ASM

MODULE SELECT: Programming is
simplifi ed by the dedicated Module
Selection buttons. With the added
benefi t of showing the standard signal
fl ow within the internal sound engine.
ARP: The on-board arpeggiator gets
its own extensive control section,
and goes far beyond classic up/down
patterns, adding ratcheting, phrase
playback and other features.
RIBBON: This controller can be used
for pitch bend or as a modulation or
trigger source, but also features a
Theremin mode where one voice is
reserved for melodic playback .
CV/GATE: Although digital, the
synth has a good array of analogue
connectivity, including two CV
modulation ins and outs as well as
dedicated CV/Gate and Clock outputs.
can be run in series or parallel. The
fi rst comes with a good complement
of analogue-style fi lters referenced
from some classic topologies, and
with a vocal formant fi lter thrown in
for good measure. The low-pass
‘ladder’ fi lters also include
compensated versions which avoid
the common problem of reduced bass
response at increased resonance
settings – something that would be
fi ddly to do in the analogue realm.
Filter 2 is limited to two variations on
a 2-pole state variable fi lter. Taken
together there’s plenty of shaping.
The increased voice count on the
Deluxe is nice (though not essential
for most regular patches). This makes
a difference in Multi Mode where the
extra polyphony allows for more
complex sound design and layered or
split patches (see boxout). This
fl exibility of approach also means you
could simply use the two sound
engines as entirely separate synths,
particularly as they each have their
own set of outputs available.
Remember also that the Hydra plays
well with modular systems via its
seven CV, Gate, Clock and Modulation
jacks on the front panel. These can
be confi gured for a wide range of
voltage and signal standards, and the
Mod inputs can also be a modulation
source in the Mutator Modules.
This makes the Hydrasynth
Deluxe a very good performance synth
as well as great control, processing
and sound generator hub for the
studio.
FM VERDICT
9.0
A great-sounding,
fl exible synth, ideal as a
performance-led keyboard
that can reach a wide range
tones and textures
Of course, modulation sources
play a massive role in how effectively
the audio components are used, and
the Hydrasynth doesn’t disappoint
with its fi ve envelopes and fi ve LFOS
– not forgetting the polyphonic
aftertouch keyboard and other
controller sources all routed through
the 32-slot modulation matrix.
Special mention should be made of
the voice module options Analog Feel
and Warm Mode, and the very good
three-stage effects section with
excellent reverb. The arpeggiator also
feels well thought-out.
DELUXE MULTI MODE
The Hydrasynth Deluxe has double the voice count of
the original and can employ this in a dual layered, split
or overlapped confi guration with a complete, and entirely
separate, sound engine available to each. Unlike some
synths, where compromises have to be made when
combining independent patches, the Deluxe’s
multimode allows changes to be made and saved
completely separately to the Single mode patches. The
results of this dual approach can be extremely
compelling, especially once you realise that you have
two separate arpeggiators and two completely
independent multi-effects sections with which to play.
This type of fl exibility is great when it comes to detailed
sound design, but also offers a lot to the performing
musician where different sound elements can be
assigned to different areas of the keyboard.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Modal Argon 8X
£649
Modal’s Argon is an
all-digital 8-voice
wavetable synth with
an impressive spec
and free desktop
editor/librarian app.
modalelectronics.com
ASM Hydrasynth
Explorer £519
If you want the
Hydrasynth sound
engine, but don’t
need the split/
layering, larger
keyboard or as many
programming
controls the
Hydrasynth Explorer
may be enough.
ashunsoundmachines
Novation Summit
£1659
A great-sounding
hybrid synth, which
also has a dual mode
for layering and
splitting its voices.
novationmusic.com
Reviews | ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe
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