brew install --cask surge-synthesizer
If you have used it in the past, it will be like welcoming an old friend back into your life. If you are new to Surge, welcome to the party. Come on in, the water is fine.
Synthesis method: Subtractive hybrid
Each patch contain two scenes which are separate instances of the entire synthesis engine (except effects) that can be used to create layered or split patches.
Quick category-based patch browser
Runs on a variety of operating systems, plugin formats, and architectures
2116 patches
614 wavetables
3 oscillators per scene.
8 versatile oscillator algorithms: Classic, Sine, Wavetable, Window, FM2, FM3, S&H Noise and Audio Input.
Classic oscillator is a morphable pulse/saw/dual saw oscillator with a sub-oscillator and hard sync.
FM2/FM3 oscillators consist of a carrier and 2 or 3 modulators and various options.
Most algorithms (except FM2, FM3 and Audio input) offer up to 16-voice unison at the oscillator level.
Oscillator FM and ring modulation between oscillators 1-2 and 2-3.
Most oscillator algorithms (except FM2, FM3 and Sine) are strictly band-limited, yet still cover the entire audible spectrum, delivering a clear, punchy and clean sound.
Noise generator with variable spectrum.
Two filter units in 8 different configurations.
Feedback loop available in 7 of those configurations.
Available filter algorithms: Lowpass (12 and 24 dB/oct, each with 3 variations), Legacy Ladder Lowpass (6-24 dB/oct), Vintage Ladder Lowpass (2 variations, each with and without gain compensation), Highpass (12 and 24 dB/oct, each with 3 variations), Bandpass (12 and 24 dB/oct, each with 3 variations), Notch (12 and 24 dB/oct, each with 2 variations), Allpass (3 variations), Comb (positive and negative), S&H.
Open-source additions to our filter bank contain: K35 and Diode Ladder filter types from Odin 2 synthesizer, 12 and 24 dB/oct multimode filters from OB-Xd, and weird but fascinating Cutoff Warp and Resonance Warp filters by Jatin Chowdhury!
Filters can self-oscillate (with excitation) and respond amazingly fast to cutoff frequency changes.
Waveshaper (5 shapes).
12 LFO units available, 6 are per voice and 6 are global for the whole scene.
DAHDSR envelope generators on every LFO.
DAHDSR envelope generators on every LFO.
LFO shapes consist of 7 deformable LFO waveforms, step sequencer, and a fully-fledged multi-segment envelope generator (MSEG), with various curves and up to 128 nodes.
Voice LFOs allow envelope retriggering in step sequencer mode.
Extremely fast and flexible modulation routing. Almost every continuous parameter can be modulated!
8 effect units arranged as 2 inserts per scene, 2 sends and 2 master effects.
14 effect algorithms:
EQ, Distortion, Conditioner (low/high EQ, stereo image and limiter), Frequency Shifter, Rotary Speaker, Ring Modulator, Vocoder, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Delay, Reverb 1, Reverb 2, and Airwindows (itself containing 48 wonderful effects of various kinds!)
Surge is supported by a community of volunteer open source developers, designers, testers, musicians, synthesizer enthusiasts, and content creators.
Without them, none of this is possible. If you're interested in seeing what's going on with the project the best thing to do is:
If you are interested in contributing, we welcome developers who know or want to learn C++, git, graphics and Web design.
There’s plenty of open issues and our Slack channel can help you find a good first one if you want.
Hop over to the project issues page to see what we need help with.
You can also join the conversation in #surge-development channel at the Surge Synthesizer Discord server. We'll help get you started!
If you would like to pitch in and have interests in UX, UI, visual design or any other design related topic there are plenty of open issues.
The #design channel on Surge Synthesizer Discord server can help you find something to get started with.
Know any testers? Umm, asking for a friend.
Testing is a way that everyone can help contribute. All you would need to do is install a copy of Surge.
There are so many combinations of operating systems and DAWs that it is really difficult to make sure everything gets tested under all contexts.
If you would like to get involved jump in over here:
If you love to use Surge and make amazing presets or music we want to hear from you.
In fact, we would love to have you pitch in and help out with the project!
We are looking for people that have content that showcases Surge in all of its glory.
If you make patches, write entire songs using only Surge, or anything in between we would love for you to get involved.
We love Surge. We also love people.
Community is a big thing to us on this project. We want an inclusive, positive, and happy community with contributions from a large set of differing viewpoints and backgrounds.
Let's be kind to each other and treat each other with respect. It takes all of us working together to make the community great.
We are looking forward to your insights and contributions.
Let's make something amazing!
- The Management
This project is maintained by the community at the GitHub Surge Synthesizer open source project