It's fast and logical: you select a module to work on and tweak the parameters with LED-ringed encoders. Indeed, it's possible to get so fixated on the encoders you entirely forget the dedicated controls. Incidentally, all controls send and respond to NRPNs, rather than the lower-resolution CCs. The resulting parameter changes are smooth and not constrained to 128 possible values. However, NRPNs aren't a perfect fit for step sequencing or generic controller duties, for example, while some expected CCs are ignored, such as CC7 (volume). You’ll also discover linear FM within the 'mutants' and some unique types of pulse-width modulation. Furthermore, there are five (looping) envelopes per-voice, an amp module, two filter modules, five LFOs, reverb and delay modules, plus pre and post effects.

Hydrasynth Digital Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer ASM Hydrasynth Digital Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer

The second filter works similarly to the classic SEM filter. It is a 12dB per octave and gives you a continuous sweep from Low pass, through bandpass and up to High Pass. The INIT and RANDOM buttons make it possible to initialize or randomize a complete patch, a specific module, or an individual parameter with a simple press & hold button combination. There's even an option that randomly selects features from other patches to make a new patch. The results are surprisingly good! It has never been easier to find new inspiration. There is something of a learning curve but remember we are dealing with a lot of complexity. The Hydrasynth is a deep synth, so it’s always advisable to sketch out mental maps of your sounds first, then go in. I also suggest reading the manual too. It can't hurt. But if you’re into modular then the Hydra, with its module-based layout, will be very easy for you to get to grips with. The Synth is a beast - simple and complex - its all about how deep you want to dig and how much time you have to explore and learn. It's hardly surprising that the Hydrasynth's factory patches set the scene with some impressive Vangelis tones, paying particular homage to the Blade Runner score. Scrolling on, you'll encounter usable brass, strings, bells, basses and arpeggios — sounds that wouldn't seem out of place on a synth from the 1990s. I was most taken by the wavetable sweeps, glassy digital textures, pads and electric pianos, many demonstrating the excellent reverb. While there are a host of worthy bread-and-butter patches, very few give a sense of how strange and 'out there' the Hydrasynth can be. Hydra Eclectic PowerHowever, just remember that this is the Hydrasynth, in no sense of the word is it conventional! For a start, you have three oscillators per voice which include standard waves, plus wave-scanning, the latter an intuitive type of wavetable synthesis where you can assign eight waves and then scan through them using a dial/mod route.

Hydrasynth Explorer review | MusicRadar ASM Hydrasynth Explorer review | MusicRadar

Almost everything in the synth engine can be a modulation destination, including the effects and arpeggiator. With 32 user-definable Modulation matrix slots, there are plenty of ways to use the 35 modulation sources and 191 modulation destinations. Furthermore, all of the Hydrasynth's LFOs feature delay, fade in, 3 triggering modes, smoothing, start phase and one shot modes allowing them to act as envelopes and BPM sync. Filter 2 is a 12dB per octave state-variable filter, which means it can sweep continuously from either low pass > bandpass > high pass or low pass > notch > high pass. It is similar to the classic SEM filter in many ways. Filter 1 has 12 modes inc. LPG and Formant, filter 2 is classic state-variable 12dB/octave morphing filterWhat's more, you can loop the envelopes to create LFOs with shape can be voltage controlled with modulation matrix. Enter The Matrix These are substantial instruments, weighing in at 10kg and 3.6kg respectively, with no skimping on I/O. MIDI is available over USB and a full complement of 5-pin ports. The keyboard model has a ribbon controller running almost its full length, and on both versions, every knob, button and encoder feels solid and trustworthy. The Colour Of Magic