Is Apex + Alter: Industrial Aggression Volume 1 | Presets for Serum worth it if you’re shopping in Music & Sound Design?
Quick answer
| Best for | Serum users building cyberpunk, industrial, or dystopian soundscapes who want performable sequences and labeled macros. |
| Skip if | You don’t own Serum (version 1.368+), need VSTi/AU plugin formats, or are looking for drum kits. |
| Price | $30 |
| Format | 67 Serum presets (.Zip) |
| One-line take | A focused, game-inspired industrial pack that prioritizes playable sequences over static sounds. |
What you’re actually buying
Most preset packs give you a static sound that you have to fight to make musical. Industrial Aggression Volume 1 takes a different approach: the sequences are designed to be performed, not just held down. If you’re working on a track with a narrative arc—think the tension of Cyberpunk 2077 or the gritty weight of Doom—this pack gives you the raw material to build that atmosphere without spending hours sculpting oscillators from scratch.
At $30, you’re getting a full sonic palette, not just a handful of basses. The 67 presets break down into 21 basses (including 808s and Reese basses), 9 sequences, 10 SFX, and 7 pads. The inclusion of custom noise oscillator samples baked into the presets is a smart touch; it means the grit and texture are part of the sound design, not something you have to layer on with an external noise generator. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
The macro controls are labeled and finely tuned, which saves you the headache of guessing which knob does what. For the pads, the macros allow for transformation, so one preset can shift from a dark, ambient bed to a more aggressive, industrial texture with a single turn. This is the kind of utility that makes a pack feel like a tool rather than a collection of sounds. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
Why it’s on our radar
This pack is interesting because it targets a very specific aesthetic niche—industrial, dystopian, game-inspired—rather than trying to be a “everything” pack. The seller, Jason Walsh, clearly has a vision for how these sounds should be used, and that focus shows in the deliverables. The fact that the demo excludes drums and percussion is a honest signal: this is about the synth architecture and the textural elements, not a full beat pack. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
The performable sequences are a standout feature. Most packs give you a loop that you have to chop up or a single note that you have to sequence yourself. Here, the sequences are built to be played, which means you can use them as melodic or rhythmic elements in your composition immediately. This is a significant time-saver for producers who want to move fast in the studio. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
A Gumroad review calls it “Literally the best Serum presets I’ve found anywhere. 11/10 instant buy.” That level of enthusiasm suggests the pack delivers on its promise of quality and usability.
What actually matters
- Serum Version: You need Serum 1.368 or newer. Check your version before buying. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
- No Drums: The pack does not include drum kits or percussion. You’ll need to source those separately. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
- Macro Labels: The macros are labeled, which is crucial for usability. Unlabeled macros are a common pain point in preset packs. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
- Performable Sequences: The sequences are designed to be played, not just held. This is a key differentiator from many other packs. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
Mid-check
FAQ
Do I need Serum to use this pack? Yes, this is a pack of presets for Xfer Records’ Serum synthesizer. You will need to own Serum (version 1.368 or newer) to load and use the presets. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
Are the sequences just loops? No, the sequences are designed to be performed. This means you can play them with your MIDI keyboard or controller, rather than just triggering a static loop. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
Does the pack include drums? No, the pack focuses on synth presets, including basses, pads, leads, plucks, sequences, SFX, and synths. Drums and percussion are not included. (Apex + Alter: Industrial)
Bottom line
If you’re working on a project that needs a gritty, industrial, or cyberpunk vibe, Industrial Aggression Volume 1 is a strong option. The focus on performable sequences and labeled macros makes it a practical tool for actual production, not just a collection of sounds to browse. At $30, it’s a reasonable investment for a pack that offers a wide range of usable elements.