Serum had a good 11-year run, and has been the go-to wavetable synthesizer for many music producers, sound designers, and electronic musicians.

After much anticipation, the wait is finally over. Serum 2 has landed, and with it comes many new features, improved workflows and more sound design possibilities.

Let’s take a look at what makes Serum 2 so special!

What’s New in Serum 2?

This isn’t just an update – it’s an whole evolution. Let’s look at the biggest improvements:

  • ✅ An extra primary oscillator: We now have 3 primary oscillators (vs. two in Serum 1)
  • ✅ New Oscillator Modes: Wavetable, Sample, Multisample, Granular, Spectral
  • ✅ More Modulation Options: 10 LFOs, 4 envelopes, advanced macros
  • ✅ FX Engine Expansion: 13 effects, multi-bus processing, and new filters
  • ✅ New Mixer: Improved sound layering and routing
  • ✅ Revamped UI & Preset Browser: Faster workflow and sound organization

A powerful set of upgrades that will significantly enhance sound design for music producers across all genres.

Powerful New Sound Design Tools

Expanded Oscillators & Modes

One of Serum 2’s biggest innovations is its three primary oscillators, giving you even more layering power than before. It also introduces five different oscillator modes, allowing for deeper sound shaping:

  • Wavetable Mode – The classic engine we all know and love, has improved interpolation for smoother transitions.
  • Multisample Mode – Load multisampled instruments across different pitches and articulations.
  • Sample Mode – We now have sampler for manipulating and playing back audio clips.
  • Granular Mode – Long anticipated granular engine for creating evolving textures by breaking audio down into grains.
  • Spectral Mode – Resynthesize sound based on frequency data, unlocking unheard sonic possibilities.

Dual Expanded Filters

In the main interface, we now have the option of 2 filters (vs. 1 from Serum 1).

  • Dual Filters: Use one or both filters.
  • Routing: Series or Parallel filter routing.
  • New Filter Types: Access a wide variety of virtual analog and other filters..
  • Clean Mode: New clean mode for the Drive control
  • Mouse Control: Directly control the cutoff and resonance using your mouse.

Enhanced Modulation & Macros

Serum 2 expands its modulation system, giving you even greater control over sound shaping:

  • 10 LFOs: (vs.4 in Serum 1) with advanced drawing tools and chaos modes.
  • 4 Envelopes: With BPM syncing and Legato Inversion Mode for more dynamic expression.
  • 8 Macros: Tweak multiple parameters simultaneously – perfect for live performance or automation in DAWs.

These additions enable you to tweak Serum2 more precisely, but with the ability to engage in more spontaneous creativity too!

Improved FX, Mixer & Routing

Expanded FX Engine

  • New Frequency Shifter (Bode): Get metallic robotic, pitch-based transformations with this new effect.
  • Convolution Effect: Create realistic space and tonal characteristics to your sounds.
  • Updated Distortion & Delay: New Overdrive mode and high-quality delay processing.
  • New Reverb Types: Vintage, Nitrous, and Basin reverb bring unique sonic spaces.
  • Multiple Instances: You can now add multiple instances of an effect.

New Dual FX Busses & Splitter Modules

Another huge and notable addition is FX busses, which allow you to route different sounds through separate effects chains.

Combined with the new splitter modules (L/H, L/M/H, M/S), you can now process frequencies separately, adding depth and complexity to your mix.

The All-New Mixer

We now have a dedicated mixer inside of Serum2, giving better balance control and blending of sound sources. With controls for routing, levels and effects, mixing your sounds in Serum is a piece of cake.

Advanced Sequencing & Performance Features

New Clip Sequencer

We now also have a powerful new MIDI sequencing engine:

  • Flexible Clip Editing: Draw, tweak, and automate MIDI clips inside Serum.
  • Full Piano Roll: Directly program melodies, basslines, and rhythmic patterns.
  • Automation Lanes: Record real-time knob movements for dynamic sound design.
  • MIDI Out: Use Serum’s sequencer to control external synths!

Advanced Arpeggiator

Serum 2’s new advance arpeggiator now allows for:

  • Custom Patterns: Create unique rhythmic sequences.
  • Dynamic Velocity Control: Add groove and variation to notes.
  • Retrigger & Playback Settings: Customize the way arps behave.

These tools transform Serum 2 from a synth into a full-fledged music composition engine.

Improved Workflow & Usability

Overhauled Preset Browser

Finding and managing your sounds is now faster and more intuative:

  • Search & Filter Options: Quickly find sounds by category, tag, or name.
  • Preset Ratings & Metadata: Organize sounds based on personal preferences.
  • Fast Preset Review: Hear patches instantly without loading them.
  • MIDI Clips as Preview: Use MIDI clips to generate the preview sound for your presets

Together, these updates make sound design smoother, more efficient, and more fun.

Enhanced Modulation Matrix

More control over your sounds is possible with:

  • Drag-and-Drop Modulation Reordering
  • Bypass & Remove Modulation Instantly
  • New Visual Feedback for Active Modulations

Is Serum 2 Worth It?

  • 🔥 Serum 2 is a major leap forward for producers and sound designers.
  • 🚀 With new synthesis modes, advanced modulation, and a reworked UI, it’s more powerful than ever.
  • 🎛️ Whether you’re producing EDM, hip-hop, film scores, or experimental sound design, Serum 2 is a powerhouse worth adding to your arsenal.

The best bit of all, is if you own Serum already, the upgrade to Serum 2 is absolutely FREE!

If you don’t already own Serum, the Intro Price: $189 until June 1st 2025 – Regular price: $249. I’m sure our guide along with some chats with Serum owners will convince you that’s it’s a synthesizer that’s definitely worth owning.

Want to try it out? Check out Xfer Records’ website and see what Serum 2 can do for your music.

Remember – RouteNote Create subscriptions start from as little as $2.99. You also get 10 FREE credits to spend on samples along with access to our FREE sample pack bundle when you sign-up!
You can also purchase full sample packs, beats and plugins without a subscription!

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