Serum 2: The Next Evolution in Wavetable Synthesis Awaits

After a long-awaited 11-year interval, Serum 2 has finally arrived, much to the joy of electronic music enthusiasts. Xfer Records has rolled out this significant upgrade to its hugely popular wavetable synthesizer, enhancing the already exceptional sound quality, intuitive design, and expansive sound design capabilities of the original. With Serum 2, the company amplifies these core attributes by incorporating an array of new features that are set to excite both producers and sound designers.

Initially, Serum emerged as a solution to the market’s need for a wavetable synthesizer that balanced immaculate sound quality with a user-friendly and inventive interface. Now, Serum 2 advances this vision by introducing fresh oscillator types, a versatile effects routing system, and innovative tools like an arpeggiator and clip sequencer. Existing Serum users will be delighted to know that they can upgrade at no extra cost, aligning with Xfer Records’ commitment to providing free lifetime updates.

New and Enhanced Oscillators

Serum 2 brings several advanced oscillator types to the table:

• Wavetable Oscillator: Building on its renowned engine, this oscillator now offers new warp modes, frequency modulation, phase distortion, and dual warps, allowing for even deeper sound modulation. The Smooth Interpolation mode facilitates nearly infinite frame positions, eliminating the necessity for morphing.

• Multisample Oscillator: Broadening the horizons beyond synthetic audio, this oscillator excels in replicating real instruments. It comes packed with a vast library of multisampled instruments like orchestras, choirs, pianos, and guitars, all in the versatile SFZ format.

• Sample Oscillator: This component now supports sophisticated looping with snap detection, flexible modulation tactics, sample slicing complemented by real-time score extraction, and a ‘tails mode’ for seamless playback transitions.

• Granular Oscillator: With a robust granular synthesis engine, this oscillator empowers users to stretch, fragment, and morph sounds in inventive ways, breathing new life into existing samples.

• Spectral Oscillator: Real-time resynthesis is possible with this oscillator, allowing harmonic-level processing of samples. Its transient detection is on par with high-end timestretching algorithms.

Expanding Creative Potential

Beyond just oscillators, Serum 2 significantly upgrades its creative and workflow tools. New features like an arpeggiator and clip sequencer open up rhythmic and melodic possibilities, transforming Serum into a formidable performance instrument as well as a synthesis powerhouse. The effects section has been totally revamped to provide users with greater routing flexibility for richer sound manipulation.

Specs and Availability

Serum 2 comes equipped with an impressive 626 presets and 288 wavetables, offering inspiration for both novices and seasoned artists. Available as VST3, AU, and AAX formats, it supports macOS (High Sierra and newer for Intel, Big Sur and newer for Apple Silicon) and Windows (Windows 10 and up). A demo version is also available for both macOS and Windows, though it limits usage to 15-minute sessions.

Pricing and Free Upgrade for Serum 1 Users

Offered at an introductory price of $189 until June 1st, Serum 2 will then return to its regular price of $249. However, users of Serum 1 can enjoy this upgrade at no extra charge—a rare yet welcome gesture from Xfer Records that reinforces its dedication to the community.

With its innovative synthesis features, streamlined workflow, and lifetime free updates, Serum 2 firmly establishes itself as a pivotal instrument for producers eager to explore new realms of sound design. Purchase Serum 2 now and elevate your sound to unprecedented heights.