Getting Started With Serum


Serum is a powerful wavetable synthesizer used by music producers across genres. If you're new to Serum, this guide will help you get started.

Installing Serum

  1. Purchase and Download: After purchasing Serum from the Xfer Records website, download the installation files for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
  2. Install the Plugin: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to select the correct folder for your VST plugins. For most DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), this is typically C:\Program Files\VST Plugins on Windows or /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST on macOS.
  3. Activate Serum: Open Serum in your DAW, and activate Serum when prompted.

Setting Up Serum in Your DAW

  1. Scan for Plugins: In your DAW, scan for new plugins to ensure Serum appears in your plugin list.
  2. Insert Serum: Add Serum to a track by selecting it from your plugin library.
  3. Test Audio: Load a preset and play some notes to ensure everything is working correctly.
  • Oscillators: Serum has two main oscillators where you can load wavetables to shape your sound.
  • Filters: Use the filter section to shape your sound further by cutting or enhancing specific frequencies.
  • Effects: Serum includes built-in effects like reverb, distortion, and delay to enhance your sound.
  • Modulation: Use the LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators) and envelopes to add movement and dynamics to your sound.
  • Matrix: The modulation matrix provides a detailed view of all modulation assignments.

Learning Resources

  1. User Manual: The Serum manual is included with your installation. You can find it in the installation directory or within Serum’s interface by clicking the help button.
  2. Online Forums: Visit the official Xfer Records forums or other music production forums for tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice.
  3. YouTube Tutorials: Many producers and educators share Serum tutorials on YouTube, covering topics from beginner setup to advanced sound design.
  4. Online Communities: Join music production communities on platforms like Reddit and Discord to connect with other Serum users.

Quick Tips for Beginners

  • Start with presets: Serum includes a variety of presets to help you get a feel for the instrument. Load these and tweak parameters to understand how they work.
  • Experiment with wavetables: Serum’s built-in wavetables are a great starting point, but you can also import your own.
  • Use the effects: Don’t overlook the effects section—it can transform simple sounds into complex textures.

By following these steps and exploring Serum’s features, you’ll be creating your own sounds in no time. Remember to refer to the manual and connect with the community for additional support and inspiration.