Serum 2 is finally here: new features, pricing and everything else you need to knowFor the last few weeks, software synth fans have had their suspicions that Serum 2 has been on the horizon. From Serum 2 mentions on the Xfer Records website to extensive communication from creator Steve Duda, it seemed the next generation of the legendary synth was imminent.
Since its launch nearly 11 years ago in September 2014, Xfer Records’ Serum software wavetable synth has become a favourite among music producers. Championed by the likes of deadmau5, Skrillex, Martin Garrix and more of the world’s top producers, Serum is touted for its versatility and superior sound.

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Now, Serum 2 – the synth’s widely anticipated second generation – has officially arrived. Let’s take a look at what’s new:
Serum 2: What’s new?
Chief among the updates is a new Oscillator section, in which users can experiment with new sound synthesis methods.
In addition to an improved Wavetable Oscillator – which has fresh warp modes, dual warp functions and phase distortion – there are new Multisample, Granular and Spectral Oscillators.
Credit: Xfer Records
Within the Multisample Oscillator, producers can recreate real-world instruments with a library of piano, guitar and orchestral samples in open SFZ format. The Granular Oscillator allows you to break sounds apart to create wildly experimental soundscapes, and the Spectral Oscillator offers real-time harmonic resynthesis which redesigns samples down to their transient components.
Elsewhere, Serum 2’s effects section has been completely redesigned, now offering more flexible signal routing for new sound design and modulation options.
There’s also a new Arpeggiator and Clip Sequencer – which enhances Serum’s ability to be used as a performance instrument – as well as 626 new presets and 288 wavetables, so its sound capabilities straight out the gate are tremendously strong.
Serum 2: Pricing and specifications
If you’re already a Serum owner, Serum 2 will cost you absolutely nothing. If you’re new, Serum 2 currently has an introductory price of $189, available until 1 June, when it will rise to $249. It’s available in VST3, AU and AAX 64-bit formats.
Serum 2: Here’s what people are saying
“Serum version 2 blasts the sonic palette wide-open, offering the user ridiculous power, control and expression over their sonic output – with many oscillator types, flexible effect routing, arpeggiator and clip sequencer – the goal with Serum 2 was to empower Serum users to fully realise their sound and music ideas into form. Did we mention that Serum 2 is a free upgrade for Serum 1 owners? Lifetime free updates actually means lifetime free updates.”
In a post on social media, deadmau5 writes: “Grats to Steve Duda and the team on their release day! Serum 2 is out now, go get it at you know where. It’s pretty neat.” Asked by one commenter whether he’s used the new synth on any new music, deadmau5 replies: “I’ve been using it for about a year.”

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To learn more about Serum 2, head to Xfer Records.
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