Helm vs Surge XT
Helm
tytel.org
Surge XT
surge-synthesizer.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Helm | 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 |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.6 (#4) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Effects | Built-in effects are formant filtering, stutter, distortion, delay and reverb. | The effects architecture has 16 units arranged as scene inserts, sends and master effects, with 27 listed algorithms plus Airwindows effects. |
| Filters | Helm provides blendable 12 dB and 24 dB low-, band- and high-pass filters plus low-, band- and high-shelf filters. | The filter section provides two filter units in eight configurations, with feedback available in seven configurations. |
| Modulation | Modulation sources include two monophonic LFOs, one polyphonic LFO, three envelopes, keyboard controls, random values and polyphonic aftertouch. | Surge XT provides 12 LFO units, DAHDSR envelopes, step sequencing, MSEG modulation up to 128 nodes and Lua-based formula modulation. |
| Oscillators | The synthesizer has two oscillators with cross modulation and up to 15 unison oscillators per oscillator. | Each scene has three oscillators with 12 algorithms including wavetable, FM, string, Twist, noise and audio-input modes. |
| Plugin formats | The official site distributes Helm as standalone software and LV2, VST, VST3 and AU plugins. | Official downloads include VST3, AU, CLAP and Linux LV2 builds depending on platform and release. |
| Praise: value | Equipboard reviewers repeatedly praise Helm as a free alternative to expensive synth plugins and suitable for producers with limited budgets. | ProSoundPicks described the instrument as fully featured, community-driven and unusually strong value because it is free and open source. |
| Self-hosting | Developers can build and install standalone, LV2 and VST binaries locally with make on Linux, with Xcode projects for macOS and Visual Studio solutions for Windows. | The project can be built and installed locally with CMake, including Linux installation under a chosen CMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX. |
| Support | The maker asks users to email bug reports with operating system, standalone or plugin details and crash information. | The FAQ directs users who need help to the Surge Synth Team Discord help channel. |
| What it does | Helm is a computer software synthesizer for creating electronic music. | Surge XT is a free, open-source hybrid software synthesizer available as a standalone application and plug-in. |
Plans
In their own words
Helm
Helm is a free software synthesizer for creating electronic music on a computer. It is available as a standalone application or as a plugin in LV2, VST, VST3, or AU formats, with GNU/Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows versions in 32-bit and 64-bit editions. Its sound tools include dual oscillators with cross modulation, unison, a sub oscillator, filters, modulation, a step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and audio effects. MIDI Learn lets users assign a MIDI control to a knob or slider. The maker describes Helm as software that can be run without DRM, studied, changed, and redistributed in original or modified form. The FAQ says the person who plays a sound made with Helm holds its copyright. Listed requirements include Windows 7 or later, MacOS 10.7 or later, Ubuntu Trusty 14.04 or later, and Debian Jessie or later. The project is described as being in beta with outstanding bugs. For bug reports, the maker asks users to include details such as what happened, crash reports, their operating system, and whether they use the plugin or standalone version.
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.