How does spectral synthesis work in Serum 2?
Q&A
Jan 22, 2026
Spectral synthesis in Serum 2 breaks a sound down into individual frequencies or partials, moving from the time domain (how a sound progresses over time) into a frequency domain where you can see and manipulate each frequency separately on a vertical axis like an EQ. I use the scan knob to control the speed and direction of playback through the sample, while the frequency range selector acts like an EQ to choose which partials get processed. The warp modes like smear, spread, and harmonics let me radically transform the source sample—I've made bass sounds from snare drums and flute-like tones from vocal chops by combining these spectral warp modes with distortion.
Post adapted from the video below:
I teach the complete Serum 2 workflow including spectral synthesis techniques at Futureproof Music School, where we focus on understanding why things work, not just how to use them. Learn more at futureproofmusicschool.com.
What's the difference between spectral mode and regular wavetable mode in Serum 2?
Spectral mode breaks sound down into individual frequencies or partials in the frequency domain, while wavetable mode shows you the time domain. I find spectral mode gives you way more control over manipulating specific frequencies and creating unique tonal shifts.
What does the scan knob do in spectral synthesis?
The scan knob controls the speed and direction of playback through your sample. I set it to 12:00 for a frozen granular effect, move it right to play forward faster, or left to play backwards.
Can I use any sample for spectral synthesis in Serum 2?
Yes, I drag in any sample I want, from vocals to snare drums to bass sounds. At Futureproof Music School, I stress that experimenting with different source samples is the real technique here because you'll get totally unique results from each one.
Dubstep pioneer and touring artist with millions of streams. Known for his heavy bass drops and intricate sound design, Max has released on major labels and performed at festivals worldwide.