Serum 2 Full Feature Breakdown: New Oscillators, Effects, Routing & More

The release of Serum 2 by Xfer Records has reignited excitement in the music production world and is already making waves in the bass music community. Expanding on the legacy of its predecessor, Serum 2 delivers powerful new features that promise to redefine sound design for a new generation. Known for its groundbreaking contributions to Bass music and EDM as a whole, Serum 2 is ready to cement its status as the most influential synthesizer of the next decade. 

What's new in Xfer's Serum 2?

Serum 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, retaining the intuitive interface and pristine sound quality that made the original so beloved. However, it takes things to the next level with a host of new oscillator types, workflow improvements, and expanded content.

Revolutionary New Features
  • Three primary oscillators (up from two in Serum 1), now supporting five synthesis modes: Wavetable, Multisample (SFZ), Sample, Granular, and Spectral.
  • Multisample Oscillator: Enables the use of expressive SFZ-format instrument layers with velocity and articulation mapping.
  • Granular Oscillator: Fragment audio samples into grains for lush textures, glitchy resampling, or rhythmic sound design.
  • Spectral Oscillator: Drag in any sample and unlock real-time harmonic resynthesis and transient spectral shaping.
  • Sample Mode: Features precise control over loop points, crossfades, slicing (manual/auto), forward-reverse tails, and modulateable playback zones.
  • New Warp Modes: Includes Serum 1’s iconic PD (Phase Distortion) plus new true modular-style FM, dual-warp mode, and timbre-shifting warp types.
  • Wavetable Engine Enhancements: Smooth WT interpolation, phase memory control, unison tuning (harmonic, ratio, semitone, step), and oscillator copy/paste functions.
  • FX Splitter Modules: Route signals with precision using new Lows/Highs, Lows/Mids/Highs, and Mid/Side splitters.
  • Upgraded Preset Browser: Tag filtering, user ratings, hybridization, clip preview playback, and metadata editing.
  • Improved Unison Engine: Advanced tuning configuration with multiple unison modes for deep harmonic layering.

Workflow and Sound Shaping Enhancements:
  • Dual Filters: Flexible parallel or series routing, including new analog-mode, distortion-driven, and Clean Drive filter types.
  • Arpeggiator & Clip Sequencer: Create rhythmic patterns and MIDI clips using an advanced piano roll editor, automation lanes, macro sequencing, and overdub/extend recording.
  • Expanded Modulation System: Now supports 10 LFOs, 4 envelopes, Chaos LFOs (Lorenz/Rossler), editable modulation curves, BPM sync, and swing timing.
  • New Mixer Interface: Graphical routing control for oscillators, filters, and FX busses, with adjustable levels, panning, and balance.
  • Enhanced FX Workflow: Drag-and-drop module order, unlimited FX duplication, dual FX busses, and flexible signal chains.
  • New FX Modules: Includes Echobode (frequency shifter), Convolve, Nitrous/Vintage/Basin Reverbs, updated Overdrive, High Quality Delay, and new Utility FX.
  • Advanced Modulation Matrix: Reorder mods via drag-and-drop, bypass mods individually, use aux/source curves, and visualize mod flow dynamically.

Understanding the New Warp Modes

One of the most exciting changes in Serum 2 lies in its new Warp Modes. It's important to note that Serum 1’s iconic “FM from B” was technically a Phase Distortion (PD) mode. Serum 2 now includes true modular-style Frequency Modulation, delivering a distinctly different sonic character—closer to the deep, organic FM tones found in hardware modular rigs.

Producers can now apply:

  • True FM (modular-style FM synthesis)
  • PD (Phase Distortion) from filters (Serum 1 legacy method)
  • Dual Warp Mode: Two warp modes applied simultaneously for advanced waveform shaping
  • New timbre-shifting warps and expanded morphing algorithms

Combined with enhanced tuning modes (semitone, harmonic, ratio, and step), phase memory, and unison configuration improvements, these warp additions make Serum 2 incredibly flexible for creating both analog-feeling motion and futuristic harmonic shifts.

Filters, FX, and Modular Routing

Serum 2’s new filter models include drive-based filters with added saturation behavior and clean analog filters for smoother sculpting. Filters can be run in series or parallel, and routing is fully modular via the new Mixer panel.

 

The inclusion of Echobode—Serum’s new frequency-shifting delay—adds a wildly creative tool for stereo modulation and spectral detuning.

Add to that the ability to duplicate any FX module—stack multiple distortions, reverb layers, delays, or complex chains across splitters like Lows/Highs, Mids, and Mid/Side—and Serum 2 becomes a modular sound design environment inside your DAW.

 

From tearout dubstep to jump up drum n bass, Serum 2 is already reshaping what’s possible in modern bass music.

How will Serum 2 impact Electronic Music Production?

EDM producers are already buzzing about Serum 2. The new Granular Oscillator introduces an exciting level of control over the timbre and rhythm of your samples, allowing producers to resample audio in creative new ways. The Spectral Oscillator adds harmonic resynthesis and transient manipulation, letting producers isolate spectral zones of a sound and re-engineer and re-sample them into futuristic alien noises.

Just like its predecessor, Serum 2 has the potential to fuel an entirely new wave of genre innovation in electronic music.

 

When Serum 1 was released, it redefined the sonic possibilities available to producers at the time. Its unique blend of wavetable flexibility, drag-and-drop modulation, and cutting-edge filters became the backbone of signature sounds in dubstep, riddim, trap, future bass, drum n bass, and house music. It wasn’t just a synth, it was the catalyst of a movement, directly influencing how entire genres sounded and evolved. 

 

Now, Serum 2 builds on that legacy and pushes the boundaries even further. The addition of true modular-style FM, Granular resynthesis, and Spectral sound manipulation opens the door to entirely new textures that weren’t ever feasible within Serum 1’s architecture. Producers can now blur the lines between synthesis and sampling, combining SFZ instruments, granular textures, and harmonic resynthesis into layered, hybrid sounds. The result? We’ll likely see the emergence of new genre trends and potentially even new subgenres all born from the unique capabilities now embedded in Serum 2.

Xfer Serum 2 FAQ

Is Serum 2 an upgrade or a brand-new synthesizer?
Serum 2 is a major update to the original Serum. It retains the intuitive interface and core functionality of Serum 1 while introducing cutting-edge tools to expand its capabilities.

 

Does Serum 2 cost money, or is it free?
Serum 2 is free for existing Serum 1 users, continuing Xfer Records’ tradition of offering lifetime free updates. New users can purchase it as a standalone product.

 

Are Serum 1 presets compatible with Serum 2?
Yes, Serum 2 is fully backward-compatible. All Serum 1 presets and projects can be used seamlessly in the new version.

 

Are there new presets for Serum 2?
Definitely! Serum 2 comes with a treasure trove of 626 fresh presets and 288 wavetables, offering plenty of inspiration for producers.

 

What oscillator types are included in Serum 2?
Serum 2 includes five oscillator types: Wavetable, Sample, Multisample (SFZ), Granular, and Spectral, each offering unique synthesis workflows and sonic outcomes.

 

Can Serum 2 load SFZ instruments?
Yes. The Multisample Oscillator allows producers to load expressive SFZ instrument layers across multiple velocity ranges and articulations.

 

What is new about Serum 2’s modulation system?
Serum 2 includes 10 LFOs, 4 envelopes, swing timing, phase controls, chaos LFOs, and editable mod curves. The matrix also features reordering, bypass, aux scaling, and visual feedback.

 

Does Serum 2 allow advanced filter routing?
Yes. Dual filters can be routed in series or parallel with oscillator-to-filter routing managed via the new Mixer interface.

 

What are the new FX in Serum 2?
Serum 2 introduces Echobode (frequency shift delay), Convolve reverb, new distortion modes, utility tools, and three new reverbs—Nitrous, Basin, and Vintage. Effects can be duplicated and freely routed.

 

What is the Clip Sequencer?
A full-featured MIDI and automation sequencing module inside Serum. Includes piano roll, swing, automation lanes, macro recording, and preset banks.

 

Can Serum 2 stack multiple FX of the same type?
Yes! Serum 2 allows unlimited duplication of effect modules—stack as many as you need, in any order, across two FX busses.

Watch: Serum 2 Overview with Virtual Riot

Want to see Serum 2 in action? EDM Producer and sound design heavyweight Virtual Riot recently released a walkthrough video that explores all the standout features and innovations—from granular textures to modular FX routing.
Poster

Preset Packs for Serum 2

One of the fastest and most effective ways to master a new synth like Serum 2 is by reverse engineering professionally made presets. By diving under the hood, tweaking modulation chains, and exploring how sounds are layered and shaped, you develop a much deeper understanding of the instrument.

 

That’s why we’re already hard at work creating a full suite of Serum 2 presets tailored to all the major genres of EDM and electronic bass music. Whether you’re producing dubstep, future bass, house, trap, techno, or experimental hybrid styles, we’re building packs that not only sound amazing, but help you learn as you use them.

 

In the meantime, you can start learning right away with our Square Supply Bundle, which includes 44 high-quality Serum presets designed for Heavy Dubstep & Riddim. These presets are fully backwards compatible and loadable in Serum 2, making them the perfect launchpad to explore Serum’s inner workings, even before our full Serum 2 packs arrive.

Conclusion

The original Serum was a revolution, transforming music production and shaping entire genres through its innovative features. Its influence on bass-heavy styles and house music alike established it as the gold standard in wavetable synthesis. Serum 2 builds on this incredible legacy, introducing fresh, powerful tools that promise to inspire a new generation of producers.
 

Whether you’re crafting massive basslines, lush pads, or groovy house textures, Serum 2 delivers the capabilities and inspiration to elevate your music. It’s more than an update, it’s the future of sound design.

Download Serum 2 and get started exploring!

WOOK BASS GENERATORS: SERUM-POWERED BASS RACKS
Product image for the Wook Bass Generators by Sonic Weaponry. Features custom alien artwork and imagery for Wook Bass sound design

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WOOK BASS GENERATORS: SERUM-POWERED BASS RACKS
Product image for the Wook Bass Generators by Sonic Weaponry. Features custom alien artwork and imagery for Wook Bass sound design

CHECK OUT THE WOOK BASS GENERATORS

  • 4 WOOK BASS GENERATORS FOR ABLETON & FL STUDIO

  • 100 GENERATOR PRESETS [25 PER GENERATOR]

  • 40 DROP MIDI [10 PER GENERATOR]

WOOK BASS GENERATORS: SERUM-POWERED BASS RACKS
Product image for the Wook Bass Generators by Sonic Weaponry. Features custom alien artwork and imagery for Wook Bass sound design

CHECK OUT THE WOOK BASS GENERATORS

  • 4 WOOK BASS GENERATORS FOR ABLETON & FL STUDIO

  • 100 GENERATOR PRESETS [25 PER GENERATOR]

  • 40 DROP MIDI [10 PER GENERATOR]

HEAVY BASS GENERATORS: BASS RACKS FOR DUBSTEP & RIDDIM
Heavy Bass Generators product image from the Dubstep God Mode bundle by Sonic Weaponry for Dubstep, Tearout, & Riddim sound design

CHECK OUT THE HEAVY BASS GENERATORS

  • 4 HEAVY BASS GENERATORS FOR ABLETON & FL STUDIO

  • 100 GENERATOR PRESETS [25 PER GENERATOR]

  • 40 DROP MIDI [10 PER GENERATOR]

HEAVY BASS GENERATORS: BASS RACKS FOR DUBSTEP & RIDDIM
Heavy Bass Generators product image from the Dubstep God Mode bundle by Sonic Weaponry for Dubstep, Tearout, & Riddim sound design

CHECK OUT THE HEAVY BASS GENERATORS

  • 4 HEAVY BASS GENERATORS FOR ABLETON & FL STUDIO

  • 100 GENERATOR PRESETS [25 PER GENERATOR]

  • 40 DROP MIDI [10 PER GENERATOR]

HEAVY BASS GENERATORS: BASS RACKS FOR DUBSTEP & RIDDIM
Heavy Bass Generators product image from the Dubstep God Mode bundle by Sonic Weaponry for Dubstep, Tearout, & Riddim sound design

CHECK OUT THE HEAVY BASS GENERATORS

  • 4 HEAVY BASS GENERATORS FOR ABLETON & FL STUDIO

  • 100 GENERATOR PRESETS [25 PER GENERATOR]

  • 40 DROP MIDI [10 PER GENERATOR]