Surge XT LFO trigger modes determine whether the LFO phase resets on each new note

Surge XT provides three LFO trigger modes. Freerun synchronizes the LFO phase to the DAW’s playback position; the LFO runs continuously from the moment playback starts and is not affected by individual note-on events — useful for rhythmic sweeps that must stay in bar-sync. Keytrigger resets the LFO to its start phase each time a new note is played; in Poly mode each new voice gets its own freshly started LFO, while an S-LFO resets once per first voice. Random sets the LFO to a random phase position on each note, creating unpredictable per-note variation. The trigger mode choice profoundly affects whether a patch sounds mechanically consistent (Keytrigger), evolving freely (Freerun), or varied and live (Random).

Examples

For a pad that slowly sweeps filter cutoff in sync with bar 1, use Freerun. For a vibrato that always starts from a neutral pitch on each note, use Keytrigger. For unpredictable per-note filter position, use Random.

Assessment

A drummer plays staccato notes and complains the modulated filter position sounds the same each time. Which trigger mode change would introduce variation? Explain why Freerun would not help here.