Surge XT vs SynthMaster 3
Surge XT
surge-synthesizer.github.ioSynthMaster 3
kv331audio.comSide by side
| Figure | Surge XT | SynthMaster 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 9 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.3 (#9) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Factory content | The official site lists more than 2,800 factory patches and over 700 wavetables. | The current official product page lists 3,150 factory presets created by named sound designers. |
| Founded | 2005 | 2004 |
| Modulation | Surge XT provides 12 LFO units, DAHDSR envelopes, step sequencing, MSEG modulation up to 128 nodes and Lua-based formula modulation. | Each layer can use up to 32 modulation sources, including envelopes, LFO variants, Noise LFO and Scaler. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users who need help to the Surge Synth Team Discord help channel. | The maker directs users with product support issues to its contact form. |
| Waveshaper | A waveshaper with 43 shapes is included. | The waveshaper supplies distortion, folding, rectification, clipping and bitcrushing algorithms plus a user-drawn symmetric or asymmetric curve. |
| What it does | Surge XT is a free, open-source hybrid software synthesizer available as a standalone application and plug-in. | SynthMaster 3 is KV331 Audio’s flagship semi-modular software synthesizer for sound design and music production. |
Plans
SynthMaster 3
- SynthMaster 3$99, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 Free BetaFree
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- Everything Bundle$249, paid once
In their own words
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.
SynthMaster 3
SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer available as a standalone app and plug-in for macOS and Windows. It offers VAnalog, additive, vector, wavetable, granular, phase modulation, phase distortion, frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, ring modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback. Each instance can contain up to 16 layers, with each layer holding up to 16 modules and 32 modulation sources. The software includes waveform, wavetable, and multi-sample editors; multi-samples can be imported from WAV or AIFF files and exported in SFZ format. Each layer has a MIDI output channel for routing arpeggiator or sequencer output to different DAW tracks. Plug-in formats are VST2, VST3, AudioUnits, and AAX. The product includes 3150 factory presets. SynthMaster 3 costs $99, paid once and includes 6 free expansions. A free player and demo are also available. The demo stops after 30 minutes, adds noise every minute, and disables WAV wavetable and SFZ multi-sample export.