The world of electronic music production is filled with a multitude of powerful virtual synthesizers, each with its unique features, capabilities, and loyal followings. Among the most popular and highly-regarded synthesizers are Omnisphere and Serum, both widely used by producers, sound designers, and composers. The question on everyone’s mind is: which one is better? In this in-depth article, we’ll delve into the features, sounds, and workflow of both Omnisphere and Serum, to help you decide which virtual synthesizer reigns supreme.
The Powerhouses of Sound Design
Before we dive into the comparison, it’s essential to understand the backgrounds and reputations of these two synthesizers.
Omnisphere, developed by Spectrasonics, is a flagship virtual instrument that has been a benchmark for sound design and synthesis since its release in 2009. With over a decade of continuous improvement, Omnisphere has maintained its position as one of the most popular and versatile synthesizers in the industry.
Serum, on the other hand, is a wavetable synthesizer developed by Xfer Records, a company known for its high-quality audio processing plugins and samples. Released in 2014, Serum quickly gained a massive following among electronic music producers, sound designers, and DJs, thanks to its incredible sound quality, flexibility, and user-friendly interface.
Sound Generation and Capabilities
When it comes to sound generation, both Omnisphere and Serum are incredibly powerful, but they have different approaches to synthesis.
Omnisphere is a hybrid synthesizer that combines various sound generation techniques, including analog-style oscillators, FM synthesis, rings modulation, and wavetable synthesis. This hybrid approach allows Omnisphere to produce an incredibly wide range of sounds, from simple tones to complex textures and evolving soundscapes.
Serum, as a wavetable synthesizer, focuses primarily on wavetable synthesis, which involves scanning through a table of waveshapes to generate sound. Serum takes this concept to the next level by offering an unprecedented level of control over the wavetable, allowing users to import their own wavetables, manipulate them in real-time, and create unique, otherworldly sounds.
One of the key differences between Omnisphere and Serum lies in their sound generation capabilities. Omnisphere’s hybrid approach makes it more suitable for creating traditional synthesizer sounds, while Serum’s wavetable synthesis excels at producing edgy, experimental, and futuristic timbres.
Filters and Effects
Both Omnisphere and Serum boast an impressive array of filters and effects to further shape and enhance your sounds.
Omnisphere features a comprehensive filter section with multiple modes, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and peak filters, as well as a resonant filter with a built-in distortion circuit. Additionally, Omnisphere offers an extensive effects section with 12 different effects, such as reverb, delay, distortion, and more.
Serum’s filter section is equally impressive, with a range of filter modes, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters, as well as a unique “dual filter” mode that allows for creative filtering combinations. Serum’s effects section is equally well-stocked, with 10 different effects, including reverb, delay, distortion, and a fantastic “hyper” dimension effect.
User Interface and Workflow
The user interface and workflow of Omnisphere and Serum are distinct and cater to different user preferences.
Omnisphere’s interface is often described as “deep” and “feature-rich,” with a vast array of controls, sliders, and buttons that can be overwhelming for beginners. However, this complexity also provides an incredible level of precision and control over the sound generation process.
Serum’s interface, on the other hand, is generally considered more intuitive and user-friendly. The plugin’s layout is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to navigate and adjust parameters. Serum’s workflow is also highly streamlined, with features like drag-and-drop wavetable import and an innovative “snap” mode that allows for quick parameter adjustments.
Ultimately, the choice between Omnisphere and Serum’s interfaces comes down to personal preference. If you’re a tweaker who loves to dive deep into the intricacies of sound design, Omnisphere might be the better choice. If you prefer a more straightforward, user-friendly approach, Serum is an excellent option.
Presets and Sound Library
Both Omnisphere and Serum come with an impressive library of presets and sounds, but they differ in their approach to preset management and content.
Omnisphere’s library is massive, with over 14,000 presets, including sounds from renowned sound designers and artists. The plugin also features a powerful preset browser, allowing you to search, sort, and categorize presets with ease.
Serum’s preset library is smaller, but still impressive, with over 450 presets that showcase the plugin’s capabilities. However, Serum’s true strength lies in its ability to import user-created wavetables, which allows for an almost endless supply of unique sounds and textures.
Value and Cost
When it comes to value and cost, both Omnisphere and Serum are premium products, but they differ in their pricing structures.
Omnisphere is a more expensive plugin, with a list price of $499. However, Spectrasonics often offers promotions, discounts, and bundle deals that can make the plugin more accessible.
Serum, on the other hand, is priced at $189, making it a more affordable option for many producers and sound designers. Xfer Records also offers regular updates, expansions, and promotions, which can add significant value to the plugin.
While Omnisphere is undoubtedly a more expensive plugin, its sheer sound quality, versatility, and reputation make it a worthwhile investment for serious sound designers and producers. Serum, however, offers an incredible value proposition, offering a tremendous sound quality and capabilities at a lower price point.
Conclusion: The Verdict
So, is Omnisphere better than Serum? The answer, ultimately, depends on your specific needs, preferences, and workflow. Both plugins are incredible tools that can elevate your sound design and music production to new heights.
If you’re looking for a versatile, hybrid synthesizer that can produce a wide range of sounds, Omnisphere might be the better choice. Its hybrid approach, combined with its powerful filter and effects sections, make it an ideal plugin for producers who need a go-to synthesizer for a variety of projects.
If you’re more interested in wavetable synthesis and want a plugin that can create truly unique, edgy sounds, Serum is an excellent option. Its wavetable synthesis capabilities, combined with its intuitive interface and affordable price point, make it a compelling choice for electronic music producers, sound designers, and DJs.
In the end, the battle between Omnisphere and Serum is not about which plugin is “better,” but about which plugin is right for you.
What is the main difference between Omnisphere and Serum?
Omnisphere and Serum are both virtual synthesizers, but they have distinct approaches to sound generation. Omnisphere is a hybrid synthesizer that combines analog and digital synthesis techniques, offering a wide range of sound-shaping options. It’s known for its rich, analog-like sound and extensive library of presets. On the other hand, Serum is a wavetable synthesizer that uses a unique sound generation technique, allowing for intense, edgy sounds and a high degree of customization.
While Omnisphere is geared towards creating more traditional, rich sounds, Serum is better suited for creating unique, otherworldly textures. This fundamental difference in approach makes Omnisphere a go-to for film scoring, ambient, and electronic music, while Serum is often used in genres like dubstep, drum and bass, and IDM.
Which synthesizer is more suitable for beginners?
If you’re new to virtual synthesizers, Omnisphere might be a better starting point. Its intuitive interface and extensive library of presets make it easier to get started with. You can quickly browse through the presets and find a sound that suits your needs, and then tweak it to your taste. Omnisphere also has a more traditional synthesizer layout, which makes it easier to understand for those familiar with analog synthesizers.
Serum, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve due to its unique wavetable synthesis engine. It requires a deeper understanding of sound design concepts and a willingness to experiment with unusual sounds. While Serum is still accessible to beginners, it’s recommended that you have some experience with synthesizers before diving into its complexities.
Can I use both Omnisphere and Serum in my music productions?
Absolutely! Many producers use both Omnisphere and Serum in their music productions, as they complement each other perfectly. Omnisphere is great for creating rich, atmospheric pads and textures, while Serum excels at creating sharp, percussive sounds and FX. By combining the strengths of both synthesizers, you can create a more diverse and interesting sound palette.
Using both synthesizers can also help you to create a sense of depth and contrast in your tracks. For example, you could use Omnisphere to create a lush, ambient background and Serum to add a bright, attention-grabbing lead sound. The possibilities are endless, and the combination of Omnisphere and Serum can open up new creative avenues in your music production.
Are there any significant differences in terms of CPU usage?
Both Omnisphere and Serum are powerful synthesizers that can be demanding on your CPU, especially when using complex sounds and effects. However, Omnisphere tends to be more CPU-intensive due to its hybrid synthesis engine and extensive feature set. This means that you may need to be more mindful of your CPU usage when using Omnisphere, especially on lower-powered systems.
Serum, on the other hand, is generally more efficient in terms of CPU usage, thanks to its wavetable synthesis engine. This makes it a great choice for producers who need to create complex, layered sounds without sacrificing performance. However, it’s worth noting that Serum can still be demanding when using multiple instances and complex effects chains.
Can I use Omnisphere and Serum as effects processors?
Yes, both Omnisphere and Serum can be used as effects processors to enhance or transform external audio signals. Omnisphere has a built-in FX rack that allows you to use its effects independently of its sound generation capabilities. You can use Omnisphere’s FX rack to add reverb, delay, distortion, and other effects to your external audio signals.
Serum also has a built-in FX section that allows you to use its effects on external audio signals. Serum’s FX section is more geared towards creative sound design, with effects like frequency shifting and ring modulation. Using Serum as an effects processor can add a unique, otherworldly quality to your sounds.
Are there any notable differences in terms of price?
Omnisphere is generally considered to be a more premium product, with a higher price point to match. The full version of Omnisphere can cost upwards of $500, although there are often sales and promotions available.
Serum, on the other hand, is priced more competitively, with a standard version available for around $200. There’s also a more stripped-down “Serum Lite” version available for those on a budget. While Serum may not have all the bells and whistles of Omnisphere, it’s still an incredibly powerful synthesizer that offers amazing value for the price.
Can I use Omnisphere and Serum with my DAW?
Both Omnisphere and Serum are available as VST, AU, and AAX plugins, which means they can be used with most modern DAWs (digital audio workstations) on both Mac and PC. This includes popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro, as well as more specialized DAWs like Cubase and Bitwig Studio.
In terms of integration, both synthesizers offer a high degree of compatibility with their respective DAWs. You can use Omnisphere and Serum as insert effects, send effects, or even as a standalone application. Both synthesizers also support MIDI control, allowing you to automate parameters and create complex soundscapes with ease.