How to Create Build-Ups and Falls in Serum • Distinct Mastering

Transitions are a crucial part of music production, helping to build tension and excitement. In this video, I’ll show you how to create custom risers and falls in Serum, so you don’t have to rely on the same overused samples from Splice or Loopcloud. Instead, you can design transitions that are perfectly tailored to your music.

I’m also excited to announce my record label, NOS Recordings, is releasing a new sample pack: Serum Custom Risers Vol. 1!

Let’s dive in!

Why Custom Risers and Falls Matter

Many producers rely on sample packs for risers and falls, but this often leads to repetitive sounds. Creating your own transition effects in Serum gives you full control over how they fit into your mix, helping you stand out with unique sound design.

By customizing your risers and falls, you can:

Match the tonality of your track
Control the exact length and movement
Add modulation and effects for a more dynamic transition

Setting Up Custom Risers in Serum

To create a riser in Serum, start with a simple waveform, like a saw wave, and use automation to shape the pitch, filter, and effects over time. A few key tips:

Choose a Waveform: Start with a basic saw wave, noise oscillator, or a custom wavetable.
Apply Pitch Modulation: Use an envelope to gradually pitch the sound upward for a riser or downward for a fall.
Shape the Volume: Adjust the ADSR envelope to control how the riser builds over time.
Add Movement: Use LFOs to modulate parameters like filter cutoff, wavetable position, or unison detune for a more dynamic sound.
Enhance with Effects: Add reverb, delay, and distortion to make the riser stand out in the mix.

How to Set Up a Fall in Serum

Creating a fall (downlifter) in Serum is similar to making a riser, but instead of building tension, it helps release energy and transition smoothly between sections. Here’s how to design one:

Start with the Same Patch – If you’ve already made a riser, duplicate it and reverse the pitch movement.
Reverse the Pitch Modulation – Instead of an upward sweep, set your envelope or LFO to modulate the pitch downward. This creates that signature falling effect.
Slow Down the LFO or Envelope – Adjust the timing to make the descent smooth and natural. Experiment with different slopes for a dramatic or subtle fall.
Apply Filtering for a Smoother Sound – Use a low-pass filter to gradually remove high frequencies as the fall progresses, making it blend seamlessly into the mix.
Add Effects for Depth – Use reverb and delay to create a sense of space and atmosphere. Distortion or phasing can add character if you want a more aggressive fall.
Fine-Tune the Release Time – Make sure the tail of your fall fades out smoothly so it doesn’t end too abruptly.

Falls are essential for transitioning between drops, breakdowns, and outros, helping to create movement and flow in your track.

Designing your own risers and falls in Serum is a powerful way to make your music more unique. Instead of relying on generic samples, you’ll have custom transition effects that fit perfectly within your tracks.

Join my Creator Tier on Patreon and get exclusive FREE risers from my NOS Recordings Serum Custom Risers Vol. 1 pack! Plus, enjoy 20% off all products in the NOS Shop as a member perk!

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