Getting Serum 2
I purchased Serum from Splice. How do I get Serum 2?
Everyone who purchased Serum through Splice gets a free upgrade to Serum 2. Follow the steps in How Serum users can upgrade to Serum 2.
I'm still renting Serum from Splice. How do I get Serum 2?
If you're still renting Serum, Serum 2 appears in the Apps & Plugins section of the Splice desktop app, ready to install, at no extra cost. You can use both Serum and Serum 2 for the rest of your lease, and when you finish paying off Serum, you own both plugins. See How Serum users can upgrade to Serum 2 for details.
Is there a free trial for Serum 2?
Yes. Serum 2 has a 3-day free trial through Splice.
Note: If you're already renting Serum, you won't get a Serum 2 trial because your existing Serum lease already gives you free access to Serum 2.
Pricing and ownership
How much does Serum 2 cost through Splice?
Serum 2 costs $249 USD outright, or $9.99/month for 25 months with Rent-to-Own.
Do I need a Splice subscription to use Serum 2?
No. You don't need a Splice sample plan to rent or own Serum 2. Rent-to-Own software is billed separately from Splice plans. A Splice plan does let you download Serum 2 presets from the Splice catalog, but it isn't required to use Serum 2.
Will I own Serum 2 after I pay it off?
Yes. Once you complete all Rent-to-Own payments for Serum 2, you own the plugin permanently and no longer need Splice to use it. To claim your copy, see How to activate your lifetime copy of Serum 2.
Activation and authorization
Do I need the Splice desktop app to use Serum 2?
While you're renting Serum 2, yes. Keep the latest version of the Splice desktop app installed and open it at least once every 3 days to keep your Serum 2 lease authorized. Once you've paid off Serum 2, the Splice desktop app is no longer required.
How do I get a serial key for Serum 2?
Serum 2 doesn't use serial keys. While you're renting, Serum 2 authorizes automatically when you open the Splice desktop app. Once you've paid it off, you activate your lifetime copy of Serum 2 through your Xfer Records account. See How to activate your lifetime copy of Serum 2.
I have a serial key for Serum. Do I need it for Serum 2?
No, your Serum serial key doesn't apply to Serum 2. Serum 2 is activated through your Xfer Records account instead. See How to activate your lifetime copy of Serum 2.
How many machines can I authorize Serum 2 on?
Xfer Records allows Serum 2 to be activated on up to 4 machines. If you've reached that limit, see How many machines can I install Serum 2 on?
Serum 2 shows an error screen when I open it. How do I fix it?
If Serum 2 shows an error such as "This machine is not yet authorized for Serum 2," "Refresh your license with Splice," or "It looks like Serum 2 needs to be verified for this machine," follow the steps in How do I fix Serum 2 license and authorization errors?
Compatibility and requirements
Will my Serum 1 presets work in Serum 2?
Yes. All presets made for the original Serum work in Serum 2. Presets made in Serum 2 don't work in Serum 1, though. See Serum 1 and Serum 2 preset compatibility for details.
What are the system requirements for Serum 2?
For current system requirements and host (DAW) compatibility, see the Serum 2 page on the Xfer Records website.
Note: While you're renting Serum 2 through Splice, you also need the Splice desktop app, which requires macOS 12 or later or Windows 10 or later.
What's the difference between Serum 1 and Serum 2?
Serum 2 adds a third oscillator and new synthesis types (granular, spectral, and multisample), an expanded modulation system with advanced LFOs and envelopes, and a new arpeggiator and MIDI clip system for sequencing. For the full list, see the What's New in Serum 2 overview from Xfer Records (PDF).
Still have a Serum 2 question that isn't covered here? Browse the Serum and Serum 2 by Xfer collection.