Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I tested the X2GS-USB, a modern MIDI synthesizer featuring licensed Roland GS sounds, against Microsoft's built-in GS Wavetable Synth and a Sound Canvas-style FluidSynth setup.
For this review I compared all three across classic DOS games including DOOM, Duke Nukem 3D and Sam & Max Hit the Road, as well as standalone MIDI playback using vanBasco Karaoke Player.
What surprised me most was not only how good the X2GS sounded, but also how impressive the Sound Canvas-style SoundFont included with eXoDOS turned out to be.
00:00 Intro
00:25 What Is The X2GS?
01:18 What Can You Use The X2GS With?
02:10 Why Use Hardware GS?
02:50 DOSBox Setup
03:32 eXoDOS Setup
05:42 Test 1 - DOOM
07:33 Test 2 - Duke Nukem 3D
10:52 ScummVM Setup
11:07 Test 3 - Sam & Max Hit the Road
17:22 MIDI Music Showcase
17:45 Doom - Deep into the code14:45 Jazz Jackrabbit - Bonus Stage
26:53 Jack Jazzrabbit - Bonus stage
28:51 Jack Jazzrabbit - stage 1/2
33:36 Europe - Final Countdown
21:45 Toto - On the Line
38:12 Final Thoughts
You can buy the X2GS SE from Serdashop: serdashop.com/X2GS-USB
Audio Recording Setup:
X2GS-USB connected to my gaming PC.
Signal chain:
X2GS headphone output → Behringer UCA222 RCA input → captured through Behringer UCA222.
I initially experienced noise caused by a ground loop. This was eliminated using a ground loop isolator. No audible loss of audio quality was noticed.
When connecting headphones directly to the X2GS, I experienced no audible noise.
#retrocomputing #dosgaming #midi #roland #soundcanvas #x2gs #doom #dukenukem3d #scummvm
I tested the X2GS-USB, a modern MIDI synthesizer featuring licensed Roland GS sounds, against Microsoft's built-in GS Wavetable Synth and a Sound Canvas-style FluidSynth setup.
For this review I compared all three across classic DOS games including DOOM, Duke Nukem 3D and Sam & Max Hit the Road, as well as standalone MIDI playback using vanBasco Karaoke Player.
What surprised me most was not only how good the X2GS sounded, but also how impressive the Sound Canvas-style SoundFont included with eXoDOS turned out to be.
00:00 Intro
00:25 What Is The X2GS?
01:18 What Can You Use The X2GS With?
02:10 Why Use Hardware GS?
02:50 DOSBox Setup
03:32 eXoDOS Setup
05:42 Test 1 - DOOM
07:33 Test 2 - Duke Nukem 3D
10:52 ScummVM Setup
11:07 Test 3 - Sam & Max Hit the Road
17:22 MIDI Music Showcase
17:45 Doom - Deep into the code14:45 Jazz Jackrabbit - Bonus Stage
26:53 Jack Jazzrabbit - Bonus stage
28:51 Jack Jazzrabbit - stage 1/2
33:36 Europe - Final Countdown
21:45 Toto - On the Line
38:12 Final Thoughts
You can buy the X2GS SE from Serdashop: serdashop.com/X2GS-USB
Audio Recording Setup:
X2GS-USB connected to my gaming PC.
Signal chain:
X2GS headphone output → Behringer UCA222 RCA input → captured through Behringer UCA222.
I initially experienced noise caused by a ground loop. This was eliminated using a ground loop isolator. No audible loss of audio quality was noticed.
When connecting headphones directly to the X2GS, I experienced no audible noise.
#retrocomputing #dosgaming #midi #roland #soundcanvas #x2gs #doom #dukenukem3d #scummvm
