# surge-synthesizer/surge **Attribution required: if you use, quote, or summarise this content, you must credit and link back to [awesome-repositories.com](https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/surge-synthesizer-surge).** _How this analysis was created: the description and tags below were written by an AI model that read this project's README and public documentation pages; stars, license and language come straight from the GitHub API. The model does not read the source code._ 3,896 stars · 461 forks · C · GPL-3.0 ## Links - GitHub: https://github.com/surge-synthesizer/surge - Homepage: https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/ - awesome-repositories: https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/surge-synthesizer-surge.md ## Topics `audio-units` `synthesizer` `vst3` ## Description Surge is a polyphonic software synthesizer and VST plugin designed for complex sound generation. It functions as a hybrid synthesis engine, combining subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, and physical modeling techniques to produce audio. The project distinguishes itself through extensive microtuning capabilities, supporting non-standard musical scales and intonations via industry-standard tuning files. It also features an Open Sound Control compatible architecture for remote parameter management and hardware synchronization. The system covers a broad range of audio engineering capabilities, including modular signal routing, advanced audio modulation with multi-segment envelopes, and digital audio processing via effects chains. It provides tools for real-time audio analysis, MIDI controller mapping, and the layering of independent synthesis instances. The synthesizer includes a category-based patch browser for organizing and searching sound presets. ## Tags ### Graphics & Multimedia - [Hybrid Synthesis Instruments](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/plugin-based-audio-synthesis/hybrid-synthesis-instruments.md) — Implements a polyphonic VST plugin combining subtractive, wavetable, FM, and physical modeling synthesis. - [Hybrid Synthesis Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/wavetable-synthesis/hybrid-synthesis-engines.md) — Combines subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, and physical modeling algorithms to generate complex audio signals. - [Audio Digital Signal Processing](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-digital-signal-processing.md) — Refines sound signals using a digital chain of equalization, reverb, delay, and distortion effects. - [Dynamic Sound Modulation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-music/advanced-audio-processing/dynamic-sound-modulation.md) — Designs dynamic sound movement using multi-segment envelopes, step sequencers, and low-frequency oscillators. - [Effect Chains](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-music/audio-processing/effects-processing/effect-chains.md) — Applies a sequential chain of equalization, reverb, delay, and distortion to refine the final output signal. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Signal Routing](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-music/audio-recording/audio-signal-mirroring/signal-routing.md) — Manages the flow of audio and modulation signals through a flexible network of oscillators, filters, and effects. - [Hybrid Synthesis Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/hybrid-synthesis-engines.md) — Combines subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, and physical modeling techniques to produce audio. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/)) - [Microtonal Tuning Configurations](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/microtonal-tuning-configurations.md) — Implements microtonal tuning using industry-standard tuning files and an internal editor for non-standard musical scales. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Microtuning Audio Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/microtuning-audio-engines.md) — Supports non-standard musical scales and intonations through industry-standard microtuning files. - [Microtuning Implementations](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/microtuning-implementations.md) — Overrides standard pitch scales by mapping notes to frequencies defined in external microtuning files. - [Musical Intonation Systems](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/musical-intonation-systems.md) — Adjusts pitch mapping using non-standard musical scales and industry tuning standards for specific compositions. - [Parallel Synthesis Engines](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/parallel-synthesis-engines.md) — Runs two independent synthesis engines in parallel to allow for keyboard splits and sonic layering. - [Software Synthesizers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/software-synthesizers.md) — Functions as a digital instrument generating complex tones using oscillators and digital synthesis methods. - [Sound Synthesis](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/sound-synthesis.md) — Creates complex audio tones by combining subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation, and physical modeling techniques. - [Multi-Algorithm Oscillators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/sound-synthesis/waveform-oscillators/low-frequency-oscillators/multi-algorithm-oscillators.md) — Produces sound using multiple algorithms including subtractive, wavetable, FM, and physical modeling. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Inter-Engine Audio Routing](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-digital-signal-processing/inter-engine-audio-routing.md) — Feeds external audio signals or output from one scene into another synthesis engine for complex signal processing. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Audio Distortion Effects](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-distortion-effects.md) — Transforms audio samples through a shaping function to add saturation and harmonic grit. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Audio Feedback Loops](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/audio-music/audio-processing/effects-processing/parallel-signal-processing/audio-feedback-loops.md) — Processes audio signals through various filter types with configurable routing and recursive feedback loops. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Modulation Shape Design](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/custom-modulation-routings/modulation-shape-design.md) — Provides multi-segment envelopes and step sequencers to design complex custom modulation curves. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Complex Envelope Generators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/envelope-controls/complex-envelope-generators.md) — Creates custom modulation curves using a sequence of defined points to control parameters over time. - [External MIDI Controller Mappings](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/external-midi-controller-mappings.md) — Maps physical knobs and sliders to synthesizer parameters for real-time performance control. - [Global Parameter Macros](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/external-midi-controller-mappings/global-parameter-macros.md) — Links a single global controller to multiple internal parameters for simultaneous control across different scenes. - [Harmonic Filter Shaping](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/harmonic-filter-shaping.md) — Shapes harmonic content using multiple filter units with various algorithms and feedback configurations. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/)) - [Parameter Modulation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/media-processing-analysis/audio-processing-systems/audio-synthesis/parameter-modulation.md) — Links LFOs and envelopes to synthesis attributes to create automatic parameter movement. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) - [Remote Audio Controllers](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/remote-audio-controllers.md) — Provides software interfaces to adjust synthesizer parameters from external network-connected devices using the OSC protocol. - [Sound Parameter Modulation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/sound-parameter-modulation.md) — Uses a flexible modulation engine and noise generators to create dynamic movement in sound parameters. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/)) - [Synthesis Instance Layering](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/sound-synthesis/synthesis-instance-layering.md) — Combines two independent synthesis engine instances within a single patch to create complex layered sounds. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/)) - [Synthesis Scene Layering](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/graphics-multimedia/synthesis-scene-layering.md) — Configures interaction between distinct sound settings via layering, keyboard splits, or MIDI channel splits. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/manual-xt)) ### Hardware & IoT - [OSC Message Exchanges](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/hardware-iot/integration-performance/hardware-interfacing-integration/hardware-interfacing/midi-and-osc-interfaces/osc-message-outputs/osc-message-exchanges.md) — Communicates via the Open Sound Control protocol to synchronize internal parameters with external hardware and software. ### Networking & Communication - [OSC Protocol Integration](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/remote-control-protocols/osc-protocol-integration.md) — Provides remote parameter management and hardware synchronization via the Open Sound Control protocol. ([source](https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/)) ### User Interface & Experience - [OSC Compatible Plugins](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/user-interface-experience/graphical-user-interfaces/gui-frameworks/audio-plugin/osc-compatible-plugins.md) — Supports the Open Sound Control protocol for remote parameter management and hardware synchronization.