Splice offers a vast library of synthesizer presets, and understanding how to manage them is crucial for any music producer. This guide focuses specifically on installing and organizing Serum presets downloaded through the Splice platform.
Accessing Preset File Locations
It's important to note that Serum presets from Splice cannot be directly dragged out of the Splice application like audio samples. Instead, they are loaded through your synth's preset browser. To locate a specific preset file on your computer:
- Open the Splice app.
- Locate the desired Serum preset.
- Click the overflow menu (three dots) to the far right of the preset.
- Select 'Open Enclosing Folder' to be taken directly to its location.
Default Download Locations for Serum Presets
The location where your Serum presets are downloaded depends on whether you have moved the default Serum presets folder. Splice automatically creates a dedicated "Splice" folder within your Serum presets directory for downloaded Serum presets.
Scenario 1: Default Serum Presets Folder Location
If your Serum presets folder is in its default location, Splice will create a new folder named "Splice" within your Serum presets directory upon downloading your first Serum preset. This means Serum presets will not be downloaded into your main general Splice folder where samples and presets for other synths might reside.
Default Locations:
- Mac: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Presets/Xfer Records/Serum Presets/Presets/Splice
- Windows: ~/Documents/Xfer/Serum Presets/Presets/Splice
Scenario 2: Moved Serum Presets Folder
If you have relocated your "Serum Presets" folder to a different location on your computer or to an external drive, your Serum presets will be downloaded to your main Splice folder instead.
Default Splice Folder Locations:
- Mac: Macintosh HD/Users/[your username]/Splice/presets/Serum
- Windows: ~/Documents/Splice/presets/Serum
If you are unsure about the correct download location, the 'Open Enclosing Folder' method described earlier will help you find the exact location of any specific preset on your computer.
Adding Downloaded Presets to Serum
The process of making your downloaded presets available within Serum depends on where they were saved.
If Presets Downloaded to Serum's Directory
If your Splice presets have been downloaded directly into Serum's default presets directory (which is the case if you haven't moved any default folders), you do not need to perform any additional steps. These presets will automatically appear in Serum's preset browser, typically categorized under a "Splice" folder, and will be ready for use.
Note: You might need to restart your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for the newly downloaded presets to appear in the list.
If Presets Downloaded to Your Regular Splice Folder
If your Serum presets were downloaded to your general Splice folder (because you moved the default Serum presets folder), you will need to manually move or copy them into Serum's presets directory. You can add them to the existing "user" folder within Serum's presets, create a new folder named "Splice," or organize them into any other custom folder you prefer.
The standard filepath for the Serum Presets folder is:
- Mac: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Presets/Xfer Records/Serum Presets/Presets
- Windows: ~/Documents/Xfer/Serum Presets/Presets/
Organizing Presets in Splice Desktop v5.2.1 and Later
With recent updates to the Splice Desktop app (v5.2.1 and later), the organization of presets has been improved to make finding them easier. Previously, all presets were stored in a single Splice folder, which could be cumbersome with a large library. The new system separates presets by their respective packs, enhancing navigability.
If you encounter issues with Serum not recognizing your new preset paths after this update, follow these steps:
- Ensure your Serum presets folder is correctly configured within Serum's settings.
- If presets were moved to a new "Splice" subfolder within the Serum presets directory, ensure Serum is scanning that location.
- You may need to rescan your presets within Serum or restart your DAW.
For persistent issues, it is recommended to contact Splice support.
Installing Presets for Other Splice Synths
Splice also provides presets for a variety of other synthesizers and plugins. The installation process can vary slightly:
Astra
Astra presets automatically download to Astra's dedicated preset folder within your Splice directory.
- MacOS: Macintosh HD/Users/[your username]/Library/Application Support/Splice/Astra/Presets/Splice/
- Windows: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Splice\Astra\Presets\From Splice
These presets will appear automatically in Astra's preset browser under the "From Splice" folder.
Beatmaker
Similar to Astra, Beatmaker presets are automatically placed in the correct folder.
- MacOS: Macintosh HD/Users/[your username]/Library/Application Support/Splice/Beatmaker/Presets/From Splice
- Windows: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Splice\Beatmaker\Presets\From Splice
You can access them directly within Beatmaker's preset browser under the "Downloaded on Splice" section.
Sylenth 1
While Sylenth 1 does not automatically organize presets, you can drag and drop them directly from the Splice app. To load presets manually:
- Open Sylenth 1.
- Navigate to the plugin's menu and select 'Load Preset' or 'Load Bank'.
- The file picker will default to the recommended directory, but you can navigate to any location on your computer.
- Loading a bank file will import the entire bank and its presets. Loading an individual preset file will overwrite the currently selected preset in your current bank.
- To add a preset without overwriting, select a blank preset slot and load the preset via the plugin menu.
Massive
Massive includes an integrated file browser. Presets are automatically added to the /Sounds directory and can be accessed directly within the plugin interface.
Spire
Spire presets download to a "Spire" folder within your main Splice folder. To load them:
- Launch Spire.
- Click the "menu" button next to the preset browser.
- Select "Load Preset (.spf)" and navigate to your Spire Presets folder in your Splice folder.
- To create a bank, load individual presets into a blank bank and then save the bank via "Menu > Save Bank". You can then import this bank using "Menu > Import Bank".
Serum 2 New Features
For users of Serum 2, several enhancements offer expanded sound design capabilities:
- Additional Oscillators: Serum 2 features a third primary oscillator, bringing the total number of sound sources to five.
- Multi-Sample Engine: Allows loading of multi-sampled instruments in SFZ format.
- Granular Synthesis: Significantly improved, supporting up to 256 simultaneous grains.
- Spectral Mode: A powerful oscillator type for advanced sound shaping.
- Wavetable Synthesis Enhancements: Including the ability to edit individual unison starting phases.
- Workflow and Live Performance Features: Such as the new MIDI clip system for sequencing patterns directly within Serum.
Serum 2 is a free upgrade for existing Serum owners. It is also fully backward compatible with original Serum presets.