The highly flexible ASM Hydrasynth Desktop 8-Voice Wave Morphing Synthesizer features an interface with minimal paging and workflow shortcuts, well suited for any sound designer and performing musician. There are 24 polyphonic pressure-sensitive pads that allow you to play the synth. With multiple pad layouts to choose from as well as multiple scales, playing the Hydrasynth Desktop is its own musical experience.
With its advanced wavetable synthesis engine, the Hydrasynth features three oscillators per voice with dual Wave Mutators, and two series or parallel multimode filters, five LFOs, five looping envelope generators (DAHDSR), a 32-slot modulation matrix, advanced arpeggiator, comprehensive CV/Gate, MIDI and USB MIDI I/O, and dedicated pre- and post-FX including reverb and delay.
Each of the three oscillators allows you to choose from a selection of 219 single cycle waveforms with wavemorphing capabilities on Oscillators 1 and 2. The Wavelist mode allows you to choose eight waves from a bank of 219, arrange them in the order of your pleasing, and morph from one to another. Oscillators 1 and 2 also feature two mutators each, allowing you to modulate, bend, and sculpt the sound in new (and old) ways.
The first filter has 11 different filter models, giving you multiple options for tailoring your sound. The second 12 dB/octave filter has a continuous sweep from lowpass to bandpass to highpass, similar to the way the classic Oberheim SEM filter worked.
The five LFOs feature 10 standard waveforms, plus a Step mode that allows you to create patterns with up to 8 steps. Having 5 mini step sequencers gives you an amazing amount of possibilities for further shaping your sound. The LFOs all have delay, fade in, 3 triggering modes, smoothing, start phase, and one-shot mode, so they can act as envelopes and BPM sync.
Speaking of envelopes, the Hydrasynth features five six-stage (DAHDSR) envelopes with time settings for each stage that can be set in seconds or in time divisions, giving you envelopes that play in sync to your song. Envelopes can also loop to create LFOs whose shape can be voltage controlled in the modulation matrix.
With 32 user definable modulation routings, the Hydrasynth has plenty of ways to use the 29 modulation sources and 155 modulation destinations. Almost everything in the synth engine can be a modulation destination including the effects and arpeggiator. The Modulation matrix points themselves can also become modulation destinations. Modulation sources and destinations include the CV Mod In and Out jacks as well as MIDI CCs.
The onboard arpeggiator provides standard note arpeggiations, but can also have a phrase arpeggio built-in. Parameters like Ratchet and Chance ensure rhythmic patterns with some randomness to add life and spontaneity to your performance.
Patch Macros are designed to allow the user deep control over the engine in live performance. Eight assignable encoders and buttons can each be routed to eight destinations. Complete sound transformations can take place with the press of a button or turn of a knob.
The Hydrasynth comes with 5 banks of 128 patches in total, created by professional patch designers to create the 256 factory patches. Searching the library is made easy with the built-in browser, plus a PC/MAC-based Patch Manager plug-in allows you to easily move patches to create your favorite order and load in new patch libraries in the future.
No synthesizer would be complete without effects. The effects chain goes beyond the typical ones found in other synths. Pre- and post-effects give you some unique ways to process your sound, while the delays and reverbs were modeled on some of the most popular effects on the market. The Hydrasynth ships with a power cord and rack ears.
Firmware 2.0
- Expanded memory to 8 banks for a total of 1024 patches
- New modulation source: VOICE MODULATOR allows you to offset values for each voice that can then be applied in the Mod Matrix to vary chosen parameters per voice
- OSC Bit Reducer: Osc 1, 2, and 3 have a choice of Off, 16, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 bits
- LFO and ENV Quantizer: ENV 1 to ENV 5 and LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators)-LFO 1 to LFO 5 have new Quantize options, so adventurous users like you can quantize the outputs to achieve a unique stepping effect
- LFO Step Advance: Choose to advance through the steps with each new Note On with the LFOs in Step mode meaning you can play through the steps one by one with each new note press
- Global FX Bypass: Bypass each of the effects (Pre-FX, Post-FX, Delay, and/or Reverb) globally in the system page-to record a dry signal without having to edit each patch
- Increased Vibrato Resolution: Fine control for more subtle options
- New Sustain Pedal Options: Sustain-traditional sustain (as it has always worked), Sostenuto-press and hold a single note while playing notes above it, and Mod Only-disables the sustain function, allowing you to then route it in the Mod Matrix
- More LED Options: Dim, On/Off
- Glissando in glide options
- Arp Range goes to 6 octaves
- Arp Step Offset parameter
- More Rand/Init shortcuts (all STEP LFO steps, Wavescan waves, Voice mod offsets)
- Local On/Off saved
User Interface
- Intuitive workflow, perceived at a glance
- Front-panel controls for instant access to important features
- Easy shortcuts for patch / mod route construction (connect / copy / paste)
- Two independent OLED displays
- 8 control knobs and 8 control buttons around the display
- LED rings around the control knobs indicate parameter values
- 8 assignable macros per patch, accessible on Home page
- Arpeggiator: 8 modes with direction, octave, chord, and phrase options
- Patch browser: Organize by name, category, or patch number
- Memorize / instantly recall up to 32 favorites
- Overflow mode can link two units for 16-voice polyphony
Sound Engine
- Eight voices, with three oscillators per voice
- Analog modeling (Osc 1-3) and WaveScan synthesis (Osc 1-2)
- Select from hundreds of waveforms and then morph/mutate/warp them
- Filter 1: 11 filter types, including vocal formant filters
- Filter 2: classic state-variable 12 dB/octave
- Filters can be placed in series or parallel
- Loopable ADSR envelopes with delay and hold stages
- Curve and BPM value for each segment
Effects
- Delay: Five types, including Left-Right-Center and Reverse
- All delays can sync to tempo
- Reverb: four types, with predelay and damping parameters
- Reverb lengths to 90 seconds plus Freeze
- Independent Pre/Post FX: Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor
Patch
- 5 banks of 128 patches each
- Mono and Unison voice modes with unison detune
- Glide with programmable time, curve, trigger mode
- Mod Matrix with 32 routes per patch
- Programmable analog feel emulates circuit designs
- Randomize function for individual modules or an entire patch
Hardware
- MIDI In/Out/Thru: 3 x 5-pin DIN
- USB Type-B port, class-compliant
- CV/Gate inputs and outputs for integration with modular synthesizers
- Headphone output
- Stereo 1/4a€? outputs
- Sustain pedal input (polarity-sensing)
- Assignable Expression pedal input (reversible)
- LED Dim feature for darkened rooms
- Kensington lock port
Desktop
- Rack-mountable (ears included)
- Recessed connection jacks allow for straigt connectors
- 24 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic pressure
- Pad colors indicate note relationships for each scale
- Shift+Pad to access secondary functions (octave, scale, etc.)
ASM Rack Specs
| Sound Source | Type: 8-Voice Advanced Wavetable Synthesis 2 x Wavemorphing Oscillator 219 Single Cycle Waveforms User Wavetables: 8 User-Selectable; Wavelist per Osc to Build User Wavetables Every Osc and Patch Can Have its Own User Wavetable WaveScan Parameter for Modulating Through Wavetables Keytracking: 0-200% ±3 Octave Tuning Range 1 x Fixed Wave OSC 219 single Cycle Waveforms ±3 Octave Tuning Range Keytracking: 0-200% Dual Mutators per Oscillator FM: Linear FM Selectable Modulator Source Built in Sine & Triangle, OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, Mutators A, B, C, D, Noise gen, Ring Mod, External Mod 1 and 2 Input WaveStack: Generates 5 Detuned Waves from Input Source and Detune Amount Pulse Width Mod: Adjust Pulse Width of All waveforms PW Squeeze: Compresses the Center Section of Waveform for Different Type of PWM PW-ASM: 8 x User Adjustable Wave Squeeze/Stretch Points Hard Sync: Gives that Classic Sync Sweep Sound Selectable Sync Input Source Harmonic Sweep: Scan Through the Harmonics of the Incoming Sound Dry/Wet: Mix to Blend the Original OSC Source Noise Generator White, Pink, Brown, Noise Sources Ring Modulator Selectable Input Sources OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, Noise, All Mutator Outputs, External Mod Depth Control Sound Source Mixer Mix Following Sources: OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, Noise, and Ring Mod Panning for Each Source Filter Routing Mix Solos for Each Source (Solo Status is Saved in the Patch) 2 x Filter Series or Parallel Routing Filter 1 12 and 24 dB Modern Ladder (Compensated) 12 and 24 dB Vintage Ladder (Uncompensated) Threeler HP, LP MS20 HP, LP Low Pass Gate Vocal Filter Multiple Vowel Order Parameter Formant Parameter Filter 2 Continuously Variable Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass (Oberheim SEM Style) |
| Modulation | 5 x Low Frequency Oscillators 10 Static Waves Sine, Triangle, Square, Saw Up, Saw Down, S&H, Low Random, Noise, Pulse width 25%, Pulse Width 12.5% Step Wave: 8 Steps that the User Can Set (Like a Step Sequencer) Step Smoothing Step Glide Clock Sync Starting Phase Start Delay Fade In Master Output Gain Trigger Modes: Mono, Poly, Free One-Shot Mode 5 x Envelope Generator 6 Stage DAHDSR Envelopes Delay, Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, Release Slope Curves for ADR Stages Variable from Full Exponential to Full Logarithmic Tempo or Time Option for Setting Length of Each Stage Looping of AHD Stages for Creating LFO Types of Modulations Trigger Modes: Legato, Reset, Retrigger Matrix Modulation 32 Slots for Source-Destination Mod Routing with Amount Modulation Matrix Slots Can be Mod Destinations 8 x Macro Knobs and Buttons Each Macro knobs Allows Positive and Negative of Up to 8 Destination Controls Arpeggiator Arp Parameters Can be Modulation Destinations Modes: Up, Down, Up/Down, Random, Note Order, Chord, Pattern Octave: Range, 1,2,3,4 Play Order: Up, Down, Up/Down Swing Gate Time Ratchet: Repeats Notes Chance: Sets How Often the Ratchet Takes Place |
| Effects | Pre-Effects: Before Delay and Reverb Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with Side-Chain) Delay: Tape, Ping-pong, Analog, PitchShift, Reverse, Filter Delay Reverb: Hall, Room, Plate, Cloud Post-Effects: After Delay and Reverb Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with Side-Chain) |
| Physical | Metal Chassis Steel Top and Bottom Aluminum Side Panels 5 RU in Rack 24 PolyTouch Velocity and Pressure-Sensitive Pads 5 Banks of 128 Patch Memories CV/Gate Input and Outputs Support Multiple CV/Gate Standards CV 1 V per Octave ±5 V 1 V per Octave 0-10 V Hz to Volts ±5 V Hz to Volts 0-10 V Gates V-Trig, S-Trig 3 V, 5 V, 10 V Mod In/Out Range +5 V, 0-10 V, 0-5 V, 0-1 V Clock In and Out 1 PPS, 2 PPQ, 24 PPQ, 48 PPQ Clock Voltage: 3 V, 5 V, 10 V MIDI In/Out/Thru: Voice Overflow Mode for Expanding Voices with Another Hydrasynth Expression Pedal Input Sustain Pedal Input: Polarity Sensing Input DC Input Jack: 12 VDC Power Supply (Included) USB Port: Supports USB MIDI In/Out |
| Dimensions | 17.3 x 8.8 x 2.8" / 44 x 22.3 x 7 cm |
| Weight | 7.9 lb / 3.6 kg |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 11.55 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 23 x 13 x 5.8" |
In the Box
- ASM Hydrasynth Rack Digital Wave Morphing Synthesizer (8 Voices)
- Power Supply
- Rack Ears
- 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
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