Serum presets

How to install Serum presets

1. Unzip the packThe presets are .fxp files, often in a folder for each category.
2. Open the Serum presets folderIn Serum, open the menu and choose Show Serum Presets Folder. On both Windows and macOS it is in Documents/Xfer/Serum Presets/Presets.
3. Copy the folder inPut the pack's folder inside Presets, ideally in its own subfolder.
4. Refresh the listBack in Serum, use the menu to rescan the presets on disk. The pack appears in the preset browser.

How to use a preset

• Play it first to hear what it does, then check the macro knobs, which the preset maker has set up for the important changes.
• Change the key if the preset is tuned to a different note.
• Adjust the filter and the envelope to fit the part: shorter for plucks, longer for pads.
• Layer two presets on separate tracks, and EQ them so they do not fight.

How to make your own Serum preset

1. Start from the init preset, with a single oscillator.
2. Choose a wavetable, then add a second oscillator for width and a sub if you need low end.
3. Use unison and detune for thickness.
4. Shape it with the filter and two envelopes for volume and filter.
5. Add movement with an LFO.
6. Save it in your own folder so you can find it again.

A Serum bank to start with

The SHROOMKTOBER Serum Bank ($15) is a bank of presets for Xfer Serum: bass, leads, plucks, pads and random sounds. For a taste first, the free demo kit includes demo Serum presets.

Questions

More from FLEXTRIK

• Rage beatsDistorted leads from a synth like Serum.
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• Free drum kitIncludes demo Serum presets.