How to Make Tearout Dubstep with Serum 2: The Complete Guide

Tearout dubstep has taken over festival stages and underground raves alike, with its bone-crushing bass, aggressive midrange screeches, and relentless energy. Artists like Marauda, SVDDEN DEATH, Oddprophet, and TRAMPA have defined the sound, and now with Serum 2's revolutionary new features, you have unprecedented power to create these devastating sounds.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make professional tearout dubstep using Serum 2's groundbreaking synthesis engines, from foundational bass design to advanced layering techniques that'll make your drops hit harder than ever before.

What is Tearout Dubstep?

Tearout dubstep evolved from the bass-heavy roots of UK dubstep, incorporating elements of deathstep, riddim, and brostep into an aggressive, high-energy sound designed to energize dance floors. The genre is characterized by:

• Aggressive midrange frequencies - Cutting, distorted sounds that sit around 200-800Hz

• Heavy sub-bass - Clean, powerful low-end that you feel in your chest

• "Gun" sounds - Sharp, percussive bass hits that sound like gunshots

• Industrial textures - Metallic, mechanical timbres

• Layered complexity - Multiple bass sounds working together to create a "wall of sound"

• 140 BPM tempo - The standard dubstep tempo with heavy emphasis on the half-time groove

The visceral, physical experience of feeling bass reverberate through your body is a hallmark of tearout, and production techniques often involve FM synthesis, heavy distortion, and meticulous layering to achieve that signature aggressive sound.

Why Serum 2 is Perfect for Tearout

Serum 2 represents the most significant evolution in wavetable synthesis in over a decade. For tearout producers, it's a game-changer because:

New Oscillator Types

• Wavetable oscillator - Enhanced with smooth interpolation and dual warp modes

• Sample oscillator - Load your own samples with FM/PD distortion and slicing

• Multisample oscillator - Play realistic instruments in SFZ format

• Granular oscillator - Transform samples into evolving textures

• Spectral oscillator - Manipulate sound at the frequency level for cutting-edge creation

Dual Filters

Two filters running simultaneously give you unprecedented control over tone shaping - essential for carving out aggressive midrange while keeping sub-bass clean.

Enhanced Modulation

• Path LFO with dual X/Y output

• LFO rates up to 1 kHz for creating harmonic content

• Eight macros (double the original)

• Improved envelopes with BPM sync

Built-in Clip Sequencer & Arpeggiator

Program complex bass patterns directly in Serum 2 without relying on your DAW.

Expanded FX Engine

Convolution reverb, multiband processing, and advanced routing make it possible to create mix-ready sounds entirely within the synth.

Best of all: If you already own Serum 1, Serum 2 is a completely free upgrade with full backward compatibility.

Essential Tearout Sound Design Concepts

Before diving into Serum 2, understand these core principles:

1. Frequency Layering

Professional tearout basses are never a single sound. They're typically 3-5 layers:

• Sub layer (20-80Hz) - Clean sine or triangle wave

• Low-mid layer (80-250Hz) - Adds body and warmth

• Mid layer (250-800Hz) - The aggressive "bite"

• High-mid layer (800Hz-3kHz) - Cutting presence

• High layer (3kHz+) - Air and definition

2. Movement and Modulation

Static basses are boring. Tearout lives on:

• LFO-modulated filter cutoff for wobbles and rhythmic movement

• FM/PD modulation for complex, evolving timbres

• Envelope modulation for punchy, percussive attacks

3. Distortion is Essential

Clean sounds don't cut it in tearout. You need:

• Waveshaping distortion for harmonic richness

• Bitcrushing for digital aggression

• Multiband distortion for surgical control

• Saturation for analog warmth

4. Stereo Width Management

• Keep sub-bass mono (centered)

• Spread mid and high frequencies for width

• Use Haas effect carefully to avoid phase issues

Creating Your First Tearout Bass in Serum 2

Let's build a classic tearout "gun" sound from scratch.

Step 1: Initialize and Set Up Oscillator A

1. Load Serum 2 and initialize a new preset (Menu → Initialize Preset)

2. Select Oscillator A and choose a wavetable

   • Recommended starting points: Basic Shapes → Saw, PWM Square, or analog waveforms

   • Or try Serum 2's new wavetables designed specifically for aggressive sounds

3. Enable Unison - Set to 5-9 voices for thickness

4. Adjust Unison Detune - Around 25-40% for width without muddiness

5. Set Level - Start at -3dB to leave headroom for processing

Pro Tip: In Serum 2, you can now edit individual unison starting phases for even more control over the stereo field.

Step 2: Add Warp Mode (Serum 2's Secret Weapon)

Serum 2 introduces dual warp modes - you can now use TWO warp effects simultaneously:

1. Click on Warp A

2. Select "FM from B" - This uses Oscillator B to frequency-modulate Oscillator A

3. Set FM Amount to around 30-50%

4. Click on Warp B slot (new in Serum 2!)

5. Select "Distort" - Adds harmonic content

6. Dial in distortion to taste (start around 40%)

This dual-warp feature is HUGE for tearout - you're getting FM complexity AND distortion character in one oscillator.

Step 3: Configure Oscillator B for FM

1. Enable Oscillator B

2. Choose a different wavetable - Try something with more harmonic content

   • Good choices: Analog → Saw, Digital → Chirp, or any wavetable with sharp transients

3. Set the pitch - Try +12 semitones (one octave up) or +7 semitones (perfect fifth)

4. Adjust Level - Start low around -12dB and increase to add aggression

5. In the Mix page (new in Serum 2), route both oscillators to Filter A

Advanced technique: Use the Phase control on Oscillator B to change the FM character without changing pitch.

Step 4: Filter Configuration (Using Serum 2's Dual Filters)

This is where Serum 2 really shines - dual filters running simultaneously:

Filter A - Lowpass for main tone:

1. Type: Select MG Low 24 (Moog-style, aggressive resonance)

2. Cutoff: Start around 1500Hz

3. Resonance: Push to 50-70% for that signature screech

4. Drive: Crank to 30-50% for added saturation

Filter B - Bandpass for mid focus:

1. Enable Filter B

2. Type: Select MS2 Band

3. Cutoff: Set around 400-600Hz (the midrange aggression zone)

4. Resonance: Moderate, around 30-40%

5. In Mix page: Route 50% to Filter A, 50% to Filter B for parallel processing

Step 5: Modulation - Bringing It to Life

LFO 1 - Filter Cutoff Modulation:

1. Click and drag from LFO 1 to Filter A Cutoff

2. Set modulation depth to around 50-70%

3. LFO 1 Rate: Set to 1/4 (quarter note) or 1/8 for classic wobble

4. LFO Shape: Try different shapes:

   • Sine - smooth wobble

   • Square - hard on/off switching

   • Saw Down - falling "wah" effect

   • Custom - draw your own using Serum 2's enhanced Path LFO

New in Serum 2: Path LFO now has dual X/Y output! This means you can modulate TWO parameters with different curves from the same LFO.

Envelope 1 - Punchy Attack:

1. Drag from Envelope 1 to Filter A Cutoff (add to existing LFO modulation)

2. Set positive modulation around +30%

3. In Envelope 1 settings:

   • Attack: 0ms (instant)

   • Decay: 100-300ms

   • Sustain: 40-60%

   • Release: 200-400ms

This envelope creates the punchy "gun" attack when you first hit a note.

Step 6: Effects Chain - Making It Tearout

Serum 2's enhanced FX engine is perfect for tearout:

FX Slot 1 - Hyper/Dimension:

• Select Hyper/Dimension

• Rate: Set to 0.25-0.5Hz for subtle stereo movement

• Depth: Around 30-40%

• Detune: Low, around 10-15%

• Mix: 25-35%

FX Slot 2 - Distortion:

• Select Distortion

• Type: Try Tube for warmth or Digital for aggression

• Drive: Start at 50% and adjust to taste

• Mix: 40-60%

• Important: Keep this PRE-filter in the signal chain for maximum grit

FX Slot 3 - Multiband Compressor (New in Serum 2!):

• Serum 2 now has multiband processing

• Low band: Compress hard for consistent sub

• Mid band: Moderate compression for presence

• High band: Light compression to maintain transients

FX Slot 4 - Chorus/Flanger:

• Add movement and width

• Rate: Slow (0.2-0.8Hz)

• Feedback: Moderate

• Mix: 20-30%

Step 7: Set Up Macros for Performance Control

Serum 2 now has 8 macros (double Serum 1). Set them up strategically:

Macro 1 - Aggression:

• Filter A Cutoff (positive)

• Filter A Resonance (positive)

• Distortion Drive (positive)

Macro 2 - FM Amount:

• Oscillator B Level (positive)

• Warp A (FM) Amount (positive)

Macro 3 - Movement Speed:

• LFO 1 Rate (positive)

• Can also modulate multiple LFO rates simultaneously

Macro 4 - Width:

• Oscillator Unison Detune (positive)

• Hyper/Dimension Mix (positive)

• Stereo spread on effects

Macro 5-8 - Reserve for live tweaking or automation

Step 8: Use the New Clip Sequencer

This is a Serum 2 exclusive feature that's perfect for tearout:

1. Click the "CLIP" tab at the top

2. Draw in a bass rhythm pattern - Tearout often uses:

   • Stuttering 16th note patterns

   • Syncopated rhythms with space

   • "Gun shot" hits on specific beats

3. Add automation lanes within the clip:

   • Automate Macro 1 for dynamic aggression

   • Automate pitch bend for sliding bass hits

   • Automate filter cutoff for additional movement

4. Save multiple clips per preset to switch between patterns

This lets you audition bass ideas without leaving Serum - revolutionary for workflow!

Advanced Tearout Techniques in Serum 2

Using the Granular Oscillator for Texture

The Granular oscillator is new in Serum 2 and opens up incredible possibilities:

1. Replace Oscillator C with the Granular type

2. Load a sample - Try:

   • Metallic recordings

   • Industrial sounds

   • Your own bass one-shots

3. Adjust grain parameters:

   • Size: 20-50ms for defined grains

   • Spray: 30-50% for randomization

   • Density: High (80-100%) for thick texture

4. Modulate grain position with an LFO for evolving timbre

5. Layer under your main bass for industrial character

Creating "Reese" Style Bass with Dual Warps

Reese basses are essential for modern tearout:

1. Oscillator A: Saw wave

2. Warp A: Select Sync mode

3. Warp B: Select Quantize or Bend +/-

4. Add heavy unison (7-9 voices) with moderate detune (30-40%)

5. Use LFO to modulate both warp amounts slightly differently

6. Result: That classic detuned, phasing, aggressive Reese sound

Sample Oscillator for Realistic Hits

Serum 2's Sample oscillator with slicing is perfect for:

1. Load a drum hit or impact sample

2. Enable slice mode

3. Set slices to create rhythmic variations

4. Use Filter + Distortion to transform it into a bass sound

5. Modulate slice position with LFO for glitchy movement

Spectral Oscillator for Otherworldly Tones

The Spectral oscillator lets you manipulate frequency content directly:

1. Load any audio sample

2. Serum 2 performs harmonic resynthesis

3. Manipulate individual harmonics in real-time

4. Perfect for:

   • Creating sounds that morph between recognizable and alien

   • Surgical harmonic emphasis

   • Removing specific frequency content

Layering Multiple Serum 2 Instances for Professional Results

Single-instance bass sounds are fine for learning, but professional tearout uses multiple layers:

Layer 1: Sub Bass (Separate instance of Serum 2)

• Simple sine or triangle wave

• No unison or stereo spread (keep it MONO)

• Low-pass filter at 80Hz max

• Compressor with fast attack to control peaks

• Sidechained to kick drum

Layer 2: Low-Mid Body (Separate instance)

• Saw or PWM waveform

• High-pass filter at 80Hz to avoid sub clash

• Low-pass at 300Hz

• Moderate distortion for warmth

• Slight unison (3-5 voices) for thickness

Layer 3: Aggressive Mid (Your main Serum 2 gun sound)

• The preset we built above

• High-pass filtered at 250Hz

• Maximum aggression and movement

• Stereo width from unison and effects

Layer 4: High-End Screech (Separate instance)

• Digital/metallic wavetables

• Heavy FM modulation

• High-pass filter at 2kHz

• Bitcrusher for digital aggression

• Wide stereo spread

Layer 5: Noise/Air (Optional)

• Use Serum 2's noise oscillator with the new Color Mode

• Band-pass filter between 4-8kHz

• Very low in the mix (just for definition)

Critical: Use different velocity layers and LFO rates on each instance to avoid phasing and create movement complexity.

Processing Your Serum 2 Tearout Bass

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

Chain 1: OTT (Xfer Records - Free)

• Depth: 30-50% (don't overdo it!)

• Time: Fast (1-10ms) for aggressive compression

• Essential for: Bringing out midrange aggression

Chain 2: CamelCrusher (Free)

• Tube + Mech blend for hybrid distortion

• Filter to taste

• Compressor with Phat mode enabled

• Mix: 40-60%

Chain 3: Multiband Distortion

• Use plugins like Trash 2, Saturn 2, or free alternatives

• Low band: Clean or light saturation

• Mid band: Heavy distortion (this is where tearout lives)

• High band: Moderate distortion for presence

Chain 4: Stereo Imaging

• Ozone Imager (free) or similar

• Keep 20-150Hz MONO

• Widen 200Hz-5kHz to taste (don't overdo it)

• Check mono compatibility constantly

Chain 5: Final Limiter

• Catch peaks from extreme modulation

• -0.3dB ceiling to avoid clipping

• Don't use this as loudness maximizer - that's for mastering

Serum 2 Workflow Tips for Tearout Production

Use Macro Modulation Extensively

With 8 macros now available, assign them strategically:

• Macro 1-4: Sound shaping (aggression, FM, movement, width)

• Macro 5-8: Performance/automation (filter sweeps, special FX, transitions)

Leverage the Clip Sequencer

• Program multiple variations in different clips

• Switch between clips to create arrangement dynamics

• Export MIDI from clips to your DAW for further editing

Take Advantage of Backward Compatibility

• Load Serum 1 presets and enhance them with new features

• Add granular or sample oscillators to existing patches

• Apply dual filters to classic designs for new character

Save Everything as You Go

• Create a custom preset bank for your tearout sounds

• Use naming conventions: "Tear_Gun_Hard", "Tear_Growl_Wobble", etc.

• Save versions as you iterate (v1, v2, v3)

Study the Factory Presets

Serum 2 ships with 600+ new presets that showcase the new engines. Reverse-engineer them to understand:

• How the dual warps interact

• Filter routing strategies

• Modulation techniques

• FX chain order

Common Tearout Bass Patterns and MIDI Techniques

The Classic "Gun" Pattern

Kick: |X---|X---|X---|X---|
Snare:|----X-------|----X---|
Bass: |X-XX|X-XX|X-XX|XXXX|

• Short, punchy bass hits

• Emphasis on the "and" of beat 2 and beat 4

• Final measure builds tension with faster rhythm

The "Wobble" Pattern

LFO Rate: 1/8 or 1/16
Pattern:  |Wob-Wob-Wob-Wob-|
          Sustained notes with rhythmic filter modulation

The "Stutter" Pattern

Bass: |XXXXXXXX|--------|XXXXXXXX|XXXX----|
      Fast 32nd note stutters on specific beats

MIDI Velocity Layering

• Low velocity (1-40): Sub bass only

• Medium velocity (41-80): Sub + mid layers

• High velocity (81-127): All layers, maximum aggression

Pitch Bends and Slides

• Use pitch bend wheel for sliding bass notes (common in tearout)

• Set pitch bend range to +/-12 semitones for dramatic slides

• Automate within Serum 2's clip sequencer for complex patterns

Mixing Tearout Dubstep in Context

Frequency Management

• Sub bass (20-60Hz): One source only, usually sine wave

• Kick (60-100Hz): Sidechain bass heavily to kick

• Bass body (100-250Hz): Multiple layers, controlled with multiband compression

• Aggressive mids (250Hz-1kHz): Where tearout lives - don't be afraid to push this

• Presence (1kHz-5kHz): High layer + screech elements

• Air (5kHz+): Subtle noise and high harmonics

Sidechain Compression is Essential

• Bass to kick: Hard compression, fast attack/release

• Mid layers to kick: Moderate compression

• Keep high layers mostly uncompressed for clarity

Parallel Processing

• Clean bass signal on one track

• Heavily processed signal on another (crushed, distorted, saturated)

• Blend to taste - this gives you thickness without destroying dynamics

Reference Tracks

Study these artists' tearout productions:

• Marauda - Industrial, metallic, heavy

• SVDDEN DEATH - Dark, atmospheric tearout with space

• Oddprophet - Complex sound design, creative rhythms

• TRAMPA - Classic tearout gun sounds, powerful subs

• YVM3 - Modern, digital-sounding approach

• Hol! - Aggressive, in-your-face energy

Advanced Serum 2 Features for Tearout

Multiband FX Routing

Serum 2's new Mix page allows precise routing:

1. Route Osc A to Filter A → FX Bus 1 (heavy distortion)

2. Route Osc B to Filter B → FX Bus 2 (modulation effects)

3. Route Osc C (granular) → Direct to output (layered texture)

4. Blend at the Mix page for surgical control

Using Scale Mode for Melodic Bass

Tearout isn't just monotone - melodic elements are crucial:

1. Enable Scale Mode (global setting in Serum 2)

2. Select scale: Minor, Harmonic Minor, or Phrygian work well

3. Play freely - Serum constrains output to scale

4. Result: Melodic bass riffs that stay musical even with complex modulation

MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) Support

If you have an MPE controller (Roli, Linnstrument):

• Per-note pitch bend for expressive slides

• Per-note timbre control (usually mapped to filter cutoff)

• Per-note pressure for dynamic aggression

• Creates organic, human-feeling tearout basslines

Serum 2 Preset Management for Tearout Producers

Organize Your Sounds by Type

Create folders:

• Tear_Guns - Percussive, sharp bass hits

• Tear_Growls - Sustained, modulated basses

• Tear_Subs - Clean sub-bass patches

• Tear_Screeches - High-frequency aggressive sounds

• Tear_FX - Risers, impacts, transitions

Use Tags and Favorites

• Tag presets with characteristics: "dark", "metallic", "FM-heavy", "wobble"

• Favorite your go-to sounds for quick access during production

Create Template Presets

• Basic tearout starter - Your default "blank canvas" settings

• Layering templates - Pre-configured for sub, mid, high separation

• Performance templates - Macros already assigned for live use

Troubleshooting Common Tearout Issues

"My bass sounds thin"

Solutions:

• Add more unison voices (7-9)

• Layer multiple instances

• Use dual warps for harmonic richness

• Check your low-end - might need sub layer

• Add saturation/distortion for harmonics

"My bass gets lost in the mix"

Solutions:

• Boost 250Hz-1kHz (the midrange presence)

• Compress harder with OTT or multiband compression

• Add high-frequency layer for definition

• Sidechain more aggressively to kick

• Check for frequency masking from other elements

"It sounds harsh/fatiguing"

Solutions:

• Roll off harsh frequencies (2-4kHz) with EQ

• Use multiband processing to control problem areas

• Don't over-distort - less is often more

• Add subtle reverb to create space

• Check your monitoring volume - mix quieter!

"The movement sounds phasey/weird"

Solutions:

• Check mono compatibility

• Reduce unison detune amount

• Use stereo imaging plugin to control width

• Keep sub frequencies mono

• Try different LFO shapes

"CPU is maxed out"

Solutions:

• Bounce layers to audio and disable Serum instances

• Use Serum 2's efficient oscillators (wavetable is most efficient)

• Reduce unison voice count where possible

• Freeze/flatten tracks in your DAW

• Use Serum's "Draft" quality mode during composition

Conclusion: Your Tearout Production Checklist

Sound Design:

• ✅ Used Serum 2's new oscillator types strategically

• ✅ Applied dual warp modes for complexity

• ✅ Configured dual filters for tone shaping

• ✅ Set up aggressive modulation (LFO + Envelopes)

• ✅ Processed with internal FX chain

• ✅ Created 3-5 layers for full frequency spectrum

Arrangement:

• ✅ Programmed punchy MIDI patterns

• ✅ Used velocity layers for dynamics

• ✅ Added pitch bends and slides

• ✅ Created variation with the clip sequencer

• ✅ Arranged build-ups and drops effectively

Mixing:

• ✅ Sub bass is mono and clean

• ✅ Midrange is aggressive and present

• ✅ Sidechained bass to kick

• ✅ Applied multiband processing

• ✅ Checked mono compatibility

• ✅ Referenced against professional tracks

Processing:

• ✅ Used OTT for midrange compression

• ✅ Added distortion/saturation tastefully

• ✅ Controlled stereo width appropriately

• ✅ Limited peaks without destroying dynamics

Next Steps: Keep Evolving Your Sound

Practice Consistently:

• Make 1 tearout bass per day using Serum 2

• Analyze reference tracks - load them into your DAW and study the spectrum

• Join online communities - share your work, get feedback

• Take breaks - fresh ears are essential for good mixing decisions

Study Further:

• Serum 2 official tutorials - Xfer Records YouTube channel

• Sound design courses focused on bass music

• Attend virtual workshops and masterclasses

• Reverse-engineer presets from professional preset packs

Invest in Your Craft:

• Quality monitoring makes a huge difference

• Consider professional preset packs to study (Avant Samples, XLNT Sound, etc.)

• Upgrade your DAW skills - learn advanced routing and processing

• Build a sample library of your own sounds for layering

Stay Inspired:

• Listen widely - not just tearout, but all bass music

• Attend shows - experience the music in its intended environment

• Collaborate with other producers

• Don't chase perfection - finish tracks, even if they're not perfect

Final Thoughts

Serum 2 has genuinely revolutionized what's possible in tearout dubstep production. The dual warp modes, new oscillator types, dual filters, and enhanced modulation system give you unprecedented creative control. Combined with the clip sequencer and expanded FX, you can create professional, festival-ready tearout entirely within this one synth.

But remember: tools are just tools. The real magic comes from your creativity, your persistence, and your unique artistic voice. Use this guide as a foundation, but don't be afraid to experiment, break rules, and discover sounds that are uniquely yours.

The tearout scene is constantly evolving, with producers pushing boundaries every day. Serum 2 gives you the tools to be part of that evolution.

Now stop reading and start making some bone-crushing bass. The dancefloor is waiting.

Quick Reference: Essential Serum 2 Settings for Tearout

ParameterTypical SettingNotesUnison Voices7-9For thickness without muddinessUnison Detune30-40%Balance width vs focusFilter Cutoff1000-2000HzVaries by layerFilter Resonance50-70%For aggressive screechLFO Rate1/4 to 1/8Classic wobble speedsFM Amount30-70%Adds harmonic complexityDistortion Mix40-60%Essential for tearoutMacro Count Used6-8Maximum control