectively capturing its essence in a VST format. It's a user-friendly tool that brings the iconic C64 sound to modern setups with minimal CPU strain, making it perfect for those with limited hardware. Despite its strengths, including a range of sound patches, the absence of a manual might be a stumbling block for some, requiring a trial-and-error approach to sound creation. While minor technical hiccups exist, they are easily resolved, and the software's capacity for creative sound manipulation makes it a worthy investment for SID enthusiasts. Overall, QuadraSID is a fantastic tool for crafting SID music with versatility and ease, meriting a solid recommendation for anyone passionate about this unique sound.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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amphi

683

about 6 years ago

quality for what it is

32bit SID bugged damage synth. not great for pads or anything without a bit of chaos, it does its one thing beautifully. the routing options are strange and different from something you usually see in older plugins- waveteables! a bit hard to find these days but if you want some crusty crude haha sounds then go get it.

Roles:

Guitarist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Experimental

Artist usage

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Broadcast

Verified via Archive

In an article featured on Electronic Musician, Broadcast is noted for using the reFX quadraSID, a now-discontinued 32-bit VST plugin designed to emulate the Commodore 64 SID chip for synthesized sounds.