Serum 2 comes equipped with advanced sampling options. Combine them with synthesis functions and create incredible patches! Here are 7 essential tips for getting the most out of the Serum’s Sample module: 1. Loading samples After selecting the Sample oscillator type, you can just drag and drop samples right into the display. There’s also an option to select some of the built-in sounds via the dropdown menu. You can import tonal one-shots, sharp attack samples, or even drum loops! 2. Operations By right clicking the sample you get access to some hidden functions. Here you can change the “snapping” of...

Spectral synthesis in Serum 2 allows you to transform samples into incredible soundscapes and effects. Here are 7 tips to get the most out of it!  1. Spectral oscillator After selecting the Spectral mode, you can import samples by drag and drop, or select any of the built-in Factory samples. It’s even possible to import an image for curious results! 2. Frequency range After importing a sound, you can narrow down the range of frequencies for spectral synthesis. That’s easily done with the brace to the right of the display. 3. Looping The dropdown menu allows you to pick various...

Granular synthesis in Serum 2 allows for creating incredibly unique textures. Here are 7 tips on how to get the most out of it! 1. Granular oscillator After selecting the Granular oscillator type, you can either just drag and drop the sample onto the display, or choose any of the built-in Factory samples. 2. Sample operations Similarly to the Sample mode, there are a few hidden options when you right-click the sample - including fading sample edges, reversing and trimming. 3. Looping mode The looping dropdown menu includes handy features. Unique to Granular are Manual Mode (adds dot for grain...

The new version of Xfer Serum brings a lot of new functions, expanding the sound design capabilities and making the synth incredibly versatile. Let's dive into the top 8 improvements! 1. Filters & Routing Serum now includes 2 filters, including simple routing of its 5 sound source modules. Plenty of new filter types have been added, including a fully customizable shape editor. 2. Sample Oscillators Serum now has 3 oscillators, which can be swapped for samplers, and even Kontakt style multisamples! Now it’s easier than ever before to layer synths with one-shots, or import multiple velocity layers per note. 3....

In this article you’ll find the best websites for music producers, for learning music theory, through stem splitting, up to tools for getting inspired. Let’s get started! 1. ToneGym & SoundGym These platforms allow you to train your ears with music production exercises like frequency detection, or to sharpen your music theory skills with exercises like intervals identification. Visit ToneGym Visit SoundGym 2. MusicTheory MusicTheory.net gives you access to countless music theory exercises for absolutely free. Visit Website 3. Splitter AI This is a completely free AI stem splitting tool for separating audio files into individual instruments. Visit Website 4....

In this article you will find the top 20 absolutely free VST effect plugins, which you can use in any music production software. These include reverbs, saturators, compressors, delays, choruses, transient shapers, vocal processing effects and much more!  1. Destruqtor This plugin is a great, simple distortion. The circular control allows you to select the right amount of odd and even harmonics, while the Auto Gain feature ensures the loudness stays the same. Download Destruqtor 2. OCS-45 OCS-45 is a free cassette emulator. It includes different models of cassettes, wow and flutter settings, as well as noise and distortion. Download...

In this article you'll find our top 15 picks of absolutely free VST instruments. We'll go through synths, acoustic instruments, as well as samplers and drum machine plugins. Let's get started!   1. Syndtsphere This curious synth gives you a circular control allowing easy blending between patches. It features a nice selection of presets and a delay module as well. Download 2. X-Stream This VST by Steinberg is a spectral synth, which is ideal for cinematic soundscapes. Download   3. Zebralette Zebralette is a single oscillator version of the Zebra plugin, which is famously used by Hans Zimmer. It gives...

Producer Notes episode 047 features Anjunadeep-like Melodic House styles: In this YouTube Series with Francois we're analysing the Vocal Melodic House style of Jan Blomqvist and Natascha Polké (modelled after a track called "Midnight Sun" from the new album "Mute"). Watch and see what we can learn from this signature Jan Blomqvist style merging dreamy soundscapes, sustained moog basslines and groovy drums.  The key lessons from this episode are: Kick & Toms to set up a groovy low end Sustained Bass layers with 5ths, mono and portamento for glide Layered, dispersed Claps for deep groove One note plucks for depth and atmosphere Arrangement:...

This is session 26 of the YouTube Series with Francois PML called "Producer Notes". In Episode 026 we're analysing the Melodic Techno style of artist "Cassian" and labels like Afterlife Recordings. We're looking to reverse engineer the style of Cassian's remix for John Summit "Shiver" only using Ableton stock effects and instruments, plus Xfer Serum. Watch and see what we can learn from this style sitting somewhere between Melodic Techno and Trance. The key lessons from this episode are: Drums: Clean and Simple, short kick (almost like trance) Bass: Purposeful collection of separated rolling bass layers (notice: this is reverse engineered). Bass: Smooth Low Stabs for deep feel...

This is session 17 of the YouTube Series with Francois PML called Producer Notes and we are analysing the Melodic Afro House style of artists Adam Port, Stryv, Keinemusik, Orso and Malachiii. Watch and see what we can learn from this style sitting somewhere between Percussive House, Afro House, RnB and Latin influences. The key lessons from this episode are: 1. Low-End: Sustained bass, clean punchy kick 2. One note synth (rhythmically, morphing) 3. Deep Vibe Pads in the background 4. "Latin" Clap, Perc and Tom elements playing together 5. Shakers for groove and timing 6. Organic sounding Piano element in the background 7. Dreamy, almost RnB-like...