Surge Plugin Description: A Hybrid Synthesizer for Your Music
Surge is a powerful hybrid subtractive synthesizer that combines classic synthesis principles with modern innovations. Developed by the Surge Synth Team, this instrument offers exceptional flexibility and depth for creating unique sounds, from warm analog patterns to complex digital textures. Its key feature is the presence of two independent scenes in each patch, which can be used for layering sounds or creating complex split parts, providing endless possibilities for sound design and live performances.
Sound Architecture: Oscillators, Filters, and Modulation
The heart of Surge’s sound engine is high-performance and multifunctional modules that allow you to shape the sound with the finest details.
Oscillators
Each voice of the Surge synthesizer is equipped with three oscillators, offering a choice of eight different algorithms:
- Classic: Morphing pulse/saw/dualsaw oscillator with a sub-oscillator and the ability to auto-synchronize.
- Sine: Pure sinusoidal tone.
- Wavetable: Uses one of 183 built-in wavetables for variable synthesis.
- Window: A unique algorithm for specific timbres.
- FM2/FM3: Two- or three-operator FM synthesis with different options.
- S/H Noise: Sample and Hold Noise oscillator for generating random signals.
- Audio-input: Allows you to use an external audio signal as a sound source.
Most algorithms support up to 16 unison voices at the oscillator level, allowing for the creation of extremely rich and wide timbres. Surge oscillators are designed to be strictly band-limited (except for FM2/FM3, Sine, and Audio-input), ensuring a clean, punchy, yet transparent sound across the entire audible range. FM and ring modulation between oscillators are additionally implemented for creating complex harmonics.
Filters
Surge has two filter blocks, which can be arranged in one of eight different configurations, including a feedback loop. The available filtering algorithms are impressive in their quantity and diversity:
- LP12 (3 variations) and LP24 (3 variations): Low-pass filters with a slope of 12 or 24 dB/octave.
- LP24L (1-4 poles): Flexible low-pass filter with a variable number of poles.
- HP12 (3 variations) and HP24 (3 variations): High-pass filters.
- BP (4 variations): Band-pass filter.
- Notch (2 variations): Notch filter.
- Comb (4 variations): Comb filter.
- S&H: Sample and Hold filter.
Surge filters are capable of self-oscillation (in the presence of an excitation signal) and react extremely quickly to changes in the cutoff frequency, which makes them ideal for creating dynamic and expressive parts.
LFOs and Modulation
Surge’s modulation system is one of the strongest aspects of the synthesizer. Each voice has 12 LFO modules (6 per voice and 6 shared for the scene). Each LFO is equipped with a flexible DAHDSR envelope generator, which allows precise control over its behavior. You can choose from seven deformed LFO waveforms or create your own form by drawing or using a sequencer. LFO1, when used as a sequencer, allows repeated triggering of the envelope. The modulation routing system is extremely fast and flexible – practically any continuous parameter in Surge can be modulated, opening the door to complex and interactive sound design.
Built-in Effects
Surge offers eight high-quality effect units arranged in a flexible architecture: two inserts per scene, two sends, and two master effects. This allows you to create complex processing chains directly inside the plugin.
- Delay: Various delays.
- Reverb: High-quality reverb.
- Chorus: Chorus effect to enrich the timbre.
- Phaser: Phaser for creating moving textures.
- EQ: Equalizer for frequency balance correction.
- Distortion: Different types of distortion for saturation and aggression.
- Conditioner: A complex effect that includes EQ, stereo imaging control, and a limiter.
- Rotary speaker: Imitation effect of a rotating speaker.
- Frequency shifter: Frequency shift for unusual sounds.
- Vocoder: Vocoder for modulating sound with voice or another signal.
Patches and Interface
Surge comes with a large library of 1010 factory presets that are easy to find using a convenient browser with categories. This allows you to quickly get started or find inspiration for new sounds. The plugin’s interface is designed with ease of use in mind, providing access to all key parameters.
Due to its deep architecture, wide range of functions, and high-quality processing, Surge is an excellent choice for both experienced sound designers and musicians looking for a versatile tool for creating a variety of synthesized sounds in any genre.
