Xfer Records has done it again. Serum 2, the highly anticipated update to the iconic wavetable synthesizer, is here—and it’s packed with groundbreaking features that push the boundaries of sound design and music production. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, Serum 2 offers an unparalleled level of creativity, flexibility, and control. And the best part? It’s a free upgrade for Serum 1 owners.
What’s New in Serum 2?
1. Expanded Oscillator Section
Serum 2 introduces five oscillator types, each designed to unlock new sonic possibilities:
- Wavetable Oscillator: The legendary wavetable engine has been refined with new features like smooth interpolation, which allows for near-infinite frame positions in the wavetable without needing to morph. New warp modes, filters, and distortion types expand the creative potential, making it easier to craft unique sounds.
- Multisample Oscillator: This new oscillator allows you to replicate real instruments with a massive library of multisampled recordings, including orchestral instruments, choirs, pianos, and guitars. The multisample engine ensures that samples sound natural across the entire keyboard range, avoiding the “chipmunk effect” at higher octaves.
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- Sample Oscillator: Beyond simple playback, the Sample Oscillator offers FM, phase distortion, and looping capabilities. It also includes advanced features like snap loop detection, sample slicing, and real-time score extraction, making it a powerful tool for sound designers.
- Granular Oscillator: This oscillator breaks samples into tiny grains, allowing you to manipulate them in real-time. You can adjust parameters like grain size, density, and scan rate to create everything from lush ambient textures to glitchy, experimental sounds. The forward/reverse looping and randomization options add even more depth to the granular synthesis experience.
- Spectral Oscillator: This oscillator allows for real-time resynthesis of samples at the harmonic level. With transient detection and frequency manipulation, you can reshape time and frequencies in radical ways, creating sounds that are truly unique.
2. Enhanced Filters and Effects
Serum 2 now features two parallel filters, allowing for more complex sound design. The new filter types include:
- WSP Filter: Inspired by the iconic WASP synthesizer, this filter delivers a gritty, aggressive tone perfect for basslines and leads.
- Acid Filter: Designed for squelchy, resonant sounds, this filter is ideal for creating acid-style basslines.
- DJ Mixer Filter: This unique filter mimics the sound of DJ mixers, adding a dynamic, club-ready feel to your tracks.
The effects section has also been reworked, with new high-quality reverbs, distortions, and a multiband compressor. The addition of two effect buses allows for more intricate routing and layering, making it easier to create rich, polished sounds.
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3. Granular and Spectral Synthesis
One of the most exciting additions to Serum 2 is the Granular Oscillator, which lets you break samples into tiny grains and manipulate them in real-time. This is perfect for creating evolving pads, atmospheric textures, and experimental sounds.
The Spectral Oscillator takes things even further, allowing you to resynthesize samples at the harmonic level. With transient detection and frequency manipulation, you can create sounds that are truly unique.
4. Clip and Arpeggiator Sections
Serum 2 introduces a built-in clip sequencer and arpeggiator, making it easier than ever to create complex patterns and melodies directly within the synth. The clip sequencer features:
- 16-step sequencing with adjustable length and swing.
- Reverse, pendulum, and random modes for creative inspiration.
- Velocity and modulation controls for dynamic expression.
The arpeggiator offers a wide range of patterns and modes, allowing you to create everything from simple chord progressions to intricate rhythmic sequences.
5. Improved Workflow and Usability
Serum 2 retains the user-friendly interface that made the original so popular, while adding new features to streamline your workflow:
- Eight macro controls for easy modulation and performance.
- BPM-synced envelopes for precise timing.
- Enhanced LFOs with new shapes, including chaos and sample-and-hold.
- Mix bus routing for more control over your sound.
These improvements make Serum 2 not only more powerful but also more intuitive to use.
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Performance and Compatibility
Serum 2 is available as a VST3, AU, and AAX 64-bit plugin, ensuring compatibility with all major DAWs. It runs smoothly on Windows 10+ and macOS High Sierra+ (Intel) or Big Sur+ (Apple Silicon).
Final Thoughts
Serum 2 is more than just an update, it’s a revolution in wavetable synthesis. With its expanded oscillator section, enhanced filters, and new granular and spectral synthesis capabilities, Serum 2 offers unparalleled creative potential. The addition of a clip sequencer and arpeggiator further cements its status as the ultimate tool for modern producers.
Whether you’re crafting lush pads, gritty basslines, or experimental soundscapes, Serum 2 is the synthesizer you’ve been waiting for. Dive in and discover the future of sound design today.
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