MiniFreak vs. Hydrasynth Explorer: Which Synth is Better for You?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- I've wanted to do a comparison video on the @ArturiaOfficial MiniFreak versus the @AshunSoundMachines Hydrasynth Explorer ever since the MiniFreak was announced. Now that I've had enough time with the MiniFreak, I present my findings!
As mentioned in the vid...here's the patch creation tutorial for the MiniFreak: • MiniFreak Tutorial // ...
Ambient Hydrasynth • Ambient Hydrasynth Exp...
More Hydra • Happy Jamuary! MPC Liv...
Trap beat with MiniFreak • Made a Trap Beat with ...
Lofi Jam with MiniFreak • Arturia MiniFreak firs...
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Chapters:
00:00 Which synth to choose?
00:31 Quick overview of the two synths
02:01 Breaking down some core differences
04:35 Analog filter make a real difference?
09:46 Just looking for presets?
10:44 More filter differences
12:18 Performance features and experience
17:29 Minifreak sequencer is fun
19:21 Mod matrix comparison
20:16 Hydrasynth Macro Knobs
21:30 Keyboard differences
25:34 Sound design differences
31:03 Some final differences (modular, audio processing)
31:30 Did this video help you?
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It is vital to point out that the HS is a "wave morphing synth", not just wavetable. You can create a table by morphing between any selected waveforms. This is what made the VST Serum special when it came out and to not highlight this misses a main point of the HS design.
Can you import your own waves?
The wave morphing definitly makes it stand out
it is 'vital' lulllllllll
Excellent video! Great advice
Great video! I have the Hydrasynth Explorer and love it!
Strong comparison review, fantastic sound design. Thank you.
You CAN overdrive the MiniFreak. Just plug one of your outs back to the audio in, in the settings push up the preset volume up to a comfortable +db and tadaaa.
Subscribed. Really good review on both, leaning more towards the MF because of the DAW mirroring. You have a good voice and review style so will enjoy watching your other reviews. >_>
You are a good teacher...I understand at least a bit more than being totally glazed eyes when I listen to others explain synth stuff
You did help me decide. Thank you very much for this in depth review. Im a freak
Freakshow
Excellent comparison video!!!..Thanks Warlin7
This was a fantastic comparison! I have a Hydra (first iteration). I'm in love with the Minifreak, but dont have it yet, so this was the perfect video. (Arturia is killing it on interface and marketing.) Thanks!
Great video, always enjoy your videos
Thanks Todd 🙏
Good luck with the new channel Terry. Would love to see an Analog Four and Analog Rytm walkthrough or jam. Just to show what’s possible with both
Great video...now i want both!
I had both but ultimately returned my Hydrasynth Explorer. It was a tough decision but at the end of the day the Minifreak is far, far easier to program and did not stifle my creativity in the process. The Hydrasynth is excellent though and can create some amazing patches. I'd say if you are about deep sound design and don't mind a slower workflow the Hydrasynth is a good bet but if you are like me and value speed at the expense of sheer depth and features then the Minifreak is better. Both sound wonderful, imo.
Great insight!
It's so weird - I have a ton of synths, but apart from my more "traditional synths" (Model D, WASP Deluxe, System 1, Mother 32, etc.), I find my Hydrasynth Explorer the easiest to program by far (more complex synths include Summit, Microfreak, Virus TI2, etc.). I think a lot of it depends on how your brain works, and they Hydrasynth just makes total sense to me, and the section buttons just help guide my workflow. Everybody's different, hence why there are so many great synths on the market with totally different workflows!
@@swid_swid_swid Hey whatever works for your brain is best! I would tend to agree that on a lot of levels it is an easy synth to program considering it's depth and complexity. What it came down to for me is that I like working within harder limitations so the Minifreak gelled better with it's more simplistic architecture. Ultimately there is no perfect synth or tool though... just better ones for certain tasks and purposes. We can all pray we don't spend too much money finding out which one those are for ourselves though (as I have...)
@@swid_swid_swidi fully agree with this!
I‘d say maybe with the HS you need to know what you want and what you’re doing, while on the MF you can more play around and have happy accidents
Excellent video! I’m getting both.
Great overview !!
I loved them both, and was blessed with being able to buy both. So I linked both of them up with a MIDI cord and had the best synth experiences I have ever had. I think the Hydrasynth can get a wider palette of sounds, but then it is also easier to get lost in random exploration.
I have the mini version of that setup! A Microfreak and the desktop Hydrasynth. Even that is magical, especially with the Microfreak's unique keys. It's fantastic to hear it scales up nicely.
I didn't write clearly... I actually have the small versions of both too. Link them both up to one controller, and rule the SONIC WORLD!
Great video. Thank you.
They are very close. It's almost impossible to choose between them. This is probably why I have both :-D
If you didn't have room/funds for both, you could get the Hydrasynth and add the MiniFreak VST for not much more - and kinda have "both" on the cheap.
Both club 🙌🤣🙌
@NoiseTheorem do you find you use one for a type of sound and the other for another type of sound? Which do you find more user friendly?
None club :c
Me too
Great video! 👍🏻
The Hydrasynth can process external audio through the Mod In input, using the ring modulator. Select the Mod In as the ring modulator source, turn up its level, but set the modulation depth to zero.
Excellent tip ..thank-you
Great video.
I got the Explorer because it was available when I needed a poly and they had a great Black Friday sale ;-)
With three oscillators, five LFOs, five envelopes, delay, reverb and FX it's got more sound design potential than I'm ever going to use. My next patch is going to be trying to emulate the sound of the Arp Solina (recently cloned by B).
Love that idea. Keep me posted on your results if you remember 👍
Been putting money to the side for my first synth and I’ve been going back and forth between these two. This was the perfect video for me man I appreciate this!!!
I have both and more . Honestly for your first Synth I highly recommend the Korg Minilogue Xd with keys . It’s way better for a stater Synth because everything is hands on for the most part. It will be easier to learn sound design. I think the Hydra synth is the best ever for sound design but even for me with decades of experience had to read the manual to learn it . One you learn it it’s simple but it does have a learning curve .
Great video but it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Hydra is not made to just sound analog it for sound design. The Hydra has wave scan , 2 mutants and feedback on all 8 Oscillators .No other synths have that . That’s why the Hydra wins .
@@JustinThomasProducer thanks for the suggestion!!
Great video, thanks
this is the vid ive been waiting for
thank you....if i had to choose it would be the hydrasynth.
7:44 You can "drive the filter" on the minifreak via Macro's. Set one of the Macros to modulate a Drive/Distortion Filter amount and the filter cut off. You can even get fancy and modulate a bit of OSC 2 if you have it set to one of the Noise Engineering waves. Does the trick, I own both of these and its a different sound and they complement each other very well for the bass-y ambient music that I tend to make.
I am going to try sending the Hydrasynth into the Minifreak to see what kind of mangling I can do and then multi-sample it onto my Deluge to really start creating unique sounds.
I know this is old but what are the main differences to you between the HS and Mini. Im debating on getting the mini to pair with my hydra but not sure if there is enough differences to justify. Demoed vst but they give you a 20 minute demo if that tells you anything. Thanks
@@joeymc5272 I would say the main difference is the immediacy of the mini, the analogue filters, the sequencer, and the limited nature of the minis feature set pushing creativity.
The hydra is a sound designers dream, it can pretty much produce any sound you can imagine, and add complex textures and nuances. However, it takes time to dial it in and you cannot sequence a melody. It’s intuitive and straightforward because the sound chain is literally at your fingertips.
The mini, especially with the 2.0 firmware, can also create very complex sounds but you are limited to 2 OSCS and 2 LFOS and the sound chain is far more “baked in”. You can adjust some of the routing via settings but I’ve never touched that option. The matrix does an excellent job at giving you immediate access to sound design and because it’s a “known quantity” and easier to understand, you can achieve certain sounds, especially for those bassy low sounds, easier. The analogue filters add the perfect amount of colour that would take time to “simulate” on the hydra. And finally the sequencer and the ability to create LFO shapes add another layer of control. On paper some of these limitations may appear as a negative but it forces you to be more creative and therefore you can create more unique sounds.
I reach for my mini far more often than my hydra because it’s less daunting to start from scratch, especially if I am making a lead or baseline . If it’s a texture or atmosphere or something to set the “vibe” I reach for my hydra.
I hope this articulates my personal experience but feel free to ask anymore questions.
@@MatsueMusicperfect explanation and exactly why i am interested in the mini. I love the hydra but somestimes i dont want to sit there with a million options trying to make something and then im back and forth tweaking params and before you know ive spent over an hour trying to make one sound and it may or may not need to be tweaked even more in my mind lol.
Mini sounds fun and sometimes i just want quicker easy pickings where i can do some simple modulation and be on my way. Especially having a cool sequencer as well.
@@joeymc5272 100% I would summarize that the mini can inspire an entire song, the hydra will kill initial inspiration but can help add colour and finishings to a song.
I am on the verge of selling my hydra, saving and getting a desktop synth.
I am privileged enough to own an Osmose and the Egan Matrix is plenty of power for those nights making one sound.
@@MatsueMusic ya i am getting more into keyboard synths from modular but i cant play keyboard worth a shit so getting a big flagship doesn’t make sense to me. I just like to make licks with them. Maybe sell or trade my hydra for a mini if i can. But i will say i think the sound quality on the hydra is a bit better and that is important to me for mixing.
Thanks for the great comparison!
I use the OG hydrasynth but fell in love with the minifreak VST, and now I have a minifreak arriving sometime next month (backordered).
Best believe I will be layering multiple instances of the VST on top of the hardware haha
hey, what did you end up doing? how do they compare to you personally
@woef well.... I had it on order, but the back order was really long at the time, and I ended up canceling it.
I actually sold off most of my gear and synths over the last few months and moved to SOMA's instrument lineup as I wanted a unified design philosophy, and SOMA has a particular sound that is perfect for what I like to make.
My hydrasynth is in the corner under a dust cover with very little to zero use. I personally think that a mini freak would be an excellent replacement for the hydrasynth for my setup, as it is far more immediate for getting sound than the Hydrasynth is.
It largely depends on what your personal interest is for your art form. We all make different styles, and everyone's needs are different.
@@AbyssalPantheon oh thats sick, soma looks super experimental for sure, i do love that. as for the hydra vs minifreak, i know what i want i was just curious how your opinion on them was after a year. so ill be on my way to pick up the hydra from you see you in 15 minutes!
actually i just checked your channel and see you have a lot of videos up! theres a lot of interesting stuff woah. amazing gear you have/had thanks for documenting it
@woef haha I wish I ended up with the minifreak just so I could give you a proper opinion!
I'm glad you at least found some interesting stuff on my channel. My interest is sound design (actually have some of my work on an upcoming instrument that launches next year) and production rather than music.
I gravitate towards the experimental side of gear, and I primarily work with body patching stuff these days. It definitely took a couple of years before I figured out what I actually enjoyed when working with instruments, and finally found a home with SOMA.
If you dig sound design, the hydrasynth is a mile wide and a mile deep, whereas the mini freak will be limited in scope, but it is easier to find sweet spots with it.
Very helpful!
Easy presentation makes it easy to follow for a novice. I've been thinking about getting a compliment for my Moog Mother 32 and the Hydra Synth might be a good fit because their differences could expand the possibilities.
Great comparison! I've owned my Hydrasynth Keyboard for 2 1/2 years and I love it. Hydrasynth Desktop is really really good it has Audio in, pads are poly touch as well. Hydrasynth has a great signal route right there in front of you, that's really important if you want to change something in the signal chain right away.
Agreed! I got the Deluxe recently and have been loving the 16 voices and bigger layout of the panel.
Actually I returned Desktop after trying Explorer in store. Lol. Both are great but I missed the keys to much. I loved how polyAT is realized, even in such small keys. Also, didn’t find smaller screens and less knobs limiting - it even allowed mi to focus more on couple parameters at hand. I had also feeling (but I haven’t done side by side comparison) that Explorer sounded a bit better - but that could be because of polyAT playing such a big role in most of factory presets.
I'm looking for a polyphonic synthetizer and this video helped me a lot to lean towards a decision. Definitely the HS is the one that tick most of my boxes, except for the lack of sequencer, but since I already have a Deluge I can use that for sequencing.
If you havent chose yet i had a deluge and went HS. My opinion definitely go that route. I would recommend keys version.
Really really Great Video! Thanks for the comparison :) still cant decide though :D their pros and cons cancel each other out, i just cant say which one id choose
Hey hey! I'm gonna go ahead and give myself credit for this video topic as I'm sure you NEVER would have thought of comparing the two without my comment. Lol. Great breakdown and my advice is start with the first one you found then get both eventually!
🤣 Love it! Thanks for the support 🙏
Definitely go for the Minifreak if an onboard sequencer is a must have, but the Hydrasynth can be very rhythmic as well - the arpeggiator is great, envelopes can loop, and LFOs can be stepped, all in sync with the BPM. The Macros are very powerful and provide infinite playability, and the mod matrix is deep - but it has perhaps the best hardware UI of any synth currently on the market, and is very easy to navigate and learn. The Hydrasynth is more infinite, the Mini is a little more trippy with less effort, both sound fantastic. The poly aftertouch on the Hydrasynth is incredibly expressive, it's a feature that can't be oversold.
The workflow on the Hydrasynth is different from most other synths but it has more envelopes and LFOs. I do however prefer the mod matrix workflow on the Minifreak. (I own both the Minifreak and the Hydrasynth Desktop so I think they both have pros and cons).
Great summary!
The MiniFreak can receive polyAT!
I don’t know about ASM but it’s worth mentioning that Arturias customer service is fantastic
True
Very true.
Great Video. I got the Hydra before the freak came out and this video quelled any fomo.
I have the desktop version of the Hydra and you can process audio via the cv modulation inputs. You set the ring modulator input to mod 1 or 2 in. You don't have to have ring modulation on but you can use it as an input source. Is it not the same for the other versions?
Love your video, very good information. Yust want to decide what i good for me as my 1st synth and narrowed it down just to those two and Minilog XD. ... still not sure. Good arguments for each of them with a slight preference to the Hydra.
for which one have you decided to go for @ThomasVogel? I'm between the same 3 synths as my 1st synth too. Tks
@@erickb4046 Hydrasynth, flexibility, patchmatrix, aftertouch, easy access to a lot of parameters, you can go from classic subtractive to total crazy ... If you want to sequence, it feels a little complicated in editing, but it works and has a lot of room to play with.
Well worth experiencing these synths. Ive got a hydrasynth keyboard. Ive read lots of clmments detracting from this synth ..youll be pleased to know its absolute nonesence ...youll love it ...would like to try out the arturia
Anyone that tries to discredit the Hydrasynth is nonsense! It only takes a few minutes of hands on to feel the depth at hand.
Good video 👍. Say I didn't already have a MicroFreak and I couldn't have both, I'd likely get the Hydrasynth but it's a close-run choice. Both are probably the best choice for a first hardware synth that won't break the bank and you won't grow out of.
Thanks Mick!
Great video
Thanks man.
Hydrasynth has a ton of preset space and recently that got doubled. Wild.
I love my MiniFreak!!
Great video. Actually I pullet the trigger on Explorer before watching this, but both are great and sound marvelous (played with both in store). However, I didn’t realize that Mini Freak doesn’t have drive on filter. What a waste. Analog filter without drive?
At $100 off this month I could see that swinging some to hydrasynth though both are great at this price IMHO. I believe we will see a full size bi-timbral freak (basically 2 minifreak engines) before the end of 2024. Hopefully with the same keybed as mk2 quantum, dedicated stereo outs per layer, sustain & expression pedal inputs, and priced between (or below?!?) the two full size hydrasynths.
I love my Hydrasynth Explorer. I use it with the SP404 MK2 so I’m not worried about the lack of a sequencer.
LFO Steps are there as well. I am not sure I understand the fascination with on-board sequencers. I imagine anyone doing any serious production has something to sequence, whether a controller or groovebox.
Hydra plus SP404 would be a fun combo
@@teftymusictech and throw in the MicroCosm too. 😆
*writing down video idea* 🤣
I'm actually looking to get one of these for the same combo. Just got my MK2 the other day. Feels like a reeeaaaally flexible and immediate portable setup.
Ironically I totally agree Arturia CS is excellent! Don’t know about anyone else, I don’t know how ASM is, I’ve never needed it. I love these small synths, and I thought the Deepmind 12 is awesome but these small ones are great as well. Sure beats lugging my 100 lb w case Kronos around!
thanks for the comparison!
Doubling as a plugin controller for MiniFreak V is a huge selling point for me.
I'm on a big orange kick now, these would both look great with Bitwig and my orange-displayed OG Push >_>
Do you feel the Push compliments Bitwig well? I'm aware there are certain third party apps/scripts/whatever you'd call it that make Push play along with Bitwig. Would you mind giving me a quick description of how you use the two together? I've been super curious about Bitwig for obvious reasons (modulators built right in to an expandable panel on native devices is pretty much all I've wanted in Live since I saw it on Bitwig) but I'm really reluctant to give up any aspect of the Push's drum recording and sequencing workflow.
@@bobyatron7525 it involves using the Driven By Moss extension, he turns it into a full-fledged Bitwig controller (including the Push 3 now) with tight integration. He has a bunch of videos showing how it's used.
Just a small correction to add in terms of differences in the Hydrasynth series. The Hydrasynth deluxe is a bitimbral keyboard capable of doing keyboard splits using two engines whereas the Hydrasynth 49 key and Hydrasynth Explorer are monotimbral instruments (using one engine) other than that they are all using the same engine.
The wavetable on the Microfreak was not there at launch but appeared in a later firmware update. Im optimistic that the Minifreak will get some firmware updates at some point so maybe more oscillator types will get added...
the minifreak project manager mentioned they were working on it on a french language interview .
@@randommcranderson5155 Avez-vous l’url?
Great news! I didn't know about the French interview. Very exciting!
@@MatsueMusic if you go to gearspace forums, there's a link there in the minifreak thread on post #304. On youtube its watch?v=Y0VbW8gUOSM I don't have a timestamp.
@@randommcranderson5155 Thank you, much love.
VST version added to mini freak is very very very important factor when you record via midi.
Can you please do this for the Minifreak vs the Modal Cobalt 5S? seems like a good comparison
I just purchased my first synth and its the minifreak and my next synth is the hydra synth and my final purchase will be the polybrute. I have always been a vst guy and wanted to try my hands on some hardware. 😊
Cheers!
HydraSynth does not have a dedicated audio input but... you can compensate this apparent lack using a 'mod in' CV input and sending it into the RingMod via the ModMatrix. If you don't apply any modulation to it, you can send external audio into the HydraSynth's mixer... :)
Man, thanks for your video! Could you please make a similar one with the cobalt 5s and the mini freak? I already have the cobalt 5s and I love it, but I don’t know if I should buy a mini freak too
The reason I chose the HS is the midi mapping I can easily use with vsts and other hardware synths like the pro vs mini which already has envelope adsr mapped
Excellent comparison! Also a great video, what cameras do you use?
Thank you Marc! We use a mix of cameras from Sony, Panasonic, and Black Magic Design. The biggest game changer was switching to Davinci Resolve and using Resolve's color management profiles. Basically just shoot in a LOG format and color correct in Resolve.
@@teftymusictech : thanks for the tip! Been using da vinci resolve for a while now but still learning to colour grade… 😊
great video
❤️🙏❤️
I had both of these...kept the Minifreak- especially now with the wavetables. I adored some Hydra sounds- I did lots of tweaking, too- but came to realize I loved the reverb- mostly plate- tacked on at the end. So I sold it- but it is a very digital, metallicy monster; if only it had an analog filter like the Mini. I don't miss it- the Mini may not bowl one over with that many epic presets- but just dig in a bit. Like nothing else, really.
They're both well-designed, original synths. I own a lot of Arturia gear already so the Explorer seems like a breath of fresh air. But the Minifreak has a lot of character for the price. We're living in a golden age of affordable synthesizers, and Arturia has been leading the charge for a decade now.
Very helpful, thanks! Besides being more.of a virtual.analog synth, do you think the Modal Cobalt 8 compares to the minifreak concerning ease of performance and sound design?
Thanks! Yes, I'd say Cobalt is very friendly for programming/performance. Definitely more inline with the MiniFreak since it's OSC are more like programs/algorithms. Also the 8 slots of modulation always kills me when making patches on the Cobalt, but you get used to it.
I personally think the Cobalt AND the Argon sound fantastic 👍
@@teftymusictech great, thank you!
For a similar price I think a modwave is a really good option. Digital synth with basic waves, wavetables and samples. Bit complex maybe but lots of hands-on. Amazing for sound design.
I actually love the Modwave! It doesn't seem to get a lot of love on YT for some reason.
@@teftymusictech the Modwave, Wavestate, OpSix aren’t very TH-camy, absolutely. I think it’s the form factor - they don’t have that cool/cute factor that grabs your eyes the same way minifreak/HS explorer have
Dude! Modwave 😍😍😍😍😍
The MiniFreak has a nice analog filter and the Explorer seems more complicated in use. So for me, no hesitation!
my essential tremors combined with polyphonic after touch would open a new realm of expressive playing...
Would like to see also these two comparisons:
- Hydrasynth Explorer vs Korg Minilogue XD
- Hydrasynth Explorer vs Uno Synth Pro (keybord version).
I think all are in a simillar price range.
Noted! Thanks 🙏
I agree on the former, I am between Hydrasynth Explorer, Minilogue XD and MiniFreak and really can't decide.
@@Elyoslayer I had a chance to buy Uno Synth Pro in a good price and it is on the way to me. Probably my next purchase will be Hydrasynth Explorer.
Also thr coming behringer Pro800 deserve some test once available
Fantastic presentation, I'm sold on the Mini , however, I could have sworn it was less expensive... 😔....that filter , that sequencer....I'm more Ultravox than 90s EDM...
Great video, thanks. I got an Explorer before watching this video, and it was an impulse because I didn’t use any synthesiser in my life (I’m a noob). So, after watching this video, I’m ever more happy with my choice. My only concern is that you can’t save user patch without using the PC software.
Wait you can’t save patches??! Has this been updated?
@@FluxFreemanYou can save patches but there’s no free slots, user slots : you have to override an existing one. Therefore, you use the PC software to manage your banks and keep/restore the original presets
@@davidarderius5316 ok thanks m8. I’m still deciding between the Hydrasynth and Argon8
Yeah the asm sequencer...
Slightly faster than tweeking the knobs;
Once you set the amount of steps you can push the corresponding macro button for the step you want and then press which key you want for that step
Not as fast as just punching the sequence in but not as tedious as turning knobs
The analog filter is smoother though
I hope Arturia makes a "freakpig" with full size polyphonic aftertouch keys. Then I could have both hands-on of the Freak and Pigments.😁🎵🎹🎶Play On
🤣 FreakPig would be amazing.
Wouldn't be surprised if they make a MaxiFreak.
The webshop I get my gear from has a lot of b-stock for the Hydrasynth so this one is returned alot by customers while the Minifreak sells like crazy. I just ordered one as my first hardware synth.
Do you think the minifreak will get granular synthesis like the microfreak just received?
Chances are high, but no guarantees until Arturia makes an announcement. The wavetables are for sure coming in an update, but again, no ETA.
You did not used the Hydrasynth 2.0 software? Becuase the vxo offsets are great improvement
20:40 Actually, 8 strips! As there are 2 pages of 4.
This is a bit cumbersome on the Explorer, as on the other models (which I own) there are 8 dedicated knobs and buttons.
Good point! I forgot to mention you can page down for the other set of knobs 👍
While Hydrasynth might not have a VST controller yet, there is third party software for it that might be worth looking into. Hydramorph is an mac/windows app that exposes every single parameter and lets you automatically morph a custom selection of parameters at once (up to over 100) .. (kind of like a set of custom LFOs that slowly target everything at once for random patch generation) ... I imagine it'd be excellent for samplers, to cut and chop the bits of magic emerging out of the cacophony of ever-changing sound.
What I've learned: Don't make a decision based on features. Most of the features will not even be touched by the vast majority of users.
Instead focus on: usability, interface, firmware updates, design, etc. Aspects outside of the spec sheets.
My entry into the synth world has been the Microfreak. Ever since, I've stuck with Arturia.
I like their brand. I like their website, their software tools, their update policy, their social media content. I like the design and usability of their products.
Of course that's personal preference, but that's exactly what should be the driving force behind your decision.
Hydra filter sounded more stepped or aliased to me
With the minifreak, are you able to create sounds in the software and save them to your hardware unit to use on the road? Also, if I'm working in my daw, can I have multiple sounds playing via midi (multi-timbral)? Lastly, how many presets can it hold internally?
I currently have a Desktop Hydra and am sorta wishing I had the keys. Also recently got the Minifreak. I'm currently asking myself, why not both?
Why not both, indeed ? I have both. The Explorer has less knobs per function and less CV which made the Desktop more useful for me. Im currently waiting for my Osmose so Im gonna try using that keyboard with the Desktop...
@@symbiat0 I'm hoping we get some more affordable keybed options. That Osmose looks awesome though.
I currently have the Explorer and Deluxe in the studio. So why not both indeed 🤣
And yeah, Osmose looks amazing. Very tempted to scoop one.
@@teftymusictech ASM is running $100 off on the Explorer through the end of April. Feels like a no-brainer at that price
Can the mini freak do ratchet arpeggio like the Hydra?
19:05 Not entirely true. When you are in step LFO mode, you can press on a macro button and a key on the keyboard to select that value. From middle C you can go 1 octave up or down. I agree, it's not as hands-on as on the MiniFreak, but still very doable. And now with the new firmware 2.0 I believe you can even advance step-by-step automatically, as on the MiniFreak. (But not at home atm, so I can't check for sure.)
Thanks for pointing that out! I was actually looking for the shortcut and couldn't find it on my Deluxe. And yeah, 2.0 has been awesome! Going to do a patch video on it soon.
Seems like either choice would be good.
I have the full size Hydra, selling it. Was considering Hydra small keys but...
Keeping the minifreak. Selling one of my micro freaks and keeping one microfreak as a portable usb battery powered option.
Main reasons being personal preference for the basic sound (I can run anything through neve, API, Sebatron preamps to fatten/warm/distort)
and ease of use.
Hydrasynth for ever..❤❤❤
ASM hydrasynth for sound design, mini freak for instant useable performance. If you don’t like performance factory patches on minifreak (although they are great) then asm. But having played asm it’s great sounding and playing. Both it is then.😂
Also important to note that the Hydrasynth can run on battery power.
Good point! I forgot to mention the added portability of the Hydrasynth Ex.
I use a ripcord usb-dc adapter to use the minifreak w a usb battery
I like these but I also like the Behringer deep mind, mono poly and poly D. Can anyone help me understand the differences? There's also a mini brute and mini lougue
does the minifreak vst have more than 6 voices available?
Hydrasynth sounds like a real professional synth. Minifreak is a fun toy.
I couldn't agree more, I've been trying to explain this to my client, I sent him this video to display this fact
I got the mini freak vst because it's the audio card and ad/da converter in the unit that makes it sound cheap, but if you run a vst then whatever interface you use determines the sound quality, so the vst sounds doper than the actual unit, and it's already digital, so it literally sounds and operates identically but you can automate plugins
Oooooooops! We've recorded with our Mini like crazy- sounds so much better than Hydra in a mix. You know- like in a SONG. Not just blaring thru your phones in your room. But hey maybe you never put your hands on one.
Which synth is better? -Yes.
Both are the king/ queens of the $600 range
It does wave tables now
polyphonic after touch... nuff said. Hydra wins.
That's what sold me on the Explorer over the Minifreak. I still plan on getting a minifreak soon, though.
Yeah, not too many other synths with poly aftertouch, especially in this price range and it's quite nice to have I guess... but also seems a bit overrated to me. Maybe I simply haven't heard any great examples yet but from what I've seen so far, it didn't make a great impression on me that global aftertouch didn't give me. Just my two cents...
@@LousyFaceliftone thing that got me after messing around with it was just how simple it is to create the sounds. The panel layout is enough to explore without needing to menu dive.
The number of synths with poly at proofs that not that many buyers care.
They both sound great. I think the ASM virtual analogue oscillators sound fatter. I prefer the work flow of the Arturia. I wish it had the CV. It's also a shame the chords don't output midi data
You're mistaken on the ASM synth engines: the deluxe has pretty much twice the capability of the others. Also the explorer has less knobs & expression/modulation inputs
GAS pusher u❤❤❤❤
Why not Hydrasynth Explorer + Minifreak V? Polyphonic AT on MiniFreak this way!
That'd be a solid combo 🙌
Do you want the Hydra synth or the Arturia?
Yes.
ok, I have to buy both. lol