User Manual

12
USB
Hydrasynth Explorer is a USB class-compliant
device, so there are no drivers to install. Just plug
it into your computer and it will be available
immediately as a MIDI input/output device.
MIDI
The Hydrasynth Explorer has two 5-pin MIDI
connectors to allow you to interface with other
MIDI devices. MIDI Out sends data from the
Hydrasynth Explorer and MIDI In receives data
from other MIDI devices.
CV/Gate
Your Hydrasynth Explorer has a row of connectors
that are used to interface with modular synthesiz-
ers. Each one can be congured to match the
voltages and signal types of the most popular
formats. For details, see The CV / Gate Section (p.
64).
Make Some Noise!
By now you’ve already played the instrument and tweaked the controls. Now let’s take a quick tour of
some of the main features.
To get started, press the Home button. This will exit any page and take the Hydrasynth Explorer to the
top level of the patch.
Select Patches
There are several ways to explore the patch banks
inside the Hydrasynth Explorer. The simplest
way is to turn the Patch knob (the big one in the
middle). This will move you through the bank one
patch at a time. You’ll see the patch name, bank,
and number in the Left display.
You can also hold [SHIFT] and turn the Patch knob
to jump between the banks. This can save a lot
of scrolling if you know the location of the patch
you’re looking for.
The Browse button opens the patch browser in
the Right display. You’ll want to read the section
Using the Browser (p. 66) to learn about things
like Categories, Favorites, and other search
techniques.
Octave shift
If you want to hear a sound in a higher or lower
range than the keys currently reach, you can shift
the range quickly by one or more octaves. The
Hydrasynth Explorer keyboard has dedicated
buttons above the pitch/mod strips that ash
faster as the range moves further from center; at
maximum shift the buttons are lit solid. To reset
the range, press both buttons.
Arpeggiator basics
Arpeggiators can turn a great sound into a whole performance! So when you’re ready, press the
Arpeggiator [ON] button to activate the arpeggiator. Then hold down two or more keys while experi-
menting with the other controls in the Arpeggiator section. Here’s a quick description of each.
Control Function
Mode Determines the arpeggiator direction and other behaviors.
Octave Sets the range of the arpeggiator.
Division Selects the basic time division of the arpeggiator relative to the tempo.
Swing Eight settings allow you to add a certain amount of “shue feel” to the arpeggio.
On This toggles the arpeggiator on and o. Use it with [SHIFT] to enter Edit mode.
Latch Lets you to take your ngers o the keys and use both hands to adjust parameters. It
works whether an arpeggio is running or not.
Triplet Subdivides the selected Division setting into triplets.
Tap Tempo Tap several times to set the tempo.