Adding White Noise in Serum: A Step-by-Step Guide

White noise is a powerful tool for sound design, and Serum makes it easy to incorporate into your tracks. This versatile synthesizer plugin, developed by Xfer Records, offers a dedicated noise oscillator that gives you control over the noise color, volume, and other parameters. In this article, we'll explain how to add white noise in Serum, enhancing your music production process and creating a rich, full sound in your tracks.

Step 1: Open Serum
Start by opening Serum in your digital audio workstation (DAW). Make sure you have the latest version installed for optimal performance.

Step 2: Locate the Noise Oscillator
Serum has two main oscillators, a sub-oscillator, and a noise oscillator. The noise oscillator is located on the bottom-left side of the Serum interface next to the sub-oscillator. Click on it to expand its options.

Step 3: Choose 'White Noise'
Among the various noise options available, look for 'analog_wn' (which stands for analog white noise) or 'White Noise' from the dropdown menu. To select it, click on the noise text, and a list of noise samples will appear. Scroll down to find the desired white noise option and click on it.

Step 4: Adjust the Level
Now you have white noise in Serum. Before adjusting other parameters, bring the level of the noise oscillator down to prevent it from overpowering your other oscillators. By default, it's set at 75% which can be quite loud. Adjusting the volume to your preference is crucial to achieve a balanced mix.

Step 5: Fine-tune the Parameters
Depending on your needs, you can further enhance the white noise using various parameters. Use the 'Pan' knob to control the stereo placement of the noise. Adjust the 'Phase' setting to alter the starting point within the waveform. You can also use the 'Pitch' knob to fine-tune the frequency of the noise for creative effects.

Step 6: Add Effects and Modulation
You can apply different effects such as filtering, distortion, EQ, and reverb to tailor the white noise to your liking. Additionally, you can use Serum's modulation matrix to apply envelopes or LFOs to modulate various parameters, like the level and pan, for more dynamic and evolving white noise effects.

Now you know how to add white noise in Serum, you'll be able to create unique textures and soundscapes as a part of your next masterpiece. Remember, practice makes perfect – so keep experimenting and exploring Serum's vast capabilities.