Xfer Records Serum has been around forever and remains one of the most popular soft synths of the last decade. Now, they have released Serum 2.
Tomislav reviewed the original release way back in 2015, and one of my favorite lines from that review is:
“It is a rare example of a complex instrument that is easy to use and a powerful instrument which is equally enjoyable for beginners and sound design experts.”
Serum is a mighty synth, but not one that beginners need to avoid.
Serum 2 promises much more than the original, and it is available for $189 with special introductory pricing (usually $249). Also, in a generous move from Xfer Records, it is free for existing Serum 1 owners.
Since most of you will be familiar with Serum, I’ll avoid a recap and get straight to what’s new (if not, check out Tomislav’s original review).
Xfer Records has overhauled the interface; it’s not a complete departure. It’s very similar, but it looks more modern, sharper and even easier to navigate. For example, you can search and select presets faster than before with the new search system.
Mode Audio offers some of the best Serum presets around.
Serum 2 provides three primary oscillators compared to the original two. The expanded oscillator section offers various oscillator types, including wavetable, multisample, sample, granular, and spectral. You also have a dedicated sub-oscillator.
The easy modulation and intuitive macro control system remain, with easier routing to multiple targets than before.
You can now utilize up to ten LFOs and four envelopes with a new BPM host tempo sync. The LFO section has an editor with a handy drawing tool.
The expanded filter section offers dual filters in serial or parallel and new filter types, including MG Ladder, Acid Ladder, MG Dirty, Comb 2, and more.
The FX section has been significantly improved and features a new rack view and freely arrangeable modules. It provides two separate FX buses, and you can add multiple instances of a single effect.
Some FX highlights are the new convolution effect, the new overdrive mode, and the new HQ mode in the Delay module.
Like the original Serum, the sequel runs pretty deep, and the examples above are just the surface level of new features. We haven’t even got to the enhanced clip sequencer, enhanced keyboard, and advanced arpeggiator.
If you want to check out Serum 2, you can download a demo version from Xfer Records. I don’t have an end date for the intro pricing, so try before you buy soon!
Check out the deal: Serum 2 (Special introductory price $189 – regular price $249 / 15-minute demo available)
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