ASM Hydrasynth Digital Wave Morphing Synthesizer

Setting a new precedent in the synthesizer world

The HydraSynth takes its name from the serpent-like monster in Greek mythology. The Hydra is characterised by its three heads, with the HydraSynth features three oscillators. Taking after its namesake this powerful synthesizer feature a flexible sound engine that provides the perfect platform for complex sound design.

It features everything you could possibly need to create new and exciting sounds. From built-in, premium-grade effects to the five low-frequency oscillators and the modulation matrix; the HydraSynth gives you the tools to create whatever you like. It also features five DAHDSR envelopes with six stages for sculpting your sounds. You can even utilise macros to provide deep control over the engine for live performances and quick editing. It even features an onboard ribbon controller you can use for hands-on playing.

Three oscillators and wavemorphing sound design

The three oscillators provide you with a selection of 219 single cycle waveforms. This wide range of waveforms provides you with a highly versatile sound palette, allowing you to achieve virtually any sound you can imagine.

What sets the HydraSynth apart from other synthesizers is the wavemorphing capabilities. This unique technology is usefully reserved for synths with preset wave tables. Unlike conventional wavetable synths, the Hydra features a WAVELIST mode on oscillators 1 and 2. From here you can pick and choose up to 8 waves, from the onboard bank of 219. You can then arrange them in any order you one and morph from one waveform to another.

49-note polyphonic aftertouch keybed

The cutting-edge ASM Polytouch keybed not only features velocity and aftertouch, but it provides fully polyphonic aftertouch. This provides added expressivity, with the standard-sized keys allowing anyone to pick it up and play it with ease.

Mutators – a new and versatile way to modulate

Innovative sound design advancements. The HydraSynth provides new and exciting ways to sculpt your tones and sounds. Oscillators 1 and 2 are routed into the Mutators. The Mutators provide in-depth ways to modulate, bend and sculpt sound in new and tested ways. Each Mutant allows you to choose from a wide range of processes.

FM-Linear mode is perfect for creating vintage-style FM sounds, allowing you to choose from multiple FM sources including external inputs. WaveStack™ allows you to create five copies of the incoming sound and set the detune amount. The Mutant’s can also generate its own waveforms whilst in FM and Sync modes, eliminating the need for another oscillator. Should you choose the other oscillators, you can use them as a modulation for added flexibility.

Built-in mixer and flexible filters

The three oscillators are routed into a mixer, alongside the Ring Modulator and Noise Generator. The mixer is the main hub for mixing levels and panning, with a balance control that allows you to blend the signal of each source when routed into filter 1 and 2. You can also set the filters to be parallel or series for added versatility.

256 Factory patches curated by renowned sound designers

Showcasing the powerful sound engine, the HydraSynth features 256 patches already built-in and ready to use. Ashun Sound Machines employed some of the best patch designers to create the factory patches. Navigating your sounds is made easy thanks to the library mode within the browser. The HydraSynth features 5 banks of 128 patches in total, which you can manage using the PC/MAC based Patch Manager plugin. Using the plugin, you can easily move patches and organise them to your liking, as well as load in new patches available in the future.

Easy navigation, flexible connectivity

The HydraSynth is compact enough to easily transport the synth but also big enough to make an impact on stage. The ergonomic layout makes it easier than ever to create sounds and play. It features a crisp OLED display for displaying the waveform and navigating between settings. It also includes a wide range of connections on the rear of the synth including CV/Gate, MIDI and USB.

Features

ASM Polytouch keybed – fully polyphonic aftertouch for fluid expressiveness

Three oscillators with 219 single cycle waveforms

Mutators – allows you to modulate, bend and sculpt oscillators 1 and 2

FM-Linear - for making classic FM sounds. Choose multiple FM sources, including external inputs

Wavestack™ - creates 5 copies of the incoming sound and allows you to set a detune amount

Hard Sync - This gives you those classic hard sync sounds. Try hard syncing a morphing wavetable for some fun

Pulse Width - This will pulse width modulate ANY input sound

PW - Squeeze - This is a different form of pulse width mod that creates a smoother sound

PW-ASM - this mode divides the incoming wave into 8 slices and allows you to set how much pulse width mod will happen in each section

Harmonic Sweep - this will sweep the harmonics of the incoming sound

Onboard mixer, noise generator and ring modulator

First filter has 11 different filter models

Second filter is 12dB per octave similar to a classic SEM filter

Five low-frequency oscillators for monstrous bass generation

5 DAHDSR envelopes

Modulation matrix with 32 user definable modulation routings and 155 modulation destinations

Arpeggiator for generating melodic patterns

Crisp OLED display providing visual feedback

256 custom-made factory presets from the best patch designers in the world

Pre-effects and post-effects including delays and reverbs

Specifications

Keybed: PolyTouch Keybed with velocity and aftertouch

Controller: 4 octave (67 cm, 26.4”) Ribbon controller

Patches: 5 banks of 128 patch memories

CV: CV gate input and outputs

MIDI: MIDI In/Out/THRU

Other Inputs: Expression pedal input, sustain pedal input

USB: USB Port – supports USB MIDI In/Out

Dimensions: 80 x 35 x 10.3 cm (31.5 x 13.78 x 4.05 inches)

Weight: 10kg (22.05 lbs)