Hybrid synthesis workstation
Serum 2 is a software synthesizer that combines wavetable synthesis with multiple additional sound-generation engines inside a single instrument environment. It operates as a multi-oscillator system where sound sources, filters, modulation, and effects are arranged within a unified signal path. Core components include Wavetable Oscillators, newly added Spectral Oscillator, Granular Oscillator, and a Multi-Sample Engine supporting structured sample playback.
Serum 2’s Signal flow is organized through a dedicated Mixer Tab, while modulation is handled through assignable envelopes, LFOs, and performance controls. Integrated sequencing tools allow internal note and pattern generation, and the interface supports scalable display layouts for detailed parameter access.
Multi-engine signal structure
Serum 2 expands sound generation by operating multiple oscillator engines in parallel within a single patch. The Spectral Oscillator reshapes harmonic content through real-time resynthesis, allowing partials to be filtered, shifted, or reorganized. The Granular Oscillator fragments loaded audio into adjustable grains, with controls for density, position, and spread forming evolving textures. The Multi-Sample Engine reads mapped sample sets using the open SFZ format, enabling velocity layers and key ranges to coexist.
The introduction of the Mixer Tab restructures internal routing by separating level control, panning, and bus assignment from the main synthesis view. This layout shifts balance and routing decisions into a centralized control surface while preserving the existing oscillator and filter architecture. However, this focus on routing does not extend to audio manipulation or capture, as there is no linear audio waveform editor and no built-in audio recording module.
Modulation systems are extended through enhanced LFO behavior and sequencing tools. Enhanced LFOs include a Path mode that maps modulation movement across an XY plane, alongside Chaos modes that introduce continuously shifting curves rather than repeating cycles. A built-in Arpeggiator and Clip Sequencer generate note data internally, functioning independently of external MIDI clips. Each oscillator also supports Dual Warp Modes, allowing two waveform modifiers to operate simultaneously within a single oscillator stage.
Serum evolved
Serum 2 integrates multiple synthesis methods, layered oscillators, internal routing control, modulation systems, and sequencing tools within one plugin framework. It supports wavetable, spectral, granular, and multi-sample sound sources operating concurrently, with centralized mixing and modulation access. While it does not replace dedicated samplers or linear audio editors, it consolidates synthesis-driven sound construction into a single environment. Preset and wavetable continuity is maintained across generations, and legacy content remains readable within the updated engine.
