Nick Batt synth reviews tell me more than every other review I can find of the same synth combined. Every time I'm weighing a synth purchase decision, *these* are the videos I always come back to. Thank you for making them!
I whole heartedly agree. Great to hear someone who really knows their ship. SO MUCH INFO, so quickly from each of his videos. Heads above most of the 'reviewers' out there. What a great resource - especially for someone like me, who lives far (many many hours) from any major centre which might have something like this in stock.
This review clearly shows why you are my favourite synth reviewer and different (IMO better) than all the other synth reviewers. Not just focused on reiterating things you will find in the manual, you actually attempt to reconcile the musical possibilities with the technological capabilities so we can hear what we might do with it in a musical context. Keep up the good work!
Well said man. A bit effusive. Don't forget this is a job for Nick. He's gotta say nice things, or the gear flow stops. But yeah, you can subtly tell when he is slagging off a piece of gear, even though he is saying nice things. Likewise, you can tell when he really appreciates a bit of kit, like in this case, kind of bowled over.
@@EarmonkeyMusic Still, I would rather have the Hartmann Neuron....that was truly unique in the hardware world, and is quite literally a VST in a $4000 box. It's so foreign and alien. I wish more digital synths would not be afraid to dive off the deep end. I wish he would come back out with it or a MKII version. I want one but for their fragility....a 4k investment is 100% out of the window.
I don't think I've ever seen him this excited in a review before! You know a synth is good when someone gets exhausted from talking about how cool it is.
Wow, really impressed with this thing. My days of analog purism are in the past (seen too many with 'golden ears' who couldn't tell the difference in A/B tests), and I love to see someone really taking digital possibilities out there in a physical insttrument.
As a Microbrute and BSII owner, first thing I noticed is how non-digital it sounds. To my ears, its oscillators have part of the warm-sounding, pleasant character analog waveforms have. My brain instantly agrees with that quality of sound. I'm super-impressed. The filter also wowed me. It hits my aural spot. I like analog and digital synths alike...but this thing sounds unlike any other digital synth I've ever heard. When I heard the Peak and Summit, although I love Novation as a company, I yawned...Oxford oscillators and all. This Hydrasynth grabbed my attention from first listen of the raw saw wave.
@@jazzjeffjazzjeff The raw saw wave is actually really bright, but that's what subtractive synthesis is there for. And there are 200 other waves to play with.
I am so in love with this synth that it almost hurts a bit. After this video I’m going to have to go and buy a ring for it. The interface alone is a complete winner!
Would like to see a multi part review Nick, a deep synth deserves more than a singular review that really only skims the surface, and this synth looks deep. Harking back to your Peak review, which made me buy one by the way, i may not have parted with the cash unless you spread the review over 2 vids and really delved into the workings.
Well I ordered my Hydra in September and it arrived a week ago. The first day playing thru the presets kinda bummed me. THEN I WATCHED NICKS REVIEW AGAIN. NICK BASICALLY GIVES MINI TUTORIALS IN HIS REVIEWS. So I started creating my own sounds from scratch using the best synth interface I’ve ever used in my 35 years of owning too many synths to list here. THIS SYNTH IS JUST AMAZING. I can spit and growl and gurgle like a rabid Kracken. It’s the kinda synth a romulan would bring to audition for a Klingon band playing music written by a Vulcan. It’s truly capable of some very fresh tones but you gotta work for it and learn the hows-abouts of the interface. once you grasp it there’s so much fun to be had. Brilliant achievement.
Herbert ''It’s the kinda synth a romulan would bring to audition for a Klingon band playing music written by a Vulcan.'' 😂 No argument can win against this... I must buy!
It baffles me that I have a synth from the 80s with three oscillators, three LFOs and four envelopes and so few manufacturers try to beat that. And the front-panel approach is great: here it is again, better.
@@jm6734 So do I, and just as no one is saying it sounds like a CS-80, I don't think anyone here is saying that the Hydrasynth sounds like an ESQ-1 (although the Hydrasynth seems flexible enough that you could probably get it to if you really wanted). The comment(s) is/are more in regards to the layout, interface, general architecture and "spirit" of the synth.
Great review, as always. I love the fact this synth combines features everyone has been asking for but also an original sound engine and interface. Plus the icing on the cake....it’s affordable! Given the enthusiasm of Nicks demo, what an astonishing first effort from this company- they certainly have a sale as soon as I can get my hands on one!
For that given time of presentation, he covers clearly the main features of the Hydrasynth, with great enthusiasm and clarity while actually explaining the very essence of synthesis in some kind of way. Great review and beautiful instrument.
PWM Tip: Using the new PhasDiff mutator on a saw wave converts it to pulsewave with depth controlling the pulse width. This sounds much better and has none of the weird artifacts that the PWOrig mutator gives you.
The mod1 CV input can accept audio frequency signals, so it’s a great way to bring in external oscillators or other sounds, to be processed or combined w/ hydras FX and oscs. Neutron can make a great pair with it, since it’s line input can be brought up to eurorack levels via its CV audio output jack.
I'd seen a couple quick reviews of this synth...and I thought ok ,that's looking like a pretty neat machine . Then comes the Nick review.......whoa ..........this thing is luscious . The sounds you squeezed out of it , Nick , what are you some kind of wizard?!?!?
I would be interested to see how it works together with Analog Heat. I really do like the sound of the Hydrasynth, but I think with the Analog Heat (that Gaz Williams did an excellent video on as tool for mastering control) it would open up some additional sound possibilities.
+1 Own the Heat as well as the Drive, they both add warmth and mids to my digital stuff.... I run omnisphere back thru the Heat a lot. It really helps separate them from slightly overdriven guitar tracks, imo. (I use the Analog Drive on the Kemper KPA, the sweepable mid-thingy is indispensable for mixing that thing)
Firstly, I want to thank you for your endless video reviews, they have become an anchor for me as I decide what to buy. And it’s clear that you’re impressed with this synth and its possibilities with the digital Oscillators and Filters but you made 3 comments: 12:50 “…not a standard Oscillator” 16:00 “They are not analog filters but they are pretty good.” 22:35 “It’s not like analog oscillator into analog filter - ooohh that sounds nice.” that still hearken back to the Analog days. I believe that we are on the cusp of a major shift in synthesis. Analog was an amazing breakthrough but it does have a limit as to the truly different kinds of sounds it can create. Digital, however, extends that far beyond and, I believe, that synth manufacturers (and players alike) are understanding that the sounds that Digital can make are musically useful and allow for an almost limitless creative thread. So analog has its place and will always be loved for what it is but soon most new synths will be digital and really, Nick, they shouldn’t be compared anymore as evidenced by your amazement at how deep and unusual the ASM synth is… thank you again for taking your time to produce these fantastic videos!
I have been intrigued by the Hydrasynth for a long time, with its modulation and sound possibilities, but when a slew of wavetable synths hit the market around the same time, I noticed that they all made my ears start ringing after a few minutes of listening. I thought I'd give it a go again, hoping my ears would handle it now, but I'm only 7:23 into the video and my ears are already ringing, so, alas, not for me. I clearly have some kind of low-level tinnitus I usually don't notice that for some reason is triggered by the variation in aliasing you get when wavetables modulate wavetables. I don't know why that should be as the aliasing isn't clearly audible, but I guess it is there somewhere. I'm still fine with non-wavetable synths, luckily, both analogue and digital, so it's not like there's a lack of options, but, yes, the Hydrasynth is really cool.
Bought myself one for XMAS, finally sat down today to 'have a twiddle' what a bit of kit this is and thanks so much Nick for this AMAZING 'tutorial', i'll sling the manual in the bin now!! Happy New Year everyone :-)
I sure hope there is some breakthrough in desk space-increasing technology soon...... I can imagine Eric Persing making an amazing hardware template for this one....especially the arp section.
I was trying to decide between the DeepMind 12D or this in rack form. Nick's video showed me how well thought out the parameters are in terms of accessibility. So the ASM is now on order. Thanks Nick!
Looks like a beast of a machine both in terms of capabilities and build quality. Very interesting. The interface looks excellent as well. Very well laid out and does look intuitive. Having the CV stuff is a really nice touch as well. Fantastic to see such a well made and though out synth for a brand new company. What a start. Hope it does well. Sure it will.
I haven’t seen Nick this excited since he reviewed the Dominion 1. Which he ended up getting for himself...and sold me on. Maybe we will both end up with this too! I’m really digging this synth. That pulse width is legiiiiiit. Really creative interface design. Can’t wait to try it. This paired it a Peak would be a killer combo.
What a great looking, sounding and user friendly beast. It's about time something like this has evolved, hopefully it will give some of the other synth manufacturers a good kick in the arse. In particular Korg... ! Stagnant and same same are too many of the old timer designers. Nice work ASM. Great review bro, no way you could show everything by the looks.
Late to the party, but about to trade my Korg Prologue for this - love the Korg, but my studio needs a refresh. Very excited! Great demo as always, you and Bo Beats are the two reviewers I go to first.
The wavemorphing is actually 24bit internally, so you get 80 steps with the knob. However you get a much smoother transition when using a modulator since there's essentially 33 million waves between two waves. This has been discussed here: facebook.com/groups/354392362134625/permalink/623735895200269
Hey Nick, When you do your review of the desktop would you please explain in detail as to how the voices are allocated when you connect it to the synth to make a 16 voice synthesizer? Thank you!
Great demo. The sound quality of this demo, is a lot better than most, and makes me think of getting this. So far my only complaint about Hydra, is the other demos make it sound mushy and without clarity, and character. But with your demo, I can hear it can sound good. Thanks for doing what you do, and Happy New Year.
I get impatient too if the synth doesn’t ‘give it up’ easy, but I’m most impressed with my hydrasynth module and polyphonic pads. 10/10. Grab this Chinese digital synth now.
The User Interface is a lot of fun to watch. This synths sounds much to digital to my ears, so it depends on what you want to hear. Sweetwater has it for $1299.
ordered one of these half way through the first demo video the day the embargo was lifted and I got my paws on one at Knobcon. I can't wait until it shows up. They really got the poly AT and the bend strip right. You can easily articulate one note in a chord. Also, the engine in this thing is AWESOME. This isn't just another wavetable synth, this is like the Omnisphere of Wavetables. Its got huge amounts of depth and the modulation options are extremely flexible and useful. Plus you can make your own wavetables. I haven't been this excited about a new instrument in a long time.
It's amazing but I don't get why a fully digital synth has only 8 voices of polyphony. Same with the new Modal competitor. But the MC-101 has 128??? what am I missing here?
also it's monotimbral? how is it that the ESQ-1 from 1985 that this seems inspired by has more going for it aside from effects and number of wavetables? it's been 34 years...
Maybe it has something to do with the components. Perhaps these high end custom chips are more expensive and to keep the price reasonable they limit the voices. Or maybe they’ve done their homework and most people who are going to be buying the synth are content with 8 voices. Most likely it’s information that we won’t be privy to.
@@thedarkestrainbow I hear that. perhaps... ot certainly doesn't seem like it could be a DSP issue. this thing sounds incredible tho not trying to knock it. just curious.
What a remarkable synth. It looks good, sounds good, it has a pretty good ui and great playability and it's rather affordable. This is really incredible and should put most synth companies to shame. I really would love a bigger version with one more octave (and maybe a set of knobs for the envelopes). Anyway I'm sure I'm gonna have fun with this. Great job 👍
I have one of these (keyboard version) and it is an amazing synth. It is a kind of updated Alesis ion, which I owned long ago - also a three-oscillator 8-voice VA synth with a very similar form factor. But the Hydrasynth sounds better in every way, much beefier and many more possibilities. The Ion didn't have wavetables, just digital forms of basic analogue waves, but the oscillators were thin and digital sounding and sounded harsh when they beat together. It just shows the advances that have been made in VA synths in the last 15 years.
Good demo of what tends to be a fantastic synth. Thanks Nick, a well spent 29+ minutes. I was hoping you could shed some light on availability in the UK / Europe and the pounds / euro pricing. Currently it is only available for pre-order within the USA and rumoured to start shipping at 1 november. Also hope you get to keep it a while to bring us some friday fun with it.
Interested to know if: 1) Can the desktop module accept MIDI polyphonic aftertouch and ribbon-like performance from devices like Roli Seaboard, etc...? 2) Does Hydrasynth support microtonal tuning and/or uploading of Scala tuning files?
I've asked this very question of the ASM--no reply as of yet. I also asked Sweetwater to forward the question to Daniel Fisher. I would love to save $500 using the ASM Hydrasynth module and the Roli paired. That would be a monster combo ;)
I agree that the ASM module Paired with a Roli seaboard or Linnstrument would be a killer combination and an instant buy for me (and I’m guessing many many others) providing it supports polyphonic pitch bend as well as polyphonic aftertouch.
1) Yes, the module can accept midi poly AT and ribbon (because well, ribbon is just another modulation source. going further down this path, midi CC is supported in the mod matrix completely. let your mind chew on that for a bit to think up what other beautiful things you can do there. 2) Scala importing is not supported at this time. the keyboard and desktop have scale modes but not micro tuning at this time.
Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit - Do you know if they plan to support polyphonic pitch bend? That is the Feature that would make this an instant buy for me.
LOVE IT. It's a sound designer's dream. Ok, you may have to add some extra analog monosynth to the setup for that oomp bass, but other than that, this synth is just AWESOME
Very powerful synthesizer. Great specifications, polyphonic aftertouch, ribbon controller for a reasonable price. However, no UA-cam review has convinced me that the synth can sound good. This review didn't convince me either. Compare it to Nick's review of the Novation Summit, which sounds lovely imho...
@@sonicstate You are probably right. The interface is really smart and I certainly will try is myself when it is available. I really like the sounds in the Summit review and cannot say the same about the sounds in this review, except maybe for the last 5 minutes... But I have to admit this synth is very refreshing in concept and design.
@@sonicstate I'd say these two units are inferior to Peak and Summit in almost every way, except for poly AT keyboard, ribbon and those funky colour changing LEDs (though doesn't Summit have those? My Peak doesn't). It sounds ok, but not even better than my Boutique D-05 (based on late 80s tech) to my ears (but I'm mainly an analogue buff). I admit it's feature rich, and interesting, but it somehow sounds a bit harsh, sterile and cheap to me. I've seen a video where Glen says it's not computer, SHARC or FPGA tech, but everything is on one proprietary in house chip, I bet that's something like a risc phone cpu chip... I work in Clifton near Modal, so I'm biased, but I'll probably go for an Argon 8 and then wait for the Behringer poly AT key bed. Whether that appears only in their DS80 or standalone controller remains to be seen....🌝
It seems obvious that there's way more possibility in the Hydrasynth than the Summit, and showing off those possibilities entails some craziness and maybe less attention to filtering. It'd be interesting to see a video in which someone concentrates on bland sounds. God willing I'll get the chance.
Previous replies express my own feelings about this instrument and the reviews till now. Most reviews, Nick's included, tend to focus on the weird possibilities, instead of making wonderful and musical sounds. The result is that I still have no idea how it really sounds. What I've heard the Hydrasynth sounds indeed ok, but not exceptional. Rather harsh, cold and a bit sterile. It reminds me to the reviews of the Prophet 12. Seldom heard a really fine review, but just showing off the weird possibilities of that synth. I bought a P12 two years ago and it sounds very different than I expected based on most of the UA-cam demos. The P12 can sound beautiful and warm, despite the much maligned Curtis filter. Perhaps it is the same with the Hydrasynth, who knows. Nick's review of the Summit was exceptional. I was blown away by the simple sine wave demo through a modulated reverb. Nicks' review of the Summit pulled the trigger and I pre ordered a Summit. Till now, I think the Summit is superior to the Hydrasynth. Not feature wise of course, but the sound is lush, organic, musical and versatile. But I will give the Hydrasynth a chance. When it is available I certainly will try it and hope it will be the same experience I had with the P12. That said, Nick's review of the Hydrasynth was one of better ones.
It's been a while since I last saw you excited like this in a review. :) I got to play this at Knobcon. I don't typically think much of dedicated digital synths that feel like plugins in a box, but this.. this was really nice. Fantastic price, too.
Nick Batt synth reviews tell me more than every other review I can find of the same synth combined. Every time I'm weighing a synth purchase decision, *these* are the videos I always come back to. Thank you for making them!
Between Nick and loopop you pretty much know what needs to be known.
I whole heartedly agree. Great to hear someone who really knows their ship. SO MUCH INFO, so quickly from each of his videos.
Heads above most of the 'reviewers' out there. What a great resource - especially for someone like me, who lives far (many many hours) from any major centre which might have something like this in stock.
I play acoustic guitar and still watch this guy just because I love gear
@@LarsBjerregaard looks like we've stumbled upon the answer as to why other channels have so many less views lol
"Wavetable synthesis has been around for centuries" - Nick Batt
"Nick Batt has been around for centuries" - PWM (Love Nick Batt btw)
Loooool
20th and 21st centuries...Nick is right 🤔
Don't you know - besides of the Knights of the Wave Table, it has also been used by The Knights Who Say 'Ni!' ;D
McCloud, you cannot die you fool.
This review clearly shows why you are my favourite synth reviewer and different (IMO better) than all the other synth reviewers. Not just focused on reiterating things you will find in the manual, you actually attempt to reconcile the musical possibilities with the technological capabilities so we can hear what we might do with it in a musical context. Keep up the good work!
Well said man. A bit effusive. Don't forget this is a job for Nick. He's gotta say nice things, or the gear flow stops. But yeah, you can subtly tell when he is slagging off a piece of gear, even though he is saying nice things. Likewise, you can tell when he really appreciates a bit of kit, like in this case, kind of bowled over.
Corksniffers: psssh, it's a VST in a box.
Me: Finally a VST in a box!
I wish they would come back out with the Hartmann Neuron....it's very expensive used.
Actually, that was one of their goals. To do some of the cool stuff that VSTs have been doing, but in a hardware offering. I'm not complaining
@@EarmonkeyMusic Still, I would rather have the Hartmann Neuron....that was truly unique in the hardware world, and is quite literally a VST in a $4000 box. It's so foreign and alien. I wish more digital synths would not be afraid to dive off the deep end. I wish he would come back out with it or a MKII version. I want one but for their fragility....a 4k investment is 100% out of the window.
Corksniffer! Lexicon thusly expanded.
On a related subject, would it be feasible to run 2 laptops and keyboards for a vst
Thanks for the awesome review, Nick. Looks like a killer synth!
You are by far favourite synth channel! Thank you for all the tunes.
@@4TehLULZ1997 Thank you!
Nick made the Hydra joke I didn't dare do. Such a boss.
I don't think I've ever seen him this excited in a review before! You know a synth is good when someone gets exhausted from talking about how cool it is.
Yes, when the LFO doesn’t go through zero and Nick’s STILL excited, you know it’s something special 😁
Totally agree!
Yea I think he might have gotten a little overstimulated by the pwm capabilities.
Haha true
@Freeda Birda Just another great digital!
I guess it's a little past my one-year anniversary with the Hydrasynth. I'm still in love.
The best and most interesting digital synths are the ones that aren't trying to be analogue.
agreed i am sick of here’s “Virtual Analogue” every time a digital synth comes out
But MUH VINTAGE SYNTHS
@@10010011001100110101 It will only go out of tune if YOU want it to.
Synths looking forward into the future and not imitating the past
Wow, really impressed with this thing. My days of analog purism are in the past (seen too many with 'golden ears' who couldn't tell the difference in A/B tests), and I love to see someone really taking digital possibilities out there in a physical insttrument.
That bass/cello patch is genius
Voice fades into oblivion as he scans through wavetables. Love it.
Frozen shimmer reverb. Wow! I'm a snob and a grump but even my jaded jaw dropped at that moment.
As a Microbrute and BSII owner, first thing I noticed is how non-digital it sounds. To my ears, its oscillators have part of the warm-sounding, pleasant character analog waveforms have. My brain instantly agrees with that quality of sound. I'm super-impressed. The filter also wowed me. It hits my aural spot. I like analog and digital synths alike...but this thing sounds unlike any other digital synth I've ever heard. When I heard the Peak and Summit, although I love Novation as a company, I yawned...Oxford oscillators and all. This Hydrasynth grabbed my attention from first listen of the raw saw wave.
It sounds very digital to me, but that is not necessary a bad thing....
@@jazzjeffjazzjeff The raw saw wave is actually really bright, but that's what subtractive synthesis is there for. And there are 200 other waves to play with.
I am so in love with this synth that it almost hurts a bit. After this video I’m going to have to go and buy a ring for it. The interface alone is a complete winner!
i swear this is my dream synth ive never seen anything align so well with what i think a modern digital synthesizer should be
Would like to see a multi part review Nick, a deep synth deserves more than a singular review that really only skims the surface, and this synth looks deep. Harking back to your Peak review, which made me buy one by the way, i may not have parted with the cash unless you spread the review over 2 vids and really delved into the workings.
Fully agree! A complex instrument deserves more time. And keeping the videos short doesn't really serve any particular purpose does it?
Well I ordered my Hydra in September and it arrived a week ago. The first day playing thru the presets kinda bummed me. THEN I WATCHED NICKS REVIEW AGAIN. NICK BASICALLY GIVES MINI TUTORIALS IN HIS REVIEWS. So I started creating my own sounds from scratch using the best synth interface I’ve ever used in my 35 years of owning too many synths to list here. THIS SYNTH IS JUST AMAZING.
I can spit and growl and gurgle like a rabid Kracken. It’s the kinda synth a romulan would bring to audition for a Klingon band playing music written by a Vulcan.
It’s truly capable of some very fresh tones but you gotta work for it and learn the hows-abouts of the interface. once you grasp it there’s so much fun to be had.
Brilliant achievement.
Herbert
''It’s the kinda synth a romulan would bring to audition for a Klingon band playing music written by a Vulcan.''
😂 No argument can win against this... I must buy!
Forget about the CS-80, they seem to have really been inspired by the Ensoniq ESQ-1 and SQ-80.
It baffles me that I have a synth from the 80s with three oscillators, three LFOs and four envelopes and so few manufacturers try to beat that. And the front-panel approach is great: here it is again, better.
The ESQ-1 is a beast. I love mine and it keeps surprising me even when it doesn’t have any on board effects.
I really wanted an esq-1 but settled for a zr-76 instead 🤔
Except that it doest sound like a toy
@@jm6734 So do I, and just as no one is saying it sounds like a CS-80, I don't think anyone here is saying that the Hydrasynth sounds like an ESQ-1 (although the Hydrasynth seems flexible enough that you could probably get it to if you really wanted). The comment(s) is/are more in regards to the layout, interface, general architecture and "spirit" of the synth.
This is the first synth I've lusted after in a long time (not counting your Jupiter 6)
Great synth indeed, thanks for the review, Nick. It's like Serum or Pigments in a hardware synth :)
I just got mine today. My first real hardware synth, unless you include volcas and the like. I was blown away by the sound. And the keybed is amazing.
Great review, as always. I love the fact this synth combines features everyone has been asking for but also an original sound engine and interface. Plus the icing on the cake....it’s affordable! Given the enthusiasm of Nicks demo, what an astonishing first effort from this company- they certainly have a sale as soon as I can get my hands on one!
They could have just said $3,000 and people would have lined up, noses in the air, money in hand. But they made it affordable! God bless them!
For every synth that dies, two shall arise!
For that given time of presentation, he covers clearly the main features of the Hydrasynth, with great enthusiasm and clarity while actually explaining the very essence of synthesis in some kind of way. Great review and beautiful instrument.
You forgot the LFO-Sequencer! And much more... Please a second part!
Frank Schneider also the labia!
@@HotStrange LOL, did not know it had that.
I'll have to give it a closer look...
That modulation at 07:00, that's what my Rev 2 can't do and that's why I want this synth. Awesome review Nick!
PWM Tip: Using the new PhasDiff mutator on a saw wave converts it to pulsewave with depth controlling the pulse width. This sounds much better and has none of the weird artifacts that the PWOrig mutator gives you.
Nice !
Must try to remember to try this.
The mod1 CV input can accept audio frequency signals, so it’s a great way to bring in external oscillators or other sounds, to be processed or combined w/ hydras FX and oscs. Neutron can make a great pair with it, since it’s line input can be brought up to eurorack levels via its CV audio output jack.
Awesome synth, great design, great sound, great value!
:D
It's a drum and bass producers dream
I'd seen a couple quick reviews of this synth...and I thought ok ,that's looking like a pretty neat machine . Then comes the Nick review.......whoa ..........this thing is luscious . The sounds you squeezed out of it , Nick , what are you some kind of wizard?!?!?
Yes, Nick is a synth wizard.
I would be interested to see how it works together with Analog Heat. I really do like the sound of the Hydrasynth, but I think with the Analog Heat (that Gaz Williams did an excellent video on as tool for mastering control) it would open up some additional sound possibilities.
+1
Own the Heat as well as the Drive, they both add warmth and mids to my digital stuff.... I run omnisphere back thru the Heat a lot.
It really helps separate them from slightly overdriven guitar tracks, imo.
(I use the Analog Drive on the Kemper KPA, the sweepable mid-thingy is indispensable for mixing that thing)
Impressive, but blimey it would take me years to get a handle on that thing. Sound designer's dream, though. I'd just never get anything recorded.
My main issue with it to be honest. I love it but it look so deep.
Firstly, I want to thank you for your endless video reviews, they have become an anchor for me as I decide what to buy. And it’s clear that you’re impressed with this synth and its possibilities with the digital Oscillators and Filters but you made 3 comments:
12:50 “…not a standard Oscillator”
16:00 “They are not analog filters but they are pretty good.”
22:35 “It’s not like analog oscillator into analog filter - ooohh that sounds nice.”
that still hearken back to the Analog days. I believe that we are on the cusp of a major shift in synthesis. Analog was an amazing breakthrough but it does have a limit as to the truly different kinds of sounds it can create. Digital, however, extends that far beyond and, I believe, that synth manufacturers (and players alike) are understanding that the sounds that Digital can make are musically useful and allow for an almost limitless creative thread. So analog has its place and will always be loved for what it is but soon most new synths will be digital and really, Nick, they shouldn’t be compared anymore as evidenced by your amazement at how deep and unusual the ASM synth is…
thank you again for taking your time to produce these fantastic videos!
WOW!! Not even 8 minutes in and I am already sold. So many creative ideas buzzing through my head already... HAIL HYDRA!
If this is not a future classic, I don't know what is.
I have been intrigued by the Hydrasynth for a long time, with its modulation and sound possibilities, but when a slew of wavetable synths hit the market around the same time, I noticed that they all made my ears start ringing after a few minutes of listening. I thought I'd give it a go again, hoping my ears would handle it now, but I'm only 7:23 into the video and my ears are already ringing, so, alas, not for me.
I clearly have some kind of low-level tinnitus I usually don't notice that for some reason is triggered by the variation in aliasing you get when wavetables modulate wavetables. I don't know why that should be as the aliasing isn't clearly audible, but I guess it is there somewhere. I'm still fine with non-wavetable synths, luckily, both analogue and digital, so it's not like there's a lack of options, but, yes, the Hydrasynth is really cool.
Reminds me a little bit of Serum honestly. Love it!
Bought myself one for XMAS, finally sat down today to 'have a twiddle' what a bit of kit this is and thanks so much Nick for this AMAZING 'tutorial', i'll sling the manual in the bin now!! Happy New Year everyone :-)
I can’t WAIT to get mine!!! Preordered from Sweetwater! Those guys said this thing is a BEAST!!!!!!!!
10:47 Nick: „Have no idea what it‘s doing but it‘s really interesting“ 🤣👍
Thanks again for a great review. Great synth with lots of possibilities . Sounds deep.
Watched this and bought one five minutes later even though my synth budget was already LONG GONE.
I'm supposed to be saving for my new house 😭
@@csharp57 So was I. I spent around $6000 on synths the last couple months. Oops. Oh well.
Help me stop!
@@cellardoreproductions I can't help you. I'm grabbing every dime I can get to buy the Hydrasynth. You're on your own
@@csharp57 :)
Can we get a Friday Fun with this synth? Great review!
Oh how long I’ve waited for this pun.
The layout and control is very impressive. Whilst very deep it looks simple to navigate.
7:50 mark...aannnd im sold.
What’s tators precious?
MU-TA-TORS. Mix ‘em mash ‘em put ‘em in a stew!
I sure hope there is some breakthrough in desk space-increasing technology soon......
I can imagine Eric Persing making an amazing hardware template for this one....especially the arp section.
I was trying to decide between the DeepMind 12D or this in rack form. Nick's video showed me how well thought out the parameters are in terms of accessibility. So the ASM is now on order. Thanks Nick!
When you say "crikey" something is happening.
Whoops-a-daisy is another English classic.
WOOPS MISSUS MIGGINS YOURE SITTING ON MY ARTICHOKES
This synth is no-brainer purchase. They really got this right.
Been digital since the wavestation
This thing is designed for DnB. So happy to see something other than yet one more basic assed analogue synth. Can't wait to get my hands on one!
Looks like a beast of a machine both in terms of capabilities and build quality. Very interesting. The interface looks excellent as well. Very well laid out and does look intuitive. Having the CV stuff is a really nice touch as well. Fantastic to see such a well made and though out synth for a brand new company. What a start. Hope it does well. Sure it will.
Wow that was a lot of specs you went over nick. Amazing job 👌 this synth seems like a pad makers dream!
I haven’t seen Nick this excited since he reviewed the Dominion 1. Which he ended up getting for himself...and sold me on. Maybe we will both end up with this too! I’m really digging this synth. That pulse width is legiiiiiit. Really creative interface design. Can’t wait to try it. This paired it a Peak would be a killer combo.
I enjoyed your enthusiasm for this synth. This is a no brainer purchase for me. Sounds amazing! Thanks for the review :)
What a great looking, sounding and user friendly beast. It's about time something like this has evolved, hopefully it will give some of the other synth manufacturers a good kick in the arse. In particular Korg... ! Stagnant and same same are too many of the old timer designers. Nice work ASM. Great review bro, no way you could show everything by the looks.
Late to the party, but about to trade my Korg Prologue for this - love the Korg, but my studio needs a refresh. Very excited! Great demo as always, you and Bo Beats are the two reviewers I go to first.
The wavemorphing is actually 24bit internally, so you get 80 steps with the knob. However you get a much smoother transition when using a modulator since there's essentially 33 million waves between two waves.
This has been discussed here:
facebook.com/groups/354392362134625/permalink/623735895200269
Well done ASM, a glowing review!
Nick, you don`t sound too good chap. Lemsip/synth recommended.
Beautiful synth and I love Nick's Pittsburgh Modular shirt!
I nearly spat a biscuit into my coffee - wtf - someone said he lost a kilo or two and that daggy outer shirt
Hey Nick, When you do your review of the desktop would you please explain in detail as to how the voices are allocated when you connect it to the synth to make a 16 voice synthesizer? Thank you!
It's a wolf in wolf's clothing.
Good it's not a Timbre Wolf :)
Wolfgang Palm!
@@Digiphex Wolfgang Facepalm!
Great demo.
The sound quality of this demo, is a lot better than most, and makes me think of getting this.
So far my only complaint about Hydra, is the other demos make it sound mushy and without clarity, and character.
But with your demo, I can hear it can sound good.
Thanks for doing what you do, and Happy New Year.
I get impatient too if the synth doesn’t ‘give it up’ easy, but I’m most impressed with my hydrasynth module and polyphonic pads. 10/10. Grab this Chinese digital synth now.
Crikey! This would be the synth to have if you are into modern music production.
Can't wait to buy this beast.
lol love the title "Hail Hydrasynth" but looks and sounds amazing :)
Sounds awesome through a mixer...these WTSs are getting to be almost more analogue than analogue
The User Interface is a lot of fun to watch. This synths sounds much to digital to my ears, so it depends on what you want to hear. Sweetwater has it for $1299.
"A bit 'corgi' in design". Well, Corgi's are one of the most smart doggies there are (and one of the cutest), so good call Nick.
Actually I think the reference was Corgi toys.. a British thing: www.corgi.co.uk/shop/vehicles/cars-motorsport-1.html.
ordered one of these half way through the first demo video the day the embargo was lifted and I got my paws on one at Knobcon. I can't wait until it shows up. They really got the poly AT and the bend strip right. You can easily articulate one note in a chord. Also, the engine in this thing is AWESOME. This isn't just another wavetable synth, this is like the Omnisphere of Wavetables. Its got huge amounts of depth and the modulation options are extremely flexible and useful. Plus you can make your own wavetables. I haven't been this excited about a new instrument in a long time.
It's amazing but I don't get why a fully digital synth has only 8 voices of polyphony. Same with the new Modal competitor. But the MC-101 has 128??? what am I missing here?
also it's monotimbral? how is it that the ESQ-1 from 1985 that this seems inspired by has more going for it aside from effects and number of wavetables? it's been 34 years...
Maybe it has something to do with the components. Perhaps these high end custom chips are more expensive and to keep the price reasonable they limit the voices. Or maybe they’ve done their homework and most people who are going to be buying the synth are content with 8 voices. Most likely it’s information that we won’t be privy to.
@@thedarkestrainbow I hear that. perhaps... ot certainly doesn't seem like it could be a DSP issue. this thing sounds incredible tho not trying to knock it. just curious.
Innovation NOT relegation! I want this synth so hard
I haven't been this excited by a synth in awhile. Great review!
This digital-synth is a beast.
Play The Stranglers “Golden Brown” using that Wave Cello patch.
.....and put some chorus on it. I was talking to my computer saying "put some chorus on it!"
5.07 You know a synth is good when it momentarily makes you into Zippy from Rainbow
I thought he was more Geoffrey
What a remarkable synth. It looks good, sounds good, it has a pretty good ui and great playability and it's rather affordable. This is really incredible and should put most synth companies to shame. I really would love a bigger version with one more octave (and maybe a set of knobs for the envelopes). Anyway I'm sure I'm gonna have fun with this. Great job 👍
This synth needs Jexus! 😍
I have one of these (keyboard version) and it is an amazing synth. It is a kind of updated Alesis ion, which I owned long ago - also a three-oscillator 8-voice VA synth with a very similar form factor. But the Hydrasynth sounds better in every way, much beefier and many more possibilities. The Ion didn't have wavetables, just digital forms of basic analogue waves, but the oscillators were thin and digital sounding and sounded harsh when they beat together. It just shows the advances that have been made in VA synths in the last 15 years.
Good demo of what tends to be a fantastic synth. Thanks Nick, a well spent 29+ minutes.
I was hoping you could shed some light on availability in the UK / Europe and the pounds / euro pricing. Currently it is only available for pre-order within the USA and rumoured to start shipping at 1 november.
Also hope you get to keep it a while to bring us some friday fun with it.
Very nice synth... Polyphonic after touch? How freakin sweet is that?
Interested to know if:
1) Can the desktop module accept MIDI polyphonic aftertouch and ribbon-like performance from devices like Roli Seaboard, etc...?
2) Does Hydrasynth support microtonal tuning and/or uploading of Scala tuning files?
I've asked this very question of the ASM--no reply as of yet. I also asked Sweetwater to forward the question to Daniel Fisher. I would love to save $500 using the ASM Hydrasynth module and the Roli paired. That would be a monster combo ;)
I agree that the ASM module Paired with a Roli seaboard or Linnstrument would be a killer combination and an instant buy for me (and I’m guessing many many others) providing it supports polyphonic pitch bend as well as polyphonic aftertouch.
1) Yes, the module can accept midi poly AT and ribbon (because well, ribbon is just another modulation source. going further down this path, midi CC is supported in the mod matrix completely. let your mind chew on that for a bit to think up what other beautiful things you can do there.
2) Scala importing is not supported at this time. the keyboard and desktop have scale modes but not micro tuning at this time.
Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit - thanks! I’m sure they could add microtuning via firmware update later - great news - I’m SOLD! 😂
Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit - Do you know if they plan to support polyphonic pitch bend? That is the Feature that would make this an instant buy for me.
Slowly transitioned into being over my head about 1/2 way in. I'm glad he understands, but I'm a bit lost.
well done, nick. this is the best i've heard it sounding by far. thanks!
“There are multiple types of PWM.”
*Lazer Eyes Activated*
what a monster of a synth!
LOVE IT. It's a sound designer's dream. Ok, you may have to add some extra analog monosynth to the setup for that oomp bass, but other than that, this synth is just AWESOME
Very powerful synthesizer. Great specifications, polyphonic aftertouch, ribbon controller for a reasonable price.
However, no UA-cam review has convinced me that the synth can sound good. This review didn't convince me either.
Compare it to Nick's review of the Novation Summit, which sounds lovely imho...
Interesting. It's a great synth to make sounds on. More immediate than the peak/summit method. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much
@@sonicstate You are probably right. The interface is really smart and I certainly will try is myself when it is available. I really like the sounds in the Summit review and cannot say the same about the sounds in this review, except maybe for the last 5 minutes... But I have to admit this synth is very refreshing in concept and design.
@@sonicstate I'd say these two units are inferior to Peak and Summit in almost every way, except for poly AT keyboard, ribbon and those funky colour changing LEDs (though doesn't Summit have those? My Peak doesn't). It sounds ok, but not even better than my Boutique D-05 (based on late 80s tech) to my ears (but I'm mainly an analogue buff). I admit it's feature rich, and interesting, but it somehow sounds a bit harsh, sterile and cheap to me.
I've seen a video where Glen says it's not computer, SHARC or FPGA tech, but everything is on one proprietary in house chip, I bet that's something like a risc phone cpu chip...
I work in Clifton near Modal, so I'm biased, but I'll probably go for an Argon 8 and then wait for the Behringer poly AT key bed. Whether that appears only in their DS80 or standalone controller remains to be seen....🌝
It seems obvious that there's way more possibility in the Hydrasynth than the Summit, and showing off those possibilities entails some craziness and maybe less attention to filtering. It'd be interesting to see a video in which someone concentrates on bland sounds. God willing I'll get the chance.
Previous replies express my own feelings about this instrument and the reviews till now. Most reviews, Nick's included, tend to focus on the weird possibilities, instead of making wonderful and musical sounds. The result is that I still have no idea how it really sounds. What I've heard the Hydrasynth sounds indeed ok, but not exceptional. Rather harsh, cold and a bit sterile.
It reminds me to the reviews of the Prophet 12. Seldom heard a really fine review, but just showing off the weird possibilities of that synth. I bought a P12 two years ago and it sounds very different than I expected based on most of the UA-cam demos. The P12 can sound beautiful and warm, despite the much maligned Curtis filter. Perhaps it is the same with the Hydrasynth, who knows.
Nick's review of the Summit was exceptional. I was blown away by the simple sine wave demo through a modulated reverb. Nicks' review of the Summit pulled the trigger and I pre ordered a Summit. Till now, I think the Summit is superior to the Hydrasynth. Not feature wise of course, but the sound is lush, organic, musical and versatile. But I will give the Hydrasynth a chance. When it is available I certainly will try it and hope it will be the same experience I had with the P12.
That said, Nick's review of the Hydrasynth was one of better ones.
It's been a while since I last saw you excited like this in a review. :)
I got to play this at Knobcon. I don't typically think much of dedicated digital synths that feel like plugins in a box, but this.. this was really nice. Fantastic price, too.
Great review , as always. Thanks. Thinking of buying one .
12:34 Crikey!
😀
26:31 Wow!
😂 .. . 26:21 Me: WOW!
You know it's a good product when a man goes 'Ooo'
7:55
Instant classic...great synth & great review thx!