How to Make Drum & Bass with Serum 2: The Complete Production Guide

Drum & Bass is one of the most technical and exciting genres in electronic music, combining breakneck 170-175 BPM tempos with intricate drum programming and powerful basslines. From the deep, soulful vibes of Liquid DnB to the aggressive, surgical sound design of Neurofunk, mastering DnB production requires precision, creativity, and the right tools.

With Serum 2's groundbreaking new features—including granular synthesis, spectral processing, dual filters, and enhanced modulation—you now have everything you need to create professional drum & bass that stands alongside industry leaders like Noisia, Chase & Status, Sub Focus, and Mefjus.

This comprehensive guide will take you from absolute basics to advanced techniques, covering everything you need to produce world-class drum & bass with Serum 2.

Understanding Drum & Bass: Subgenres and Sound

Before diving into production, it's essential to understand the different flavors of DnB and their sonic characteristics:

Liquid DnB / Liquid Funk

• Tempo: 170-175 BPM

• Characteristics: Soulful, melodic, atmospheric

• Bass Style: Deep sub-bass, smooth rolling Reese, minimal and controlled

• Mood: Uplifting, emotional, musical

• Key Artists: Calibre, High Contrast, London Elektricity, Netsky

• Best Serum 2 Features: Sample oscillator for realistic instruments, smooth modulation

Neurofunk

• Tempo: 170-175 BPM

• Characteristics: Dark, technical, aggressive, futuristic

• Bass Style: Aggressive Reese, distorted midrange, complex modulation, "robotic" timbres

• Mood: Dark, intense, mechanical

• Key Artists: Noisia, Black Sun Empire, Phace, Mefjus, Current Value

• Best Serum 2 Features: Spectral oscillator, dual warps, complex modulation

Jump-Up

• Tempo: 170-175 BPM

• Characteristics: Energetic, bouncy, party-focused

• Bass Style: Wobble bass, pitched basslines, "cartoon" character

• Mood: Fun, energetic, dancefloor-friendly

• Key Artists: DJ Hazard, Original Sin, Taxman, Macky Gee

• Best Serum 2 Features: LFO modulation, clip sequencer for wobbles

Techstep

• Tempo: 170-175 BPM

• Characteristics: Industrial, minimal, dark, atmospheric

• Bass Style: Deep Reese, steppy patterns, sparse but powerful

• Mood: Dark, minimalist, industrial

• Key Artists: Ed Rush & Optical, Trace, Bad Company UK

• Best Serum 2 Features: Minimal patches with movement, noise oscillator

Dancefloor DnB

• Tempo: 170-175 BPM

• Characteristics: Accessible, vocal-heavy, radio-friendly

• Bass Style: Punchy, clear, powerful but not overwhelming

• Mood: Energetic, uplifting, mainstream appeal

• Key Artists: Chase & Status, Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Rudimental

• Best Serum 2 Features: Clean basses, multisample for vocal processing

Essential DnB Production Concepts

The 170-175 BPM Foundation

Unlike most dance music, DnB uses a half-time feel at 170+ BPM:

• Kicks on beat 1 (and sometimes 3)

• Snares on beat 2 and 4 (the "2 and 4")

• Hi-hats and percussion create the rolling, rapid-fire energy

• Bass moves in syncopated patterns that lock with the drums

Frequency Management is Critical

• Sub (20-60Hz): Clean, mono, usually sine wave

• Bass body (60-200Hz): Reese layer, adds warmth and power

• Midrange (200Hz-1kHz): Aggressive sounds, distorted layers

• High-mids (1-5kHz): Presence and definition

• Highs (5kHz+): Air, cymbals, effects

The Reese Bass: The Heart of DnB

The Reese bass—born from Kevin Saunderson's accidental discovery—is the most iconic sound in drum & bass. It's created by:

• Two or more detuned sawtooth waves creating phase cancellation

• The interference pattern creates a continuously evolving, "wobbly" sound

• Further processing with distortion, filtering, and layering creates modern variants

Setting Up Your Serum 2 Session for DnB

Project Setup

1. Set your DAW tempo to 170-175 BPM

2. Create multiple Serum 2 instances:

   • Sub bass (clean)

   • Reese bass (main)

   • Mid bass (aggression/distortion)

   • Lead/stab sounds

3. Color code your tracks for easy navigation

4. Set up a drum template with your favorite breaks

Serum 2 Global Settings for DnB

• Sample Rate: 48kHz or higher for clarity

• Quality: High (during composition) or Ultra (for mixing/export)

• Voices: 8-16 depending on CPU (Reese basses don't need many)

• BPM Sync: Enable for LFO and envelope sync

Creating Classic Reese Bass in Serum 2

The Reese bass is fundamental to DnB. Here's how to create one from scratch using Serum 2's powerful features.

Step 1: Initialize and Set Up Oscillators

1. Load Serum 2 and initialize a new preset

2. Oscillator A:

   • Select wavetable: Analog → Saw

   • Level: -3dB

   • Unison: 3-5 voices

   • Unison Detune: 15-25% (moderate)

3. Oscillator B:

   • Select wavetable: Analog → Saw (same as A)

   • Level: -3dB (match Oscillator A)

   • Coarse Tune: Keep at 0 semitones

   • Fine Tune: +7 to +12 cents (this creates the Reese effect!)

   • Unison: 3-5 voices (match Oscillator A)

   • Unison Detune: 15-25%

The Magic: The slight detuning between OSC A and B creates phase cancellation that results in the classic Reese "wobble."

Step 2: Add Sub-Bass Layer

1. Enable Sub Oscillator

2. Waveform: Sine (cleanest sub)

3. Level: -6dB to start

4. Octave: -1 or -2 (one or two octaves below)

Critical: The sub should be felt, not heard. Keep it clean and mono.

Step 3: Configure Filters (Serum 2's Dual Filter Power)

Filter A - Lowpass for overall tone:

1. Type: MG Low 24 or MS2 Low

2. Cutoff: 800Hz - 2kHz (taste dependent)

3. Resonance: 10-30% (adds character without being harsh)

4. Drive: 0-20% (subtle saturation)

Filter B - Highpass to remove unwanted low-mids:

1. Enable Filter B

2. Type: MS2 High

3. Cutoff: 40-60Hz (removes rumble, keeps sub clean)

4. Resonance: 0% (we don't want resonance here)

In Mix Page:

• Route both oscillators through both filters in series (A→B)

• This gives you surgical control over frequency content

Step 4: Add Movement with Modulation

LFO 1 - Classic Reese Wobble:

1. Drag from LFO 1 to Filter A Cutoff

2. Modulation Amount: 30-50%

3. LFO Rate:

   • Slow Reese: 1/2 or 1/4 (half or quarter note)

   • Fast rolling: 1/8 or 1/16

4. LFO Shape: Sine (smooth), Triangle (sharper), or custom path

5. Important: Set LFO to Bipolar mode

Serum 2 Enhancement: Use the new Path LFO feature with dual X/Y output to modulate both filter cutoff AND resonance simultaneously with different curves!

Envelope 1 - Amp Envelope:

1. Attack: 5-10ms (not instant—DnB bass needs slight attack)

2. Decay: 200-400ms

3. Sustain: 60-80%

4. Release: 100-200ms

Envelope 2 - Filter Movement:

1. Drag from Env 2 to Filter A Cutoff

2. Modulation: +20-30%

3. Attack: 50-100ms

4. Decay: 300-500ms

5. Sustain: 40%

6. Release: 200ms

This envelope creates the characteristic "opening" of the Reese on each note.

Step 5: Processing with Effects

FX Slot 1 - Hyper/Dimension:

• Rate: Very slow (0.1-0.3Hz)

• Depth: 25-35%

• Detune: 5-10%

• Mix: 20-30%

• Purpose: Subtle stereo width and movement

FX Slot 2 - Distortion:

• Type: Analog/Tube (for warmth) or Digital (for aggression)

• Drive: 30-50%

• Mix: 40-60%

• Purpose: Adds harmonics and presence

FX Slot 3 - Chorus:

• Rate: 0.3-0.8Hz (slow)

• Depth: 30%

• Feedback: 20-30%

• Mix: 15-25%

• Purpose: Enhances the phase movement

FX Slot 4 - EQ (Serum 2):

• Low shelf: Boost 60-80Hz by 2-3dB

• Cut: 200-300Hz by 1-2dB (reduces muddiness)

• Boost: 2-3kHz by 2-3dB (adds presence)

Step 6: Set Up Macros for Performance

Macro 1 - Wobble Speed:

• LFO 1 Rate (positive, full range)

Macro 2 - Filter Opening:

• Filter A Cutoff (positive)

• Filter A Resonance (positive, linked)

Macro 3 - Aggression:

• Distortion Drive (positive)

• Oscillator B Level (positive)

Macro 4 - Width:

• Hyper/Dimension Mix (positive)

• Chorus Mix (positive)

Macro 5 - Sub Level:

• Sub Oscillator Level (positive)

Save this as "DnB Reese Foundation" - you'll use it constantly!

Advanced Reese Techniques with Serum 2's New Features

Using Dual Warp Modes for Complex Reese

Serum 2's dual warp modes create incredibly rich Reese variations:

1. Warp A: Set to Sync

   • Amount: 30-50%

   • Creates harmonic complexity

2. Warp B: Set to FM from B

   • Amount: 20-40%

   • OSC B frequency modulates the already-synced sound

Result: A super-complex, evolving Reese with multiple layers of movement.

Creating Neurofunk Reese with Spectral Oscillator

Serum 2's Spectral oscillator is perfect for surgical, futuristic neurofunk sounds:

1. Replace Oscillator C with Spectral type

2. Load a Reese sample you've already made

3. Serum 2 performs harmonic resynthesis

4. Manipulate frequency content:

   • Boost specific harmonics for "ringy" sounds

   • Remove fundamental for hollow effect

   • Morph between harmonic structures

5. Layer with standard Reese for hybrid sound

Granular Oscillator for Evolving Texture Reese

1. Set Oscillator C to Granular

2. Load industrial/metallic samples

3. Settings:

   • Grain Size: 30-60ms

   • Spray: 40-60%

   • Density: 70-90%

4. Modulate grain position with LFO

5. High-pass filter at 200Hz

6. Layer underneath main Reese for texture

Creating Other Essential DnB Bass Sounds

Deep Sub-Bass (Liquid DnB)

Characteristics: Clean, powerful, minimal, felt not heard

1. Oscillator A: Sine wave only

2. Sub Oscillator: Disabled (sine is already sub)

3. Filter: Gentle lowpass at 100-150Hz

4. Envelope:

   • Attack: 10ms

   • Decay: 200ms

   • Sustain: 70%

   • Release: 150ms

5. Effects: None or very light saturation

6. Mono: Absolutely essential

Wobble Bass (Jump-Up)

Characteristics: Rhythmic modulation, pitched melodies, energetic

1. Start with Reese foundation (from above)

2. LFO 1 Settings:

   • Rate: 1/16 or 1/8 (fast)

   • Shape: Square or Saw Down

   • Destination: Filter Cutoff (heavy modulation, 70-90%)

3. Add pitch modulation:

   • LFO 2 to Oscillator Fine Tune

   • Rate: 1/4

   • Amount: ±5 semitones

4. Extra distortion for character

5. Program melodic basslines (E, F#, G, A is classic)

Foghorn Bass (Neurofunk)

Characteristics: Sweeping, horn-like, dramatic

1. Oscillator A: Saw wave

2. Oscillator B: Square wave, +12 semitones

3. Warp: FM from B (60-80%)

4. Filter A: Lowpass, starting at 200Hz

5. Envelope 2 → Filter Cutoff:

   • Attack: 200-500ms (slow rise)

   • Decay: 1-2 seconds

   • Sustain: 10-20%

   • Modulation: +80-100% (huge sweep)

6. Distortion: Heavy (60-80% drive)

7. Reverb: Small room for space

MIDI: Play long sustained notes, let the envelope do the work.

Distorted Mid Bass (Neurofunk)

Characteristics: Aggressive, distorted, midrange-focused

1. Start with basic Reese

2. Highpass filter at 150-200Hz (remove sub entirely)

3. Lowpass filter at 2-3kHz (focus on mids)

4. Heavy distortion chain:

   • FX 1: Distortion (Digital, 70% drive)

   • FX 2: Multiband Compressor (OTT style)

   • FX 3: More distortion (Analog, 50% drive)

5. Modulate aggressively:

   • Fast LFO rates (1/8, 1/16, 1/32)

   • Multiple modulation destinations

6. Layer with clean sub (separate instance)

Using Serum 2's Sample Oscillator for Realistic DnB Elements

Serum 2's Sample and Multisample oscillators are game-changers for Liquid DnB:

Loading Vocal Samples

1. Oscillator A: Set to Sample type

2. Load a vocal sample (phrases work great)

3. Enable Loop with snap detection

4. Slice mode:

   • Auto-detect transients

   • Map slices across keyboard

5. Process:

   • Add reverb for space

   • EQ to fit with mix

   • Modulate sample position with LFO for movement

Creating Bass from Drum Hits

1. Load a kick or snare sample into Sample oscillator

2. Pitch down by 12-24 semitones

3. Filter heavily with lowpass (remove transient)

4. Add distortion to create harmonics

5. Result: Unique bass tones from unexpected sources

Multisample Instruments (Pianos, Strings)

1. Oscillator type: Multisample

2. Load SFZ files:

   • Serum 2 ships with orchestral sounds

   • Import your own multisamples

3. Perfect for Liquid DnB:

   • Piano chords

   • String sections

   • Brass stabs

4. Process with DnB-style FX:

   • Heavy sidechain compression

   • Reverb and delay

   • Subtle distortion for cohesion

Programming DnB Basslines: Rhythm and Pattern

Basic Rolling Pattern

Classic DnB bass rhythm at 170 BPM:

Bar 1: |X--X|--X-|X---|X-X-|
Bar 2: |X-X-|--X-|XX--|--X-|

Key principles:

• Start notes on or just before the kick

• Use 16th note variations for energy

• Leave space - not every beat needs bass

• Syncopation is essential

Advanced Techniques

Ghost Notes:

• Very quiet bass hits between main notes

• Adds movement and groove

• Velocity: 20-40 (out of 127)

Pitch Slides:

• Use pitch bend or automation

• Slide up to notes (1-3 semitones)

• Creates tension and energy

Varying Note Lengths:

• Short staccato hits (1/32 notes)

• Long sustained notes (1/2 note or longer)

• Mix them for contrast

Using Serum 2's Clip Sequencer

This is a game-changer for DnB production:

1. Open the CLIP tab in Serum 2

2. Program your bass pattern directly in the synth

3. Add automation lanes:

   • Filter cutoff sweeps

   • Macro modulation

   • Pitch bend

4. Save multiple clips per preset:

   • Clip 1: Intro bass

   • Clip 2: Drop bass

   • Clip 3: Breakdown variation

   • Clip 4: Final drop intensifier

5. Switch via MIDI notes or automation

Result: You can audition complete bass ideas without leaving Serum 2!

Layering Basses for Professional DnB Sound

Professional DnB basses are ALWAYS layered. Here's the standard approach:

Layer 1: Sub (0-80Hz)

• Separate Serum 2 instance

• Sine wave only

• No effects except gentle saturation

• 100% mono

• Level: Loudest layer

Layer 2: Bass Body (80-250Hz)

• Separate instance

• Reese bass (see above)

• High-pass at 80Hz

• Low-pass at 300Hz

• Moderate distortion

• Slight stereo width (20-30%)

Layer 3: Midrange Aggression (250Hz-2kHz)

• Your main Reese with heavy processing

• High-pass at 200Hz

• Heavy distortion and modulation

• Wider stereo (40-50%)

• Most movement and modulation happens here

Layer 4: High Definition (2kHz+)

• Optional but adds clarity

• Filtered white noise or very bright synth

• High-pass at 3kHz

• Very quiet in mix (15-20% volume of sub)

• Wide stereo (60-80%)

Critical Layering Tips

Phase Alignment:

• All layers should trigger simultaneously

• Check with oscilloscope plugin

• Misaligned layers = weak bass

Different LFO Rates:

• Sub: No modulation

• Body: 1/4 rate

• Mid: 1/8 rate

• High: 1/16 rate

• Creates complex movement without phasing

Sidechain Everything to Kick:

• Fast attack (1-5ms)

• Medium release (50-100ms)

• Amount varies by layer (sub = heavy, highs = light)

Processing DnB Bass Outside Serum 2

Even with Serum 2's powerful internal FX, external processing is essential:

Essential Plugin Chain

1. Multiband Compressor (OTT or similar):

• Low band (20-150Hz): Heavy compression (6:1+), fast attack

• Mid band (150Hz-2kHz): Moderate compression (3:1), medium attack

• High band (2kHz+): Light compression (2:1), slow attack

• Purpose: Even out dynamics, add punch

2. Distortion/Saturation:

• Options: FabFilter Saturn 2, Soundtoys Decapitator, free: CamelCrusher

• Target midrange for aggression

• Keep sub clean with multiband approach

• Mix: 30-50%

3. Dynamic EQ or Standard EQ:

• Cut: 250-350Hz (muddiness)

• Boost: 60-80Hz (sub weight)

• Boost: 2-3kHz (presence)

• High-pass: 30Hz (remove rumble)

4. Stereo Imaging:

• Keep 20-150Hz completely mono

• Widen 200Hz-5kHz to taste (30-50%)

• Check mono compatibility constantly

• Tools: Ozone Imager (free), or DAW utility

5. Limiter (Safety):

• Ceiling: -0.3dB

• Purpose: Catch peaks, not loudness

• Fast attack/release

Parallel Processing Technique

Dry signal (40-60%):

• Clean bass, minimal processing

• Defines the fundamental tone

Wet signal (40-60%):

• Heavy distortion

• Aggressive compression

• EQ sculpting

• All the character and aggression

Blend to taste - gives you thickness without destroying dynamics.

Arrangement and Mixing Tips for DnB

Typical DnB Arrangement Structure

Intro (16-32 bars)
- Drums build gradually
- Bass hints or filtered

Breakdown (16 bars)
- Atmospheric
- Vocals or pads
- Minimal drums
- Build tension

Drop 1 (32 bars)
- Full drums + bass
- Main energy section
- Variations every 8 bars

Breakdown 2 (16 bars)
- Strip back
- Introduce new elements
- Build to final drop

Drop 2 (32+ bars)
- Most intense section
- Layer more elements
- Bass variations
- Can extend indefinitely for DJ sets

Outro (16 bars)
- Gradual reduction
- Remove elements
- End on drums or ambient

Mixing DnB: Critical Considerations

The DnB Mix Triangle:

1. Drums - Punchy, clear, driving

2. Bass - Powerful, controlled, felt

3. Everything else - Supportive, doesn't fight for space

Frequency Management:

• Cut aggressively around 200-400Hz (muddiness zone)

• Make space for bass - highpass everything else at 80-120Hz

• Leave space for drums - notch out kick/snare fundamentals from bass

Sidechain Compression is Essential:

• Bass to kick: Heavy (6-10dB reduction)

• Pads/synths to snare: Moderate (3-5dB)

• Everything to drum bus: Light (1-2dB) for "ducking" feel

Reverb and Space:

• Drums: Minimal reverb, tight rooms

• Bass: Usually dry (reverb only on high layers)

• Pads/atmospheres: Long reverbs for depth

• Vocals: Medium reverb for Liquid, minimal for others

Loudness Targets:

• Streaming (Spotify, etc.): -14 LUFS integrated

• Club/Radio: -8 to -10 LUFS integrated

• More headroom = more punch in DnB

Serum 2 Workflow Tips for DnB Production

Preset Organization

Create folders:

• DnB_Subs - Clean sub basses

• DnB_Reese - Classic and variants

• DnB_Neuro - Aggressive neurofunk sounds

• DnB_Jump - Wobble and pitched basses

• DnB_Stabs - Short, punchy sounds

• DnB_Pads - Liquid atmospheres

• DnB_FX - Risers, impacts, sweeps

Macro Mapping Strategy

For DnB, always map these:

• Macro 1: Filter cutoff/movement speed

• Macro 2: Aggression (distortion + levels)

• Macro 3: Width (stereo effects)

• Macro 4: Sub level (balance with midrange)

• Macros 5-8: Performance/automation specific

Using Clips Effectively

Save multiple variations:

• Different rhythm patterns

• Various automation curves

• Intensity levels (intro/drop/breakdown)

• Experimental ideas

Export MIDI from clips to your DAW for further editing.

Study Factory Presets

Serum 2 includes DnB-style presets. Reverse-engineer them:

• How are oscillators configured?

• What's the filter routing?

• Which modulation sources are used?

• How are effects chained?

Genre-Specific Production Tips

Liquid DnB Tips

Focus on:

• Musicality over aggression

• Clean, deep sub-bass that supports rather than dominates

• Smooth modulation - slow LFO rates, gentle envelopes

• Organic sounds - use Sample/Multisample oscillators for piano, strings, vocals

• Space and reverb - create atmosphere

• Soulful vocals - Serum 2 can process/pitch shift vocal samples

Serum 2 Settings:

• Minimal distortion

• Smooth filter curves (use sine waves for LFO)

• Longer attack/decay times

• Clean, simple patches

Neurofunk Tips

Focus on:

• Technical precision in sound design

• Complex modulation - multiple LFOs, fast rates, intricate routing

• Aggressive distortion and processing

• Surgical frequency control - use Spectral oscillator

• Robotic, mechanical timbres - FM synthesis, ring mod

• Stereo width games - wide mids, mono sub

Serum 2 Settings:

• Heavy use of FM and warp modes

• Multiple modulation destinations

• Aggressive distortion

• Dual filters for surgical control

• Fast LFO rates (1/8, 1/16, 1/32)

Jump-Up Tips

Focus on:

• Energy and fun over darkness

• Melodic basslines - play actual notes, not just root

• Wobble patterns - 1/8 and 1/16 rhythms

• Bouncy, fun character - pitched basses, playful sounds

• Vocals and hooks - memorable elements

Serum 2 Settings:

• Fast, rhythmic LFO modulation

• Pitched bass patches (play melodies)

• Character-driven distortion (not too aggressive)

• Bright, present midrange

Advanced Sound Design Techniques

Creating "Talking" Bass (Neurofunk)

Use vowel-like filter movements to make bass "speak":

1. Start with Reese bass

2. Set up multiple filters with different cutoff points:

   • Filter A: 400Hz (simulates "A" vowel)

   • Filter B: 800Hz (simulates "E" vowel)

3. Use LFO or automation to switch between them

4. Add formant filter from FX section

5. Result: Bass that sounds like it's speaking

Automation Bass (Movement Over Time)

1. Draw complex automation for:

   • Filter cutoff (sweeps)

   • Distortion amount (intensity changes)

   • LFO rate (speed variations)

   • Macro controls (everything at once)

2. Create unique bass movements for each section

3. Or use Serum 2's Clip automation for per-preset movement

Creating Bass from Field Recordings

1. Record interesting sounds:

   • Machinery

   • Industrial noises

   • Nature sounds

   • Household objects

2. Load into Granular or Sample oscillator

3. Pitch down and process

4. Result: Unique bass tones nobody else has

Mixing Reese Bass with Amen Breaks

The classic DnB combination requires specific techniques:

EQ Your Breaks

• High-pass at 100-120Hz (make room for bass)

• Boost 200-300Hz for snare body

• Boost 2-4kHz for snare crack

• Boost 8-10kHz for hi-hat shimmer

Compress Your Breaks

• Parallel compression for punch

• Multiband compression for control

• Transient shaper to emphasize hits

Sidechain Bass to Kick

• Heavy - 6-10dB of gain reduction

• Fast attack (1-5ms)

• Medium release (50-100ms)

• Purpose: Bass ducks out of the way when kick hits

Use Distortion on Breaks

• Adds harmonics that blend with distorted bass

• Creates cohesion in the frequency spectrum

• Saturation rather than hard clipping

Reference Tracks and Study Material

For Reese Bass Study:

• Ray Keith - "Terrorist" (1994) - Classic jungle Reese

• Bad Company UK - "The Nine" (1998) - Techstep Reese

• Noisia - "Could This Be" (2007) - Modern aggressive Reese

• Mefjus - "Distantia" (2013) - Neurofunk excellence

For Overall DnB Production:

• Calibre - Anything by him for Liquid

• Chase & Status - "End Credits" for dancefloor

• Black Sun Empire - "Arrakis" for dark Neuro

• Sub Focus - "Rock It" for energy and clarity

YouTube Channels:

• In The Mix (DnB production basics)

• Noisia's tutorials (complex sound design)

• Erb N Dub (practical DnB tips)

Troubleshooting Common DnB Issues

"My bass sounds weak"

Solutions:

• Layer more instances (sub + body + mid + high)

• Add multiband compression for consistency

• Check for phase cancellation between layers

• Use more distortion for harmonic content

• Ensure sub is clean and loud

"My Reese doesn't wobble"

Solutions:

• Check detune amount (should be 7-15 cents)

• Ensure oscillators are same waveform (both saw)

• Add filter modulation with LFO

• Try different unison detune amounts

• Check that you're not in mono mode

"Bass gets lost in the mix"

Solutions:

• Sidechain heavily to kick

• Cut 250-400Hz (mud zone) from bass

• Add presence around 2-3kHz

• Layer a high-frequency definition layer

• Check other elements aren't fighting for same space

"It doesn't sound like DnB"

Solutions:

• Check your tempo (must be 170-175 BPM)

• Ensure drums are hitting on the "2 and 4"

• Add rolling hi-hats and percussion

• Use proper DnB rhythm on the bass

• Reference professional tracks constantly

"Serum CPU is too high"

Solutions:

• Reduce unison voice count

• Use draft quality during composition

• Bounce bass layers to audio once finalized

• Freeze tracks in your DAW

• Use simpler waveforms (saw instead of complex wavetables)

Your DnB Production Checklist

Sound Design:

• ✅ Created solid Reese bass foundation

• ✅ Layered sub, body, mid, and high frequencies

• ✅ Used appropriate modulation for subgenre

• ✅ Leveraged Serum 2's new features (dual warps, filters, etc.)

• ✅ Set up macros for performance control

Arrangement:

• ✅ Intro builds gradually (16-32 bars)

• ✅ First breakdown creates tension (16 bars)

• ✅ Drop delivers maximum energy (32 bars)

• ✅ Second breakdown provides variation

• ✅ Final drop is most intense

Mixing:

• ✅ Sub is mono and clean

• ✅ Bass sidechained to kick drum

• ✅ Drums are punchy and present

• ✅ Everything else high-passed at 80-120Hz

• ✅ Checked mono compatibility

• ✅ Referenced against professional tracks

Processing:

• ✅ Multiband compression on bass

• ✅ Distortion/saturation for character

• ✅ Proper stereo imaging (mono sub, wide mids/highs)

• ✅ Limiter for peak control (not loudness)

Conclusion: Your Path to Professional DnB

Drum & Bass production is a journey of technical mastery, creative sound design, and rhythmic precision. With Serum 2's revolutionary features—dual warps, new oscillator types, enhanced modulation, and dual filters—you now have unprecedented power to create professional DnB that competes with the biggest names in the genre.

Remember these core principles:

• The Reese bass is your foundation - master it first

• Layering is essential - professional DnB bass is always 3-5 layers

• 170 BPM half-time - drums on 2 and 4

• Sidechain everything to the kick drum

• Reference constantly against professional tracks

• Finish tracks - don't get stuck in sound design forever

Keep Learning:

• Study the artists you admire

• Reverse-engineer professional tracks

• Join DnB production communities

• Share your work and get feedback

• Attend DnB events to hear the music in its element

Most Importantly: Drum & Bass rewards those who put in the work. Serum 2 gives you the tools, but your creativity, dedication, and willingness to experiment will determine your success.

Now stop reading and start producing. The dancefloor is waiting for your tracks.

Quick Reference: DnB Bass EQ Points

FrequencyPurposeAdjustment30-40HzRumbleCut/High-pass40-60HzSub fundamentalBoost 2-4dB60-100HzSub harmonicsModerate boost100-200HzBass bodyLeave natural200-400HzMud zoneCut 2-4dB400-800HzAggressionBoost for Neuro1-3kHzPresenceBoost 2-3dB3-5kHzDefinitionBoost 1-2dB5kHz+AirGentle boost

Quick Reference: DnB Subgenre Tempo & Style

SubgenreBPMBass StyleModulationMoodLiquid170-174Deep, smooth subSlow, gentleSoulfulNeurofunk172-176Aggressive ReeseComplex, fastDark, technicalJump-Up170-175Wobble, melodicRhythmic 1/8-1/16Energetic, funTechstep170-175Deep ReeseMinimalDark, industrialDancefloor172-175Punchy, clearModerateAccessible