Serum 2 Preset Packs: Analog Synth Classics vs. Performance Essentials
Maik Schott
Looking for new Serum 2 presets but not sure which pack fits your music?
Analog Synth Classics and Performance Essentials both offer sounds for live performance and studio production, but each focuses on a different part of your sound palette.
Here’s how to choose between them.
Analog Synth Classics: classic analog synth character
Analog Synth Classics includes 80+ presets focused on famous classic analog synthesizer sounds inspired by JP-8, RP 2600, Moog Prodigy and the Juno 106, with custom multisamples included in the pack.
Explore pads, strings, synth brass, plucked synth sounds, basses, arpeggios, leads and bells. Whether you’re building a layered studio arrangement or adding synth textures to your live setup, this collection puts classic synth sounds at the centre.
Choose Analog Synth Classics if you’re mainly looking for pads, basses, brass and leads with an analog-style character.
Performance Essentials: a broader keyboard palette
Performance Essentials includes 70+ presets covering a wider range of keyboard and instrument-style sounds.
The collection brings together electric and acoustic pianos, guitars, FM pianos, tape instruments, mallets, orchestral sounds, pads, leads, fast synth sounds and drum kits. It’s designed for players who want to move between different musical roles, from piano parts to synth layers, in live and studio settings.
Choose Performance Essentials if you want a varied collection that goes beyond classic synthesizer sounds.
Which Serum 2 preset pack should you choose?
The main difference is the sound palette, rather than simply the number of presets.
For a collection centred on classic analog synth sounds, choose Analog Synth Classics. For a broader mix of keyboard sounds, instrument-style patches and synth textures, choose Performance Essentials.
If your arrangements use both kinds of sounds, the two packs can complement each other: Analog Synth Classics covers the synth-focused side, while Performance Essentials adds pianos, guitars, mallets, orchestral sounds and more.
Listen before you choose
Both product pages include audio previews and walkthrough videos, so you can hear the sounds before deciding. Free test versions are also available to check how the presets run on your system.
Both packs include MIDI preview files for almost every patch, plus installation instructions in English and German.
Compatibility
Both packs require the Serum 2 plugin by Xfer Records. They are not compatible with Serum 1. A PC or Mac and basic computer skills are needed to install the presets