#231: Free Synth Plugin Tutorial - Surge XT Strings from Scratch

About this episode

Marc Matthews provides a practical tutorial on designing mix-ready high strings using the Surge XT synthesizer.

Free synth plugins can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at an empty patch and just want results. In this episode of Inside The Mix, Marc Matthews walks beginner and intermediate producers through a practical Surge XT tutorial, showing how to design mix-ready high strings from an init patch using this powerful free synth plugin. Surge XT is a free, open-source synthesizer packed with features, but more options don’t always mean better results. Marc focuses on what actually mat...

People in this episode

Host: Marc Matthews

Topics covered

• synth tutorial
• music production
• beginner producers
• Surge XT
• high strings
• synth design

Keywords

• free synth plugin
• Surge XT tutorial
• music production tips
• high strings
• synth design
• beginner producers

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Surge XT

More episodes of Music Production and Mixing Tips for Beginner Producers | Inside The Mix

• #235: Why Inside The Mix Is Taking a Strategic Pause (And What Producers Can Expect Next) · February 24, 2026 · 6 min
• #234: How to Prevent Over Mixing & Finish Tracks Faster with Lij Shaw · February 17, 2026 · 44 min
• #233: What Is Mastering in Music? A Beginner’s Guide with Ben Holmes · February 10, 2026 · 42 min
• #232: Fix Muddy Mixes With Arrangement, Not Plugins · February 3, 2026 · 33 min
• #230: What Is a Null Test? Stop Guessing Your Mix Changes with Eric Mitchell · January 20, 2026 · 36 min
• #229: Finish Songs Faster with These Logic Pro Workflow Tips · January 13, 2026 · 16 min