Finally someone who actually designs things properly. This is so important because the last thing you want is to be distracted with menus and a difficult flow to follow.
I watched your video, realized that this is the polysynth that I've been searching for a while and directly went to a local shop. Returned to home, played a bit and now watching the video again to get some more tips and tricks. Thank you so much for the clean and smooth review!
Partly thanks to your review, I recently picked up the desktop version. An incredibly versatile synthesizer that is so easy and logical to use despite its complexity. Truly remarkable!
was thinkin the same, mon ; ) ...and was thinkin on all the times i thought a complaint about no poly aftertouch was just whining. but now i understand! some synths dropping now, like the roland jupiter x, modal, etc.., but this one is sweet.
what i find amazing is that this is the 1st synth from this company - it sounds good - looks good - v good build quality and has this amazing UI - they really did a good job for a first synth...
It’s 12 June 2024, and I just got an Explorer five days ago. When I first had the idea of getting this one, I thought the user interface was counterintuitive. That was a big no-no; it is definitely more intuitive than the other analog emulation synthesizer I have, the microKorg XL. Furthermore, XL only has 128 patches overall. This one has 10 times that money, and half of them are geared for you to create your own patches.
I think this is the first time I've seen a new synth that comes in a module version that I kind of would rather the full keyboard. So I'm left kind of wanting both. Cheers to this kind of marketing though(!): Specs, Pics, Vids, Price, no Q's left, no Teasy BS. So, big shout out to ASM for treating us like adults.🤘🏻
3 years after buying the desktop (which is rack mounted in the studio) I picked up the full sized one one the second hand market and it now has pride of place in the studio as well.
No joke, today marks the third time I've watched this review. I've ordered a Hydrasynth and just have to wait about a week for it to be delivered, I sure am excited for it. I'm really grateful for your reviews Loopop as watching them means I have a huge understanding of how to actually use the synth before I even get it. You can bet I'll be watching this again on the day my Hydrasynth arrives, this time with the Hydrasynth sitting on my lap. (desktop version, of course.)
I watched this months ago before I bought the desktop version (you're basically responsible for my buying decision, so thanks!) and was a bit confused about some of the controls. I decided to rewatch this video rather than watching videos of other synths I'm lusting over and so glad I did. Helped me to understand some deeper features I've not been anywhere near yet. You're a great salesman and a great teacher 👍😄👍
@@alphanumeric1529 well, that’s a first, being called a salesman for not saying good things about something (not that the chorus here is bad). But judging from the negative tone comments you’ve been leaving recently, there’s more going on. Some salesman btw since the last one was about a synth I told you not to buy.
Weighing in at ~50 mins, this is an astounding review. I'm not sure my trips to the loo were indicative of the length or how excited I got over this synth! The features, the clarity of the layout and the sheer quality of the sound of it have sold me. This is the one Loopster, this is the divorce. This is not some little Pocket Operator you can just explain away. No. Not at all. I and my divorce attorney thank you for (another) awesome review. ;D
I own the desktop, but I love coming back to watch this just to remind me how in-depth this is. 43:45 - They added this feature to a recent update! Now you can directly select the parameter you want to modulate, instead of being limited to just selecting the module, and it's a workflow game changer! ASM are killing it with their updates to the HydraSynth!
I am planning to buy a hydrasynth keyboard, and have been looking at available demos. Yours is the clearest and most calorie-rich exposition of this instrument that I have yet encountered. Also, your voice is easy to listen to, which is no small matter.
Finally a direct method to access complex parameters directly in an easy to understand and well organized fashion . This ethos is bulletproof. And it also sounds focused and pointed towards electronic music folk as a synth first. Also the non cluttered interface is gorgeous! And the choice of the desktop version with shift commands or the keyboard version with direct access to all functionality is a great design choice. Peace Christo 👽🎶🐕🛸☮️💀😉🙏✌️
i also like the little things like having the panic option really close to the home button and near the shift button. small things that count but when notes are stuck, finding the panic button quick is really usefull but there's no need to have it seperate. their solution is really good!
Just got my Hydrasynth in the mail. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuk!!! It sounds good. No video does it justice. I'm blown away and I've only touched the presets but it sounds massive.
I've never, and I mean never, have been able to use a synthesizer to make music that I'd want to listen to. That is until I watched your tutorial on the Hydrasynth (module). Finally, I can make music that sounds like something someone would want to hear...ok, who am I kidding, no one wants to hear my music, but I can finally make music that I'd want to hear. ;~) Awesome tutorial Loopop.
The pads on the module are great. Since you can choose the scale, I might make fewer mistakes than I do on the keyboard. One of putting thing about modules and desktops is that they are often mute and you have to trigger them from outside, always. So much thought has gone into these designs, it seems.
Undeniably an awesome first synth from ASM,the guy i go to at my local music shop bought one and raves about it, presented and expertly reviewed here, thank you loopop.
I’ve had loads of synths in my life but sold every single one of them simply because I’m a classical guitarist who needs to spend my time practicing. However this synth sounds so good that if I just have one synth again it has to be this. I’m a massive fan of blade runner and the intro even though just messing sounds unbelievably ambient and ethereal, just like the CS 80. Wow I’m more than impressed.
Other synths have them too (Virus Ti, Andy A6) but they're very good here. Imo they should have had 2 separate control sections (2x8 knobs and displays) - move the CV i/o and replace arp / filter controls with a second (individual) control section.
The macro feature where you can tweak a parameter, without it actually changing the sound until you hit the button, is a feature I've never seen on a synth, but I immediately wish all my synths had it. Such a useful little feature for live performance. I don't know yet if I'm going to buy the Hydrasynth, but if I do, that feature is definitely one of the factors drawing me in.
Your videos are _immensely_ helpful in my understanding of the gear I have - at least the gear I have that you review so in-depth. I am quite appreciative!
Wow - what was THAT? And I don't mean the (super interesting) Hypersynth devices but your style of presentation. There's so much trash on TH-cam, but still gems like these. Thank you so much for this impressive demo!
22 pounds-Wow! That is fairly heavy, but holy moly what a machine-some of the patches are quite impressive, and you’ve got to LOVE that ribbon-controller with selectable scales-that is awesome! I noticed that most of the items on your wish-list can be done with firmware updates, so I hope they’re listening! IMHO, the control surface kinda looks like what I imagine it would look like if designed by a 21st century Soviet Union (inside shot of a _’modernized Soyuz capsule’_ comes to mind 🤓). The FX are clearly beyond just functional, esp with use of the side-chaining and mod matrix capabilities, and I love the macro function! I’m heading over to Sweetwater and see if I can pressure them into a good deal! 👍😃
I have been testing the desktop at a shop here in Berlin for an hour and have found the pads to be unplayable. They are really hard, do not respond at all to tapping. They are not pads but buttons. Therefore velocity response is also terrible. If you play slow, they are fine. Try fast playing, you get lost notes or aching fingers. Sounds amazing though, and can get really experimental. I was hoping that I could use the desktop model and its pads as an improvisation instrument, but with this level of rigidity, the pads are not really stage friendly. However, the hydrasynth may shine when played with the new Launchpad with its poly aftertouch capable pads Edit: I ended up buying the Desktop. I still think the pads are bad. They are more of a help for sound programming than a playing surface. The synth is great though.
So, if you're such a pad lover then but the keyboard version, obviously. Clearly they have invested so much research on the keybed and ribbon strip, just buy that and enjoy.
@@weplaywax yes you need an adapter for midi, sustain and expression pedals, which I have. I am happy with it but then i am not much of a keyboard player. I use the hydrasynth more for sound design and abstract improvisation . Since my first comment here, I have discovered that most presets are deigned with the keyboard in mind and therefore don’t play well with the pads. With a few tweaks, they responded better (less bad) to pads. And then I deleted almost all presets :)
Probably the most used feature I use personally is the randomize patch function. I've already mapped out over 60 keys to the unique sounds I found using this technique
Fantastic review Dr Loopop, As much an education on sound design as a review. I finally decided to purchase the keyboard version yesterday after 10 months of hand-wringing, this vid sold it. Thank you!
Seems like the synthesis architecture was more than a little inspired by the Waldorf (micro)Q and the Blofeld :) The extensive oscillator mutation capabilities are a fitting extension.
well only with the 3 first minutes I'm in . poly AT, ribbon, compact and great sound! ..... that flowchart with the buttons is very reminiscent of ensoniq esq-1, which I own and love.
JobimMusic yes, reminded me of ESQ1 also. Reckon this could reach into much of the same sonic territory, be interested in hearing the bit-reduction in more depth
I just got the module. I'm in love with this synth! Thanks Loopop for the info and all you do. Really helped me get up and running! I also Love the fact that the Hydra comes with a legit printed manual.
i love how loopop goes through all of the features!!!! i like preset demo's but i find it better to hear every little detail :D thanks for the run down
But-a small design flaw-the power switch is also recessed. So if not connected to a master power switch, it’s a pain every time you want to turn off/on.
@@alanshewitt thing is,put the switch higher on the back, it gets in the way with rackmount. in the front, u can hit it by accident. So i guess recessed was a good compromise. other than that, i wouldn't use that switch and just get a power extension box with a switch.
It's happening again! All my favorite channels are reviewing the same synth on the same day! edit: Please hook this up to the digitakt/octatrack in a video if time permits. I would love to hear what that synth sounds like with intentional p-locks.
Thank you for showing me how to use it. Way easier than I thought it was going to be thanks to you. Neuro linked to Loopop to learn the Hydrasynth in under 60 minutes. Priceless!!!
I FINALLY received my Hydrasynth a couple of days ago and am as happy with this synth as I expected. Because I'd watched your video several times, I was able to dive in and start working immediately. That's both a credit to the quality of this video and the smart design of the Hydrasynth! I did come up with a 'trick' that you may find useful. You mention how cool it would be to have the ribbon control access its own multitimbral voice. While I don't expect that to ever be possible (I'm usually wrong when I make predictions) I did find a way to get there via CV. On page 7 in System Setup, you can specify the Control Voltage Source and this can be set to Theremin. Once that's set, I connected the Pitch Out CV to the VCO1 Pitch In on a Minibrute 2S, then the Amp Out on the MB2S to the Mod 1 Input on the Hydrasynth. Then set the Ring Modulation source to Mod 1 and set its depth to zero. Bring up the ring mod level in the mixer and voila! Instant multimbrality with the ribbon controller. Obviously, this will work with any synth that can be controlled via CV. Since the audio is feeding back into the Hydra, you can still pass that signal through the filter/effects etc. It's great! While this works, one disappointment is that I can't figure out a way to use the ribbon controller (in theremin mode) to send midi. I can't find any System Setup option that seems to effect this. I really hope I'm just missing something obvious but I fear I'm not. I desperately would like to use the ribbon to drive other gear without having to jump through some kind of CV hoop. The icing on the cake would be if the ribbon could transmit on its own midi channel. Have the keyboard send to one channel and the ribbon to another and you have an incredibly powerful control for other gear. Please, please, please make this happen in a firmware update. Regardless, the Hydrasynth is a beast but it can be controlled easily. I can't think of a synth (VSTs included) where so much power is so accessible. I expect this will become a classic.
@@loopop I could only find email addresses for 'Sales' and 'Press and Marketing' on their website. I did send this question to those addresses though. If I receive an answer, I'll be sure to post it here.
@@loopop I just figured out that you're absolutely correct. The ribbon can be a mod source and can indeed send midi cc. I realize now that I should have asked the question better. I would like be be able to send midi note data from the ribbon. I still don't see any way that's possible.
This machine almost looks like a hardware form of UVI Falcon, but of course with less endless capabilities. The way you can interact with so many parameters through knobs is really compelling for me. I might pick one up one sunny day. Thank you!
I like how they made the desktop version. It is so much mroe tempting, both in size, for my bank account, and really I already have controllers with polyphonic aftertouch.
@@seek4truth While I haven't tried the Hydrasynth with it and I don't know if it behaves exactly how it is supposed to, for me the obvious controller to couple with any synth would be my Linnstrument 128 which also allows for poly aftertouch and channel pressure messages in addition to other dimensions of continuous MIDI control from every single pad.
Like all your reviews this one is excellent. One minor thing - the button layout and sound path isn't anything new. My Ensoniq ESQ1 from the early 80's has exactly the same functionality, though obviously a lot older. It also has a signal path with associated buttons and when pressed bring up the configuration for that particular function in the centre screen. In many ways the ESQ1 is very similar being a wavetable synth with 3 wave oscillators, 3 DCA albeit going to a single filter with a further DCA to control the final output. Only 3 x LFOs though... Keep up the great work....
@Andrew Mwah It's been pretty straightforward so far. Of course, the thing is so deep that I have not been able to use all the features. I do not regret buying the Hydrasynth, and believe me, there have been several synths that I purchased and returned after a couple of weeks due to workflow etc. (I'm looking at you, Elektron).
Just got the desktop module. The velocity pressure sensitive pads are very expressive. There is no competition at the price for this synth. Not even sure there is another synth like this at any price. Great sounds and fun interface for learning.
I LOVE it: ribbon controller AND poly aftertouch! I will never understand why more otherwise lovely (and expensive) synths leave these features out. I once bought a roughly used Kurzweil because of the ribbon controller. Hydrasynth seems powerful and innovative, particularly the layers of LFO/PW, but to my ears it lacks basic sonic richness. Oh well. ...PS. as usual, fantastic review.
An important thing to consider is that many presets make the mistake of showing off particular features rather than putting it all together carefully to show off the wonderful sounds the engine can make. And with a video review like this making a patch that does so is not a priority, at least for huge portions of the video. The interface is great, but subtle changes can make a huge difference with so many of the options. There are a million sweet spots...but most are rather small. As I saw one user put it, it still takes time to come to grips with the engine and feel out how to craft whatever sounds you're looking for.
I feel you, that was my original opinion 4 years ago when this was demoed before its release. And I still feel you today... BUT! It sounds better now to me, then it did then. I think I have enough hairy, organic analog mono and poly (except for drums... after all these decades!) So, I'm looking at this again for the quick sound sculpting/programming capabilities and the unabashedly digital sound. Digi plus analog is just a fuller sound pallet, imo, and I'm not a dorf, I actually feel that way from experience, not repeating some forum bs. Lol, but digi's liability has always been the interface. This synth is the product of major synth designer nerds doing it the right way, without idiotic know nothing executives making historically tragic decisions that hobble or destroy entirely instruments that could have made good innovative music for all of us to enjoy Working on the paradigm synth this interface is based on, and heavily tasked fighter jet pilots still rely on, I know this interface is just about as fast as thinking the thing, to making the thing happen in the sound. Bam. I don't know how I'm going to swing it, but Imma give it a shot, somehow, if I live out the year.
the layout is just like on some of the VST instruments I know. its clean and makes sense. These guys made a true NEW synth with modern songwriting and stuffin mind . at least thats what it seems like.
Loopop has the best synth review content on youtube right now. Even better than Sonic State as far as how comprehensive it is. Truly though I'll tell you, BoBeats should be embarrassed. What an absolute clickbait tool he is - generating fluff nothing content by comparison.
@@trancodingertranscodinger387 His fatal flaw in my view is in thinking I like his personality or that I watch synthesizer videos for some face or personality. I do not. I watch them for quality of content and his are basically fluffy advertisements and not much else.
The design and layout of this synth are just perfect in my world. I've ordered the keyboard version of the Hydrasynth. Can't wait until they start shipping! I agree with your opinions on the con side and it really would have been cool to be able to choose a unique patch for the ribbon. Let's hope ASM watched this review and got even more inspired for their future firmware releases. Are you going to get a Hydrasynth for yourself? Thanks for a super great review as usual.
Another brilliant review. Thanks! (And ASM, if you're listening: How about a midi keyboard based on that beautiful poly aftertouch keybed - including the touch strip?! Maybe some CV on there too.)
i love the fact that they pay attention to the expressivity of the beast, it's like a Nordlead with a Yamaha CS 80 or an Alesis Andromeda ribbon and feature, people don't realy care but with can use also a wind controller like the Akaï EWI to having that kind of bliss, it make everything more musical and sensitive.
With the crazy number of wavetables, plus the mutate and modulation possibilities this thing could end up being the nearest thing to Serum in hardware form.
I have one one. It's astonishing. Sound quality is mind blowing and the build quality is just amazing. 10/10
When I am looking at new synths I always search for loopop first and I am never disappointed. 😃👍👍
Amen!
Finally someone who actually designs things properly. This is so important because the last thing you want is to be distracted with menus and a difficult flow to follow.
I watched your video, realized that this is the polysynth that I've been searching for a while and directly went to a local shop. Returned to home, played a bit and now watching the video again to get some more tips and tricks. Thank you so much for the clean and smooth review!
This video convinced me to buy one of these and now I'm watching it again to understand it's features!
Partly thanks to your review, I recently picked up the desktop version. An incredibly versatile synthesizer that is so easy and logical to use despite its complexity. Truly remarkable!
Great demonstration.... I have the deluxe now and boy is it all in one for me!!!!
Your reviews are probably the best on the web. Well produced, deep and easy to understand. If I'm researching a synth, I start here.
Masterclass of presentation! All essential, all clear, all interesting!!!
It's like they've designed the best UI they could come up with, and then a synth for that UI. And that's awesome IMHO.
was thinkin the same, mon ; ) ...and was thinkin on all the times i thought a complaint about no poly aftertouch was just whining. but now i understand! some synths dropping now, like the roland jupiter x, modal, etc.., but this one is sweet.
what i find amazing is that this is the 1st synth from this company - it sounds good - looks good - v good build quality and has this amazing UI - they really did a good job for a first synth...
@@holygeneration7 user interface :)
It’s 12 June 2024, and I just got an Explorer five days ago. When I first had the idea of getting this one, I thought the user interface was counterintuitive. That was a big no-no; it is definitely more intuitive than the other analog emulation synthesizer I have, the microKorg XL. Furthermore, XL only has 128 patches overall. This one has 10 times that money, and half of them are geared for you to create your own patches.
I think this is the first time I've seen a new synth that comes in a module version that I kind of would rather the full keyboard. So I'm left kind of wanting both. Cheers to this kind of marketing though(!): Specs, Pics, Vids, Price, no Q's left, no Teasy BS. So, big shout out to ASM for treating us like adults.🤘🏻
3 years after buying the desktop (which is rack mounted in the studio) I picked up the full sized one one the second hand market and it now has pride of place in the studio as well.
You are such a hero. Thank you, for your in depth reviews and calm soothing presentation.
No joke, today marks the third time I've watched this review. I've ordered a Hydrasynth and just have to wait about a week for it to be delivered, I sure am excited for it.
I'm really grateful for your reviews Loopop as watching them means I have a huge understanding of how to actually use the synth before I even get it. You can bet I'll be watching this again on the day my Hydrasynth arrives, this time with the Hydrasynth sitting on my lap. (desktop version, of course.)
Tell us about it when you get it!
Is it worth getting?
Replaced by the impressive specs of Modwave. Wait for that.
so...one year on, how did it go?
I watched this months ago before I bought the desktop version (you're basically responsible for my buying decision, so thanks!) and was a bit confused about some of the controls. I decided to rewatch this video rather than watching videos of other synths I'm lusting over and so glad I did. Helped me to understand some deeper features I've not been anywhere near yet. You're a great salesman and a great teacher 👍😄👍
thanks - I prefer not to be seen as a salesman since I try to tell things like they are but I'll take teacher any day :)
@@loopop You're a salesman with classic salesman techniques... dwell on the positive, and blow past the negative. Example from this vid: Chorus.
@@alphanumeric1529 well, that’s a first, being called a salesman for not saying good things about something (not that the chorus here is bad). But judging from the negative tone comments you’ve been leaving recently, there’s more going on. Some salesman btw since the last one was about a synth I told you not to buy.
PHENOMINAL opening tones, reason alone to purchase it, proof it can sound supernaturally analog.
This looks terrifyingly brilliant. Finally NOT JUST ANOTHER CLONE.
Weighing in at ~50 mins, this is an astounding review. I'm not sure my trips to the loo were indicative of the length or how excited I got over this synth! The features, the clarity of the layout and the sheer quality of the sound of it have sold me. This is the one Loopster, this is the divorce. This is not some little Pocket Operator you can just explain away. No. Not at all. I and my divorce attorney thank you for (another) awesome review. ;D
LaughingBubba you made me laugh ;)
I own the desktop, but I love coming back to watch this just to remind me how in-depth this is.
43:45 - They added this feature to a recent update! Now you can directly select the parameter you want to modulate, instead of being limited to just selecting the module, and it's a workflow game changer! ASM are killing it with their updates to the HydraSynth!
9:00 Those notes look AND sound like 4 little ghosts having a conversation about what they did on the weekend.
LoL it's true
Xcellent 👍 I can’t stop chuckling
well put.
They sounded frightened to me, like they might ‘sheet’ themselves at any moment.
Bahahahaha!!!!!
I am planning to buy a hydrasynth keyboard, and have been looking at available demos. Yours is the clearest and most calorie-rich exposition of this instrument that I have yet encountered. Also, your voice is easy to listen to, which is no small matter.
Finally a direct method to access complex parameters directly in an easy to understand and well organized fashion . This ethos is bulletproof. And it also sounds focused and pointed towards electronic music folk as a synth first. Also the non cluttered interface is gorgeous! And the choice of the desktop version with shift commands or the keyboard version with direct access to all functionality is a great design choice. Peace Christo 👽🎶🐕🛸☮️💀😉🙏✌️
Just got mine, just WOW. What a genius synthesizer. Thanks Loopop for your expertise and providing such wicked videos
The attention to detail here with the user interface is arresting. They really made it a priority.
Any piece of gear that puts LED rings around their encoders is already a step ahead of the rest in my book.
And TWO headphone jacks out front, with their own level control? A+
My thought exactly - they had me with the knob level rings and OLED labels. Everything else seems superb too.
i also like the little things like having the panic option really close to the home button and near the shift button. small things that count but when notes are stuck, finding the panic button quick is really usefull but there's no need to have it seperate. their solution is really good!
And people don't like slavery...fools
i have to say. you make the best reviews in the world
Dancing O-Scope for poly-after touch was brilliant! Could be a useful training aid for touch training. Great review, as always!
Thank you - this video taught me so much - it only took me three years but I feel like I actually know how to use my Hydrasynth now.
The little demo at the beginning was very reminiscent of “Blade Runner Blues”
Just got my Hydrasynth in the mail. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuk!!! It sounds good. No video does it justice. I'm blown away and I've only touched the presets but it sounds massive.
Every review I've watched so far on this it's there's always been a vangelis vibe in the review. That's a good thing.
I just unboxed mine. OMFG. This thing sounds amazing.
As usual-extremely THOROUGH and useful review! Thanks VERY much-you cover more than anyone else in your reviews!
I've never, and I mean never, have been able to use a synthesizer to make music that I'd want to listen to. That is until I watched your tutorial on the Hydrasynth (module). Finally, I can make music that sounds like something someone would want to hear...ok, who am I kidding, no one wants to hear my music, but I can finally make music that I'd want to hear. ;~) Awesome tutorial Loopop.
My pleasure - thanks for taking the time to write!
The pads on the module are great. Since you can choose the scale, I might make fewer mistakes than I do on the keyboard. One of putting thing about modules and desktops is that they are often mute and you have to trigger them from outside, always. So much thought has gone into these designs, it seems.
Undeniably an awesome first synth from ASM,the guy i go to at my local music shop bought one and raves about it, presented and expertly reviewed here, thank you loopop.
I’ve had loads of synths in my life but sold every single one of them simply because I’m a classical guitarist who needs to spend my time practicing. However this synth sounds so good that if I just have one synth again it has to be this. I’m a massive fan of blade runner and the intro even though just messing sounds unbelievably ambient and ethereal, just like the CS 80. Wow I’m more than impressed.
Those knobs should be on all synths! Finally someone who makes dynamic knobs!!
Other synths have them too (Virus Ti, Andy A6) but they're very good here.
Imo they should have had 2 separate control sections (2x8 knobs and displays) - move the CV i/o and replace arp / filter controls with a second (individual) control section.
The macro feature where you can tweak a parameter, without it actually changing the sound until you hit the button, is a feature I've never seen on a synth, but I immediately wish all my synths had it. Such a useful little feature for live performance. I don't know yet if I'm going to buy the Hydrasynth, but if I do, that feature is definitely one of the factors drawing me in.
The Novation peak has this feature.
@@david_read Good to know. The Peak is still on my wishlist, I suppose it might move up a couple of places knowing it has this function.
Your videos are _immensely_ helpful in my understanding of the gear I have - at least the gear I have that you review so in-depth. I am quite appreciative!
Loopop has the best hands in the game. Fight me.
Thanks my friend! There's a reason I don't show my face, I could never beat you on hair
Loopthony Popthano here, best hands in the game
@@loopop and my hands just doesn't have that sensitive yet firm look of yours
And more/loads of knowledge
This video is not sponsored by a handcare cream yet
Wow - what was THAT? And I don't mean the (super interesting) Hypersynth devices but your style of presentation. There's so much trash on TH-cam, but still gems like these. Thank you so much for this impressive demo!
oh my god the mod assignment is so good. like, VST-level easy.
9:00 those harmonic as so cute. (Such a simple but effective demo of poly aftertouch)
22 pounds-Wow! That is fairly heavy, but holy moly what a machine-some of the patches are quite impressive, and you’ve got to LOVE that ribbon-controller with selectable scales-that is awesome! I noticed that most of the items on your wish-list can be done with firmware updates, so I hope they’re listening!
IMHO, the control surface kinda looks like what I imagine it would look like if designed by a 21st century Soviet Union (inside shot of a _’modernized Soyuz capsule’_ comes to mind 🤓). The FX are clearly beyond just functional, esp with use of the side-chaining and mod matrix capabilities, and I love the macro function! I’m heading over to Sweetwater and see if I can pressure them into a good deal! 👍😃
excellent video. that helps me a lot to choose my new synth. i think i now have found it
I have been testing the desktop at a shop here in Berlin for an hour and have found the pads to be unplayable. They are really hard, do not respond at all to tapping. They are not pads but buttons. Therefore velocity response is also terrible. If you play slow, they are fine. Try fast playing, you get lost notes or aching fingers.
Sounds amazing though, and can get really experimental. I was hoping that I could use the desktop model and its pads as an improvisation instrument, but with this level of rigidity, the pads are not really stage friendly. However, the hydrasynth may shine when played with the new Launchpad with its poly aftertouch capable pads
Edit: I ended up buying the Desktop. I still think the pads are bad. They are more of a help for sound programming than a playing surface. The synth is great though.
I would get a keystep pro which has poly after touch AND sequencer which hydrasynth does not have
@@seek4truth AFAIK, the keystep pro doesn't have polyaftertouch. I bought a CME keyboard.
So, if you're such a pad lover then but the keyboard version, obviously. Clearly they have invested so much research on the keybed and ribbon strip, just buy that and enjoy.
@@weplaywax yes you need an adapter for midi, sustain and expression pedals, which I have. I am happy with it but then i am not much of a keyboard player. I use the hydrasynth more for sound design and abstract improvisation . Since my first comment here, I have discovered that most presets are deigned with the keyboard in mind and therefore don’t play well with the pads. With a few tweaks, they responded better (less bad) to pads. And then I deleted almost all presets :)
Gorgeous played introduction and the usual calm and considered explanatory demonstration - thank you…
Probably the most used feature I use personally is the randomize patch function. I've already mapped out over 60 keys to the unique sounds I found using this technique
I just got mine and I love it so much! Thanks for the tip about making polymeters with the LFO step sequencer
It's like somebody built Surge as a hardware synth, and I mean that as the absolute highest praise. This looks so cool.
I said Europa Synth lol
It is like a Vst in a box
Fantastic review Dr Loopop, As much an education on sound design as a review. I finally decided to purchase the keyboard version yesterday after 10 months of hand-wringing, this vid sold it. Thank you!
Enjoy!
Seems like the synthesis architecture was more than a little inspired by the Waldorf (micro)Q and the Blofeld :) The extensive oscillator mutation capabilities are a fitting extension.
Your in-depth reviews are mega appreciated!
@loopop I hope you review the Udo Super 6 when it comes out.
Superb! Even without the sequencer...Its a perfect fit with the Tempest and the FORCE!!
This is the most interesting and innovative synth since ages. I think I gotta have it
Wow, this synth is deep and well thought out.
well only with the 3 first minutes I'm in . poly AT, ribbon, compact and great sound! ..... that flowchart with the buttons is very reminiscent of ensoniq esq-1, which I own and love.
It took 30 seconds for me!
JobimMusic yes, reminded me of ESQ1 also. Reckon this could reach into much of the same sonic territory, be interested in hearing the bit-reduction in more depth
Reminded me of the V-Synth :-)
10:26 omg, I love it! 🤯😂🤣 I don’t think that feature could’ve been demonstrated any better!
I'm a real sucker for a good digital synth - this looks fantastic.
I just got the module. I'm in love with this synth! Thanks Loopop for the info and all you do. Really helped me get up and running! I also Love the fact that the Hydra comes with a legit printed manual.
Awesome piece of kit, I really hope they update the firmware in a way that lets you do exactly what you are describing around 43:47
i love how loopop goes through all of the features!!!!
i like preset demo's but i find it better to hear every little detail :D thanks for the run down
The desktop one has recessed jacks so that you can rack it without needing a blank panel above it.
Indeed, I mention that in the video
@@loopop Serves me right for commenting before watching the whole thing! Love the videos. Keep up the great work.
But-a small design flaw-the power switch is also recessed. So if not connected to a master power switch, it’s a pain every time you want to turn off/on.
@@alanshewitt thing is,put the switch higher on the back, it gets in the way with rackmount. in the front, u can hit it by accident. So i guess recessed was a good compromise.
other than that, i wouldn't use that switch and just get a power extension box with a switch.
They could possibly add a power on/off feature via menus or holding multiple buttons at once in a firmware update
Loopop and Sonic State provide best synth reviews hands down!
god what i wouldn't give for synths to have a HUD like the ones used in these videos.
Thanks a lot for this clear review and the tips about entering the modulation by pressing the buttons. Merci
It's happening again! All my favorite channels are reviewing the same synth on the same day!
edit: Please hook this up to the digitakt/octatrack in a video if time permits. I would love to hear what that synth sounds like with intentional p-locks.
Thank you for showing me how to use it. Way easier than I thought it was going to be thanks to you. Neuro linked to Loopop to learn the Hydrasynth in under 60 minutes. Priceless!!!
You know I think I’m going to treat myself to a Hardware synth in 2020... and Hydrasynth is near the top of the list.
bobafruti i was stuck between this or the dsi rev 2. Went with the rev. Waiting for it to show up now 😭
I FINALLY received my Hydrasynth a couple of days ago and am as happy with this synth as I expected. Because I'd watched your video several times, I was able to dive in and start working immediately. That's both a credit to the quality of this video and the smart design of the Hydrasynth!
I did come up with a 'trick' that you may find useful. You mention how cool it would be to have the ribbon control access its own multitimbral voice. While I don't expect that to ever be possible (I'm usually wrong when I make predictions) I did find a way to get there via CV.
On page 7 in System Setup, you can specify the Control Voltage Source and this can be set to Theremin. Once that's set, I connected the Pitch Out CV to the VCO1 Pitch In on a Minibrute 2S, then the Amp Out on the MB2S to the Mod 1 Input on the Hydrasynth. Then set the Ring Modulation source to Mod 1 and set its depth to zero. Bring up the ring mod level in the mixer and voila! Instant multimbrality with the ribbon controller. Obviously, this will work with any synth that can be controlled via CV.
Since the audio is feeding back into the Hydra, you can still pass that signal through the filter/effects etc. It's great!
While this works, one disappointment is that I can't figure out a way to use the ribbon controller (in theremin mode) to send midi. I can't find any System Setup option that seems to effect this. I really hope I'm just missing something obvious but I fear I'm not. I desperately would like to use the ribbon to drive other gear without having to jump through some kind of CV hoop. The icing on the cake would be if the ribbon could transmit on its own midi channel. Have the keyboard send to one channel and the ribbon to another and you have an incredibly powerful control for other gear. Please, please, please make this happen in a firmware update.
Regardless, the Hydrasynth is a beast but it can be controlled easily. I can't think of a synth (VSTs included) where so much power is so accessible. I expect this will become a classic.
Nice trick! I'm almost sure I remember the ribbon can output CC but you'd know better, it's been a while. Have you asked the company?
@@loopop I could only find email addresses for 'Sales' and 'Press and Marketing' on their website. I did send this question to those addresses though. If I receive an answer, I'll be sure to post it here.
@@loopop I just figured out that you're absolutely correct. The ribbon can be a mod source and can indeed send midi cc. I realize now that I should have asked the question better. I would like be be able to send midi note data from the ribbon. I still don't see any way that's possible.
you do amazing reviews .. very detailed !! you like the mkbhd of the synth world !!
Wow! I ordered it also today! I waiting it so much! Happy Chanukkah!
Your idea for modulation is excellent. I hope they do it!
From the opening sounds with the ribbon controller it got me nostalgic 🤤🤤🤤
The GAS is strong with this one...
This machine almost looks like a hardware form of UVI Falcon, but of course with less endless capabilities. The way you can interact with so many parameters through knobs is really compelling for me. I might pick one up one sunny day. Thank you!
10:24 According to the manual, activating Theremin mode does reserve 1 voice, so you are then limited to 7 voices on the keyboard.
Saw this baby today in Toronto. Loved the ribbon controller - very tempting keyboard!
8:48 Boy peak and girl peak flirting.
Later:
8:58 The peak family arguing about where to go - park or cafe.
What a fantastic demo!
Great showing of the features, you also have a very neutral voice presentation which gives the impression of being non biased.
Nice overview. Oddly, the Hydrasynth reminds me of the esq-1/sq80.
Yes, I thought the same. The way the buttons are laid out to give easy access to the settings. A clever design choice.
Excellent review. Thank you. Not having a sequencer is a pro, not a con, in my book. Just bought one...
Agreed - I would not use it if it had one - I control it via MPC
9:15 Epic Video with the Dancing Ghosts
I like how they made the desktop version. It is so much mroe tempting, both in size, for my bank account, and really I already have controllers with polyphonic aftertouch.
Which controler do you suggest?
@@seek4truth While I haven't tried the Hydrasynth with it and I don't know if it behaves exactly how it is supposed to, for me the obvious controller to couple with any synth would be my Linnstrument 128 which also allows for poly aftertouch and channel pressure messages in addition to other dimensions of continuous MIDI control from every single pad.
Like all your reviews this one is excellent. One minor thing - the button layout and sound path isn't anything new.
My Ensoniq ESQ1 from the early 80's has exactly the same functionality, though obviously a lot older. It also has a signal path with associated buttons and when pressed bring up the configuration for that particular function in the centre screen. In many ways the ESQ1 is very similar being a wavetable synth with 3 wave oscillators, 3 DCA albeit going to a single filter with a further DCA to control the final output. Only 3 x LFOs though...
Keep up the great work....
Great video as always! Watched it twice and pulled the trigger. The Hydrasynth (keyboard version) has been a blast to work with so far.
@Andrew Mwah It's been pretty straightforward so far. Of course, the thing is so deep that I have not been able to use all the features. I do not regret buying the Hydrasynth, and believe me, there have been several synths that I purchased and returned after a couple of weeks due to workflow etc. (I'm looking at you, Elektron).
would love to hear and see some patch design on this.
Just got the desktop module. The velocity pressure sensitive pads are very expressive. There is no competition at the price for this synth. Not even sure there is another synth like this at any price. Great sounds and fun interface for learning.
I LOVE it: ribbon controller AND poly aftertouch! I will never understand why more otherwise lovely (and expensive) synths leave these features out. I once bought a roughly used Kurzweil because of the ribbon controller. Hydrasynth seems powerful and innovative, particularly the layers of LFO/PW, but to my ears it lacks basic sonic richness. Oh well. ...PS. as usual, fantastic review.
An important thing to consider is that many presets make the mistake of showing off particular features rather than putting it all together carefully to show off the wonderful sounds the engine can make. And with a video review like this making a patch that does so is not a priority, at least for huge portions of the video. The interface is great, but subtle changes can make a huge difference with so many of the options. There are a million sweet spots...but most are rather small. As I saw one user put it, it still takes time to come to grips with the engine and feel out how to craft whatever sounds you're looking for.
I feel you, that was my original opinion 4 years ago when this was demoed before its release. And I still feel you today... BUT! It sounds better now to me, then it did then. I think I have enough hairy, organic analog mono and poly (except for drums... after all these decades!)
So, I'm looking at this again for the quick sound sculpting/programming capabilities and the unabashedly digital sound. Digi plus analog is just a fuller sound pallet, imo, and I'm not a dorf, I actually feel that way from experience, not repeating some forum bs.
Lol, but digi's liability has always been the interface. This synth is the product of major synth designer nerds doing it the right way, without idiotic know nothing executives making historically tragic decisions that hobble or destroy entirely instruments that could have made good innovative music for all of us to enjoy Working on the paradigm synth this interface is based on, and heavily tasked fighter jet pilots still rely on, I know this interface is just about as fast as thinking the thing, to making the thing happen in the sound. Bam. I don't know how I'm going to swing it, but Imma give it a shot, somehow, if I live out the year.
the layout is just like on some of the VST instruments I know. its clean and makes sense. These guys made a true NEW synth with modern songwriting and stuffin mind . at least thats what it seems like.
Loopop has the best synth review content on youtube right now. Even better than Sonic State as far as how comprehensive it is. Truly though I'll tell you, BoBeats should be embarrassed. What an absolute clickbait tool he is - generating fluff nothing content by comparison.
Charles Whiley come on! He is also doing great work. Don’t watch him if you don’t like but don’t talk bad. Better suffer in silence.
@@trancodingertranscodinger387 His fatal flaw in my view is in thinking I like his personality or that I watch synthesizer videos for some face or personality. I do not. I watch them for quality of content and his are basically fluffy advertisements and not much else.
Great reviews and channel. Trivia fact: for about $800 you can get an Ensoniq SD-1 or VFX-SD that also have poly aftertouch
The design and layout of this synth are just perfect in my world. I've ordered the keyboard version of the Hydrasynth. Can't wait until they start shipping! I agree with your opinions on the con side and it really would have been cool to be able to choose a unique patch for the ribbon. Let's hope ASM watched this review and got even more inspired for their future firmware releases. Are you going to get a Hydrasynth for yourself? Thanks for a super great review as usual.
the 1.5 update was a huge boost to the further creative opportunities.
Another brilliant review. Thanks!
(And ASM, if you're listening: How about a midi keyboard based on that beautiful poly aftertouch keybed - including the touch strip?! Maybe some CV on there too.)
i love the fact that they pay attention to the expressivity of the beast, it's like a Nordlead with a Yamaha CS 80 or an Alesis Andromeda ribbon and feature, people don't realy care but with can use also a wind controller like the Akaï EWI to having that kind of bliss, it make everything more musical and sensitive.
Allegedly, the architecture is loosely based on the Yamaha CS80.
With the crazy number of wavetables, plus the mutate and modulation possibilities this thing could end up being the nearest thing to Serum in hardware form.
more like an absynth
@@jacobbrown1690 I'll happily take either.
LOL I was thinking exactly the same!
Thanks for the Polyphonic Keyboard, Uli!!
It's kinda like they read my mind and put everything I'd want in a synth.
Kinda wish it let you load your own wavetables but other than that. WOW
ASM is really pumpin the GAAS with this piece of kit..love the desktop.