Serum 2 vs Serum 1: ¿Qué hay de nuevo, qué ha cambiado y vale la pena actualizarlo en 2025?

For over a decade, Serum has been the industry standard. It defined the sound of Dubstep, Trap, and Future Bass. But with Serum 2 finally landing, the question isn't "is it good?"—it's "do I actually need it?"

We spent weeks ripping the new engine apart to see if it’s a true revolution or just a fresh coat of paint. Here is the verdict.

1. Unlimited FX Stacking

The biggest workflow change in Serum 2 is the ability to use multiple instances of the same effect. You are no longer limited to one Distortion or one Filter.

This allows you to build mastering-grade processing chains without ever leaving the synth:

• Stack three different distortions for complex texturing.
• Run serial compression stages (Peak catching -> Glue).
• Create complex feedback loops using multiple delay units.

2. 8 Macros (Finally)

Producers have been begging for this for years. Serum 2 doubles the macro count from 4 to 8.

For bass music design, this is critical. You can now have dedicated knobs for FM, Filter Cutoff, Warp Amount, and FX Wetness, while still having 4 macros left over for "Glitch" sequences or pattern switching.

The modulation matrix has also been overhauled visually, making it easier to track which LFO is controlling what—a lifesaver for complex patches. (If you want to see how we route these for live performance, check out the Serum 2 Reloaded Course).

3. Spectral & PZDF Filtering

The filter section got a massive upgrade with the new PZDF (Phasing Z-Plane Dual Filter). It allows for XY-morphing between different filter shapes, perfect for creating organic, talking bass movements.

Combined with the new Spectral Warp modes, you can now perform additive-style synthesis manipulation, carving out harmonics with surgical precision before they even hit the FX chain.

4. Nested LFO Modulation

In Serum 1, you could modulate Rate. In Serum 2, you can modulate everything.

You can now map LFO 2 to control LFO 1's Rise, Delay, Phase, and Smooth parameters. This unlocks generative capabilities previously only found in modular synths. You can create bass patches that evolve over time, shifting their groove and texture automatically without you drawing a single automation clip.

5. The Workflow Updates

• New Browser: Tagging, searching, and live previewing makes finding presets instant.
• Granular Engine: You can now manipulate audio samples with a dedicated granular mode (similar to Phase Plant).
• Scalability: The UI is fully vector-based and looks crisp on 4K/Retina screens.

Despite the new engines, the CPU load is surprisingly optimized. It feels just as snappy as Serum 1.

Feature	Serum 1	Serum 2
Engines	Wavetable Only	Wavetable, Granular, Spectral
Warp Modes	One per osc	Dual Simultaneous Warps
FX Stacking	One per type	Unlimited instances (CPU dependent)
Macros	4 Macros	8 Macros
Modulation	Standard Matrix	Nested LFOs, Chaos, Path
Routing	Basic Mix	Dual Bus / Split Routing
Sequencer	None	Built-in Clip Sequencer

Verdict: Do You Need It?

If you are a casual producer who just loads presets, you can probably stick with Serum 1.

But if you are a Sound Designer, this update is mandatory. The Granular engine and FX stacking alone make it a completely new instrument.

If you want to skip the learning curve and get straight to building weaponized bass, check out our full Serum 2 Training Protocol below.