Did you recently buy or download some new serum presets, yet you have no idea how to install or open them? Look no further, for we have a step by step guide on how to install serum presets to your computer. Whether you have windows or mac, follow these instructions and you’ll be set.

If you find watching videos is easier for you to learn, watch our tutorial on installing serum presets.

So, what are serum presets?

“Presets is just an abbreviation for preset settings. When you open any VST synth inside your DAW for the first time and play a random note, you will encounter two kinds of default settings. The initial preset will be either a generic waveform (e.g., saw wave), or a more sophisticated preset sound that is supposed to demonstrate the power and versatility of the synth.” -from Samplified.us

Today, we’ll be learning how to install presets into Xfer Serum to help your creativity in the studio!

How to Install Serum Presets

Step 1: Download The Pack

First, download your desired preset packs. As an example, here I’ll be unzipping and using Gravitas Create’s Mutate – Hybrid Trap sample pack.

How to install serum presets

Step 2: Unzip/Extract Preset

When you first download a pack, they typically come in a zip or rar file  – these are compressed folders that make it easier to compile files together and easily download them at once. However, once they’ve been downloaded, they need to be properly “unzipped” to be accessed and utilized via serum.

How to install serum presets

*You may need to download winzip or winrar if you don’t see this prompt.

To unzip the files, extract the files to right-click on the .zip or .rar file,

Once the files have been extracted and unzipped correctly, drag/drop them to your serum preset directory

See C:\Users\___\Documents\Xfer\Serum Presets\Presets/User

On a mac, the process is essentially the same but you will use Mac’s native zip program.

The default Serum Presets folder on a Mac will be found at /Library/Audio/Presets/Xfer Records/Serum Prests/Presets/User.

How to install Serum Presets on Mac

Step 3: Open DAW and Serum

Once your daw is up, do the following in serum:

Right-click on MENU in the top right

Select “Show Serum Presets Folder”

Confirm Serum Presets are in the file directory

(You may want to move your downloaded presets to the default serum preset location, ie. 0:48 on video)

install serum presets

Now that you can see the files are in the right place, all we need to do is confirm serum can find them.

Right-Click Menu

Select “Rescan Folders on Disk”

(You may want to move your downloaded presets to the default location, ie. 0:48 on video)

Now, you’re almost ready to make use of your brand new serum presets!

First, let’s go back to Menu on Serum (Open Serum > Menu > Show Serum Presets Folder)

Click on the Presets section

Hover over “user”

Now, you’ll find your folder containing your downloaded serum presets. Browse freely through them to your delight!

(Make sure your presets have already been unzipped)

Drag/drop the selected folders into this root

Refresh Serum by opening it again

installing serum presets tutorial

Free Serum Presets to Install Right Now

Now that you know how to install serum presets, test it out with some of our free packs! These packs were created by some of our top artists, load these bad boys up and let’s make some cool noises!

Catalyst, Vol. 1 – 120 Free Serum Presets from Bass Music producers Au5, ill-esha, Psymbionic, David Starfire, Kermode, Wolf-e-Wolf, Dysphemic, and more by Gravitas Create

Catalyst, Vol. 2 – 164 Free Serum Presets from Bass Music extraordinaires such as AHEE, Encanti of ZEE, Buzz Junior, K+Lab, Mr. Bill, Prismatic, Templo, Mindex, and more by Gravitas Create

Flavors Future Bass Lite – 20 Samples and 5 Serum Presets for Future Bass by Gravitas Create

Other Free Resources

Gravitas Create has a full free downloads section, ready for you to use right now. Here is a list of our notable favorites.

Psymbionic Presents Shapeshifter: Wavetables for Serum – This is a selection of serum wavetables sampled from the Intellijel Shapeshifter Eurorack module. In addition, Shapeshifter is immediately importable to most wavetables synths. For example, Xfer Records Serum, Ableton Wavetables, and Kilohearts Phase Plant. Check out Psymbionic’s free wavetables today!

Ambient Pad Ableton Rack – This is an organic pad. After using this, you can create subtle melodic texture and ambience in your track.

Au5 & Cristina Soto: Freefall Song Stems – Using these stems, you can create a new remix to Au5 and Cristina Soto’s iconic “Freefall” single.