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.

Feature	ZynAddSubFX	Surge Synthesizer
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Audio & Music	Audio & Music

Product Overview

ZynAddSubFX

Description: 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.

Surge Synthesizer

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

ZynAddSubFX Features

• 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

Surge Synthesizer Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

ZynAddSubFX

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

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

Pricing Comparison

ZynAddSubFX

• Open Source

Surge Synthesizer

• Free
• Open Source