EastWest ComposerCloud+ vs Surge XT
EastWest ComposerCloud+
soundsonline.com
Surge XT
surge-synthesizer.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | EastWest ComposerCloud+ | Surge XT |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5.75/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Instruments | 8.2 (#5) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Founded | 1988 | 2005 |
| Intended users | EastWest describes the collection as suited to music creators working in music, film, television, and game industries. | The site presents Surge XT for sound designers and music makers, and welcomes volunteer developers, designers, testers, and content creators. |
| Support | EastWest says its Support Center offers live chat for technical issues, with a message option when an agent is unavailable. | The FAQ directs users who need help to the Surge Synth Team Discord help channel. |
Plans
EastWest ComposerCloud+
- Student monthly$9.99 a month
- Individual monthly$19.99 a month
- Student yearly$69 a year
- Individual yearly$149 a year
In their own words
EastWest ComposerCloud+
EastWest ComposerCloud+ is a subscription library providing more than 43,000 virtual instruments for composers, producers, and creators. Its collection covers orchestral instruments, synths and keys, vocals, rock and pop, world instruments, and convolution reverb. Through the OPUS engine, subscribers search, audition, and download instruments for local DAW use. OPUS includes sample streaming, routing and microphone-position controls, processing, macros, controller mappings, and on-demand loading. Licenses activate on a computer or iLok key, with two activated devices allowed per subscription. EastWest states that instruments are royalty free for commercial use and creators retain rights to their work. Internet access is required for searching, auditioning, and downloading; an optional content hard drive requires monthly online validation. After cancellation, licensed instruments stop loading in OPUS, but exported audio continues playing. Supported systems are Mac OS X 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later. Plans include 9.99 USD monthly for students, 19.99 USD monthly for individuals, 69.00 USD yearly for students, and 149.00 USD yearly for individuals. A 14-day trial is listed.
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.