Xfer Serum FX as MIDI Controlled Multi-Effect Plugin for External Audio / Samples

[BRoySound]

Hi,
I've been Working on a Effects Preset Pack for Xfer Serum FX Plugin
(Not the Main Serum Instrument Plugin)

After 4 long Years of Brainstorming and tons of Failed Ideas and Bad Implementations,
I was able to finally Settle on this Structure for Serum FX.

I can now Utilise Serum FX properly as a Multi-Effect on Audio Tracks and Samples,
- Use MIDI Keyboard to Easily Transition from Dry to Wet and Wet to Dry.
- MIDI to Trigger all Serum's ENV and Tempo Synced LFO's Targeting tons of Parameters for Complex Movements.
- Use ModWheels and Macros as Direct or AUX to Alternate and Modulate Effects on the Fly.

Do Check Video "I've Explained in the Video the Best I could as to How it Works in Every Preset" -



If you find it Essential Useful, Do Get the Pack here - https://embrays.gumroad.com


Apart from the obvious Shout Out about this Pack.
I Sincerely Do want this to Start Discussions, Debates, Ideas, Codes and Get Requests, Message to all the Developers out there that

- WE NEED MORE MIDI-CONTROLLED EFFECT Plugins, There's only few handful of MIDI Controlled Effects out there, even Majority of Big Multi-Effects don't Support MIDI.

- WE NEED MORE PLAYABILITY / FLEXIBILITY FOR EFFECTS PLUGINS TOO, If Instrument Plugins can use MIDI, ModWheel, PitchBend, Macros, even MPE these days, Why let Effect Plugins be Lifeless Static.


I Know some will say -

- You can use Ableton's Max4Live, Bitwig's Mod Matrix, even there are Plugin Hosts like Plogue Bidule and FL Studio's Chainer to use LFO and MIDI Envelopes to Trigger Modulate Parameters.
Yes, but If you've ever used these External Modulators, You know how hard it is to Assign/Learn Parameters to the Plugin, you gotta create more Instances to Assign more such Parameters, You can't save it as a Group properly, It may not recall the Assigned Parameters Properly in your next Session, it's just lot of effort and tons of Headache.

- You can use your DAW's Automation
Nope, DAW Automation is difficult to Organize Arrange when a lot many Parameters to Modulate, Also can't Save the Automation settings inside the Plugin.

- What's the Need? Many Effects Plugins already come with Inbuilt LFO's and ENV's
True, but these Inbuilt LFO's are mostly assigned to few selected Pre-Locked Parameters, not flexible at all. The Inbuilt ENV depend on Audio Volume Triggers which TBH never worked properly for me, I would Instead prefer MIDI Controlled ENV.


What I am Suggesting -

- Serum FX is an Excellent Example of What I would like to see in other Multi-Effects, 8 ENV's, 8 LFO's, A Brilliant Mod Matrix section, Can Assign or AUX MW, Pitchbend, Macros to any Effect Parameters. Even Delay Rate, LFO Rate can be Modulated for Deep Complex Movements.

- DAW's need to make the MIDI Routing to Effects more Simpler.
In My Youtube Channel, I have shown MIDI Routing process for Ableton Live, Reason, FL Studio and Logic, Although Process is Simple, but it could be more Straightforward and Easier i feel.

- Single Effects like Phasor, Flanger, Reverb and others with good number of Parameters can have alternate MIDI-Controlled Effect Version with atleast 2 ENV and 2 LFO and a Simple Mod Matrix and Multi Effects like Soundtoys EffectRack should compulsory have MIDI-Controlled Version and should implement proper ENV's and LFO's and a deep Mod Matrix.


Eager to hear everyone's Opinions.

[OzoneJunkie]

I just checked out the video briefly. I hope to have some time this coming weekend to check out the pack.

Even without having tried yet, I appreciate and applaud what you're going for here. On a personal level this aligns with my goal towards reducing my plugin count, and so being able to do things like this and potentially replace other plugins is nice. I don't necessarily think this will do that, but still, I like the idea.

Cheers, thanks for sharing.

[BRoySound]

I just checked out the video briefly. I hope to have some time this coming weekend to check out the pack.

Even without having tried yet, I appreciate and applaud what you're going for here. On a personal level this aligns with my goal towards reducing my plugin count, and so being able to do things like this and potentially replace other plugins is nice. I don't necessarily think this will do that, but still, I like the idea.

Cheers, thanks for sharing.

I was one of the Early Beta Tester and Sound Designer (BR) for Steve Duda / Serum back in 2014
TBH I never got this Idea or Potential about Serum FX back then,

Now when I've got this Structure with the MIDI Controls all Set n Up for Serum FX,
I've been using only SerumFX and it has completely replaced other more Expensive Dedicated Multi-Effects Plugins in my Newer Song Projects.

Big Potential here with Serum FX.
I hope everyone gets on Board, Start using Serum FX and take it seriously as an Effects processor,
and then I can then send some Feature Requests like Multiple Instances of All Effects Units, Parallel Chain Processing and more to Steve Duda.

Much Appreciate the Feedback Sir, Thank You.

[Ah_Dziz]

I love midi controlled FX. There are actually a decent amount of them out there and that's before you start using synths (as you have with serum). I would recommend you grab zebra 2 ASAP. That comes with zebrify which is an awesome FX version of the synth that's capable of lots of the kinds of things you seem to be into and also has an analysis section that analyzes the input signal for pitch envelope triggers etc and those can be used to modulate parameters. Fm8 is another real fun synth to use as a midi controlled effect. You can play with the matrix and the key scaling to trigger many different modulation setups and it has some fun "normal" effects on the output. Reaktor is also a gold mine for these types of effects. I have found that a combo of good midi input and then onboard daw modulation like the stuff in bitwig make for some really cool and extremely controllable effects.

[BRoySound]

I love midi controlled FX. There are actually a decent amount of them out there and that's before you start using synths (as you have with serum). I would recommend you grab zebra 2 ASAP. That comes with zebrify which is an awesome FX version of the synth that's capable of lots of the kinds of things you seem to be into and also has an analysis section that analyzes the input signal for pitch envelope triggers etc and those can be used to modulate parameters. Fm8 is another real fun synth to use as a midi controlled effect. You can play with the matrix and the key scaling to trigger many different modulation setups and it has some fun "normal" effects on the output. Reaktor is also a gold mine for these types of effects. I have found that a combo of good midi input and then onboard daw modulation like the stuff in bitwig make for some really cool and extremely controllable effects.

Oh Yes, Zebrify is another one of my Favourites, The Super Fast Envelopes, MSEG's, the Amazing Filters, all Top Notch.
I did try the same with Zebrify many years back but I was not able to come up with a Useable MIDI Playable Structure, but I'll definitely give it a Try again, come up with something Cool like this.

Reaktor is no doubt Boss Level when it comes to MIDI In and Trigger Absolute Madness,
I'll give FM8 a try, that's new.

Thank You for the Suggestions Sir.

[digitallysane]

UVI Shade comes to mind when discussing heavily modulable, playable FXs.

[BRoySound]

UVI Shade comes to mind when discussing heavily modulable, playable FXs.

True, The Modulation Source Itself is quite Extensive and Deep and lot of Unique Stuff there and then there's a large list of Different Filters Available.

Hopefully UVI Combines all their other Effects like Sparkverb, Delays, Chorus, All in One or maybe a UVI Host with their Modulation System. That'll be Crazy to Design Presets In.

[digitallysane]

Hopefully UVI Combines all their other Effects like Sparkverb, Delays, Chorus, All in One or maybe a UVI Host with their Modulation System. That'll be Crazy to Design Presets In.

You mean Falcon?

[musicproducerdee]

On a side note, what do you guys think about the Distortion module in Serum FX? (or some of the others for that matter). I was thinking of investing in a saturation/distortion plugin, but since I have Serum, thought I'd give Serum FX a try. Would save me from more plugin clutter and streamline the workflow even further. I don't necessarily need a vintage modeled saturation/distortion unit, just something that adds harmonics.

PS: I do have a couple IK Multimedia Tape Machines for the mix bus/group tracks, so I'm covered on that. I'm trying to find something for individual channels. RC-20 and Minimal Audio Rift was something I was considering.

Btw, good work and idea on the midi controlled fx, im my opinion just makes music production more manual controlled than digital controlled (I know it's still digital, but you know what I mean). Just like how velocity would differ while adding notes using mouse on the piano roll and actually playing it on the keyboard, I think this could also create tiny subtle nuances that would make it more human touched.

[aMUSEd]

Hopefully UVI Combines all their other Effects like Sparkverb, Delays, Chorus, All in One or maybe a UVI Host with their Modulation System. That'll be Crazy to Design Presets In.

You mean Falcon?

Falcon as an effect, as in Serum as an effect. It’s been asked for many times but I guess it would potentially undercut sales of the standalone effects they keep hiving off from Falcon fx.

[BRoySound]

On a side note, what do you guys think about the Distortion module in Serum FX? (or some of the others for that matter). I was thinking of investing in a saturation/distortion plugin, but since I have Serum, thought I'd give Serum FX a try. Would save me from more plugin clutter and streamline the workflow even further. I don't necessarily need a vintage modeled saturation/distortion unit, just something that adds harmonics.

There is a Tape Distortion and more Distortion Options in the Distortion unit, I would Recommend give em a Try, your preference may differ than mine, depends on if you like Subtle or more Beefy Extreme.

But for Adding Harmonics, I would rate Rift or Fabfilter Saturn slight better than Serum FX Distortions.

Btw, good work and idea on the midi controlled fx, im my opinion just makes music production more manual controlled than digital controlled (I know it's still digital, but you know what I mean). Just like how velocity would differ while adding notes using mouse on the piano roll and actually playing it on the keyboard, I think this could also create tiny subtle nuances that would make it more human touched.

Thank You so much Sir for the kind words.
Absolutely, Adding MIDI Velocity mapping to this Setup will Add a whole New Level of Deep Organic Modulation Possibilities. I can Imagine what you mean by that Human Touch and Subtle Nuances the FX will bring to the Sound, that'll be Amazing.

Was even on my Plan but Serum FX currently cannot handle the Complexity it'll bring, The Mod Matrix has to support multiple AUX in Mod Source to Mod Destination. Even Mod Multiply or Add like something in u-he Bazille can make Serum FX ready for that level of Complexity.

[BRoySound]

I've made 5 Different Genre (Hip-Hop, Cinematic, Rock/Indie, EDM and DnB)
Songs using SERUM FX.

Turning Simple Loops into Interesting Dynamic Arrangements.
It's just so Convenient and overall much Creative to Draw MIDI Notes and quickly Apply Effects to only certain Parts of the Track or the Song.
Huge Time Saving than Automating ON/OFF Effects and not worry about abrupt Effect Cut with No smooth Release.

[Korg Supporter]

I just checked out the video briefly. I hope to have some time this coming weekend to check out the pack.

Even without having tried yet, I appreciate and applaud what you're going for here. On a personal level this aligns with my goal towards reducing my plugin count, and so being able to do things like this and potentially replace other plugins is nice. I don't necessarily think this will do that, but still, I like the idea.

Cheers, thanks for sharing.

I hope everyone gets on Board, Start using Serum FX and take it seriously as an Effects processor,
and then I can then send some Feature Requests like Multiple Instances of All Effects Units, Parallel Chain Processing and more to Steve Duda.

Much Appreciate the Feedback Sir, Thank You.

You can use instances of SerumFXin Blue Cat's Patchwork if you have that.