At Koala Audio, we’re always looking for tools that bridge the gap between inspiration and execution. That’s why we’re excited to dive into the latest update from Serato.
Serato Sample 2.2.0 has officially landed, and it’s a significant leap forward for producers who rely on sampling as their primary creative engine. By building on their industry-leading Stems technology, Serato is giving us more granular control over our sounds than ever before.
Here is a breakdown of what’s new and why it matters for your workflow:
Stems: Now with Total Level Control
Previously, Serato’s Stems technology allowed you to isolate vocals, melodies, bass, or drums with a single click. In version 2.2.0, you can now individually level these components.
Why it’s a game-changer: If you love a drum loop but the kick is overpowering your track, you can simply pull the drum stem level down without affecting the melody or vocal. This turns Serato Sample from a "sampler" into a "mini-mixing desk" for your loops.
Full DAW Automation
This is the update many of us have been waiting for. You can now automate Stem On/Off and Stem Levels directly within your DAW (Logic, Ableton, FL Studio, etc.).
Creative Tip: Try automating a vocal stem to "dip" in volume during a transition, or use the automation to bring a bassline in and out rhythmically. It adds a layer of movement that previously required messy workarounds or multiple tracks.
Hardware Integration: Enter the AlphaTheta SLAB
Coinciding with this update is the launch of SLAB, a dedicated pad controller co-developed by Serato and AlphaTheta Corporation. While SLAB is designed for Serato Studio, it offers native control for Serato Sample.
Native Sample Integration: Use SLAB’s encoders to scrub waveforms, set cue points, and trigger stem separation without touching your mouse.
MIDI Mode: For those using other DAWs, SLAB’s MIDI mode allows for custom mapping, creating a seamless bridge between your physical hardware and your digital samples.
Workflow Tweaks (The Small Things Matter)
Sometimes it’s the smallest updates that save the most time. Version 2.2.0 introduces Mouse Wheel Support for knobs and draggable fields. It’s a minor addition that makes fine-tuning your pitch, time-stretching, and levels significantly faster.
Serato Sample 2.2.0 isn't just a maintenance patch; it's a "precision" update. By combining the power of the new SLAB hardware with deep DAW automation, Serato has made the sampling process feel more like playing an instrument and less like clicking a mouse.
Serato Sample 2.2.0 is available now as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin. If you’re an existing user, head over to the Serato website to download the latest installer and start automating your stems today.
