iSEM Synthesizer vs Surge Synthesizer

Struggling to choose between iSEM Synthesizer and Surge Synthesizer? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

iSEM Synthesizer is a Audio & Music solution with tags like synthesizer, virtual-instrument, analog-emulation, free, obx, obxa.

It boasts features such as 2 oscillators with sawtooth, pulse, triangle and noise waveforms, 1 sub oscillator, 2 filters (12dB lowpass and 24dB lowpass/bandpass), 2 ADSR envelopes, Arpeggiator, Built-in effects like chorus, delay, reverb, Supports MIDI input, 64 voice polyphony, Vintage OB-X/OB-Xa sound and pros including Free and open source, Faithful emulation of classic OB-X synth, Lots of sound design possibilities, Low CPU usage, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux).

On the other hand, Surge Synthesizer is a Audio & Music product tagged with synthesizer, plugin, wavetable, analog, hybrid, arpeggiator, music-production.

Its standout features include Multiple synth engines: wavetable, analog, FM, noise, etc., Effects like distortion, delay, reverb, EQ, chorus, phaser, etc., Modulation options like LFOs and envelopes, Arpeggiator and step sequencer, Unison, portamento, and legato functions, Resizable interface, MIDI learn functionality, 500+ factory presets, and it shines with pros like Completely free and open source, Very versatile with different synth engines, Lots of modulation options for sound design, Good selection of effects, Lightweight on CPU, Works as VST, AU, AAX plugin.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

iSEM Synthesizer

iSEM Synthesizer

iSEM Synthesizer is a free virtual instrument that emulates the iconic OB-X and OB-Xa analog synthesizers. It has 2 oscillators, 1 sub oscillator, 2 filters, 2 envelopes, an arpeggiator, and effects. Great for vintage synth sounds.

Categories:
synthesizer virtual-instrument analog-emulation free obx obxa

ISEM Synthesizer Features

  1. 2 oscillators with sawtooth, pulse, triangle and noise waveforms
  2. 1 sub oscillator
  3. 2 filters (12dB lowpass and 24dB lowpass/bandpass)
  4. 2 ADSR envelopes
  5. Arpeggiator
  6. Built-in effects like chorus, delay, reverb
  7. Supports MIDI input
  8. 64 voice polyphony
  9. Vintage OB-X/OB-Xa sound

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Free and open source

Faithful emulation of classic OB-X synth

Lots of sound design possibilities

Low CPU usage

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Cons

No modulation options

Only one LFO

No microtuning capabilities

No patch memory

No audio export option


Surge Synthesizer

Surge Synthesizer

Surge Synthesizer is a free, open-source digital synthesizer plugin for music production. It features multiple wavetable, analog, and hybrid synth engines with effects, modulation options, an arpeggiator, and more for crafting sounds.

Categories:
synthesizer plugin wavetable analog hybrid arpeggiator music-production

Surge Synthesizer Features

  1. Multiple synth engines: wavetable, analog, FM, noise, etc.
  2. Effects like distortion, delay, reverb, EQ, chorus, phaser, etc.
  3. Modulation options like LFOs and envelopes
  4. Arpeggiator and step sequencer
  5. Unison, portamento, and legato functions
  6. Resizable interface
  7. MIDI learn functionality
  8. 500+ factory presets

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Completely free and open source

Very versatile with different synth engines

Lots of modulation options for sound design

Good selection of effects

Lightweight on CPU

Works as VST, AU, AAX plugin

Cons

Steep learning curve

Interface can be confusing at first

Limited MIDI CC support

No native support for microtuning