Surge XT
Free hybrid synth by Surge Synth Team · since 2005 · version 1.3.4

What Surge XT is
A former $99 synth, open-sourced and then out-developed by its community. Twelve oscillator types, 2,800 patches.
- 12 oscillator algorithms including Wavetable, FM, String, Twist
- Over 2,800 patches and 700 wavetables included
- MPE, microtuning (Scala/MTS-ESP), Lua formula modulation
How to install Surge XT
Surge XT runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It ships as VST3, AU, CLAP and LV2, plus a standalone version that needs no DAW. Logic Pro and GarageBand users need the AU build. If your DAW supports CLAP (Bitwig, Reaper, FL Studio), prefer that build. Download it from surge-synthesizer.github.io, run the installer or copy the plugin into your plugin folder, then rescan plugins in your DAW.
Questions
Is Surge XT free?
Yes. Surge XT is free from Surge Synth Team, and it is open source under the GPL-3.0 license. There is no trial period and no feature lock.
What plugin formats does Surge XT support?
Surge XT is available as VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2 and Standalone.
Which operating systems run Surge XT?
Surge XT runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
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