Test: ASM Hydrasynth Explorer
Features
Digital synthesizer
8 voices
37 medium keys
Polyphonic aftertouch
3 oscillators
219 single-cycle waveforms
2 multimode filters
Pre- and post effects
Battery operation
USB/MIDI/CV/Gate
Facts
Manufacturer: ASM
Distrib: Sonic Sales
Price: 599 Euro
▲ Flexible synthesis
▲ Unique sound
▲ Polyphonic Aftertouch
▲ Feel and workmanship
▲ Operating concept
▲ CV/Gate outputs
▲ Compact format
▲ Battery operation
▼ No CV inputs
Alternatives
Waldorf Blofeld
From 499 Euro
waldorfmusic.som
Korg Wavestate/Modwave
From 579 Euro
Modal Argon8/Cobalt8
From 599 Euro
The Hydrasynth is the remarkable debut from the relatively young company Ashun Sound Machines (or ASM for short). Behind ASM, however, is Glen Darcey, an experienced developer who has already been significantly involved in synthesizers from Arturia and Akai. The sound and concept of this complex digital synthesizer are correspondingly convincing, and it has gained a veritable reputation in less than two years.
Now ASM has expanded the product line with two more models. Besides a Deluxe version with 73 keys and 16 voices, there is also now the compact and affordable Hydrasynth Explorer, which is a good deal cheaper than the well-known Hydrasynth Keyboard and Desktop despite identical sound generation.
Identical sound generation
The sound generation is identical to the other models. Hydrasynth Explorer is, therefore, also fully patch compatible to the keyboard and desktop. Hydrasynth generates up to eight voices with a wavemorphing
