Serum Explained®
-
8:02 Intro
Programming Synths vs. Using Presets, Loading the plugin, Loading a preset, Author and Notes and the Mouseover feature.
-
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.
-
3:27 Unison Settings
In this video we cover Unison Waves, Detune and the Blend knobs.
-
3:28 Wavetable Position
In this tutorial we learn about the Wavetable Position in Serum.
-
4:54 Phase Knob
In this video we explain the Phase Knob and the Random Knob.
-
2:35 Pan & Level
In this video we explain the Pan Knob and the Level Knob for each Oscillator section.
-
8:49 Warp Menu Modes Pt. 1
In this video we explain the Warp Modes in Serum and go thru each of them.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
6:18 Filter Module Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Filter Type, Cutoff, Res adjustment for the Filter Module.
-
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.
-
9:24 Effects Pt. 1
In this video we go over the Hyper/Dimension, Distortion and EQ modules in the Effects section.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
6:08 Envelopes Pt. 2
In this video we go over using Envelopes as Modulation Sources.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Why Users Choose Us
There are many things our users love about Groove3, but a couple always stand out at the top when asked why people choose us as their learning resource.
Quality Content
We meticulously craft professional quality tutorials that are thoughtful, informative and done with attention to detail. We stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are trusted by 1000s of users every day.
Save Time & Money
Our library brings over 1700 hours of quality instruction to you fingertips and we release new content every week. Don't waste your valuable time scouring the web for information you may never find or is cumbersome to use and potentially can't be trusted.
Reviews
Submitted 2 weeks ago
Extremely Helpful, Great, Clear and Awesome
It is not a sound design course. However, If you know the basics of sound design this is really very helpful as you can start applying that on Serum. great synth and very detailed explanation.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 weeks ago
This tutorial helped make the "extras" more understandable
I knew most of how serum works, but the global menu and various ways to use modulation were helpful to learn in this video series
I am a: Beginner, Student, Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 weeks ago
A great learning tool if you want to start using Serum!
I really like the depth of detail per [rameters he goes into about what each knob or section does rather than what you can do with them that way you can come up with your own ideas knowing what you're getting out of each parameter on Serum's gui
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
Helpful
Was a little put off by the staccato presentation and did find some videos by Free Zen World easier to follow
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Cubase
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 months ago
Enjoyed it a lot!
It gave me confidence in working in Serum! Thank you.
I am a: Beginner
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 10 months ago
More than i expected !
This tutorial is not only teaching me every nook and cranny of this vst but is also helping me understand sound design. My outlook on serum is different now. Its not just a vst where i cycle threw presets. I now see it as a machine within a machine.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, FL Studio, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year 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 1 year 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 1 year 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 1 year 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
Reviews
Submitted 2 weeks ago
Extremely Helpful, Great, Clear and Awesome
It is not a sound design course. However, If you know the basics of sound design this is really very helpful as you can start applying that on Serum. great synth and very detailed explanation.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro
Submitted 2 weeks ago
This tutorial helped make the "extras" more understandable
I knew most of how serum works, but the global menu and various ways to use modulation were helpful to learn in this video series
I am a: Beginner, Student, Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound Designer, Ableton Live
Submitted 3 weeks ago
A great learning tool if you want to start using Serum!
I really like the depth of detail per [rameters he goes into about what each knob or section does rather than what you can do with them that way you can come up with your own ideas knowing what you're getting out of each parameter on Serum's gui
Submitted 1 month ago
Helpful
Was a little put off by the staccato presentation and did find some videos by Free Zen World easier to follow
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Cubase
Submitted 3 months ago
Enjoyed it a lot!
It gave me confidence in working in Serum! Thank you.
I am a: Beginner
Submitted 10 months ago
More than i expected !
This tutorial is not only teaching me every nook and cranny of this vst but is also helping me understand sound design. My outlook on serum is different now. Its not just a vst where i cycle threw presets. I now see it as a machine within a machine.
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, FL Studio, Pro Tools
Submitted 1 year 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 1 year 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 1 year 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 1 year ago
very helpful
great lecture ..i loved it .so well explained .cheers to you and thank you so much .
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
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
tutorial videoFree VST Instruments Explained - Vol 1
Kenny Gioia brings you detailed virtual instrument video tutorials on some of the best FREE VST instrument plug-ins, all for absolutely nothing! See some of Kenny's favorites with an in-depth tutorial for each virtual instrument showing you all of it's features and functions, plus how to use it. These videos are for those looking for high quality, free VST/AU/AAX virtual instruments, with free instruction on using them.
You might be also interested in
Synth expert Thomas Cochran presents a comprehensive Serum video tutorial series! Thomas takes you back in time, showing you how to recreate some of the most popular vintage synth sounds from scratch, using only the Xfer Record Serum virtual synth! This series is for those who have some Serum experience and want to develop their Serum programming skills further.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier, brings an in-depth video tutorial series all about using the amazing Xfer Serum FX plug-in! Get a unique perspective on these powerful effects and how to use them creatively on your audio material. Note: Basic knowledge of Serum and Serum FX is recommended before watching this series.
Xfer Record’s Serum is one of the most popular synths in Electronic Dance Music today. In this video tutorial series EDM producer Larry Holcombe reveals the steps to take, to make killer EDM sounds with super synth Serum!
The All-Access Pass gives you just that, instant online access to every single video tutorial currently on the site and any ones that get added during your membership.
Serum psycho Adam Pollard, aka Multiplier, brings you a full series of Serum Tips & Tricks video tutorials! Learn essential tips, tricks, and creative techniques for getting the most out of XFer Record’s powerful wavetable software synthesizer and make original sounding synth parts that will infect everyone who hears them!
Larry Holcombe returns and takes you on a journey inside Xfer Record’s popular LFO Tool plug-in! Learn all about its features and functions, as well as how to use it creatively in your tracks and productions.
Larry Holcombe shows you how to release the awesome power of Xfer Record’s Cthulhu chord generation plug-in! Learn all of its features and functions, as well as see it in action, so you know exactly how to use it effectively in your songs and productions.