Serum 2 Tutorial: The Final Information for Newcomers (2025)

The day has come. 11 years after the discharge of Xfer’s Serum, Serum 2 is lastly right here.

Upon its launch in 2014, Serum was an absolute game-changer within the sound design world. And now Serum 2 has pushed the envelope even additional.

So what’s new? What are you able to do in Serum 2 that you simply couldn’t do in Serum? And most significantly, is it nonetheless among the finest synths on the market?

We cowl all that and much more on this information 👇

Serum 2 – Pricing

Initially, let’s speak worth.

Amazingly, Xfer is providing free lifetime upgrades to all house owners of Serum 1 (which is how I’ll name the primary model of Serum any further to keep away from confusion).

Which means when you already owned Serum 1, you possibly can improve at no cost to Serum 2. Most significantly, you get to maintain your model of Serum 1 too.

Xfer even goes out of its strategy to just remember to don’t purchase Serum 2 when you already personal Serum 1, which is sort of good:

That is additionally true when you’re on Splice‘s Hire-to-Personal program. Which means even when you don’t technically but absolutely personal Serum 1, you possibly can nonetheless improve to Serum 2.

In the event you don’t but personal Serum 1, then Serum 2 will cost you US$189 on the time of this writing.

On June 1st, 2025, the value will rise to US$249, the place it would possible stay going ahead. Though it would sound like a steep worth, you’ve received to keep in mind that Serum 1 (and now Serum 2) is the go-to synth within the business. Regardless of the style you produce, you’ll possible discover producers utilizing Serum. Resulting from its reputation, because of this there are additionally a whole lot of preset packs (free and paid) out there on the Web.

If that appears like too huge a purchase order, Splice Rent-to-Own can be an ideal choice. Lastly, we’ve additionally devoted in depth guides to Very important and Very important presets, an ideal free different to Serum 2.

Serum 2 – Interface

Earlier than we go into all the Serum 2 functionalities, let’s get conversant in the interface. For me, that is the place the key power of Serum 2 lies, and what makes it an ideal synth for rookies.

Though it may be a bit overwhelming at first, Serum 2’s interface is definitely very well organized.

As you open Very important for the primary time, that is the interface you will note:

Immediately, you possibly can see that completely different part on the prime are greyed-out. That's as a result of these functionalities are disabled in the intervening time.

Let’s break down what’s in entrance of us earlier than diving into every part intimately:

Serum 2 Parts

#1 – The Views

Serum 2 has 5 views you possibly can change between. The view you choose will then be displayed in the principle view (quantity 2). With out going into an excessive amount of element but, listed here are these 5 views:

• Osc is the default view that you simply see on startup. It offers you entry to Serum 2’s 3 primary oscillators, the sub oscillator (all the best way on the left), the noise oscillator, and the two filters.

• Combine is a model new addition to Serum 2. In impact, it means that you can view all of your completely different routings (which oscillator goes into which filter, into which impact and many others.). It’s an incredible addition, which we’ll dive into extra element later on this information.
  
• FX is the results view, the place you get to course of your sound with EQ, refrain, distortion and extra. There too, some notable additions have been made (specifically the Bus choices – extra on these later).

• Matrix helps you to rapidly visualize all of the modulations at present energetic.

• International offers you management over some superior options similar to voicing, audio high quality, and extra.

#2: Most important View

The Most important view shows what you’ve chosen (one of many 5 views described above).

#3: Macros

The Macros part means that you can management a number of parameters with only one knob. It’s one of the crucial underutilised workflow hacks in music manufacturing, and it’s why we created Superknobs.

#4: Envelopes

The Envelope part means that you can draw customized envelopes and apply them to particular parameters. By default, envelope 1 is assigned to the grasp volumes. It subsequently acts as your primary ADSR envelope.

#5: LFOs

Equally, the LFO part helps you to draw customized LFO curves and apply them to particular parameters. Right here, too, a number of improvements have been delivered to Serum 2.

Different sections

Different sections I’ve glossed over right here embody:

• Velocity and Be aware modulation (bottom-right) allow you to modulate parameters based mostly on how arduous you play a observe (Velocity) or the pitch of the observe (Be aware). For instance, you may assign Be aware to the panning of an oscillator: a low observe will now be panned left whereas larger notes will probably be panned proper.
  
• Clip sequencer: Serum 2 now has an built-in piano roll the place you possibly can instantly play and file sequences (extra on that later).
  
• Arpeggiator: generate arpeggios on the fly, instantly inside Serum 2.

Extra on all these sections later on this information 😉

As talked about above, the 5 views at your disposal are Osc, Combine, FX, Matrix, and International. Let’s discover every of those intimately.

Be aware that this will probably be fairly a complete information for Serum 2. We subsequently received’t go over frequent sound design phrases similar to filters, ADSR, and LFOs. Be at liberty to examine these devoted guides when you want a refresher, or seek the advice of our complete glossary!

Serum 2 – Oscillator View

Serum 2, identical to Serum 1, stays a wavetable synthesizer (though Xfer now manufacturers it as an superior hybrid synthesizer). This implies it makes use of morphing oscillators to generate sound:

I received’t go over each single oscillator function right here (you possibly can examine our Serum 1 tutorial for that). However let’s spotlight a few of the main enhancements from Serum 1.

Third oscillator

Whereas Serum 1 had 2 oscillators, Serum 2 provides another oscillator. That is nice when you usually do FM (frequency modulation) synthesis and use OSC B to modulate OSC A. Typically, on this case, you would possibly flip down the extent of OSC B to zero, since you simply need to use it to modulate OSC A.

In that case, you’re caught with utilizing only one oscillator. However now, you should use OSC B to modulate OSC A, after which add OSC C to thicken up the sound!

New oscillator engines

One of many main overhauls of Serum 2 is the introduction of latest oscillator sorts. In Serum 1, you had the alternatives between completely different wavetables, and that was it.

However in Serum 2, you now have the selection between:

• Wavetable
• Multisample
• Pattern
• Granular
• Spectral

Let’s go over these oscillator sorts and the way they differ.

Wavetable oscillator

That is the basic oscillator sort from Serum 1. You load a wavetable, then scroll via the completely different frames utilizing the WT POS knob:

You too can use your personal customized wavetables (or wavetables you’ve downloaded/purchased on the Web). To do that, create a brand new folder the place all of the wavetables are saved (Consumer > Library > Audio > Presets > Xfer Information > Serum 2 Presets > Tables for Mac, absolutely someplace comparable for Home windows).

Now onto the 4 new oscillator sorts Serum 2 has launched… 👇

Multisample oscillator

First up, we've got the multisample oscillator:

This lets you play Serum like a multi-sampled instrument (much like Kontakt libraries). The truth is, you possibly can even load your personal sampled devices utilizing the open-source format .sfz (take a look at this website for a list of free SFZ libraries).

If that is all going over your head, don’t fear. Consider this oscillator as a group of samples, with every pattern being assigned to a unique keyboard observe.

This implies you possibly can even use Serum as a drum sampler by loading one of many “Drums” libraries!

Pattern oscillator

Subsequent up, the pattern oscillator helps you to load up particular person samples and manipulate them:

You'll be able to set your begin and finish factors, change between a number of play modes (one-shot, ahead loop, reverse loop and many others.).

Serum 2 comes with a ton of manufacturing facility samples, however you possibly can, in fact, load any pattern you need.

Granular oscillator

We’ve devoted a number of guides to granular synthesis, in addition to a devoted video on our YouTube channel:

In a nutshell, granular synthesis works by chopping a pattern into numerous grains, after which taking part in them again.

You'll be able to management the dimensions (i.e., size) of the grains, the house between grains, and much more. This lets you create actually cool textures (I discover that granular synthesis works particularly nicely with lengthy vocal samples).

In Serum 2, you’ve received an unlimited quantity of management over how the grains are performed again (though I considerably choose the interface of Part Plant’s granular engine):

• Density (i.e., quantity) of grains
• Size of every grain
• Randomization of play course, pitch, size…
• and extra

Spectral oscillator

Lastly, the spectral oscillator is by far probably the most intriguing of the brand new oscillators:

I’ll be sincere, I haven’t experimented a lot with this one but. But it surely appears tremendous thrilling. Principally, this engine re-synthesizes the frequency spectrum, with numerous controls for time and pitch.

The enjoyable half is that you simply get to import pictures instantly into it (a bit like FL Studio’s Harmor):

I’m certain you will get loopy sounds out of this engine, however I’d have to discover it a bit extra.

Serum 2 – Combine View

Subsequent up on our listing of improvements is a completely built-in mixer, one of many first instances I’ve seen this in a synth:

That is simply so cool. With the Mixer view, you get a fast snapshot of every part occurring in your Serum 2 patch. You'll be able to see:

• Which oscillators are tuned on or off?
• the place they're routed to (filter A or B or a mix of the two, on to the Out channel, and many others.);
• which filters are activated, and on what mode (low-pass, high-pass…)
• The listing of results energetic in the principle channel, Bus 1 or Bus 2 (extra on these later).

And naturally, you possibly can change any of those routings, flip oscillators on or off, flip their acquire up or down instantly throughout the Mixer view.

One tiny nitpick I've is that I might have beloved to have the ability to rearrange the order of results instantly from the Mixer view. Sadly, that doesn’t appear to be doable (or I haven’t discovered easy methods to do it but).

Nevertheless, you possibly can deactivate particular person results by clicking on the little “bypass” icon:

All in all, the Mixer view is a superb addition to get a fowl’s eye view of what's occurring in Serum, and experiment with different routing.

Serum 2 – FX View

Shifting on to the FX view, and once more, there have been notable enhancements right here.

First off, now you can stack up the identical impact a number of instances, which was not possible earlier than Serum 2:

If you wish to copy the identical impact, merely maintain Choice on Mac or Alt on Home windows and drag the impact. That may create a replica of the impact with the identical parameters.

We’ve additionally received a variety of latest results, together with:

• Bode: a brand new frequency shifter impact;
• Convolve: a brand new convolution reverb (with some wonderful presets);
• Utility: a easy however useful utility impact much like Ableton Reside’s utility plugin;
• In addition to new modes on particular results, such because the Overdrive mode within the Distortion impact.

However the place Serum 2 actually blows Serum 1 out of the water is with its routing.

Now you can create 3 completely different “lanes” (to steal Part Plant’s terminology) of results:

You’ve received MAIN, BUS 1, and BUS 2. Principally, this allows you to create utterly completely different chains of results. You'll be able to resolve to ship OSC 1 to BUS 1, for instance, and OSC 2 to BUS 2.

You'll be able to even combine and match, and ship a specific amount of an oscillator to every BUS. On this instance under, I’m sending roughly 24% of OSC C to BUS 1 and 60% to BUS 2:

Fairly cool when you ask me.

Serum 2 – Matrix View

Shifting on to the Matrix view, I’ll cowl this part fairly rapidly. It is because there haven’t been that many modifications (if any?) to this part versus Serum 1.

The Matrix view is the place you possibly can view and fine-tune all of your modulations (extra on what these are later):

You'll be able to, for instance, see that:

• Envelope 1 is controlling the panning of OSC A;
• Envelope 2 is controlling the mix of voices of OSC B;
• LFO 1 is controlling the frequency cutoff of Filter 1

I can simply modify the quantity of modulation by shifting the sliders left and proper, change the supply or vacation spot of a given modulation, and even arrange new modulation. This view means that you can see every part without delay (and can even make it easier to establish any bizarre results which are occurring in your sound, however you possibly can’t fairly find what the trigger is).

You too can bypass a modulation by clicking on the arrow all the best way on the proper (an choice that was additionally accessible in Serum 1, however not as visually).

Serum 2 – International View

I’ll additionally skim over this part, as you’re unlikely to work together with it a lot:

This part means that you can tweak issues like:

• sound high quality;
• MPE settings;
• Mod wheel choices;
• default waveform view (2D or 3D);
• and extra.

One attention-grabbing addition is the Voice management part within the center. This part means that you can make delicate modifications to the panning, pitch, filter cutoff, and extra for as much as 8 notes performed consecutively. Let me present you.

I've this straightforward sample right here:

Right here’s what it appears like:

Now let’s change a few of the voice management settings, specifically the panning:

Right here’s what it appears like now (I’ve eliminated the delay and reverb in order that we will hear the impact higher):

Fairly cool! It’s virtually such as you’re making a sample, however for the panning of every observe. You are able to do the identical with “detuning”, which is nice so as to add a bit of little bit of variation to every observe.

Modulations Inside Serum 2

Modulation is a large a part of any sound. With out them, every part would sound… flat.

In the event you’re new to sound design, be certain to take a look at our information on envelopes and LFOs, which kind the idea of modulation in most synths.

However right here’s the TL;DR:

• A modulation is a strategy to automate a parameter of a synth over time. For instance, you would possibly need to management the quantity: a sluggish rise, then a pointy drop.
• On this case, the quantity could be the “vacation spot”, and you'd use an “envelope” because the supply.
• The supply of the modulation (or extra exactly, the form you draw) will dictate how the parameter will probably be modulated:

On this picture, the extent of OSC A will slowly stand up over a interval of 1 second, earlier than slowly fading away.

In Serum 2, there are 2 primary methods you possibly can modulate parameters: envelopes and LFOs (we received’t go into the nuances of every; you possibly can take a look at our devoted guides when you want).

Envelopes

Serum 2 helps you to play with 4 completely different envelopes. Similar to with Serum 1, ENV 1 controls the synth degree output (i.e., the ADSR envelope of Serum 2). For probably the most half, this part is similar to Serum 1.

One primary distinction nevertheless, is the BPM choice.

On the backside proper, you possibly can change between BPM and MS. Selecting BPM will allow you to sync your envelope with the BPM of your challenge. For instance, you may have the assault stage stand up for exactly 1 beat, and a maintain part lasting for precisely 2 beats. No extra guesswork with milliseconds!

LFOs

LFOs are the opposite primary approach you possibly can modulate parameters in virtually any synth.

Right here once more, Serum 2 introduces some new improvements:

• as much as 10 LFOs out there;
• “chaos” modes for completely wild results;
• An LFO drawing software to design customized LFO shapes;
• potential to save lots of presets.

This brings modulation with LFOs to an entire new degree.

Serum 2’s Clip Sequencer and Arpeggiator

Lastly, let’s cowl two different main modifications inside Serum 2: the clip sequencer and the arpeggiator.

First off, the clip sequencer (i.e. a piano roll) helps you to write in advanced melodies and chord progressions instantly inside Serum 2:

The quantity of management you've right here is insane, and it could take a complete information to cowl every part you are able to do with the clip sequencer. However right here’s a fast rundown of a few of the coolest options:

• 12 completely different banks (“slots”) the place you possibly can create completely different sequences;
• Set loop markers inside your sequence.
• portamento curve;
• and much more.

To set off a clip, be certain the clip sequencer is turned on (by way of the on/off button). Then, I might counsel you right-click on the phrase CLIP > MIDI enter set off octave > choose “1”. Now, once you press C1, Serum will play Clip 1. In the event you press C#1, it would play Clip 2.

You’ve additionally received the arpeggiator, which helps you to immediately generate lovely arps:

You’ve received every part you'd count on from an arpeggiator right here, embody the kind of sample (upward, downward and many others.), the speed of play, the variety of octaves over which the arp will probably be performed and many others.

There are nevertheless, a number of notable options right here that make Serum 2’s arpeggiator stand out:

• Similar to the clip sequencer, you’ve received completely different ARP slots with completely different patterns, which you'll set off together with your MIDI keyboard;
• A sample editor helps you to create your personal arpeggiator patterns

Be aware that you may mix the Clip Sequencer and the Arpeggiator by turning each on for some actually cool patterns 😉

Final Phrases on Serum 2

That’s it for this information on Serum 2! We hope you discovered it helpful and will probably be impressed to create some otherworldly sounds!

In the event you haven’t but, be certain to seize our free Subsequent-Gen Serum 2 Preset Pack right here:

Something unclear? Be at liberty to drop us a line at [email protected]