ZynAddSubFX vs Surge Synthesizer

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

ZynAddSubFX is a Audio & Music solution with tags like open-source, subtractive-synthesis, additive-synthesis, fm-synthesis, linux, macos, windows.

It boasts features such as Subtractive synthesis, Additive synthesis, Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, Ring modulation synthesis, Amplitude modulation (AM) synthesis, Wavetable synthesis, Filter, equalizer, flanger, phaser, chorus, delay, reverb effects, Envelopes, LFOs, and other modulators, Microtonal capabilities, Supports MIDI and OSC and pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows), Powerful synthesis capabilities, Lots of effects and modulation options, User-friendly interface, Active development community.

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.

ZynAddSubFX

ZynAddSubFX

ZynAddSubFX is an open source software synthesizer for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It features subtractive, additive, FM, and other synthesis methods with effects, modulators, and filters for creating a wide range of sounds.

Categories:
Audio & Music Synthesizers
open-source subtractive-synthesis additive-synthesis fm-synthesis linux macos windows

ZynAddSubFX Features

  1. Subtractive synthesis
  2. Additive synthesis
  3. Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis
  4. Ring modulation synthesis
  5. Amplitude modulation (AM) synthesis
  6. Wavetable synthesis
  7. Filter, equalizer, flanger, phaser, chorus, delay, reverb effects
  8. Envelopes, LFOs, and other modulators
  9. Microtonal capabilities
  10. Supports MIDI and OSC

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows)

Powerful synthesis capabilities

Lots of effects and modulation options

User-friendly interface

Active development community

Cons

Steep learning curve

Can be CPU-intensive

Limited sample support

No native support for VST plugins

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:
Audio & Music Synthesizers
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