My wife has just bought me one as a christmas gift ! Polyphonique Aftertouch is very expressive, I like the ribbon too. Endless possibities for sound design. What an impressive and time consuming synth ...
Excellent demo. I bought two of the HydraSynth Deluxe 73 note versions with poly aftertouch. This is the most expressive synth to come out in decades. It checks all the boxes. Yamaha GX1 and CS80 sounds,Elka Synthex sounds,RMI Keyboard Computer sounds,RMI Harmonic Synth ,PPG,Fairlight sounds all easily and authentically obtained with this axe.
Just a quick little note: I really appreciate the work you put into your videos. I watch everything you put out there that I can find to see what new gear is about to hit the market. Thanks and keep up the good work!
they pressed all the buttons with this one. top notch engine, 100% fully expressive controls, compact size (it's monotimbral, the size and limited polyphony suits monotimbrality), beautiful sounds, and a lot of cool details about the interface layout.
Already preordered mine. This thing is ridiculous for the price. Sounds amazing and has more features than you can shake a stick at. Wish I could’ve gone with the keyboard version but space is at a premium for me. Especially after seeing you compare the 2. Great demo as always! Your “first impressions” videos are always some of my favorites. It’s what sold me on the Minilogue XD as well!
Bo, this is probably my favorite vid you've done, as far as flow and what, when, and how you went about exploring the synth. Basically, you approached it just like I would. Heh. This synth looks (sounds!) AWESOME! The only practical way to put it for me is "If I had the money, I would buy it" (just based on this). The sounds are so impressive and rich. Any synth that - just out of the box and plugged in, first preset loaded - puts me on the rainy neon-soaked set of Blade Runner gets my full attention. The screens, knobs, buttons and placement of them seem great for workflow and natural to adapt to. The arpeggiator sounds slightly unique and awesome, the effects sound great too. Would that I had $1300!
When the sound catches me on the inside and caries me away... This is what I'm searching for with synths. And this thing here does it! Want to try it at Superbooth next year... Hope they are going to be there!
Somebody told me that the poly aftertouch was the reason to get this synth. That is very true, the PAT is so expressive. But once you get past that you realize this is just a fantastic synth to play. They keep updating it to add features and fix issues. It's two years old now, and still at the leading edge of digital synth design. I keep wondering what else ASM is working on because, whatever it is, I am certain it will be worth buying.
First time Ive heard and heard of this synth, sounds amazing! Its suddenly jumped onto the lottery win list alongside the Summit/Peak and Matrixbrute! Looks like you can have a whole lot of fun with it just making patches!
I have the MB which is an amazing machine ,and have not been fond of the Oscar sound much. If the Summit had a ASM on the other side of the keyboard I would get one tomorrow if I could. I have the ASM on the way and I an looking forward to mixing it with the matrix, moogs, wavestae q, fizm.....I should make a video of my stuff, need a better cam I think.
17:07 "Oh, we can do freeze reverb!😀" The smile comes in the quote. This is like Nick Batt who said, "Crikey" and "Wow!" This keyboard is getting some emotional reaction from experienced synth people! This is just a fascinating machine and I want one. I'm all analogued out! I want something fascinating and digital. First time in 20 years. Update: I have it now and am WELL pleased.
I resented the disdain digital synthesizer have gotten over the last decade. Elektron should have done that 8 years ago. instead of an analog keyboard they should have done a digital keyboard and it would have been the equivalent of what modal doing right now.
@@joebrewer4529 To be honest, the unfounded criticism for digital synths comes from the same old usual small, but overly vocal minority. Typically people who have invested heavily in analogue synths, and want to justify their investment. In several unconnected blind tests, the majority of people did no better than tossing a coin in being able to tell if a synth was analogue or digital. Just tell them that the next time you get trolled by one of these snobbish keyboard "warriors". Digital is as good as, and often way better than analogue now, for so, so many reasons.
You have had it a while now, whats life like with it? What are the strengths and weaknesses, do you see yourself keeping it long term, I have heard the touch strip needs firmer pressure to work than most...is this true?
So you are the kind of guy that unpacks and directly plays it, eh? I am the guy that spends 20 minutes sniffing all that brand new tech. I love those smells. And when a synth smells like me, THEN I start playing it. Some people say that licking a brand new synth is faster, but I am not crazy. ALSO @ASM I may not be a TH-camr, but I am very famous here! My wife and my daughter knows me quiet well. So I'll just wait the mail from you to ask for my adress, so you can send me the HYDRASYNTH for musical purposes! Dang, I am doing the wrong job...
Yeah I love the smell of new synths too. For my analog stuff I have a Behringer Deep Mind 12, a Model D, and a Novation Mini Nova. I collect synths. I just got a vintage Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus and it is in PERFECT shape.
Wow, this machine sounds incredible- how and why people are stuck in the old school analog is beyond me. The world of digital now sounds amazing. And I've got the Rob Papen and Urs Heckman and Korg and GMedia stuff to prove it. I've not used a hardware synth in years now, even though I won a Triton and Yamaha EX-5 which are both incredible synths.
This synth does indeed sound fantastic but the big love for retro sounding analog would have to do with some of use shifting our focus from more cutting edge Synth sounds to the best quality retro Analog sounds that we can get in order to make more old school style music with them
I hear you. I have no clue what this silly thing is about some 30 year old synth that when it needs service will cost more than 50 times what it's worth in parts. Yeah,yeah,we hear the speeches about what USED to be,and I am sure those people care, yet what we have now is WAY above those relics. Yeah I do have an analog monster,paid $250 for it,and when it comes time to fix it,if it's over $250,it might go in the TRASH..
@@michaels5166 Do you know Ur's Repro, the emulation of the Prophet 5? Or his Diva ar ACE? All have them are great but Repro is almost down to the electron close sounding. It's the same reason I never leapt on the vinyl vs CD bandwagon either. I love my CDs, and though I have 800 lps, they rarely come out.
@@Truthasvictim i have well over 30-50 records, i guess around 1000 CDs,yet when i spin outside,it's Serato or whatever. I use a lot of open source software like VCV,C Sound, and I want to try Reaktor because i like total control sometimes. I also use samples because then i can have my onw libraries,sounds and efx no one else has,because I sample from my own sources.I have the PolyEnd Tracker, getting the Force,so then I will have tactlie coontrol without a mouse. Computer stuff is Reaper, Acid Sonic Foundry ,and older versions of software..I dont fall into the new software,new computers scam..
I JUST got into making music after 30 years of living and 22 of wanting to do it. Never played an instrument but have done a lot of research into synths and you are correct. Almost all other synths are "the same" to me when I look at the options. I bought this and a Deepmind 6 because they stood out, a LOT.
I like the interface. Deep down I know you can get close to these sounds with software, but for the user experience nothing beats the tactile feel of a "real synth."
I paid 1800 for a desktop with many extras, 250 sound card ( I know I am cheap sometimes) and thousands for software. The pro recording program in a can that cost like a 1000k in 1999 refused to load after two computer crashes. Company offered me a 250 $ dongle. Then they said they were only using tha MAC. I used that program for about two weeks. Threw it out when informed. 150 program from algorythmic composer (Hey Jim! J) it crashed when I tried to make a back up and destroyed hard drive. Company told me a back up was allowed. Wass copy protected trashed rare Atari setup. Got new computer after several hardware software conflicts, 1500 $. # new recording software. 400 sound card. Crashed every other day. Wasted almost 1 year talking to over 10 vendors, Each blamed the other Spent almost 10 k and wasted months, went to experts. No use, just a strange error that cost me a year and 100 hours on the phone. Went hardware, no problems. None. A mouse is probably not the answer just yet. One good thing was during my quest to buy a sophisticated system I was offered a job using a main frame for advertising execs....that is THEIR problem if it goes south, I willnever go that route again. Keyboards! Recorders! yay! signed: old school professor.
Really massive sounds for just 8 voices. Thanks for the preview! Your genuine enthusiasm made me want one. Would love to own one, eventually. Maybe in a year after I pay off my Moog Grandmother and my Neumann headphones (just like the ones in this video). Hopefully, we'll see a new Hydrasynth tune by you in the near future!
@@BoBeats I can hardly wait! The Hydrasynth seems well suited for pads and ambient soundscapes but I suspect its character goes much deeper than that with its percussion and brass capabilities too. I do wonder if ASM is planning a 61 key, 12 or 16 voice version?
Seen Sonic's video on this synth also, very impressed with it. It has a distinct sound and about 1.5 trillion patch config options (or somewhere close to that). I think it'd be a synth you wouldn't get bored with...
Great video! Loved the sounds of it but not only that it looks so incredibly intuitive like you said! I've gotten so accustom to menu diving for everything in my Deepmind 12 to just see it laid out like that, a road map, separate screens for the various functions, it just feels like a very logical, well thought out and designed synth! I'd love a chance to play on one one day!
@audiotone Was it really bad? Why? It's an expensive, luxury type machine. This Hydrasynth and the module look gorgeous and usable, like a huge amount of thought has gone into them.
I passed on the KRYA, IRIDIUM and the Quantum. I expected more of what ASM Hydrasynth offers by way of experimental sounds in them but was not really excited. , bought a Q for the wavetables , long ago, if you cannot buy a Wave get an ASM is my advice.
Just the name of the synth intrigued me. I’m a guitar player, but my biggest influence is Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Because of the demo, I’m now drooling with desire for it.
Great video. Love your work. I got this synth in November and it will take years to fully discover it. Love your beats and videos about that too. I just got into beats and am trying to figure out the Novation Circuit.
@@SnackSquacth not at present. Not sure how to do that (I'm not very tech savvy but trying to learn). I use it as a free-standing drum machine and enjoy the fast tweakability. I think it can control (1) MIDI device.
The circuit can control two external synths with the two midi tracks. You have to connect them via midi and run the external synth audio back to the circuit audio inputs. Then you can use the circuit to play them and even use the circuit mixer and FX. Check out Gabe Miller Music on youtube, he has great circuit tracks advice. I think as long as the synth has midi it will work. Im looking for my first synth to use with my circuit, but Im also a beginner. This is my fav new addiction. :)
Oh wow, a nice piece of gear and a really nice video, I'm really impressed! This one definitely goes onto my wishlist. Also the patch at 7:37 kinda reminded me of the start of LÜNE - Rêve Lucide 🤔
Uh.. God dag, long time lurker here finally here to applaud your great work. After Sonic State your channel was my go to information source about which audio hardware to get for my first setup and you just keep pushing heartwarming and very guiding videos about music production. Surprisingly most of my heavy gear is Elektron although the Hydra you're trying here is an excellent alternative considering sound design capabilities. Allt bra för dig och jag hoppas din kaffe aldrig smakas iskalt! ❤️
Beautiful sounds Bo, that's a great synth I love it !! Thanks for sharing !!As always you bring your video's with so much enthusiasm and professionalism. Adriaan Laurijsen from salt lake.
I’m so out of the loop, I haven’t even heard of this thing. 🤦🏾♂️ Form factor of the module is good ESPECIALLY the recessed inputs and outputs on the back. Good call! Sounds smooth, but with good character.
I agree with Bobeats, I look for descriptions saying "sucks at disco" "no grundgy filter or distortion" smooth and slick sounds" "pads" "ratcheting" and jump on a post the second it says really anbient oriented. I miss hearts of space in the 80s, those synths were butter. {Link suggestion below for a good vibe} The delay - reverb effects included are usually 4 seconds too darn short!
@@TheSynthZone I will say that I miss much about the 80's.. no it wasn't perfect and my childhood in the late 70's/early 80's wasn't full of rainbows.. but the music! Today's music feels almost like it's stuck.. it has so much potential but its unsure of itself.
I bought a desktop module to economize, but now I *need* the keyboard version too. Can't stop fantasizing about having one sequenced while playing a second with expression.
What a year! I’m currently rebuilding my studio and have already like 8 candidates to decide between (Hydrasynth, Matrixbrute, Deepmind 12D, Poly-D, Odyssey, Jupiter-Xm, Mfb Dominion, Blofeld; have started with the Streichfett so far). Amazing.
5 years late to this party, but I'm being offered a trade of someone else's Hydrasynth for my Prologue - and I was SO hoping you had a take on this instrument! I'm getting excited.
Legit about to pre order🤘 imo super intuitive control interface, pre AND post FX!!!... and its LUSH AF😍 Take my money ASM you have my heart already☺️ I had a Blofeld, this beast sweeps the floor w the Waldorf for many reasons👍
Gosh...just when I was settled on the Summit as my future poly, this has to drop. Can’t wait to get my hands on it and compare. This and a Matriarch would be a killer pair.
ben1210 As long as you are not advertising it when you are selling the synth ("still got the screen protector on") like it was some kind of added bonus... 😉
@@ben1210 What about when the corner starts to peel because you were eating that packet of greasy potato chips and didn't wash your hands properly before playing the synth? Then you press the corner down but the next day, it lifts just a little more...
Is there any chance Thomann would have sold me a b-stock version even though I paid for a new model?! The reason I say this is because mine did not have those transparent stickers on the screens which does make me wonder ... Anyone else get theirs this way?
Massive. Amazing review. Any idea of the approximate weight and dimensions of both versions? I'm getting one asap but I couldn't find these specs, and they will determine which version I'll be able to get.
Hello Bo! I need your help choosing synth. I want to buy myself a synthesizer, I think about Hydrasynth. Can't decide to get a big Hydrasynth Original and then save up, say buy a digitakt or drum machine or get a hydrasynth explorer and buy something to sequencing and drums option right away? And please tell me, only hydrasynth original has inputs, are these normal inputs, to use it as an effect processor for other instruments and what does mod1 and mod2 mean? I will be very grateful to you.🙏❤️
FYI, I thought anyone here might want to know this. I just purchased my Hydrasynth Desktop from Sweetwater, have had it only had it 3 days now. I discovered that it now ships with Presets-Patches in all 5 Banks (A B C D E). There are not any Empty Banks. Also some seemed to be differewnt than the ones I saw here and on several tutorials on TH-cam. I was curious about this and contacted Ashun Sound Machines Support and they confirmed this. Anyway this Synth is incredible, with 2 more Banks of presets I am just starting to experiment with them all before I start to create my own Presets. Here is their email response: Hello, Yes we have now included 2 more banks and updated the patches as well. Please use the patch manager if you would like to arrange banks differently . You can also refer to our TH-cam channel for more videos on this. Kind regards, Support
What are everyone's thoughts about the Hydrasynth Explorer? Am I better off springing for this one even if it's just for playung around? I'm a retired guitarist turned keyboardist. I've always been fascinated with synth and have owned a few since the 80s but never learned how to program them. I'm mostly singing and playing the piano now but kinda want to get a synth to play around with. I was considering the Roland GAIA and JD-XI until I came across this. Thanks!
Dangerous Demo Bo👍🏼It’s a lush sounding synth , very nice depth and warmth to it, almost sounds analog! I would have bought it straight up if it was a 3rd of the price! (lovely sound exploration) on wanted list...
hello Bo hvorden gor det ? this is an amazing synth. Is this new company can challenge novation or dave smith products ? In other words is this synth a real deal on the market ?
Love to see how that module and pads interface works! So... you said it in the beginning... how do you feel the hydra stacks up to the summit? Saving 1k on the keyboard version is mighty appealing.
There are 3 in stock in Sweden. Not sure if I am ready to pull the trigger before x-mas :-) It cost as much as a Korg Krome EX-88 or a Roland JD-XA or a FA-08. Is it that good? By the way, I know almost nothing about modern synths/keyboards. Not so fond of chinese products.... but.
Hi, Would you buy the keyboard version or the desktop version+Keystep pro? Is the poly after touch on keystep pro as good as hydrasynth? The fact that the hydrasynth does not have a sequencer is deal breaker for me. Thanks in advance!
Bo! Your video is the best Hydrasynth demo I've seen. I need another synth like a hole in the head, but I'm seriously thinking of ordering this one today. It looks like so much fun! Do you actually own the Hydra and would you still recommend it? I'm dying to know. I had a Waldorf PPG VST and it was my favorite software synth. Just from listening, I would rate the Hydra as one of the best hardware wavetable synths out there.
as with many synths I get them from manufacturers, and I usually keep them around to use in my music and/or make more videos about. The Hydra is one of my absolute favorites of 2019. Its an excellent wavetable synth. I hate to sound all positive but it was really a synth that surprised me. They keyboard version in particular feels just real solid and like a premium instrument. I have seen comments online about filters being boring/weak and some don't like the very digital character of the sound. But if you enjoy this demo I doubt you will dislike the sound. If you are into options I would say Argon 8 is a cheaper and less feature packed option or Wavestate as a deeper and more complex option. But not as nice build quality.
@@BoBeats Thanks for replying! This is just what I needed to hear. The keyboard version is something I can afford right now. I own the blofeld, but I think the technology is dated and the encoders are glitchy. The Wavestate seems more complex and less friendly for sound design, but I'm also very impressed with its sound. I'm also going to look more closely at the Argon 8 before I buy a Hydra.
@@vampolascott36 the Argon 8 has a nice sound but is not as capable as Hydra. Simply put not as complex. But its growing on me, and it has a superb keybed (fatar)
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My wife has just bought me one as a christmas gift ! Polyphonique Aftertouch is very expressive, I like the ribbon too. Endless possibities for sound design. What an impressive and time consuming synth ...
Your wife BOUGHT you one???Ok,so that means you BETTER keep her close...
Excellent demo. I bought two of the HydraSynth Deluxe 73 note versions with poly aftertouch. This is the most expressive synth to come out in decades. It checks all the boxes. Yamaha GX1 and CS80 sounds,Elka Synthex sounds,RMI Keyboard Computer sounds,RMI Harmonic Synth ,PPG,Fairlight sounds all easily and authentically obtained with this axe.
Wait did you just say you bought two… deluxe?! 😳😳😳😳😳
Just a quick little note: I really appreciate the work you put into your videos. I watch everything you put out there that I can find to see what new gear is about to hit the market. Thanks and keep up the good work!
the pads/ambient stuff coming out of this synth is fantastic.
But country tunes come out sounding like bugs bunny doing the bash your pardner song, Really!
MUST BUY SYNTH MUST NOT SPEND MONEY BUT MUST BUY SYNTH
Hydrasynth exolorer is the most affordable option I recommend it
they pressed all the buttons with this one. top notch engine, 100% fully expressive controls, compact size (it's monotimbral, the size and limited polyphony suits monotimbrality), beautiful sounds, and a lot of cool details about the interface layout.
This is an exciting development from a fantastic team, congrats to all workers involved.
I really appreciate how clear and thoughtful your reviews and insight are.
Time wasted ? Nope, amazing work Bo Beats.
Already preordered mine. This thing is ridiculous for the price. Sounds amazing and has more features than you can shake a stick at. Wish I could’ve gone with the keyboard version but space is at a premium for me. Especially after seeing you compare the 2. Great demo as always! Your “first impressions” videos are always some of my favorites. It’s what sold me on the Minilogue XD as well!
Bo, this is probably my favorite vid you've done, as far as flow and what, when, and how you went about exploring the synth. Basically, you approached it just like I would. Heh. This synth looks (sounds!) AWESOME! The only practical way to put it for me is "If I had the money, I would buy it" (just based on this). The sounds are so impressive and rich. Any synth that - just out of the box and plugged in, first preset loaded - puts me on the rainy neon-soaked set of Blade Runner gets my full attention. The screens, knobs, buttons and placement of them seem great for workflow and natural to adapt to. The arpeggiator sounds slightly unique and awesome, the effects sound great too. Would that I had $1300!
Great demo Bo, look forward to hearing more! Seems like a pretty deep and modulateable synth... another one for the wishlist. :)
Love your vids 🙏🏽
I have had the Deluxe version of this since early August 2024 and it is a complete GOAT and an EXTREME game changer!
When the sound catches me on the inside and caries me away... This is what I'm searching for with synths. And this thing here does it! Want to try it at Superbooth next year... Hope they are going to be there!
It’s coming out in a couple of months!
Somebody told me that the poly aftertouch was the reason to get this synth. That is very true, the PAT is so expressive. But once you get past that you realize this is just a fantastic synth to play. They keep updating it to add features and fix issues. It's two years old now, and still at the leading edge of digital synth design. I keep wondering what else ASM is working on because, whatever it is, I am certain it will be worth buying.
Great to have a new player on the block, more synths need to offer ribbon controllers!
And per-patch macros!
@@EannaButler 8 x 8 is great !
The Module section reminds me of the ESQ-1. Wish my ESQ had 8 knobs like this though instead of the button + single slider configuration!
First time Ive heard and heard of this synth, sounds amazing! Its suddenly jumped onto the lottery win list alongside the Summit/Peak and Matrixbrute! Looks like you can have a whole lot of fun with it just making patches!
I have the MB which is an amazing machine ,and have not been fond of the Oscar sound much. If the Summit had a ASM on the other side of the keyboard I would get one tomorrow if I could. I have the ASM on the way and I an looking forward to mixing it with the matrix, moogs, wavestae q, fizm.....I should make a video of my stuff, need a better cam I think.
17:07 "Oh, we can do freeze reverb!😀" The smile comes in the quote. This is like Nick Batt who said, "Crikey" and "Wow!" This keyboard is getting some emotional reaction from experienced synth people! This is just a fascinating machine and I want one. I'm all analogued out! I want something fascinating and digital. First time in 20 years. Update: I have it now and am WELL pleased.
I resented the disdain digital synthesizer have gotten over the last decade. Elektron should have done that 8 years ago. instead of an analog keyboard they should have done a digital keyboard and it would have been the equivalent of what modal doing right now.
@@joebrewer4529 To be honest, the unfounded criticism for digital synths comes from the same old usual small, but overly vocal minority. Typically people who have invested heavily in analogue synths, and want to justify their investment. In several unconnected blind tests, the majority of people did no better than tossing a coin in being able to tell if a synth was analogue or digital. Just tell them that the next time you get trolled by one of these snobbish keyboard "warriors". Digital is as good as, and often way better than analogue now, for so, so many reasons.
If you enjoy what I do considering supporting on www.patreon.com/bobeats so I can keep sharing a passion for music tech and synths.
New and exciting synths to review ! You lucky man..... Am I jealous? ......Oh YES !
I can't be the first one, but have you considered that your link can be also interpreted as /BobEats? Thanks for the quality videos, though :)
You have had it a while now, whats life like with it? What are the strengths and weaknesses, do you see yourself keeping it long term, I have heard the touch strip needs firmer pressure to work than most...is this true?
Sounds great that synth.
True Cuckoo 🙌🙌🙌 ayyyy Cuckooooo👋 🤗
I would have it just for that opening sound alone! Amazing synth,thankyou
So you are the kind of guy that unpacks and directly plays it, eh? I am the guy that spends 20 minutes sniffing all that brand new tech. I love those smells. And when a synth smells like me, THEN I start playing it. Some people say that licking a brand new synth is faster, but I am not crazy.
ALSO @ASM I may not be a TH-camr, but I am very famous here! My wife and my daughter knows me quiet well. So I'll just wait the mail from you to ask for my adress, so you can send me the HYDRASYNTH for musical purposes! Dang, I am doing the wrong job...
PANTA I always lick my new toys ,ha ha
if you were a patreon supporter you would get to watch the 20 minute video of him just sniffing it.
Bobby Hill?
I unpack and play that is the real fun!
Yeah I love the smell of new synths too. For my analog stuff I have a Behringer Deep Mind 12, a Model D, and a Novation Mini Nova. I collect synths. I just got a vintage Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus and it is in PERFECT shape.
Wow, this machine sounds incredible- how and why people are stuck in the old school analog is beyond me. The world of digital now sounds amazing. And I've got the Rob Papen and Urs Heckman and Korg and GMedia stuff to prove it. I've not used a hardware synth in years now, even though I won a Triton and Yamaha EX-5 which are both incredible synths.
This synth does indeed sound fantastic but the big love for retro sounding analog would have to do with some of use shifting our focus from more cutting edge Synth sounds to the best quality retro Analog sounds that we can get in order to make more old school style music with them
I hear you. I have no clue what this silly thing is about some 30 year old synth that when it needs service will cost more than 50 times what it's worth in parts. Yeah,yeah,we hear the speeches about what USED to be,and I am sure those people care, yet what we have now is WAY above those relics. Yeah I do have an analog monster,paid $250 for it,and when it comes time to fix it,if it's over $250,it might go in the TRASH..
@@michaels5166 Do you know Ur's Repro, the emulation of the Prophet 5? Or his Diva ar ACE? All have them are great but Repro is almost down to the electron close sounding. It's the same reason I never leapt on the vinyl vs CD bandwagon either. I love my CDs, and though I have 800 lps, they rarely come out.
@@Truthasvictim i have well over 30-50 records, i guess around 1000 CDs,yet when i spin outside,it's Serato or whatever. I use a lot of open source software like VCV,C Sound, and I want to try Reaktor because i like total control sometimes. I also use samples because then i can have my onw libraries,sounds and efx no one else has,because I sample from my own sources.I have the PolyEnd Tracker, getting the Force,so then I will have tactlie coontrol without a mouse. Computer stuff is Reaper, Acid Sonic Foundry ,and older versions of software..I dont fall into the new software,new computers scam..
What a nice synth...I saw Daniel Troberg (of Elektron fame, and a good friend) has joined their team...Great video as always!
Forget the synth. I’m just mesmerized by the wallpaper!
What a great surprise, didn't saw it coming but I think I'll soon get rid of my good old blofeld! Beautiful pad machine
A real 2019's synth, and not a 1976's, 1979's, 1984's one as usual ..
...and this it what sound scientists were looking for... Thank you ASM...
I JUST got into making music after 30 years of living and 22 of wanting to do it. Never played an instrument but have done a lot of research into synths and you are correct. Almost all other synths are "the same" to me when I look at the options. I bought this and a Deepmind 6 because they stood out, a LOT.
Guess you missed the wave. This is an extension of YEARS of development going back to the PPG. Hello Wolfgang, what DO you think? lol
I like the interface. Deep down I know you can get close to these sounds with software, but for the user experience nothing beats the tactile feel of a "real synth."
I paid 1800 for a desktop with many extras, 250 sound card ( I know I am cheap sometimes) and thousands for software. The pro recording program in a can that cost like a 1000k in 1999 refused to load after two computer crashes. Company offered me a 250 $ dongle. Then they said they were only using tha MAC. I used that program for about two weeks. Threw it out when informed. 150 program from algorythmic composer (Hey Jim! J) it crashed when I tried to make a back up and destroyed hard drive. Company told me a back up was allowed. Wass copy protected trashed rare Atari setup.
Got new computer after several hardware software conflicts, 1500 $. # new recording software. 400 sound card. Crashed every other day. Wasted almost 1 year talking to over 10 vendors, Each blamed the other
Spent almost 10 k and wasted months, went to experts. No use, just a strange error that cost me a year and 100 hours on the phone. Went hardware, no problems. None. A mouse is probably not the answer just yet.
One good thing was during my quest to buy a sophisticated system I was offered a job using a main frame for advertising execs....that is THEIR problem if it goes south, I willnever go that route again. Keyboards! Recorders! yay! signed: old school professor.
True, and it doubles as an excellent MPE/style controller for soft synths, with easy midi cc mapping of the 8 macro encoders.
Really massive sounds for just 8 voices. Thanks for the preview! Your genuine enthusiasm made me want one. Would love to own one, eventually. Maybe in a year after I pay off my Moog Grandmother and my Neumann headphones (just like the ones in this video). Hopefully, we'll see a new Hydrasynth tune by you in the near future!
thank you!! I am thinking of using it for a track and make a video of that
@@BoBeats I can hardly wait! The Hydrasynth seems well suited for pads and ambient soundscapes but I suspect its character goes much deeper than that with its percussion and brass capabilities too. I do wonder if ASM is planning a 61 key, 12 or 16 voice version?
No idea whats to come in terms of their synths
can you send the same LFO or ENV to more than 1 dest at the same time?
this really sounds amazing ! thanks for the demo Bo ^^
Seen Sonic's video on this synth also, very impressed with it. It has a distinct sound and about 1.5 trillion patch config options (or somewhere close to that). I think it'd be a synth you wouldn't get bored with...
Great video! Loved the sounds of it but not only that it looks so incredibly intuitive like you said! I've gotten so accustom to menu diving for everything in my Deepmind 12 to just see it laid out like that, a road map, separate screens for the various functions, it just feels like a very logical, well thought out and designed synth! I'd love a chance to play on one one day!
Dea Siculus I had a Deepmind and while I didn’t like the sound, I found the menus fairly intuitive.
You can see Glenn Darcy's work on this with all his experience, glad I just sold my Waldorf Quantum, I think I just found a replacement :-)
Whoa I didn't expect to see you here!
@audiotone Was it really bad? Why? It's an expensive, luxury type machine. This Hydrasynth and the module look gorgeous and usable, like a huge amount of thought has gone into them.
Droid, that's a Cool username.
Waldorf is an amazing synth... I think u mean to say I bought it for 30 days and returned it... because of price..
I passed on the KRYA, IRIDIUM and the Quantum. I expected more of what ASM Hydrasynth offers by way of experimental sounds in them but was not really excited. , bought a Q for the wavetables , long ago, if you cannot buy a Wave get an ASM is my advice.
Just the name of the synth intrigued me. I’m a guitar player, but my biggest influence is Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Because of the demo, I’m now drooling with desire for it.
If you like the electronic sounds of NiN, Charlie Clouser is the name you should know. th-cam.com/video/OubCmnlEjiI/w-d-xo.html
Great video. Love your work. I got this synth in November and it will take years to fully discover it. Love your beats and videos about that too. I just got into beats and am trying to figure out the Novation Circuit.
Rick, do you have the circuit connected to the hydrasynth? Im curious if I can control the hydra from the circuit.
@@SnackSquacth not at present. Not sure how to do that (I'm not very tech savvy but trying to learn). I use it as a free-standing drum machine and enjoy the fast tweakability. I think it can control (1) MIDI device.
The circuit can control two external synths with the two midi tracks. You have to connect them via midi and run the external synth audio back to the circuit audio inputs. Then you can use the circuit to play them and even use the circuit mixer and FX. Check out Gabe Miller Music on youtube, he has great circuit tracks advice. I think as long as the synth has midi it will work. Im looking for my first synth to use with my circuit, but Im also a beginner. This is my fav new addiction. :)
Novation circuit tracks to be specific. Not sure about the circuit rhythm or the original circuit.
wow beautiful sound it would suit perfect for my next album!
Oh wow, a nice piece of gear and a really nice video, I'm really impressed!
This one definitely goes onto my wishlist.
Also the patch at 7:37 kinda reminded me of the start of LÜNE - Rêve Lucide 🤔
I'm watching this video from a safe distance in order to protect my purse. :-) Great demo, Bo. This sounds really Fresh.
Uh.. God dag, long time lurker here finally here to applaud your great work. After Sonic State your channel was my go to information source about which audio hardware to get for my first setup and you just keep pushing heartwarming and very guiding videos about music production.
Surprisingly most of my heavy gear is Elektron although the Hydra you're trying here is an excellent alternative considering sound design capabilities.
Allt bra för dig och jag hoppas din kaffe aldrig smakas iskalt! ❤️
8:16 haha! I've got one apparently stuck in Memphis, TN (thanks Fedex!). I'd love a Bob Eat's shirt, but I don't see it on your store!
Beautiful sounds Bo, that's a great synth I love it !! Thanks for sharing !!As always you bring your video's with so much enthusiasm and professionalism. Adriaan Laurijsen from salt lake.
I’m so out of the loop, I haven’t even heard of this thing. 🤦🏾♂️ Form factor of the module is good ESPECIALLY the recessed inputs and outputs on the back. Good call! Sounds smooth, but with good character.
Very few had heard about this so no worries
Damn, what a great sounding AND looking synth!! Me wants badly!!
Me watching Behringer synths videos :
Then me watching Hydrasynth videos :
Also me checking my balance : “Fuuuu”
I have to agree with your statements, but with one addition: Me watching the Roland videos ...”Meh!... pass!”
rrocktoo LMAO exactly 😂
Alphacitrick same same lmao
my exact situation. since the Deepmind12 and the Hydrasynth are almost equally priced I am TORN man
@@rrocktoo - Roland's videos aren't great, but imo the synths sound great.
Very Nice synth...Once they come out with 61key I am in...The finished piece sounds like my Roland JD-990.
a lot of what you're playing fills me with anxiety. Kinda love that...
Sounds pretty cool :) Great Vid.
thank you buddy!
@GeoSynths
Would you be making a patch bank for this synth? My buying it hinges on it.
God I am already creating so many ideas before ever even touching this synth, I know once I get one that I will make amazing things
7:52 - Attitude of Gratitude - something I come across very rarely on YT.
How great to hear.
with respect....
Will
;0)
Very nice and usable sounds out of the box ...... Digital or analogue? i don't know for sure but it sounds like the best of both worlds maybe.
So, wow... I was on the fence about this one until I watched your video. I need this thing.
If I culd afford it I'd buy it right after the first patch you played :) That got me hooked.
This is my first time hearing of this synth. I am liking the sound of it! Cheers!
Thanks for the demo, sounds great. How did you find the Desktop version?
Its also good! I prefer keyboard version tho as I think it works better for this design
With this being in the same price range as the MODX, which board do you prefer?
Hydra is more immediate, better build n keyboard. Modx is far more versatile
I agree with Bobeats, I look for descriptions saying "sucks at disco" "no grundgy filter or distortion" smooth and slick sounds" "pads" "ratcheting" and jump on a post the second it says really anbient oriented. I miss hearts of space in the 80s, those synths were butter. {Link suggestion below for a good vibe} The delay - reverb effects included are usually 4 seconds too darn short!
@@BoBeats I have to say that the Hydra and a Montage would play well together.
@@TheSynthZone I will say that I miss much about the 80's.. no it wasn't perfect and my childhood in the late 70's/early 80's wasn't full of rainbows.. but the music! Today's music feels almost like it's stuck.. it has so much potential but its unsure of itself.
7:09 every synth head throwing shapes with headphones on
The first few sounds put me in the mind of the original Blade Runner, which is a great thing :)
He went Full Vangelis on the first patch!
Its 2 saw waves and some reverb, every bugger on the planet with a synth makes that patch. It's soooooooo done over and over again its unbearable
i think the point of that being the first patch when you first play is that this synth has poly aftertouch no? A la CS-80...so yeah, Vangelis :)
Your expression at 9:25 made me bust out laughing. Give 'em that Blue Steel Bo!
M A G N U M
@@BoBeats What are the dimensions of the hydrasynths? I can't find it anywhere
Quite impressive for their first products !
Want this synth along with the new Roland Jupiter X/m and Roland Fantom.
I bought a desktop module to economize, but now I *need* the keyboard version too. Can't stop fantasizing about having one sequenced while playing a second with expression.
When u select a different preset....does it cut off the previous preset abruptly even though the keys are still pressed on that previous preset?
With that much processing prower it's able to reproduce the d to a at such a high resolution it's impossible to distinguish from "real analog"
What a year! I’m currently rebuilding my studio and have already like 8 candidates to decide between (Hydrasynth, Matrixbrute, Deepmind 12D, Poly-D, Odyssey, Jupiter-Xm, Mfb Dominion, Blofeld; have started with the Streichfett so far). Amazing.
Very cool! Thank you for such an awesome video!
5 years late to this party, but I'm being offered a trade of someone else's Hydrasynth for my Prologue - and I was SO hoping you had a take on this instrument! I'm getting excited.
"Welcome to the party, pal." - John McClain
@@mroctober3657 “'Come out the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs…'”
Legit about to pre order🤘 imo super intuitive control interface, pre AND post FX!!!... and its LUSH AF😍 Take my money ASM you have my heart already☺️
I had a Blofeld, this beast sweeps the floor w the Waldorf for many reasons👍
Injra I preordered mine as well 👊🏻
Great introduction thanks 🙏 I am going to buy the Keyboard Version!
Nice video, sounds very nice, whats your usb audio interface? Good sound, if you dont mind please.
Gosh...just when I was settled on the Summit as my future poly, this has to drop. Can’t wait to get my hands on it and compare. This and a Matriarch would be a killer pair.
You could make a career out of just this and the Matriarch.
THANK YOU FOR PEELING THAT PLASTIC OFF
The plastic was so peel'd.
Nope. Should never come off EVER. I can't think of a good reason why, but all my gear still has the crappy screen protectors attached. I would buy into a full on phone style skin with rubber edges and clear panels for all my gear if it was available. © Bo+Ben
ben1210 As long as you are not advertising it when you are selling the synth ("still got the screen protector on") like it was some kind of added bonus... 😉
@@thomaskolb8785 Selling? Sorry I don't understand 😂😂😂
@@ben1210 What about when the corner starts to peel because you were eating that packet of greasy potato chips and didn't wash your hands properly before playing the synth? Then you press the corner down but the next day, it lifts just a little more...
I got one of these. Its such a geek's synth.
Is there any chance Thomann would have sold me a b-stock version even though I paid for a new model?! The reason I say this is because mine did not have those transparent stickers on the screens which does make me wonder ... Anyone else get theirs this way?
If just 20% of people on this planet had this man's intelligence and work ethic and passion- it would be such a better place.
Massive. Amazing review. Any idea of the approximate weight and dimensions of both versions? I'm getting one asap but I couldn't find these specs, and they will determine which version I'll be able to get.
i actually dont know but the keyboard is heavy
another synth i fell in love with
Even though my studio demands the module size, I can’t give up that beautiful ribbon controller. Am I missing a work around?
the pads are preetty decent, but that keyboard,,,ooooo I put one keyboard in storage... make room for the strymon now!
Hello Bo! I need your help choosing synth. I want to buy myself a synthesizer, I think about Hydrasynth. Can't decide to get a big Hydrasynth Original and then save up, say buy a digitakt or drum machine or get a hydrasynth explorer and buy something to sequencing and drums option right away? And please tell me, only hydrasynth original has inputs, are these normal inputs, to use it as an effect processor for other instruments and what does mod1 and mod2 mean? I will be very grateful to you.🙏❤️
Sounds cool, drooling review! :) ... what is your cans? look very comfy
yes they are great and super expensive too :( its the Neumanns NDH20
I want this Synthesizer!
FYI, I thought anyone here might want to know this. I just purchased my Hydrasynth Desktop from Sweetwater, have had it only had it 3 days now. I discovered that it now ships with Presets-Patches in all 5 Banks (A B C D E). There are not any Empty Banks. Also some seemed to be differewnt than the ones I saw here and on several tutorials on TH-cam. I was curious about this and contacted Ashun Sound Machines Support and they confirmed this. Anyway this Synth is incredible, with 2 more Banks of presets I am just starting to experiment with them all before I start to create my own Presets. Here is their email response:
Hello,
Yes we have now included 2 more banks and updated the patches as well. Please use the patch manager if you would like to arrange banks differently .
You can also refer to our TH-cam channel for more videos on this.
Kind regards,
Support
Good info. Mine was a very early unit and early firmware
If only there was a sequencer ?
But as I understand Daniel T From Elektron has joined them , maybe expect the Hydra Sequencer with P locks 😜😜
It does have a very fully featured arpeggiator though. And the LFOs have sequencers which can also get you into that territory.
What are everyone's thoughts about the Hydrasynth Explorer? Am I better off springing for this one even if it's just for playung around? I'm a retired guitarist turned keyboardist. I've always been fascinated with synth and have owned a few since the 80s but never learned how to program them. I'm mostly singing and playing the piano now but kinda want to get a synth to play around with. I was considering the Roland GAIA and JD-XI until I came across this. Thanks!
Dangerous Demo Bo👍🏼It’s a lush sounding synth , very nice depth and warmth to it, almost sounds analog! I would have bought it straight up if it was a 3rd of the price! (lovely sound exploration) on wanted list...
Gotta admit, darn good for a digital synth! They are getting closer to analog, no doubt.
really like the sounds and interface
Thanks for a good review with helpful information. BTW, what is the make & model of your glasses? I really like those!
sounds great! Are these available in the uk?
hello Bo hvorden gor det ? this is an amazing synth. Is this new company can challenge novation or dave smith products ? In other words is this synth a real deal on the market ?
Thanks Bo!
I can’t decide for Wavestate or Hydrasynth.
Will you say Hydrasynth covers most of what you can get out from Wavestate?
Love to see how that module and pads interface works! So... you said it in the beginning... how do you feel the hydra stacks up to the summit? Saving 1k on the keyboard version is mighty appealing.
if i ever get a summit here i will tell you
There are 3 in stock in Sweden. Not sure if I am ready to pull the trigger before x-mas :-) It cost as much as a Korg Krome EX-88 or a Roland JD-XA or a FA-08. Is it that good?
By the way, I know almost nothing about modern synths/keyboards. Not so fond of chinese products.... but.
Hi,
Would you buy the keyboard version or the desktop version+Keystep pro? Is the poly after touch on keystep pro as good as hydrasynth? The fact that the hydrasynth does not have a sequencer is deal breaker for me. Thanks in advance!
Does the hydrasynth support MPE?
This synth is crazy!
sounds phenomenal
That's some genuine excitement right there. Happy you got a 1st look at the Hydrasynth! 👍
Just got my Hydra-desktop, super happy! Iridium review/overview please (and if you could talk us out of buying it for Xmas that would be great lol)
Bo! Your video is the best Hydrasynth demo I've seen. I need another synth like a hole in the head, but I'm seriously thinking of ordering this one today. It looks like so much fun! Do you actually own the Hydra and would you still recommend it? I'm dying to know. I had a Waldorf PPG VST and it was my favorite software synth. Just from listening, I would rate the Hydra as one of the best hardware wavetable synths out there.
as with many synths I get them from manufacturers, and I usually keep them around to use in my music and/or make more videos about. The Hydra is one of my absolute favorites of 2019. Its an excellent wavetable synth. I hate to sound all positive but it was really a synth that surprised me. They keyboard version in particular feels just real solid and like a premium instrument. I have seen comments online about filters being boring/weak and some don't like the very digital character of the sound. But if you enjoy this demo I doubt you will dislike the sound. If you are into options I would say Argon 8 is a cheaper and less feature packed option or Wavestate as a deeper and more complex option. But not as nice build quality.
@@BoBeats Thanks for replying! This is just what I needed to hear. The keyboard version is something I can afford right now. I own the blofeld, but I think the technology is dated and the encoders are glitchy. The Wavestate seems more complex and less friendly for sound design, but I'm also very impressed with its sound. I'm also going to look more closely at the Argon 8 before I buy a Hydra.
@@vampolascott36 the Argon 8 has a nice sound but is not as capable as Hydra. Simply put not as complex. But its growing on me, and it has a superb keybed (fatar)