Xfer Records Serum 2 is a free update that massively expands the super popular wavetable Synthesizer plugin’s synthesis capabilities.
Wavetable synthesizers are many on the market. Among the most popular are NI Massive and Xfer Records Serum. The latter has been taking the throne from Massive for several years now, one reason being the underwhelming Massive X update.
The developer, Steve Duda (Xfer Records) is now upping the game with Serum 2. Surprisingly, it’s a free update for existing users and pretty massive.
Xfer Records Serum 2
Serum 2 builds on the success of Serum 1 with all the original features and tons of new features. Xfer Records Serum 2 significantly expands its sonic capabilities, introducing new oscillator types and workflow enhancements.
The oscillator engine is a highlight. Alongside the wavetable engine, it now features multi-samples, samples, granular oscillators, and spectral synthesis. This massively expands the synth’s sound palette and takes the only wavetable synth to the multi-engine synth family.
The sample and multi-sample engines feature classic sampler functions, including looping with snap loop detection, flexible loop modulation, a rate control for tape stop effects, sample slicing with real-time score extraction, and comprehensive FM/PD/Distortion capabilities.
Great, the multi-sample engine also offers sfz file format, which makes it easy to import custom multi-samples. Also neat is the new spectral oscillator engine which enables real-time harmonic resynthesis and transient detection for advanced time and frequency manipulation within Serum 2.
Steve Duda not only baked new multi-type oscillators into Serum 2 but also expanded the original wavetable engine with new goodies. With the new smooth interpolation mode, seamless wavetable transitions are now possible.
Then, you can find new warp modes that complement existing filtering, FM, PD, ring modulation, and distortion options.
More Goodies
Xfer Records Serum 2 also has other major changes. You can now route the effects more flexibly and work with a new arpeggiator and clip sequencer. The LFO engine has also been expanded and now offers more shapes. Further, you can benefit from four additional macro controls.
Serum 2 also ships with new factory content. You can play around with 626 presets and 288 wavetables.
First Impression
Even though all the details about what’s new aren’t known, it looks like a massive update for the Serum synthesizer. Bye, bye wavetable, hello multi-engine. It’s great that it’s a free update for existing users. Thanks, Steve!
Xfer Records Serum 2 is available now for an introductory price of $189 instead of $249. Existing Serum 1 users get the update for free. Serum 2 runs as a 64-bit only VST3, AU, and AAX plugin.
More information here: Xfer Records
Xfer Records had to catch up to Arturia’s Pigment 6.
Its not just Steve these days, a whole team made this lovely new version.