Upgrade Highlight: Serum 2 transforms the go-to wavetable synth into a true powerhouse. It adds diverse oscillators, deeper modulation, built-in sequencing, and advanced effects. Best of all, existing users upgrade for free.
Core Differences: Serum 1 vs. Serum 2
1.Next-Level Wavetable Engine
Next-Level Wavetable Engine
Originally, Serum 1 defined high-resolution wavetable synthesis. Now, Serum 2 introduces Smooth Interpolation for seamless waveform transitions. Furthermore, its new Warp modes (FM, PD, ring mod, distortion) offer richer harmonic control. Consequently, you can craft dynamic patches with unprecedented precision.
2.Expanded Oscillator Types
Beyond its original wavetable oscillator, Serum 2 adds four new engines:
Expanded Oscillator Types
- Multisample Oscillator: Ships with global instrument libraries and supports SFZ imports.
- Sample Oscillator: Features snap-loop detection, tape-stop rate control, and real-time slicing.
- Granular Oscillator: Generates evolving textures from audio grains.
- Spectral Oscillator: Converts samples or PNG images into spectral content with custom filters.
As a result, you can explore lifelike instruments or abstract soundscapes without external tools.
3.Advanced Modulation and Routing
Moreover, Serum 2 enhances creativity with several new features:
Advanced Modulation and Routing
- Path LFO: Draw modulation shapes on an XY pad.
- Chaos LFOs: Generate unpredictable patterns.
- Sample & Hold Generator: Produces random or stepped modulation.
- Eight Macro Controls: Double the performance knobs.
- Overhauled Mixer: Provides separate channels for each section and flexible routing.
Therefore, you enjoy expanded modulation without added complexity.
4.Enhanced Effects and Processing
In addition, Serum 2’s built-in effects now include:
Enhanced Effects and Processing
- Bode Phase Shifter: Creates unique phase-shifting timbres.
- Convolve Reverb: Loads custom IRs for realistic ambience.
- M/S & L/H Splitters: Offer precise stereo and frequency control.
Hence, you can complete complex sound design tasks entirely in-the-box
5.Integrated Sequencer & Arpeggiator
Furthermore, Serum 2 transforms into a performance engine:
- Arpeggiator: Offers memory slots, octave range, swing, and gate-length control.
- Clip Sequencer: Acts as an in-synth piano roll with MIDI import, repeats, and probability settings.
Thus, you can sketch melodies and grooves directly within the plugin.
6.Musicality Enhancements
Finally, Serum 2 includes Global Scale and Swing functions to keep notes in key and add a humanized groove to your sequences.
Quick Feature Comparison
| Feature | Serum 1 | Serum 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Oscillator Types | Wavetable | Wavetable, Multisample, Sample, Granular, Spectral |
| Macro Controls | 4 | 8 |
| Sequencing | ✗ | Arpeggiator & Clip Sequencer |
| Modulation Options | Standard LFOs | Path, Chaos LFOs, Sample & Hold |
| Effects Rack | Basic modules | Convolution, Phase Shifter, Splitters |
| Factory Library | Limited presets | 626 presets & 288 wavetables |
| CPU Optimization | Standard | Enhanced |
| Upgrade Price for Owners | N/A | Free |
What Serum 2 Adds Over Serum 1
- You already appreciate Serum 1’s workflow but need more sonic variety.
- You want built-in sequencing to capture ideas faster.
- You crave deeper modulation and next-level effects.
- You prefer in-the-box sound design with better CPU performance.
- Best of all, it’s a free upgrade for existing users—so there’s no downside.
Learn More: Serum 2 at Xfer Records
⏩ Learn More: www.pitchinnovations.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Serum 1 and Serum 2?
Serum 2 keeps the wavetable engine that defined Serum 1 and builds outward from it. It adds Smooth Interpolation for seamless waveform transitions and new Warp modes covering FM, phase distortion, ring modulation and distortion.
Beyond the engine it adds four new oscillator types, new modulation sources, new effects, and a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator.
Is the Serum 2 upgrade free for Serum 1 owners?
Yes. Existing Serum users upgrade to Serum 2 at no cost.
What new oscillators does Serum 2 add?
Four. The Multisample Oscillator ships with global instrument libraries and imports SFZ files. The Sample Oscillator adds snap-loop detection, tape-stop rate control and real-time slicing. The Granular Oscillator builds evolving textures from audio grains. The Spectral Oscillator turns samples, or even PNG images, into spectral content with custom filters.
Does Serum 2 have a sequencer and arpeggiator?
Both are built in. The arpeggiator covers memory slots, octave range, swing and gate length. The Clip Sequencer works as a piano roll inside the synth, with MIDI import, repeats and probability settings, so you can sketch a melody or groove without leaving the plugin.
What new effects are in Serum 2?
The internal effects rack gains a Bode Phase Shifter for phase-shifted timbres, a Convolve Reverb that loads custom impulse responses, and M/S and L/H splitters for precise stereo and frequency control.
Does Serum 2 support MPE?
Yes, Serum 2 added full MIDI Polyphonic Expression support, so each note can carry its own bend, pressure and slide. If you are new to the format, our guide to MPE covers what it changes and which DAWs pass the data through.
Can Serum 2 keep my notes in key?
It has Global Scale and Swing functions. Global Scale holds notes to the key you set, and Swing adds a humanised feel to sequenced parts.
What improved in Serum 2’s modulation and mixing?
The Path LFO lets you draw modulation shapes on an XY pad, Chaos LFOs generate unpredictable patterns, and a Sample and Hold generator produces random or stepped modulation. There are eight macro controls, double the previous count, and the overhauled mixer gives each section its own channel with flexible routing.