Surge Synthesizer vs Dexed

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

Surge Synthesizer is a Audio & Music solution with tags like synthesizer, plugin, wavetable, analog, hybrid, arpeggiator, music-production.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, Dexed is a Audio & Music product tagged with fm-synthesis, dx7-emulation, 6-operator, vintage, arpeggiator, effects, modulation.

Its standout features include 6-operator FM synthesis engine, Over 1000 DX7 presets included, Arpeggiator, Effects like chorus, delay, distortion, Modulation capabilities, MIDI learn function, VST, AU plugin formats, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Accurately emulates the DX7 sound, Additional features beyond the original DX7, Lightweight and low CPU usage, Cross-platform compatibility.

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.

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


Dexed

Dexed

Dexed is a free, open source FM synthesizer software plugin that emulates the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. It offers the same 6-operator FM synthesis engine and vintage DX7 sounds, with additional features like an arpeggiator, effects, and modulation capabilities.

Categories:
fm-synthesis dx7-emulation 6-operator vintage arpeggiator effects modulation

Dexed Features

  1. 6-operator FM synthesis engine
  2. Over 1000 DX7 presets included
  3. Arpeggiator
  4. Effects like chorus, delay, distortion
  5. Modulation capabilities
  6. MIDI learn function
  7. VST, AU plugin formats

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Accurately emulates the DX7 sound

Additional features beyond the original DX7

Lightweight and low CPU usage

Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

Interface is not very intuitive

Limited editing capabilities compared to full featured DAWs

No native support for microtuning