for Doom i tend to the SC-55 maybe im more used to it from the past but for duke nukem 3d i think i like the SC-88 more.
Doom sounds good on both, I generally prefer the SC-88 for rock tunes. For me, the distortion guitar sounds better on the SC-88 than the SC-55. Definitely prefer the SC-88 for Duke 3D, even though Lee Jackson composed it on a RAP-10 (basically an SC-55) originally and then enhanced it later on an SC-88
https://dleejackson.lbjackson.com/music/the-h … ory-of-grabbag/
but what is the difference from SC-88 vs SC-88 Pro?
Roland SC-88 versus SC-88 Pro?
which one would you use for an authentic MIDI Soundtrack?
It's all down to personal taste. Most tracks will sound good on both, however, the general consensus is that the SC-55 was used a lot more by composers than the SC-88 for game soundtracks.
Two examples for me are the Warcraft 2 soundtrack and A10tion.mid from the Shadow Warrior shareware soundtrack. For me, Warcraft 2 doesn't sound great on the SC-88/Pro due to the French Horn sounding off. A10tion sounds better on the SC-88 than the SC-55, especially the timpani.
i checked the SC-8820 but it might sound too modern somehow for a DOS Midi Soundtrack.
The SC-8820 will also sound good on most tracks as it shares a lot of the patches from the SC-55/88. Listen to all the SC options in games and decide for yourself which sounds better. 😀
Try the Yamaha DB50XG VST as well, it also sounds really good with most games. I love the DB50XG for Descent.