Surge XT Filter 2 offset mode links its cutoff and resonance to Filter 1 as relative offsets

When Filter 2 Offset Mode is active in Surge XT (via the small ’+’ button), Filter 2’s Cutoff becomes an offset relative to Filter 1’s Cutoff, not an absolute frequency. Moving Filter 1’s cutoff (including via modulation, FEG depth, or keytrack) automatically moves Filter 2 by the same amount, maintaining their spacing. A separate Link Resonance button similarly links Filter 2’s resonance as a relative offset. This mode is essential for configurations like parallel dual-filter patches where both filters must track together. Without offset mode, two filter sweeps require modulating each cutoff separately with the same amount.

Examples

In Dual 1 config, enable F2 offset mode and set Filter 2 Cutoff offset to +5 semitones — both filters will sweep together when you move Filter 1, keeping a 5-semitone separation throughout.

Assessment

Explain what happens to Filter 2 when Filter 1’s cutoff is modulated by an LFO with Filter 2 Offset Mode active vs. inactive. When would you use this feature and when would you deliberately leave it off?