Serum 2 isn’t just about deeper modulation — it’s about controlling it.
With the expanded Macro Routing system, you can link multiple modulation depths, rates, or mix levels to a single knob.
This means you can take complex motion and make it performable — perfect for techno breakdowns, builds, and evolving transitions.

“One twist, and five parameters evolve together.”

What’s New in Serum 2 Macros

In Serum 1, macros were already useful, but limited in flexibility.
Serum 2 expands them dramatically:

You can now assign modulation depth ranges rather than just on/off scaling.
Macros can control modulation amounts inside the matrix, not just parameter values.
Visual feedback shows how each macro influences its targets in real time.
Each macro can be MIDI-mapped, recorded, or automated for expressive live control.

Together, these improvements make Serum 2 feel more like a performance instrument than a static synth.

Why It Matters for Techno

Techno thrives on momentum — sounds that rise, break down, and shift energy dynamically.
With performance macros, you can design those changes into the patch itself, ready to play live or automate later.

Use cases:

Breakdown Sweeps: One macro fades reverb mix, opens the filter, and lowers distortion drive.
Energy Builds: A single knob increases oscillator detune, adds noise, and speeds an LFO.
Live Transitions: Map pitch modulation, delay feedback, and cutoff to one macro for tension you can perform by hand.

“You’re not automating a synth — you’re performing a system.”

How to Set It Up

Setting up performance macros in Serum 2 is straightforward but incredibly powerful once you understand the flow.
Instead of automating parameters one by one, you can centralise control — assigning a single macro to shape multiple movements at once.
This approach keeps your workflow clean and lets you perform transitions or build energy in real time, directly from your synth.

Open the Matrix tab.
You’ll see modulation slots and a new Macro Depth column.
Assign a macro to any modulation amount — not just to the destination parameter.
Adjust range (positive or negative) to fine-tune how far each modulation moves.
Repeat across several destinations — one macro can control filters, FX, and LFO amounts simultaneously.
Label your macro clearly (e.g., “Energy”, “Space”, “Build”).
Save and MIDI-map it to a controller knob for live tweaking.

Pro Tip: In Serum 2, macros can now influence other modulators (like LFO depth or Chaos amount). That means a single macro can animate your modulation itself, not just parameters — incredibly useful for expressive techno patches.

Creative Performance Ideas

Once your modulation network is set, macros turn it into a live instrument.
Each macro becomes a performance tool — one twist shaping multiple movements at once.
This setup lets you build drops, transitions, and evolving layers in real time, keeping your sound fluid and expressive.

Macro 1 – “Energy”: controls distortion drive, filter cutoff, and LFO rate.
Macro 2 – “Atmos”: fades in reverb size, pan spread, and delay feedback.
Macro 3 – “Tension”: increases Chaos depth, detune, and pitch drift.
Macro 4 – “Break”: reduces sub level, raises reverb mix, and closes the low-pass.

With this setup, you can perform entire transitions live, hands-on, with no need for DAW automation.

Workflow Tips

Getting the most from macros comes down to control and balance.
Because every macro can influence several destinations, small adjustments matter.
These tips will help you keep your performance setups musical, responsive, and mix-ready — whether you’re recording automation or playing live.

Stack Ranges Carefully: If a movement feels too dramatic, scale back one range — macros multiply fast.
Inverse Motion: Map two parameters in opposite directions (e.g., reverb mix up while dry volume drops).
Global Control: Use one macro per section of a patch (oscillators, filters, FX) for instant live balance.
Record Automation: Capture macro moves live in your DAW to keep the spontaneity of performance.

Closing Thoughts

Performance macros are where sound design meets expression.
They let you sculpt evolving techno sounds, then perform them as living instruments.
Each macro becomes a choreography of movement — turning static modulation networks into playable, emotional gestures.

“Design motion. Then play it.”

Linking Modulation to Performance Macros in Serum 2: Turning Movement into Performance