Dexed vs Surge XT
Dexed
asb2m10.github.io
Surge XT
surge-synthesizer.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Dexed | Surge XT |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Instruments | 8.9 (#1) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.8 (#3) | 8.3 (#9) |
| License | Dexed is GPL version 3 software; its msfa component remains under Apache 2.0. | Surge XT source and distributed binaries are released under GPL3, while music and sounds made with it can be commercially used without a separate license. |
| Limit: learning curve | An independent review says FM synthesis and Dexed's parameter-heavy interface are intimidating for beginners. | Audiocolour said the large number of oscillators, filters, modulation choices and effects creates a steep learning curve. |
| Plugin formats | The official feature list names VST, Audio Unit and LV2 builds for OS X, Windows and Linux. | Official downloads include VST3, AU, CLAP and Linux LV2 builds depending on platform and release. |
| What it does | Dexed is a multi-platform FM synthesizer plugin modeled closely on Yamaha's DX7 and also works as a MIDI cartridge librarian. | Surge XT is a free, open-source hybrid software synthesizer available as a standalone application and plug-in. |
Plans
In their own words
Dexed
Dexed is a free synth plugin and standalone app modeled on the Yamaha DX7. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, with VST, AU and LV2 plugin formats. Its sound engine follows the original DX7’s characteristics and includes Modern, Mark I and OPL Series engine types. Dexed also serves as a MIDI cartridge librarian for the DX7: it can load and save DX7/TX7 SysEx programs, save an individual program to a separate SysEx file, and exchange DX7 SysEx messages, including controller change. A single panel exposes 144 DAW-automatable DX7 parameters, and each operator has a real-time VU meter. Microtuning and MPE support were contributed by the Surge Synthesizer Team. Dexed is free software under GPL v3, at free. The project says documentation is minimal and cautions against expecting a perfect DX7 clone. Release 1.0.1 fixes scaling issues and rebuilds the Linux binary for older glibc versions.
Surge XT
Surge XT is a free, open-source virtual instrument plugin and hybrid synthesizer for making music. Each patch has two scenes that can be layered or split, and each scene has three oscillators with 12 algorithms, including wavetable, FM, string, and audio input. Its listed library includes over 2,800 patches and over 700 wavetables. Other features include 12 LFO units, flexible modulation routing, and 16 effect units with 27 algorithms. Performance support includes MPE, Scala and MTS-ESP microtuning, and Open Sound Control. Surge XT runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with plugin formats varying by platform: CLAP and VST3 on Windows; AU, CLAP, and VST3 on macOS; and CLAP, LV2, and VST3 on Linux. It primarily needs a DAW or another compatible host, though a standalone executable is available. Version 1.3.4 is identified as the stable release for normal production use. The software is licensed under GPL3.