Surge XT vs Thorn

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.

Thorn is a software synthesizer for modern electronic music production, available as a 64-bit plugin for Windows and macOS. Its three spectral oscillators shape harmonics and support FM, ring modulation, pulse-width modulation and hard sync. Sixteen-frame spectrum tables provide editable, morphable harmonic sources, while additive spectral synthesis, harmonic filtering and spectral effects form the sound engine. Two analog-modeled multimode filters and nine effects extend sound shaping. Modulation includes three ADSR envelopes, three LFOs and two multistage envelopes. A flexible 16-step arpeggiator outputs MIDI, and a grid-based Glitch sequencer supplies another sequencing method. Plugin Alliance lists more than 600 presets. Thorn runs in VST2, VST3, AU or AAX hosts and is not a standalone application. Listed operating-system support is Windows 10–11 and macOS 13–26, including Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. A 14-day trial is offered; earlier-license owners are quoted a $19 USD upgrade.