Serum 2: wavetable champ becomes much more in huge, free update in 2025.
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Xfer Records has officially released Serum 2, a significant free update to its acclaimed wavetable synthesizer plugin. This new version introduces a host of advanced features, transforming Serum from a wavetable-focused synthesizer into a versatile multi-engine powerhouse. Existing Serum users can upgrade at no cost, reflecting Xfer Records’ commitment to providing lifetime free updates. citeturn0search2.
Xfer Records has officially released Serum 2, a significant free update to its acclaimed wavetable synthesizer plugin. This new version introduces a host of advanced features, transforming Serum from a wavetable-focused synthesizer into a versatile multi-engine powerhouse. Existing Serum users can upgrade at no cost, reflecting Xfer Records’ commitment to providing lifetime free updates. citeturn0search2.
Expanded Oscillator Capabilities Serum 2
Serum 2’s oscillator section has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, now supporting multiple synthesis methods:
- Wavetable Oscillator: Enhanced with new warp modes, including filtering, frequency modulation (FM), phase distortion (PD), ring modulation, and distortion options. A Smooth Interpolation mode allows for near-infinite frame positions within wavetables, facilitating seamless transitions between waveforms. citeturn0search2
- Multisample Oscillator: This addition enables users to incorporate realistic instrument sounds by loading multisampled instruments in the SFZ format. Serum 2 comes with an extensive library of multisampled instruments, such as orchestral strings, choirs, pianos, and guitars, expanding the sonic palette for composers and producers. citeturn0search2
- Sample Oscillator: Offering advanced sampling capabilities, this oscillator supports features like looping with snap loop detection, flexible loop modulation, rate control for tape stop effects, and real-time sample slicing with score extraction. Users can manipulate samples with various warp modifiers, including FM, distortion, filtering, and more, providing a dynamic tool for sound design. citeturn0search2
- Granular Oscillator: Introducing granular synthesis to Serum, this oscillator allows users to deconstruct and reassemble audio fragments, creating unique textures and evolving soundscapes. citeturn0search2
- Spectral Oscillator: This innovative oscillator enables real-time harmonic resynthesis and transient detection, allowing users to analyze and reshape samples at a granular level. It also features a spectral filter with drawable shapes, offering precise control over the harmonic content of sounds. citeturn0search2
Enhanced Modulation and Effects Serum 2
Serum 2 expands its modulation capabilities with a redesigned Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO) section, introducing various LFO modes, including path, chaos, and sample & hold generators. The Path mode allows users to draw custom modulation paths, enabling complex and evolving modulations. The chaos modes introduce random, animated modulations, adding unpredictability and movement to sounds. Additionally, four new macro controls have been added, increasing the total to eight, providing more hands-on control over parameters. citeturn0search2
The effects section has also been overhauled, featuring a new mixing workflow with a dedicated mixer that includes channels for each oscillator, filter, bus, and main section. This mixer offers flexible routing options, allowing users to apply effects to specific signal paths. Notable additions include a mid/side and low/high splitter for precise stereo imaging, a convolution reverb with a selection of impulse responses (IRs) and the ability to load custom IRs, and the option to add effects to bus channels, enhancing the depth and complexity of sound design. citeturn0search2
Arpeggiator and Clip Sequencer Serum 2
Serum 2 introduces a sophisticated arpeggiator and clip sequencer, expanding its rhythmic and melodic capabilities. Both features offer 12 slots for storing patterns or settings, with each slot capable of unique configurations. This allows for dynamic and evolving sequences, with the ability to draw parameter automation per pattern, reminiscent of workflows in digital audio workstations like Ableton Live. citeturn0search2
Extensive Factory Content Serum 2
To complement its new features, Serum 2 comes with an extensive library of over 626 presets and 288 wavetables, providing a broad starting point for users. This rich content caters to various genres and styles, ensuring that producers and sound designers have a wide array of sounds at their fingertips. citeturn0search2
Availability and Pricing Serum 2
Serum 2 is available as a free upgrade for existing Serum 1 users. New users can purchase Serum 2 at an introductory price of $189, reduced from the regular price of $249. This offer is valid until June 1, 2025, after which the price will return to $249. Serum 2 operates as a 64-bit VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (High Sierra or higher) and Windows (10 or higher), and includes lifetime free updates. citeturn0search2
Conclusion Serum 2
Serum 2 represents a significant evolution in wavetable synthesis, transforming the original plugin into a comprehensive multi-engine synthesizer. Its expanded oscillator options, enhanced modulation and effects capabilities, and the introduction of the arpeggiator and clip sequencer make it a powerful tool for both producers and sound designers. The extensive factory content ensures a vast sonic palette, while the free upgrade for existing users underscores Xfer Records’ dedication to its community. Serum 2 is now available for download, inviting users to explore its new features and elevate their music production endeavors. citeturn0search2
For a comprehensive overview of Serum 2’s features, you can watch the following video:
videoSERUM v2 IS FINALLY HERE! DEEP DIVE AND FULLY ANALYZEDturn0search10