Side by side
Surge XT vs SynthMaster 3
Both stand on software synthesizers. 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 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 XT Free plan iPhoneMacWindows
SynthMaster 3 offers a modular structure, multiple synthesis methods, editing tools, and routing options. The demo has notable restrictions, so review its limits before relying on it for regular work.
Visit SynthMaster 3The facts
| Surge XT | SynthMaster 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | SynthMaster 3: $99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 9 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | surge-synthesizer.github.io | kv331audio.com |
| On software synthesizers | #4 of 38 | #8 of 38 |
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.
SynthMaster 3: what it does well
- Includes 3150 factory presets
- Supports four listed plug-in formats
- Each layer has its own MIDI output channel
- Imports multi-samples from WAV or AIFF
What to know first
- Demo stops after 30 minutes
- Demo emits noise every minute
- Demo disables WAV wavetable and SFZ multi-sample export
- Full plan costs $99, paid once
Alternatives to Surge XT Alternatives to SynthMaster 3 The whole list