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Surge XT vs Cardinal: catalog facts
Surge XT	Cardinal
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Many synthesis methods, filters and effects MPE and microtuning support	1382 built-in modules with nothing extra to install Works as AU, CLAP, LV2, VST2 and VST3 plugin or standalone
Large feature set takes time to learn	Cannot load external Rack modules Modular patching has a learning curve for newcomers
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.