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Surge XT VS LinuxSampler

Compare Surge XT VS LinuxSampler and see what are their differences

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Surge XT logo Surge XT

Open-source subtractive-hybrid synthesizer formerly sold commercially as Vember Audio Surge.

LinuxSampler logo LinuxSampler

LinuxSampler - free, open source pure software audio sampler with professional grade features.
  • Surge XT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-31

Surge XT is an open-source hybrid synthesizer and the synth which started the Surge Synth Team project!

  • LinuxSampler Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-27

Surge XT features and specs

  • Open Source
    Surge XT is open source, which means it is free to use and benefit from community-driven improvements and support.
  • Cross-Platform
    The synthesizer is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility in usage across different operating systems.
  • Versatile Synthesis Engine
    Surge XT supports a wide variety of synthesis techniques like subtractive, wavetable, and FM synthesis, making it very versatile for different sound design needs.
  • Extensive Modulation Options
    The synthesizer comes with a robust modulation matrix, giving users substantial control and creativity over sound modulation.
  • High-Quality Effects
    Includes numerous high-quality built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion, enabling rich and complex sound designs.
  • User Community and Documentation
    Surge XT has active community support and comprehensive documentation, which can be extremely helpful for both beginners and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of Surge XT

  • Learning Curve
    The plethora of features and extensive modulation options may present a steep learning curve for new users.
  • User Interface
    While functional, the user interface is considered less polished compared to some commercial synthesizers, which might affect the user experience.
  • CPU Usage
    The synth can be CPU-intensive, especially when using multiple instances or complex patches, which may affect performance on less powerful systems.
  • Limited Presets
    Although the software includes a range of presets, it may fall short compared to some commercial offerings with extensive preset libraries.
  • No Official Support
    Being an open-source project, there is no dedicated customer support, which might be an issue for users who need professional help on demand.

LinuxSampler features and specs

  • Open Source
    LinuxSampler is open source, allowing users to access, modify, and distribute the software freely, making it a flexible option for those who prefer customizable software solutions.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software is compatible with various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.
  • High-Quality Sampling
    LinuxSampler is designed to deliver high-quality sample playback, which is crucial for professional audio production and composition.
  • Advanced Features
    It offers advanced features like disk streaming, which allows for efficient handling of large sample libraries, reducing memory requirements.
  • Community Support
    A dedicated community of users and developers contributes to the project's development, offering support and resources for troubleshooting and enhancement.

Possible disadvantages of LinuxSampler

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex, requiring users to have a good understanding of audio software and systems.
  • Limited GUI Interface
    LinuxSampler's graphical user interface might not be as intuitive or visually appealing as some commercial competitors, which can be a drawback for users who prefer visual ease.
  • Lack of Official Documentation
    There is a lack of comprehensive official documentation, which can make it difficult for new users to understand and utilize all the features fully.
  • Slow Development
    The development pace may be slower compared to commercial software, leading to delays in new features and updates being rolled out.
  • Limited Instrument Library
    Compared to commercial sampling solutions, LinuxSampler may have a smaller library of ready-to-use instruments, requiring users to source or create their own samples.

Analysis of Surge XT

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Surge XT is considered an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced producers due to its rich feature set, ease of use, and the fact that it is free.

Why this product is good

  • Surge XT is a highly acclaimed open-source software synthesizer known for its extensive features, versatility, and high-quality sound. It offers a broad range of synthesis techniques, a wide variety of presets, and modular modulation capabilities which provide creative flexibility for sound designers and musicians.

Recommended for

  • Music producers looking for a powerful and versatile synthesizer.
  • Sound designers who want to explore a wide range of sound creation possibilities.
  • Beginners seeking a cost-effective entry point into electronic music production.
  • Users who value open-source software with ongoing community support and development.

Surge XT videos

+ Add

Free VST - Surge Synthesizer plugin

LinuxSampler videos

+ Add

Making a rap beat with the linuxsampler!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Surge XT and LinuxSampler)

Surge XT

LinuxSampler

Email Marketing
86 86%
Email Marketing
14% 14
Audio & Music
59 59%
Audio & Music
41% 41
Work Management
86 86%
Work Management
14% 14
Cloud Computing
100 100%
Cloud Computing
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Surge XT and LinuxSampler. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Surge XT seems to be a lot more popular than LinuxSampler. While we know about 178 links to Surge XT, we've tracked only 1 mention of LinuxSampler. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Surge XT mentions (178)

  • Ask HN: Comment here about whatever you're passionate about at the moment
    Good stuff! I started getting in to this at the start of the year. Already had an old, dusty MicroKORG and MIDI interface to use it as a controller, but recently splashed out on a bigger controller as the Korg's tiny keys were hurting me - plus, I wanted something bigger to get better at piano! A couple of free soft synths I'd recommend are Surge XT, and Vital. https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Obsolete (or not) DAW recommendations for windows 8?
    Https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ and https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/ should work like a charm. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Hi, I'm new
    To get the equivalent of a symphonic orchestra in your computer, the solution is basically money; you buy the instruments you need. In the case of synthesizers, things are much cheaper - if you put in the effort yourself. https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ is excellent and could even be used if you wanted to make a more retro-style soundtrack. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • So is serum worth the money? Can someone ELI5 why I should buy it rather than use a free synth like synth one?
    Instead of Synth1, try https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ . It's pretty much better in every aspect except for the UI which is going to look a lot more daunting to you ;). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • These just appeared in my Facebook, anything to be excited about? I’m waiting on prices.
    For the DW-8000, check https://www.fullbucket.de/music/fb7999.html . Alternatively, https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ can use single-cycle waveforms (basically wavetables that don't change) which can get you close. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

LinuxSampler mentions (1)

  • Is there any way to get a piano sound as good as Ableton Grand Piano, on Linux?
    These can be loaded via linuxsampler, Carla, or Sfizz, all of which are FOSS plugins/programs capable of loading SFZ libraries. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Surge XT and LinuxSampler, you can also consider the following products

Vital - Vital is a spectral warping wavetable synthesizer with drag'n'drop modulation workflow and animated preview of the synth's inner workings where needed. Comes with many modulation sources (including audio-rate), MPE support and FX chain.

Kontakt - With KONTAKT 6, you can sound like a snare drum, a symphony orchestra, or anything in between, from a universe of sampled instruments.

ZynAddSubFX - ZynAddSubFX is an open source software synthesizer for Linux, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.

UVI Falcon - Sampler/synth hybrid instrument

Serum - VST for FL Studio, Ableton Live, and many other VST supported DAWs. Heavily utilized in EDM.

Magix Independence Free - Magix Independence Free is a sampler software that allows you to create any type of sound with its 2Gb library.

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