Serum Explained®
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8:02 Intro
Programming Synths vs. Using Presets, Loading the plugin, Loading a preset, Author and Notes and the Mouseover feature.
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6:31 Wavetable Oscillators
What is a Wavetable Synthesizer, the Osc Module, Waveform Display - 2d vs 3d, the Waveform Editor, Menu and Save and Pitch Controls - Drag and Drop Sources.
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3:27 Unison Settings
In this video we cover Unison Waves, Detune and the Blend knobs.
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3:28 Wavetable Position
In this tutorial we learn about the Wavetable Position in Serum.
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4:54 Phase Knob
In this video we explain the Phase Knob and the Random Knob.
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2:35 Pan & Level
In this video we explain the Pan Knob and the Level Knob for each Oscillator section.
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8:49 Warp Menu Modes Pt. 1
In this video we explain the Warp Modes in Serum and go thru each of them.
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6:39 Warp Menu Modes Pt. 2
In this video we continue to explain the Warp Modes in Serum and go thru each of them.
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7:32 Sub Harmonic Oscillator
In this video we go over the Sub Waves, Octave, Direct Out and Pan and Level for the Sub Oscillator.
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10:54 Noise Oscillator
In this video we go over the Noise Menu, One Shot Looping, Phase Knob, Random Knob, Keytrack Switch, Pitch Knob, Pan, Level and Custom Sound creation using the Noise Oscillator.
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6:18 Filter Module Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Filter Type, Cutoff, Res adjustment for the Filter Module.
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5:50 Filter Module Pt. 2
In this video we go over the Pan - Stereo Offset, Drive, Variable Knob, Mix Knob and Keytrack Switch for the Filter Module.
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9:24 Effects Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Hyper/Dimension, Distortion and EQ modules in the Effects section.
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11:04 Effects Pt. 2
In this video we go over the Compressor, Filter, Chorus / Phaser / Flange, Delay and Reverb modules in the Effects section.
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9:51 Modulation Routing
In this video we go over the Drag and Drop Routing Assignments vs Right Click, Modulator depth control, Negative or Inverse Settings, Right Click - Mod Source Sub-Menu, Midi Learn and Modulating FX.
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5:31 Mod Matrix Window Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Sources, Amount Slider - Positive and Negative, Destinations and Type - Uni-directional or bi-directional - for the Mod Matrix Window.
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6:54 Mod Matrix Window Pt. 2
In this video we go over the Mod - default - inverse - bypass, Aux Source, Curves and Output for the Mod Matrix Window.
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7:51 Envelopes Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Three Envelopes in Serum, First Envelope “Special” - Amp Output, AHDSR Explained, Lock or Unlock, Zoom Slider, Normalize with Envelopes.
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6:08 Envelopes Pt. 2
In this video we go over using Envelopes as Modulation Sources.
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8:47 LFOs Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Four LFOs in Serum - Preset Curves, Draw and Save Custom Shapes and Settings and LFO Mode (Trig / Env / Off) in Serum.
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5:54 LFOs Pt. 2
In this video we go over the BPM switch - Dot/Trip switches, Anchor switch, Rate, Rise, Delay and Smooth when using LFOs.
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9:22 Voicing & Portamento
In this video we go over Mono (Monophonic) Switch, Legato Switch, Poly (Polyphony) number box, Poly (Polyphony) count display, Portamento Settings - Porta (Porta time) Knob, Porta Curve Control, 'Always' switch and 'Scaled' switch in the Voicing and Portamento Sections.
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6:04 Global Page Settings Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Pitch Tracking A and B, Noise Fine Tune and Preferences on the Global Settings page.
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10:09 Global Page Settings Pt. 2
In this video we go over the Unison Range, Unison Width, Unison Warp, Unison WT Position, Unison Stack and Unison Tuning on the Global Settings page.
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9:54 Chaos + Misc. Mod Sources
In this video we explain using the Velocity, Note Number, Chaos 1 & 2, Noise OSC, Note On, Random and Pitch Bend as Modulation Sources.
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11:21 Wavetable Editor
In this video we go over the Wavetable editor and show how to create our own Wavetables or Frames and Morph from one to another in Serum.
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9:31 Macros
In this video we go over the many uses for Macros including Four Convenient Controls on Front, Naming Control, Better Depth Control, Midi Learn Function, Inverse Function, Multiple Functions at Once and Scaling of each parameter in Serum.
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8:58 Putting It All Together: Preset 1
In this video we Put It All Together by dissecting the "Bass - Deep Womp" preset to show how it was created and how we can customize it for our own specific needs.
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8:27 Putting It All Together: Preset 2
In this video we Put It All Together by dissecting the "FX - 16-Bar Riser" preset to show how it was created and how we can customize it for our own specific needs.
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9:17 Putting It All Together: Preset 3
In this video we Put It All Together by dissecting the "Misc. WurlyKeys" preset to show how it was created and how we can customize it for our own specific needs.
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10:21 Putting It All Together: Preset 4
In this video we Put It All Together by dissecting the "Pad - Big Minor 7th Pad" preset to show how it was created and how we can customize it for our own specific needs.
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9:07 Putting It All Together: Preset 5
In this video we Put It All Together by dissecting the "Seq - 2 Notes" preset to show how it was created and how we can customize it for our own specific needs.
Product Overview
Xfer Records' groundbreaking virtual synth plug-in Serum sets the bar incredibly high for wavetable synthesis. Studio / producer guru Kenny Gioia injects total Serum knowledge directly into your brain in this meticulous and complete series, making it the most comprehensive exploration into Serum available!
Kenny starts by introducing you to Serum and taking you through its Oscillators and Unison Settings. After exploring Wavetable Positions, the Phase, Pan, and Level Controls, Kenny digs into the Warp Menu Modes, the Sub-Harmonic and Noise Oscillators.
Next, Kenny discusses the Filter Module, Effects, Modulation Options, and Mid Matrix Window. That leads into the Envelopes, LFOs, Voicing, and Portamento Options. After detailing the Global Page Settings, Kenny teaches you about Chaos and other Miscellaneous Modulation Sources, the Wavetable Editor, and how to use Macros in Serum. Finally, Kenny puts it all together by taking some popular Preset Sounds and Deconstructing them and Rebuilding them from the ground up.
Whether you already own Serum and want to take a higher dose, or are a new user looking for your first hit of one of the most unique virtual instruments available, get "Serum Explained" today!
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Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Horrible experience.
Why the teacher felt it was necessary to demonstrate how fast he could play piano keys while trying to explain envelopes is beyond me. Envelopes shape a sound over time so by playing keys so quickly completely destroyed trying to learn how envelopes work to shape a sound over time. I got so angry, I stopped the tutorial and won't go back. Really a bad experience. Also, sometimes he showed the keyboard display and sometimes he didn't. Really made it difficult to see what was going on.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer, Reason
Response from :
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 months ago
Love for Kenny
I started with this tutorial and was delighted to find that Kenny Gioia was the instructor. I recognize him from the REAPER Mania YouTube channel which has also helped me a lot. Serum Explained has done just that and given me the foundation I need to begin thinking creatively with the software. Thanks!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Great Tutorial
I recently purchased Serum, read the manual but didn't feel like it explained how to use the interface. This video series breaks down the fundamental functioning of the various elements of Serum and explains how to use everything. Most sounds created in the videos are pretty basic, but the point of this instruction is to introduce the watcher to the tools of the synth which are often times most clearly explained with simple sounds. I highly recommend this video series if you are new to Serum and don't have an experienced user around to show you how to use the interface.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
very helpful
great lecture ..i loved it .so well explained .cheers to you and thank you so much .
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Great!
Excellent examples and explanation. Really happy I went through it.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Excellent
Excellent tutorial. No fluff, just clear straight ahead information.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Cubase
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Why does Kenny Gioia have to be always so wordy, repetitive and tiring?
I know this instructor from his Reaper series of videos on youtube. He simply makes a single instruction last for much longer than needed. I do not recommend this author, he repeats unnecessary information over and over. I got here excited but I am leaving frustrated and tired.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
A lot of good information and instruction
These videos really helped me get going with Serum, they're informative and clear. Just what I was looking for.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar, Mixcraft, Studio One
Submitted 1 year ago
Helpful and inspiring
I found this walk-through exemplary in fundamentals for Serum and I have a better core understanding of the vst now. I wish you could of done a little more putting it all together for further inspiration. Also a bit more on sequencing for arpeggio and note placements.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Learned a lot
That was a great course, inspiring and letting me jump on Serum
I am a: Beginner, Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Horrible experience.
Why the teacher felt it was necessary to demonstrate how fast he could play piano keys while trying to explain envelopes is beyond me. Envelopes shape a sound over time so by playing keys so quickly completely destroyed trying to learn how envelopes work to shape a sound over time. I got so angry, I stopped the tutorial and won't go back. Really a bad experience. Also, sometimes he showed the keyboard display and sometimes he didn't. Really made it difficult to see what was going on.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer, Reason
Response from :
Submitted 3 months ago
Love for Kenny
I started with this tutorial and was delighted to find that Kenny Gioia was the instructor. I recognize him from the REAPER Mania YouTube channel which has also helped me a lot. Serum Explained has done just that and given me the foundation I need to begin thinking creatively with the software. Thanks!
Submitted 5 months ago
Great Tutorial
I recently purchased Serum, read the manual but didn't feel like it explained how to use the interface. This video series breaks down the fundamental functioning of the various elements of Serum and explains how to use everything. Most sounds created in the videos are pretty basic, but the point of this instruction is to introduce the watcher to the tools of the synth which are often times most clearly explained with simple sounds. I highly recommend this video series if you are new to Serum and don't have an experienced user around to show you how to use the interface.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Reaper
Submitted 5 months ago
very helpful
great lecture ..i loved it .so well explained .cheers to you and thank you so much .
Submitted 6 months ago
Great!
Excellent examples and explanation. Really happy I went through it.
Submitted 1 year ago
Excellent
Excellent tutorial. No fluff, just clear straight ahead information.
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Cubase
Submitted 1 year ago
Why does Kenny Gioia have to be always so wordy, repetitive and tiring?
I know this instructor from his Reaper series of videos on youtube. He simply makes a single instruction last for much longer than needed. I do not recommend this author, he repeats unnecessary information over and over. I got here excited but I am leaving frustrated and tired.
Submitted 1 year ago
A lot of good information and instruction
These videos really helped me get going with Serum, they're informative and clear. Just what I was looking for.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar, Mixcraft, Studio One
Submitted 1 year ago
Helpful and inspiring
I found this walk-through exemplary in fundamentals for Serum and I have a better core understanding of the vst now. I wish you could of done a little more putting it all together for further inspiration. Also a bit more on sequencing for arpeggio and note placements.
Submitted 2 years ago
Learned a lot
That was a great course, inspiring and letting me jump on Serum
I am a: Beginner, Student, Hobbyist, Musician, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I've played an instrument since I was 10. Drums and Trumpet. I'm 40 now. I can play a little bit of any instrument. Master of none. Rock bands most of my life.
2. What training have you had?
I was taught trumpet classically from grade school up until I graduated high school. I went to Five Towns College for engineering and learned that you can't just learn this stuff from school. I did graduate though.
3. When did you get into recording?
I've been recording since I was 15. Two cassette players wired to a Radio Shack mixer. Eventually I got an 8 track reel to reel by Fostex. I've used just about every DAW and I started using them before they even recorded audio. Vision and Performer were just MIDI sequencers at the time. Before they became Studio Vision and Digital Performer. I got studio jobs because I knew computer MIDI and most studios didn't. I eventually moved up to Sound Tools which was two track. Then Pro Tools made a Audio Media III card which let you have 4 inputs. Gradually I moved up from there with Pro Tools D24, Pro Tools Mix to HD.
4. People you have worked with/for?
Marcy Playground
Mandy Moore
LFO
Willa Ford
Lee Ann Womack
Paulina Rubio
Hall & Oates
Bayside
Head Automatica
Cute is What We Aim For
FTSK
and many more...
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Hmmm. My Mom always said "Self Praise Stinks". I think it's because I have no ability to talk like a professional announcer, or plan out my teachings. So I teach as if you were sitting next to me. Pretty much off the cuff. I think that engages people more. We're so used to hearing everything done so properly and planned out with unnecessary explanations and proper wording that the brain will actually ignore most of it. Your brain tunes it out like you're back at your desk at school. But if the teacher grabbed you aside and just explained it to you, I believe you'd get more out of it. That is what I try to do.
Products by Kenny
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tutorial videoCompressors Explained
Kenny Gioia is back, this time giving you the history and application of all the famous Compressors ever made, as well as their modern day plug-in equivalents! Now you’ll know exactly what Compressor to pick for your tracks and how to use them. This series is long overdue!
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tutorial videoDelay Explained
The Delay effect is one of the oldest effects to be used on recordings, and there are many different types and ways to apply it. Multi-Platinum mixer / producer extraordinaire Kenny Gioia returns with a must have series for anyone recording, mixing, engineering or producing music. See how delay can be used to make tracks bigger, wider and just cooler! Learn the important fundamentals and advanced techniques of delay, and you'll find yourself using delay smarter and more creatively.
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tutorial videoEventide UltraChannel Explained
Multi-Platinum Engineer / Mixer Kenny Gioia brings you the definitive series on Eventide's amazing UltraChannel Strip plug-in. Follow along with Kenny as he breaks down all the Features and Functions while showing you What the Plug-In Can Do on Different Sources. He also reveals all the Effects, so you'll know just what to do with them on Your Songs and Productions.
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tutorial videoFirst Song with REAPER
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia takes you step by step on how to make your first song in Cockos REAPER. From nothing to something awesome, Kenny gets you going with REAPER easily and quickly. You also get the Reaper session and audio files that Kenny uses, so you can follow along.
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tutorial videoLoop Based Production Explained
Studio guru Kenny Gioia delivers a loop based production video tutorial series! If you're new to producing with loops, Kenny will show you how to produce a full track from scratch using only loops and basic DAW plug-ins. The loops used in the videos are also included so you can follow along with your DAW. This series is perfect for those who are just starting out producing beats and tracks.
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