This FAQ answers the most common questions about getting, paying for, and using Serum 2 through Splice — including free upgrades for existing Serum users, Rent-to-Own pricing, activation, and compatibility.
Getting Serum 2
If I purchased Serum from Splice, how do I get Serum 2?
All Splice users who purchased Serum are eligible for a free upgrade to Serum 2. Follow the steps in How Serum users can upgrade to Serum 2.
If I'm still renting Serum from Splice, how do I get Serum 2?
All Serum users receive a free upgrade to Serum 2. If you're still renting Serum, Serum 2 appears in the Apps & Plugins section of the Splice desktop app for you to install. You'll have access to both plugins for the duration of your lease, and once you finish your Serum lease, you own both Serum and Serum 2. 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. If you're already renting Serum, you won't receive a trial because you're granted immediate, free access to Serum 2 through your existing Serum subscription.
Pricing and ownership
How much does Serum 2 cost through Splice?
Serum 2 costs $249 USD, 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 subscription to rent or own Serum 2. Rent-to-Own software is separate from Splice sample plans, though many producers keep both so they can also download presets.
Will I truly 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 finish the process, 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, you must have the latest version of the Splice desktop app installed and open it at least once every three days to keep your lease authorized. After you've paid off your lease, 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 renting, Serum 2 authorizes automatically when you open the Splice desktop app. Once you finish paying, you activate your lifetime copy through your Xfer Records account.
I have a serial key for Serum — do I need it for Serum 2?
No. Your Serum serial key isn't used for Serum 2; you activate Serum 2 through your Xfer Records account instead. See how to activate Serum 2 through Xfer Records.
How many machines can I authorize Serum 2 on?
Xfer Records allows Serum 2 activations on up to 4 machines. If you've hit that limit, see How many machines can I install Serum 2 on? to free up an activation.
I'm getting an error screen when I try to open Serum 2 — 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 Solving Serum 2 license and authorization issues.
Compatibility and requirements
Will my Serum presets work in Serum 2?
Yes — all presets made for the original Serum work in Serum 2. Serum 2 presets are not backward-compatible with 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 compatibility, see the Serum 2 page on the Xfer Records website.
Note: While renting through Splice, you also need the Splice desktop app installed, which requires macOS 12+ or Windows 10+.
What are the differences between Serum and Serum 2?
Serum 2 adds a third oscillator and new synthesis types — granular, spectral, and multisample — along with an enhanced modulation system, 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).