The design of a synchrotron x-ray liquid surface spectrometer at beamline X19C at the National Synchrotron Light Source is described. This spectrometer is capable of performing the full range of x-ray surface scattering techniques. A few examples of measurements made using this spectrometer are presented, including studies of organic monolayers on the surface of water and of the structure of strongly fluctuating oil–microemulsion interfaces. The measurements discussed illustrate the accuracy, resolution, and capabilities of the spectrometer. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.