Here’s my full review of both the keyboard and desktop versions of ASM’s new Hydrasynth. They have the same synth virtual analog / fm / wavetable / wave shaping synth engine, and the keyboard version has both polyphonic aftertouch and a ribbon controller, while the desktop has pads that are both velocity sensitive and have polyphonic aftertouch. There’s a timeline below as well.
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Overview
5:05 Keys vs desktop
7:30 Poly aftertouch
9:20 Ribbon
10:55 Chords
11:35 RGB pads
13:20 Synth engine
13:40 Oscillators
16:35 Mutant modules
22:00 Ring/noise
22:50 Mixer
24:00 Filters
28:50 Amp
29:15 Envelopes
31:30 LFOs
34:25 Effects
38:50 Voice controls
39:30 Arpeggiator
41:15 Mod matrix
44:10 Macros
46:30 CV I/O
46:45 Random
47:30 Pros & cons
I have a late 2012 iMac, OS 10. 11.6, 32gb ram. Will the Hydrasynth desktop work with the Imac and if so, how do you hook it up? I have a audio-in to midi-out, but wondered if it were to old for Hydrasynth.
Cheers and thanks,
Carlos
It’s a standalone synth, it doesn’t need a computer. If you’re asking about compatibility for their companion software please email the company
Thank you for this amazing walk through. It has been very helpful. Do you know if it is possible to use an external controller to mimic the function of the ribbon on the desktop version?
My pleasure! I’ve not tried
Thank you so much for all your hard work on these different videos. You are quickly able to demonstrate each unit in a clear manner, which is hard to find on the internet. I notice that you admitted to purchasing a Moog Sub or Subsequent 37.
I am currently struggling to decide between the Moog and the ASM hydrasynth Keyboard. May I ask what convinced you to buy the Moog? It is not polyphonic like Hydrasynth, but does have a sequencer which Hydrasynth doesn’t. It is not button per function either, but has that classic Moog sound. Was that the selling point? Sorry if my question is so long. Thanks, Simon.
Hey – thanks for the kind words. The two are quite different (mono synth vs poly synth, analog vs digital, hands on vs menus) – any more than that and it’s an hour long video 🙂