Method 2 – Xfer Serum

Serum has a good range too – including some created by our author himself…

01

Start by using envelope 1 (the amp envelope) to create a pad shape. In addition to extending the attack and release, try changing the curve of the attack segment to a more rounded, logarithmic shape. This will give the pad a smoother feel than a linear or exponential shape.

02

While a sawtooth wave certainly works, try searching for a single wave from a wavetable. This will add harmonic complexity and make the core pad element sound more unique. From there, add 4-5 voices of unison detuning for thickness.

03

Serum’s noise generator includes an array of inharmonic sources in the factory “FP_ Inharms” folder (yes, that’s me). Find one that suits your design objectives, turn keyboard tracking on, and then find a tuning that compliments your pad component.

04

To separate the oscillator’s timbre from the inharmonic layer, route only the active oscillator(s) into the filter and route the noise generator direct to the amplifier, so you can sculpt the sound for blending. Alternately, if you’ve selected a “softer” waveform, route the oscillator direct and use a different filter on the noise.

05

Depending on how warm you want the pad to sound, it can be useful to apply an EQ at the beginning of the effects chain to gently dip the mid-range. This can often give the sound more presence without resorting to boosting the treble.

06

As with the Phase Plant tutorial, try placing a reverb followed by a chorus at the end of your processing chain. The chorus will add a touch of motion to the inharmonic layer, as well as a deeper ambience to the pad as a whole.