After 11 long years of anticipation, Xfer Records has officially launched Serum 2, a major update to its renowned wavetable synthesizer. Released on March 17, 2025, Serum 2 is not just another iteration; it significantly enhances the synthesis capabilities of its predecessor and integrates advanced features sought by music producers and sound designers alike.
Developed by Steve Duda, Serum has long claimed its spot at the forefront of wavetable synthesis, often eclipsing competitors like Native Instruments’ Massive. Serum 2 extends this legacy, introducing new oscillator types and features, making it more versatile and powerful. Best of all, existing Serum users can upgrade to Serum 2 at no cost, showcasing Xfer Records’ commitment to providing lifetime updates to its user base.
The heart of Serum 2 lies in its updated oscillator architecture, which expands beyond the boundaries of classic wavetable synthesis. The synthesizer now boasts several new oscillator types, allowing for greater creative expression:
- Wavetable Oscillator: Enhanced with new warp modes, it allows greater sound manipulation through phase distortion and dual warps. The newly integrated smooth interpolation mode enables near-infinite frame positions.
- Multisample Oscillator: This oscillator takes realism to new heights by allowing users to replicate traditional instruments. Serum 2 ships with a collection of real-world instrument samples, all stored in the open-standard SFZ format.
- Sample Oscillator: Users can enjoy advanced looping features, flexible modulation, and real-time sample slicing, which opens up creative avenues for sound design.
- Granular Oscillator: This powerful new addition enables users to stretch and morph existing samples, creating unique textures and soundscapes.
- Spectral Oscillator: A significant innovation, this oscillator allows for real-time harmonic resynthesis and transient detection, enabling detailed sound shaping.
Alongside these advancements, Serum 2 enhances its effects capabilities with flexible routing options, allowing for more dynamic sound manipulation. The effects system has been completely overhauled, with the addition of multi-band processing, which includes convolution reverb and Bode frequency shifting. Users can now get creative with three effects channels, adding depth and complexity to their projects.
What’s more, the introduction of both the arpeggiator and the clip sequencer expands the rhythmic and melodic capabilities of Serum, transforming it from merely a synthesizer to a complete performance tool. The redesigned LFO engine includes a broader variety of shapes, and users will benefit from four new macro controls—boosting their ability to manipulate sound on the fly.
Serum 2 balls up all these innovations with over 626 presets and 288 wavetables, providing countless options for users to start crafting their compositions. With such extensive factory content included, it truly positions Serum 2 as not just another plugin, but as a central instrument for music production.
Serum 2 is currently available for an introductory price of $189, which will return to the regular price of $249 after June 1, 2025. Importantly, existing users of Serum 1 can upgrade for free, reinforcing Xfer Records’ dedication to its user community and their promise of lifetime updates.
With its significant expansions and updates, Serum 2 aims to redefine the wavetable synth market. It competes not just based on the brief history of its success but offers something fresh and innovative to both long-time fans and newcomers. The combination of state-of-the-art synthesis techniques and user-friendly design makes Serum 2 not just a tool but rather a partner for modern producers eager to explore the limits of sound design.
The arrival of Serum 2 marks not only the end of a long wait but also sets the stage for new creative possibilities within the electronic music genre. With capabilities extending far beyond its predecessor, Serum 2 is primed to become the go-to synthesizer for producers who demand excellence from their sound design tools.
