Serum 2: Making Synthwave
In this Serum 2 video course, electronic music wiz Thomas Cochran shows you how to create an entire synthwave track using nothing but Serum 2 for all the sounds. From plucks and arps to drums, bass, pads, and more, it's all covered here. Not only will you learn all the elements needed to build a great synthwave track, but you'll learn all kinds of tips and techniques for Serum 2 that will have you designing your own patches from scratch before you know it. These Serum 2 video tutorials are designed for Serum 2 users.
Videos
• Intro & Playthrough (02:42) - In this first video, Thomas introduces the course and plays the track we'll be creating throughout the course so you can hear what's in store.
• Drums Pt. 1 (08:50) - Next, we take a look at what makes good synthwave drums along with the rhythms that are commonly used. We'll then build the basic drum pattern we'll be using for the course. This will give the song a strong rhythmic foundation from which to build.
• Drums Pt. 2 (09:28) - To wrap up the drums, we add some basic percussion to fill out the main sections of our song. This video also covers a basic mix for the drums using the effects plugin version of Serum 2.
• Bass (15:15) - Learn how to make a synthwave bass pattern and what types of basses you should use. This video also shows how to take a basic preset and modify it to fit the song.
• Pad (07:52) - Discover how synth pads and keys are used to fill out synthwave tracks and see how to modify a preset to quickly get a vintage synth-inspired keys patch. This part will be used to help the verse sections build.
• Pluck Keys & Arp (13:09) - See how plucks are used to give synthwave songs depth and learn the types of melodies that are used. These plucks provide one of the main melodic elements for the song.
• Lead Synth (04:59) - Watch how to fill out the track with a lead synth, providing a strong counter melody. This synth will be used to fill out the chorus.
• FX (08:27) - Next, we add final effects to fill out the production. These effects are used to help transition between the different sections of the song.
• Arrangement & Final Mix (14:00) - We wrap up the production by arranging out the track and adjusting some final parts of the mix. This video also shows how to add drum fills to the track.