Side by side
Dexed vs Surge XT
Both stand on virtual instruments. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source iPhoneLinuxMac+1
Dexed pairs a DX7-modeled synth with librarian functions and a broad set of automatable parameters. It is free under GPL v3, though documentation is limited and the project cautions against expecting a perfect clone.
Visit Dexed
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows
Surge XT offers a broad synthesis and modulation feature set at no cost, with plugin and standalone use. Check the available plugin formats for your operating system and note that plugin operation requires a compatible host.
Visit Surge XTThe facts
| Dexed | Surge XT | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | asb2m10.github.io | surge-synthesizer.github.io |
| On virtual instruments | #1 of 33 | #2 of 33 |
Dexed: what it does well
- Free software under GPL v3.
- Available as plugin and standalone app.
- Supports VST, AU, and LV2 formats.
- Exposes 144 DAW-automatable parameters.
- Loads and saves DX7/TX7 SysEx programs.
What to know first
- Documentation is minimal.
- It is not expected to be a perfect DX7 clone.
Surge XT: what it does well
- Free and open source under GPL3.
- Includes over 2,800 patches and 700 wavetables.
- Supports MPE and two microtuning systems.
- Standalone executable is available.
- Users may commercially license output made with it.
What to know first
- Plugin use requires a DAW or compatible host.
- AAX builds are not distributed.
- Stable release identified is version 1.3.4.
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