Serum 2 vs Serum 1: What’s New, What Changed & Is It Worth Upgrading in 2025?
Serum has been a cornerstone of electronic music production for over a decade. But with Serum 2 finally landing, producers are asking: Is this a must-have upgrade - or more of the same with a fresh coat of paint?
After testing Serum 2 extensively - and diving deep into advanced workflows - here’s how it stacks up against the original.
FX Engine Upgrade
One of the most creative additions in Serum 2 is the ability to use multiple instances of the same effect. Want two distortions and a delay after that? No problem.
This opens up a new world of modular FX chains and distortion layering, allowing more experimental sound design without leaving the synth:
- Stack phasers or flangers for metallic chaos
- Run multiple compressors at different stages
- Create parallel-style FX chains using volume macros
Modulation & Macro Enhancements
While Serum 1 already offered flexible modulation - including assigning macros to LFO rate or shape - Serum 2 improves how that system looks, feels, and scales:
- 8 macro slots instead of 4
- Improved modulation matrix layout for faster workflow
- More visual clarity on modulation ranges and types
These upgrades help streamline modulation-heavy patches, especially for complex setups using multiple mod sources. If you're keen to explore techniques like macro-based LFO pattern switching, WHZLY walks through it in the Serum 2 Production Course.
New Filters & Advanced Routing
The new PZDF filter morphs between multiple filter shapes with XY-based control - ideal for dynamic bass textures. Combine that with:
- Vocal/formant-style filters
- New high-pass morph types
- Improved drive and resonance control
Nested Modulation Upgrades
Serum 1 let you modulate one LFO’s rate using another - a favorite trick for evolving rhythms. Serum 2 builds on this by exposing more modulation targets like rise, delay, and direction controls, allowing for layered, expressive movement inside a single preset.
- Create staggered groove transitions between LFOs
- Shape LFO start timing using another LFO's output
- Design reactive polyrhythms with one-preset automation
Interface & Workflow Enhancements
- FX panel supports multiple modules of the same type (e.g. two distortions)
- Refined matrix layout and LFO shape browser
- UI remains fully scalable and readable across high-DPI screens
While the CPU load remains similar to Serum 1, these usability upgrades help speed up complex patch building - especially for sound designers who live in the Matrix panel.
| Feature | Serum 1 | Serum 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Oscillators | 2 wavetable oscillators | 3 oscillators (wavetable, sample, granular, spectral) |
| Warp Types | One per oscillator | Two simultaneous warps (FM, PD, etc.) |
| Oscillator Engines | Wavetable only | Wavetable, sample, granular, spectral |
| Filters | 1 filter | 2 filters & new types) |
| FX Modules | One per type, serial | Multiple per type, dual buses, new FX |
| Modulation Sources | 4 LFOs, 2 envs, 4 macros | 10 LFOs, 4 envs, 8 macros, chaos & path |
| Mixer & Routing | Basic levels | Full mixer tab with flexible routing |
| Sequencer / Arp | Not included | Built-in clip sequencer & arpeggiator |
| Preset Browser | Basic | Live preview, tagging, fast search |
Final Thoughts
If you’re a casual user or just browsing presets, Serum 1 is still extremely capable.
But if you love building sounds from scratch, working with modulation, and experimenting with FX routing - Serum 2 is a refined, future-proof upgrade.
And if you're keen to learn the deeper tricks covered here, there are some great sound design resources out there that explore these techniques in action - from macro pattern flipping to advanced filter morphing setups.
You can also grab the full Serum 2 Reloaded Producer Bundle, which includes WHZLY’s course, exclusive presets, and custom samples designed to push Serum 2 to the limit.
