Serum 2 by Xfer Records: A New Era of Sound Design

Xfer Records has officially released Serum 2, a significant update to its renowned wavetable synthesizer. This new version introduces a variety of advanced features, expanding its synthesis capabilities beyond traditional wavetable synthesis. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s new!

Key Features of Serum 2:

1. Enhanced Oscillator Engines: Serum 2 now includes multiple oscillator types, such as multisample, sample, granular, and spectral synthesis. This expansion allows for more complex and dynamic sound design.
2. Multisample Oscillator: Users can replicate real instruments with a vast library of multi-sampled sounds, including orchestras, choirs, pianos, and guitars, all stored in the open-standard SFZ format.
3. Sample Oscillator: Features like looping with snap detection, flexible loop modulation, tape-stop effects, and real-time sample slicing enhance creative possibilities.
4. Granular Oscillator: This addition enables users to stretch and morph samples, creating unique textures and soundscapes.
5. Spectral Oscillator: Offers real-time harmonic resynthesis and transient detection for detailed sound shaping.
6. Wavetable Enhancements: The original wavetable engine now includes smooth interpolation for seamless transitions between waveforms. More new features like warp modes to enhance FM, phase distortion, and filtering capabilities are also included.
7. Additional Features: Serum 2 also boasts flexible effects routing, a redesigned arpeggiator and clip sequencer, an expanded LFO engine with more shapes, and four additional macro controls for intuitive sound manipulation.
8. Extensive Library: The update comes with 626 new presets and 288 wavetables, providing users with a comprehensive sound library.

Pricing and Availability:

Serum 2 is available at an introductory price of $189, valid until June 1, 2025. After that date, it will revert to the regular price of $249. Luckily, existing Serum 1 users can upgrade to Serum 2 for free, honoring Xfer Records' commitment to lifetime free updates. The plugin is compatible with 64-bit VST3, AU, and AAX formats on macOS (High Sierra or higher) and Windows (10 or higher).