It is 20to September as I leave my comment in this thread. The last time I bought a synthesizer was in March 2020. I’m actually resisting getting another, even though both Hydrasynth and Take 5 are calling out to me.
Great presentation Scott. My HS Deluxe is blowing my mind regularly. I appreciate your comments stating that this synth is so versatile compared to many others. If I focus on your comments that might work to attenuate my G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). All the best!
- That was SuperTramp, right ? The Logical Song I believe. - Yes, the Hydrasynth sounds amazing. I loved it since I first saw Claudio showcase it. - Your studio is indeed very well equiped.
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021 I think I'd take Claudio's studio over mine! I have a couple things he doesn't have, but he's got some AMAZING gear! You can see my studio in this video: ua-cam.com/video/fIY7g_wWquc/v-deo.html
Hah, I got mine because of Claudio's video on it too... and related to this video, it's the only synth I own. I was looking for something that was versatile and I could grow into and as a guitar player the polyphonic aftertouch was a must.
I've been watching for a while, am a synth enthusiast and a keyboard player. After discovering your channel, I've kinda stopped watching most other synth related UA-cam content. You're very relatable ! keep up the good work mate, much love!
I didn't say everyone, it's just a couple.. time is finite after all, this is me saying something nice about you without taking away from other UA-camrs :)@@ScottsSynthStuff
The hydra scent can do everything for sure and if you don’t think so then you just don’t know what you’re doing yet. It can sound warm and can sound harsh. The modulation capabilities are insane.
I'm stoked. I've had the Explorer since April and I REALLY like it. I found a blemished Deluxe, but ZZounds says it's in working order. I am likely going to move that one to the studio and use my Explorer in the house for couch jam sessions.
I've had the Explorer as my first and only synth for about 2 years now and I still love it and enjoy it to this day. Super happy I got it even though I just want more more lol.
Great vid! I just got the Hydrasynth Deluxe last week and love it. Some beautiful and complex sounds. For the people wanting to hate on it you obviously don’t understand synthesis. If you want a “real” piano sound lug a piano around or at least get something that plays samples or modeling not synthesis. My Roland RD700NX does that beautifully but I would never compare the two. Synths have a unique sound which is why it invented new genres! Take for instance the Yamaha DX 7. A unique electric piano sound that sounded nothing like it’s forerunners but became so ubiquitous that my Hydrasynth and Roland JDxi have a patch that emulates it closely. 😃
Great video, Scott! I have had an Yamaha MODX-6 for 5 years, but earlier this year I bought the Hydrasynth Explorer to dive deeper into analog synthesis. It is stellar for that. But I also love the MODX's FM engine, which creates classic sounds that are in a class all by themselves. The Hydrasynth gets close with the mutants, but the MODX wins on all FM sounds. I have the best of both worlds now, analog and FM synthesis! 😊 Keep the vids coming!
@@LaurensLeurs I think they meant _analog style_ synthesis, which is one of several styles Hydra can do. Whether it's truly analog or a digital model, that's mostly just an implementation detail. Digital and analog sound virtually indistinguishable these days.
I'd already committed my future self to the Hydrasynth Deluxe, and your measured + honest take of its *limitations* has further solidified my choice. I want this incredible machine, and even tho it "can do everything" it is crucial to find out things like you pointed out about its ability to play "normal piano" when compared to other offerings. I'm so excited to eventually get the Deluxe.. and several other synths for my future studio setup to complete both sound modeling and live performance. Thanks for this!
GrassStrings on thexoriginal Hydrasynth. Incredible. There was an electric pino sound that was a bit too percussive for me and I changed it and it became gorgeous to my ears. Maybe meant to be a bit of an FM piano sound but very warm and vibrant. Can't recall the patch name.
in the hydrasynth menu now, with original factory presets sorted by name. there are two starting with "grass": Grassland DA (A071) and Grasslands (A047)
I've found that a lot of the presets are somewhat lackluster and don't always demonstrate what the unit can do. A little playing around and tweaking will reveal more power than is advertised. :3 It had me giggling for days after receiving mine.
If you need to play live and it is paying gigs then just do what so many of the touring pros do - get the Nord that covers the sound you need. Hydrasynth can cover a lot of bases, but it is optimized for studio work and sound design. If willing to buy from Thomann then Iridium KB is also worth consideration as you can load your own samples, the granular engine is pretty capable, and FM is more Yamaha DX like in the implementation though Hydra has great FM capabilities. Either synth is capable of a LOT of things and personally I lean to the Hydra, but not by much...
The hydra scent can do everything for sure and if you don’t think so then you just don’t know what you’re doing yet. It can sound warm and can sound harsh. The modulation capabilities are insane.
The Novation Summit is my all in one Synth, I've got beautiful oberheim and prophet sounds from it and of course everything else in between. The hydrasynth is a super Synth for sure, no doubt about it.
The new Montage is getting a 2nd screen with macro knobs, just like your Hydrasynth has its LED scribble strips. Then it has the sliders, too, and a large touchscreen, and multisamples for acoustic sounds. One of them will cost you a few Hydrasynths, is the rub...
I'd stick to your original answer. The Hydrasynth's piano and EP's sound very fake, or rather, synth-like. Not realistic or too acceptable today. Maybe in the 80s when we had to settle for bad pianos in a portable keyboard. Probably some great synth patches however. The long ribbon controller would be a welcome feature to have in many synths. I wish Yamaha, Korg and Roland would include one. Since he mentioned a strong preference for a lot of real-time controls, I'm thinking the Korg WaveState SE with a greater range of keys vs the really limited amount of the original version might be a good choice. The Montage or MODX might be a more versatile keyboard over all, but as for real-time controls for sound design, the Wavestate probably bridges those controls of an analog style synth with decent sample abilities too, need for some acoustic instrument sounds.
Well, it's a subtractive VA/wavetable synth, it was never intended to be able to play piano - but the fact that you can get piano-ish sounds out of it is due to the flexibility of its synth engine.
Waldorf iridium keys version. 3rd Wave. Super Gemini. Arturia Polybrute. OB6. The only thing im short of is the £15.000:). ..then I'm done. Oh...Hologram Microcosm too!! Oh and the Soma Cosmos. And a Full build Behringer 2500 sydtem. Why didn't i just take up playing the Triangle lol.
Yeah, I have also a Deluxe Version.. For me one of the best synth ever. Its hard to find other stuff cool, even it is. But the Hydra can really almost everything. The soundpalette is so big, I had my life a lot of synths also old stuff. But no other synth doesnt matter wich one it was, was like the Hydrasynth so capable of... Amazing tool, and for the prize it costs a cheap one.. If you look na to Super Gemini or the Arturia Polybrute 12 wich I favorite yet.. Its hard really. I dont think they can much more than the Hydra can produce.. Thats Reality, Theres a King out there and thats for me the Hydrasynth Deluxe with 16 Voices..
So I think I’d still want 2 synths on tour on a column stand . One workstation and one VAS or AS . I am considering getting the new montage and retiring my motif Es 8 after 20+ years
I'd want two simply because some songs are easier to manage on two machines than one (e.g., Depeche Mode). But it seems one could be the Hydrasynth .... hmm ...
Great video, Scott. I saw your other video about the woes of Modal. Looks like we're both in the same city; strange our paths haven't crossed yet! Loving the content. Subscribed. I"m also a Hydrasynth fan. I love my 49 and want an Explorer at some point.
It does have wavetable so it should be able to make an fairly decent Piano compared with 80-90's stuff. The old Roland SA Piano synthese wasn't sounding particulary good compared to later sampled Pianos, but it made a huge inpact on the sales how expressive it was .. and the little detail that a little Piano player and singer from England made the RD-1000 world-wide fameous 🙃
Hi Scott, what about the Jupiter X? I own the Xm and it can do all the required stuff: Real Pianos, real strings etc. and all the synths with knobs like the guy wanted... I'm really enjoying your videos...keep going!
@@ScottsSynthStuff I found out about the show quite late, but they're always great live! I'll keep my eyes peeled for when they play next. That reminds me that I need to re-listen to the CD Rob gave me when I saw them live last. That's a while ago when Don Berns was still alive. Don introduced us and I went with Don and Dave 'Marsbar' Marsden.
I've vascillated on the Virus - it sounds amazing, I'm less enthralled with its user interface, and REALLY not impressed at how it has been utterly abandoned by its manufacturer. Plus the fact that they are still charging $2600 for a synth that has been essentially unchanged for over 14 years.
I've got a Virus B and love how it sounds. Fortunately still have an old PC to run the long-abandoned Sounddiver editor that makes programming it sooo much easier. Apple bought their parent company and shut it down. Iirc, Waldorf actually went thru bankruptcy/sold.
I like that approach. It's the way people have been doing it before the advent of the Korg M1. My JX-8P has quite an interesting and usable -E-Piano sound from plain analog synthesis. And in every Synth of that time there was some Wurlitzer emulation. However I would have liked some actual synth sound of the Hydra as well. You know if one needs that Synth Horns, Brass, Synthstrings, Synth bass, Pads, Sweeps analog synths are typically known for. How do these sound on the digital Hydra. Another thing came to my mind. So you friend wants something tweakable like an analog synth to learn synthesis. But with the Hydra would he really learn to adapt the piano to his taste? By the way I thought about other recommendations and maybe the NordWave2 would be an option as well. But there aren't many which use samples as a base but have direct access.
Great vid Scott. I'm not super impressed with Hydra's preset 'real' instruments, but it should be said that there likely already exists far better patches online, perhaps free or for purchase, and if not, there will be. Side note: I found some VERY impressive E-piano patches in my Virus Ti2. Thanks again Scott. CHeers!
Agreed, some of the third-party sound designers have made some amazing sounds. I actually have a better piano sound in my Hydrasynth, but I figured I would show the factory one that everyone with a Hydrasynth already has.
You should look into the Korg modwave, not only a very powerful wavetable synth on par with the hydrasynth, with some added bonuses like able to load your own wavetables, among other things the hydrasynth doesn't have, but also it comes with gigabytes of samples like piano etc and you're able to load your own samples as well, so it can also be a sample player/rompler. Hydrasynth is awesome, but I think the modwave has it beat in able to actually do everything in my opinion.
Agree with you about the Hydrasynth, it is unique (got-it-all) kinda synth, but I thought you would prefer the Fantom over the Montage! What makes you bias toward Montage?
I've used Yamaha for maaaany years, and I know the Montage inside out. I can do things on the Montage easily that are an exercise in frustration (or impossible) on the Fantom. The user interface in the Fantom is...substandard and frustrating.
Great to see ... and that's what I've also found out ... the "Deluxe Piano" sounds pretty nice (and surely sufficient for my purposes) 😉. Although "Deluxe Piano" is intended to be for the Deluxe (I guess) it also working on the Desktop & the "normal" Hydrasynth. BTW: Regarding "new gear" ... what about a Blofeld ... in a good used condition really worth the money.
Dependent on personal taste you can use just about any brand out there, Roland, Korg, Yamaha. They all around 50% based on sampling plus different kind of synth engines. I would propably go between a Montage and a kronos/Nautilus but really any stage type of keyboard also fine, even Nords even the red color gives me a rash 😆
I went back to Firmware 1.1.0 to the Deluxe version :( .....from 2.0. and 2.1.0 makes some terrible noises when I navigate through the presets from the knobs. Is there something wrong with the newer firmware editions? I have saw that several people complained about this problem, they even returned the devices to the factory. I see that this problem does not appear on firmware 1.1.0.
I have the rack version. My goal was to have a wavetable-style synth that would allow me to come up with stuff similar to the Malstrom in Reason. I still haven't dug into it very deeply. I know the Malastrom uses samples and there are some differences between the two but I wonder how close it could get to that sound.
Scott, have you tried controlling a Prophet 5/10 with the polyphonic aftertouch on the Hydrasynth? I tried searching the Internet to see if it was possible but the few discussions about it are full of contradictory information and people flaming each other, so I figured I'd ask you.
I have not, but I've played several other synths (and softsynths) that support polyphonic aftertouch from my Hydrasynth, and they work great - I didn't have to change anything, they just worked.
Meh ... I'm hearing a lot of "get away with it" and "sort of sounds like". Personal opinion is I'm sticking with my MODX7 and Wavestate for on-stage work. MODX piano is awesome and organs are really good - perhaps not as good as the Arturia suite but I don't want to lug a laptop and the new Arturia Astrolab is not quite making a convincing argument for me.
Great video! Subscribed. The Hydrasynth has been on my radar for a while now. I do most of my playing on a Roland Fantom, and have a Novation SL Mk 3 for VSTs. Would appreciate your thoughts on Desktop vs Explorer as an addition to my setup. Thanks!
I was thinking... "but my Hydrasynth doesn't have the piano patch, maybe is a deluxe only patch", and I realized that the piano patch comes with the Patch Manager 2.0.
Oh dear Scott those piano sounds are so awful. Even buried in a mix I could never bring myself to use them. I know you are fond of the Hydrasynth but I think you were blinded by love this time. Thanks for being you and doing synth stuff for us synth fans.
We'll just have to agree to disagree about this @@darryldouglas6004 ! But that's fine, the Hydrasynth is still top-notch synth and has a place on my GAS list,
I love love loved the programmability of the synth. Almost anything you can think of you can program. I just was not thrilled with the sound character. It was sterile and didnt sound like much, lacked character. Thats my opinion but when I compare it to my other synths like my Moog and even my sledge it just lacked something. I created some very fun and cool patches and it was great but I had to get rid of me because the sound was not inspiring. YMMV of course and this is just my opinion, Its still an awesome synth and can find its way into many production songs because it can do anything you need.
The band that I currently play with most Saturdays doesn’t usually perform live. When I go there, I play the house Keyboard, a Roland VR-09B, along with a synthesizer I tote with me, a .Korg ARPOdyssey. I thought about instead bringing a polyphonic model with me with presets. I was leaning toward the sequential take five, but the 49-key Hydrasynth is also speaking to me. Most times, the first song we play is a cover of “Lucky Man”. This might be a silly question, but is it possible to create a Hydrasynth patch just to emulate the sounds on that particular song? I also find myself doing a lot of single-oscillator monophonic patches.
3:38 to skip plugs and intro, and get to the topic at hand. Not that the plug isn't worthwhile, but only to those likely to get to El Mocambo in the next week.
All that synth is missing now is a good distortion. It's the only reason I'm still considering getting a trigon 6 from sequential. The 3 distortion options on the current hydra simply won't do the same thing
Scott, without going into too much detail as I do respect your time - can you tell me if the Hydrasynth (Explorer) can do the same sort of sounds as a Korg Wavestate? I am relatively new to synths, as I'm a guitar player first, but I do have a Novation Bass Station II, and that was my first one and I do love it. I'm looking for a bit more as far as sounds go. I'm sure I sound very ignorant and I do apologize, but I've been heavily debating on both of those synths for awhile. I love both presets and exploring sound design. And I narrowed what I want down to being a wavetable synth I believe. I almost had my mind made up on the Wavestate, but then thought about how much I hear "the hydra synth can do anything"...
I have had both, though I had the Hydra 49. The answer to your question is that it really depends on what you’re looking for. They’re two completely different beasts. If you have the ability to test them out, I would encourage that. Otherwise, maybe watch more UA-cam videos. I ended up feeling both were too hard for me to use to their full utility. Hydrasynth is far superior when it comes to quality…hard for me to say, as I tend to love Korgs, but I don’t like the quality of the Wavestate. Would not buy another one. I will probably buy a Hydrasynth Deluxe at some point.
The Hydrasynth is a beast! I was debating between the System 8 and the Hydra but at the end the plugouts won my heart. Thanks Scott your synth videos are a jewel
Having had both for the past year or more, I can say there is no real contest -- you can do much more with the HS than the S8: poly AT alone makes the HS respond unlike the S8. However, that may be more than you wish to manage, at least in a concert setting. This is why I have the HS at home for fun and exploration, and the S8 as part of my current stage rig. But Scott's video here may change my mind about that :)
Not a fan of that A11 piano sound at all. But I get that it could pass in a pinch. Sounds more like the attack of a guitar, but the sustain of a piano. Something like that. I think I'd be way more interested in the rest of what the Hydrasynth can do. The Wurlitzer sound is much more convincing in the mid section of the keyboard.
Hi Scott, I was just watching a Gutfeld segment, and he had a guest on named Mike Baker, a former CIA operative, who looks like he could be your twin brother.
Absolutely!! I use it as a poly aftertouch controller for my Montage M7, and I also use it to play my Wavestate, because the keybed on the Wavestate is...well, miserable.
It seems most people stop buying synths when they can no longer fit them in their room :D I now have a montage, a modx+ and a P515 piano with stand and pedals. I doubt I can fit anything else with a full sized keyboard in here, and really I can't think what it could be anyway since the montage is a real beast. But I would probably consider buying something like a groove box, that's something I've not really experimented with. I have no experience with hydrasynth and while what you say is true, someone who would like to play piano would probably not get satisfied with this.
No, if you are looking to play piano, this is not going to suit you. But if you need a synth to play out, and occasionally might need a piano sound, the Hydrasynth could pass for it. And yes...my limitation right now is space for synths! I'd need another stand to add any more.
In my Hydrasynth, see a ton of complex waveforms to choose from, and they all sound rather quirky when unfiltered. I'm guessing it's the proper combination of them, in proper order, with appropriate filters, that will then sound like an electric piano, or a marimba, or a dolphin's call, etc. Just... how the heck do I learn what waveforms to use for what? There must be a reason the Ashun engineers picked those particular waveforms.
Great video Scott as always! I noticed the Hydrasynth is not in your top synths list (you did some vids a couple of years back featuring Cobalt, System 8 and others). Would the Hydrasynth feature in that list now?
@@ScottsSynthStuff - and probably correctly so. That said, I only know the basics of subtractive synthesis, and my ready-to-practice setup is simply a Yamaha piano and the Hydrasynth
Do everything? Why can't 49 and 37 key version split and layer sounds aka multi-timbural? I was close to buying the gorgeous Hydrasynth, but when l found out it can't split or layer sounds l kept my Nord Lead A1.
@@ScottsSynthStuff I was referring to the 49 key and 37 key explorer. I thought that at least the 49 key version would have this feature!...edited accordingly.
I love the Hydrasynth, but those patches were some of the weakest in its repertoire. Acoustic instrument sounds are the one thing I wouldn't recommend it for.
Yup, that one is really on my list - the 2.0 version, but the main problem with it is that it is HUGE! I don't currently have a space in my studio to fit it. I also really dislike the idiotic decision to put all the connections on the side. Why?!?
ha ha, the connections on the left: easy to see what you're connecting. But they're recessed just enough that right-angle plugs can't drop down, only up. Why? No good reason. And that's just one of several "features" of the Sledge which make you wonder. That said: it's an amazing value-for-money synth, the hands-on aspect is very satisfying, and you can do almost anything with it -- if you take a deep breath, spend some time with it, and accept it for what it is. Some insist on the black version for the better keyboard but the yellow version is good enough for Jordan Rudess, so who can argue with that? :)
What is the best VST piano? I’ve never tried the Steinberg stuff , the korg module is a joke. My motif es8 is ok at best, so I was blown away by the Steinway sampled piano on Logic Pros exs24 (now just called “sampler” ) As are the two Yamaha grands and the bossendorfer. The logic EP is also head and shoulders above the Eps on my motif. So what is the best plug-in acoustic sampled piano? Anyone who has tried the Logic Pro Steinway able to weigh in?
The Hydrasynth is of course FAR more complex a synth engine than the System-8, so there's no way you could do knob-per-function at the level of the System-8. However, they spent a LOT of time designing the user interface on the Hydrasynth, which makes it a joy to program. It's very easy to get to any parameter, and most of the parameters you need are a single button push away.
“I haven’t bought any synths a while, at least for a few months” hahaha :)
What‘s so funny about it? I have bought only 3 synths this entire year - up to now …
It's funny to me because it's relatable. If I can go several months with out buying more gear that's a good thing.
It is 20to September as I leave my comment in this thread. The last time I bought a synthesizer was in March 2020. I’m actually resisting getting another, even though both Hydrasynth and Take 5 are calling out to me.
Definitely don’t buy this one ! It won’t sync or track pitch correctly 👽
Kurzweil can¡!🤔° dude(s)@@christoroppolo8742
Thanks for the amazing plug for the SLAVE to the SQUAREwave show at The Elmocambo. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.
I have the Hydrasynth Explorer, I love it.
Hydra is the only synth I never consider selling when I GAS for something else.
Great synth. Great video.
Subbed!
Great presentation Scott. My HS Deluxe is blowing my mind regularly. I appreciate your comments stating that this synth is so versatile compared to many others. If I focus on your comments that might work to attenuate my G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). All the best!
- That was SuperTramp, right ? The Logical Song I believe.
- Yes, the Hydrasynth sounds amazing. I loved it since I first saw Claudio showcase it.
- Your studio is indeed very well equiped.
Yup you got it! I pleaded with Claudio for almost a year to get a Hydrasynth!
@@ScottsSynthStuff i like your studio setup better than Dr.Mix's what all ya got there¿Scott thanx dude
@@angelog.spicolaiii8021 I think I'd take Claudio's studio over mine! I have a couple things he doesn't have, but he's got some AMAZING gear! You can see my studio in this video: ua-cam.com/video/fIY7g_wWquc/v-deo.html
Hah, I got mine because of Claudio's video on it too... and related to this video, it's the only synth I own. I was looking for something that was versatile and I could grow into and as a guitar player the polyphonic aftertouch was a must.
I've been watching for a while, am a synth enthusiast and a keyboard player. After discovering your channel, I've kinda stopped watching most other synth related UA-cam content. You're very relatable ! keep up the good work mate, much love!
Oh no, don't stop watching everyone else on my account!!
I didn't say everyone, it's just a couple.. time is finite after all, this is me saying something nice about you without taking away from other UA-camrs :)@@ScottsSynthStuff
The hydra scent can do everything for sure and if you don’t think so then you just don’t know what you’re doing yet. It can sound warm and can sound harsh. The modulation capabilities are insane.
I'm stoked. I've had the Explorer since April and I REALLY like it. I found a blemished Deluxe, but ZZounds says it's in working order. I am likely going to move that one to the studio and use my Explorer in the house for couch jam sessions.
If I had to keep only one synth, I would choose my Hydrasynth.
I've had the Explorer as my first and only synth for about 2 years now and I still love it and enjoy it to this day. Super happy I got it even though I just want more more lol.
Scott: "and it sounds like a piano" ....
Yamaha, Roland and Kawai digital pianos: start laughing ... :-)
Great vid! I just got the Hydrasynth Deluxe last week and love it. Some beautiful and complex sounds. For the people wanting to hate on it you obviously don’t understand synthesis. If you want a “real” piano sound lug a piano around or at least get something that plays samples or modeling not synthesis. My Roland RD700NX does that beautifully but I would never compare the two. Synths have a unique sound which is why it invented new genres! Take for instance the Yamaha DX 7. A unique electric piano sound that sounded nothing like it’s forerunners but became so ubiquitous that my Hydrasynth and Roland JDxi have a patch that emulates it closely. 😃
Great video, Scott! I have had an Yamaha MODX-6 for 5 years, but earlier this year I bought the Hydrasynth Explorer to dive deeper into analog synthesis. It is stellar for that. But I also love the MODX's FM engine, which creates classic sounds that are in a class all by themselves. The Hydrasynth gets close with the mutants, but the MODX wins on all FM sounds. I have the best of both worlds now, analog and FM synthesis! 😊 Keep the vids coming!
The Hydrasynth is digital, it is not an analog synth.
@@LaurensLeurs I think they meant _analog style_ synthesis, which is one of several styles Hydra can do. Whether it's truly analog or a digital model, that's mostly just an implementation detail. Digital and analog sound virtually indistinguishable these days.
Love my little Explorer.
The captain of her heart. 5:56
The logical song 7:05
I'd already committed my future self to the Hydrasynth Deluxe, and your measured + honest take of its *limitations* has further solidified my choice. I want this incredible machine, and even tho it "can do everything" it is crucial to find out things like you pointed out about its ability to play "normal piano" when compared to other offerings. I'm so excited to eventually get the Deluxe.. and several other synths for my future studio setup to complete both sound modeling and live performance. Thanks for this!
Sounds like a good plan! I’m hoping to get a deluxe very shortly 😮
GrassStrings on thexoriginal Hydrasynth. Incredible. There was an electric pino sound that was a bit too percussive for me and I changed it and it became gorgeous to my ears. Maybe meant to be a bit of an FM piano sound but very warm and vibrant. Can't recall the patch name.
in the hydrasynth menu now, with original factory presets sorted by name. there are two starting with "grass": Grassland DA (A071) and Grasslands (A047)
Very nicely done yet again, Scott. Thanks for sharing!
That piano sounds as if it has solid thick Aluminum strings in it.
Still creating new patches since Jan 2020. If I was to ever gig I would upgrade my original to the deluxe. Great vid.
I've found that a lot of the presets are somewhat lackluster and don't always demonstrate what the unit can do. A little playing around and tweaking will reveal more power than is advertised. :3 It had me giggling for days after receiving mine.
the captain of her heart - from a swiss band. nice!
I think it is the most interesting new digital device. It's number one in my list. Maybe I will buy it
I will check out Slave to the Squarewave! Thanks!
I just ordered this synth it’s on its way, my first hardware synth I’m excited
If you need to play live and it is paying gigs then just do what so many of the touring pros do - get the Nord that covers the sound you need. Hydrasynth can cover a lot of bases, but it is optimized for studio work and sound design. If willing to buy from Thomann then Iridium KB is also worth consideration as you can load your own samples, the granular engine is pretty capable, and FM is more Yamaha DX like in the implementation though Hydra has great FM capabilities. Either synth is capable of a LOT of things and personally I lean to the Hydra, but not by much...
My first job was at a piano and organ store in a shopping mall. I remember one of thr salesmen selling a Lowry organ, “This baby does everything”!
-- I loved hearing you play! Great video! 😊👍🎹
Captain of your Heart
Should’ve told him to get a Moog One 😅
The hydra scent can do everything for sure and if you don’t think so then you just don’t know what you’re doing yet. It can sound warm and can sound harsh. The modulation capabilities are insane.
The Novation Summit is my all in one Synth, I've got beautiful oberheim and prophet sounds from it and of course everything else in between. The hydrasynth is a super Synth for sure, no doubt about it.
The Summit is a beautiful synth. The sounds it produces are alive and rich. Love mine.
The Summit 😂 with a Hydrasynth
If you have a Roland Integra and Summit.. you have a full studio 😉
@@antoniocalimero1173I'd love both but hey my pockets are empty at this stage 😢😅
Thanks for an incredible video, Scott! Question. Are there any features you would like to see ASM add in a future firmware update? 😊
The new Montage is getting a 2nd screen with macro knobs, just like your Hydrasynth has its LED scribble strips. Then it has the sliders, too, and a large touchscreen, and multisamples for acoustic sounds. One of them will cost you a few Hydrasynths, is the rub...
Nice to know your from Ontario too, I'm up near Barrie, your videos are great!
I'd stick to your original answer. The Hydrasynth's piano and EP's sound very fake, or rather, synth-like. Not realistic or too acceptable today. Maybe in the 80s when we had to settle for bad pianos in a portable keyboard. Probably some great synth patches however. The long ribbon controller would be a welcome feature to have in many synths. I wish Yamaha, Korg and Roland would include one.
Since he mentioned a strong preference for a lot of real-time controls, I'm thinking the Korg WaveState SE with a greater range of keys vs the really limited amount of the original version might be a good choice. The Montage or MODX might be a more versatile keyboard over all, but as for real-time controls for sound design, the Wavestate probably bridges those controls of an analog style synth with decent sample abilities too, need for some acoustic instrument sounds.
The Hydrasynth's piano leaves me unconvinced. Everything else about it absolutely rocks :D
Well, it's a subtractive VA/wavetable synth, it was never intended to be able to play piano - but the fact that you can get piano-ish sounds out of it is due to the flexibility of its synth engine.
Waldorf iridium keys version.
3rd Wave.
Super Gemini.
Arturia Polybrute.
OB6.
The only thing im short of is the £15.000:). ..then I'm done.
Oh...Hologram Microcosm too!!
Oh and the Soma Cosmos.
And a Full build Behringer 2500 sydtem.
Why didn't i just take up playing the Triangle lol.
Awesome to hear Double - Captain of her Heart again!❤
Yeah, I have also a Deluxe Version.. For me one of the best synth ever. Its hard to find other stuff cool, even it is.
But the Hydra can really almost everything.
The soundpalette is so big, I had my life a lot of synths also old stuff. But no other synth doesnt matter wich one it was, was like the Hydrasynth so capable of...
Amazing tool, and for the prize it costs a cheap one.. If you look na to Super Gemini or the Arturia Polybrute 12 wich I favorite yet.. Its hard really. I dont think they can much more than the Hydra can produce..
Thats Reality, Theres a King out there and thats for me the Hydrasynth Deluxe with 16 Voices..
Hydrasynth is fabulously fun, but the Montage/MODX will gig and pay the bills. So I own both.
So I think I’d still want 2 synths on tour on a column stand . One workstation and one VAS or AS . I am considering getting the new montage and retiring my motif Es 8 after 20+ years
I'd want two simply because some songs are easier to manage on two machines than one (e.g., Depeche Mode). But it seems one could be the Hydrasynth .... hmm ...
Great video, Scott. I saw your other video about the woes of Modal. Looks like we're both in the same city; strange our paths haven't crossed yet!
Loving the content. Subscribed.
I"m also a Hydrasynth fan. I love my 49 and want an Explorer at some point.
I think you're in Toronto - I grew up near there, and visit often, but I actually live near Cleveland.
@@ScottsSynthStuff ahhh cool. Perhaps our paths will cross one day. Loving the channel man. 🍻
It does have wavetable so it should be able to make an fairly decent Piano compared with 80-90's stuff. The old Roland SA Piano synthese wasn't sounding particulary good compared to later sampled Pianos, but it made a huge inpact on the sales how expressive it was .. and the little detail that a little Piano player and singer from England made the RD-1000 world-wide fameous 🙃
Hi Scott,
what about the Jupiter X? I own the Xm and it can do all the required stuff:
Real Pianos, real strings etc. and all the synths with knobs like the guy wanted...
I'm really enjoying your videos...keep going!
Sorry I missed you in Toronto. Next time SL2SW play I'll message Rob and pop in. Hopefully you'll be there!
I usually am! It was a great show last night!
@@ScottsSynthStuff I found out about the show quite late, but they're always great live! I'll keep my eyes peeled for when they play next.
That reminds me that I need to re-listen to the CD Rob gave me when I saw them live last. That's a while ago when Don Berns was still alive. Don introduced us and I went with Don and Dave 'Marsbar' Marsden.
Your synth collection is indeed awesome, the only one I definitely miss there is the Access Virus!
I've vascillated on the Virus - it sounds amazing, I'm less enthralled with its user interface, and REALLY not impressed at how it has been utterly abandoned by its manufacturer. Plus the fact that they are still charging $2600 for a synth that has been essentially unchanged for over 14 years.
I've got a Virus B and love how it sounds. Fortunately still have an old PC to run the long-abandoned Sounddiver editor that makes programming it sooo much easier. Apple bought their parent company and shut it down. Iirc, Waldorf actually went thru bankruptcy/sold.
I like that approach. It's the way people have been doing it before the advent of the Korg M1. My JX-8P has quite an interesting and usable -E-Piano sound from plain analog synthesis. And in every Synth of that time there was some Wurlitzer emulation. However I would have liked some actual synth sound of the Hydra as well. You know if one needs that Synth Horns, Brass, Synthstrings, Synth bass, Pads, Sweeps analog synths are typically known for. How do these sound on the digital Hydra.
Another thing came to my mind. So you friend wants something tweakable like an analog synth to learn synthesis. But with the Hydra would he really learn to adapt the piano to his taste? By the way I thought about other recommendations and maybe the NordWave2 would be an option as well. But there aren't many which use samples as a base but have direct access.
Found it. Thank you for the recommendation 😉
Great vid Scott. I'm not super impressed with Hydra's preset 'real' instruments, but it should be said that there likely already exists far better patches online, perhaps free or for purchase, and if not, there will be.
Side note: I found some VERY impressive E-piano patches in my Virus Ti2. Thanks again Scott. CHeers!
Agreed, some of the third-party sound designers have made some amazing sounds. I actually have a better piano sound in my Hydrasynth, but I figured I would show the factory one that everyone with a Hydrasynth already has.
Have Hydrasynth Desktop on the way right now, to go with my Linnstrument 200....waiting is hard...so very very hard
You should look into the Korg modwave, not only a very powerful wavetable synth on par with the hydrasynth, with some added bonuses like able to load your own wavetables, among other things the hydrasynth doesn't have, but also it comes with gigabytes of samples like piano etc and you're able to load your own samples as well, so it can also be a sample player/rompler. Hydrasynth is awesome, but I think the modwave has it beat in able to actually do everything in my opinion.
Agree with you about the Hydrasynth, it is unique (got-it-all) kinda synth, but I thought you would prefer the Fantom over the Montage! What makes you bias toward Montage?
I've used Yamaha for maaaany years, and I know the Montage inside out. I can do things on the Montage easily that are an exercise in frustration (or impossible) on the Fantom. The user interface in the Fantom is...substandard and frustrating.
How about a Prophet X/XL? With love, Ken
Great to see ... and that's what I've also found out ... the "Deluxe Piano" sounds pretty nice (and surely sufficient for my purposes) 😉. Although "Deluxe Piano" is intended to be for the Deluxe (I guess) it also working on the Desktop & the "normal" Hydrasynth.
BTW: Regarding "new gear" ... what about a Blofeld ... in a good used condition really worth the money.
Dependent on personal taste you can use just about any brand out there, Roland, Korg, Yamaha. They all around 50% based on sampling plus different kind of synth engines. I would propably go between a Montage and a kronos/Nautilus but really any stage type of keyboard also fine, even Nords even the red color gives me a rash 😆
I went back to Firmware 1.1.0 to the Deluxe version :( .....from 2.0. and 2.1.0 makes some terrible noises when I navigate through the presets from the knobs. Is there something wrong with the newer firmware editions? I have saw that several people complained about this problem, they even returned the devices to the factory. I see that this problem does not appear on firmware 1.1.0.
I have the rack version. My goal was to have a wavetable-style synth that would allow me to come up with stuff similar to the Malstrom in Reason. I still haven't dug into it very deeply. I know the Malastrom uses samples and there are some differences between the two but I wonder how close it could get to that sound.
Scott, have you tried controlling a Prophet 5/10 with the polyphonic aftertouch on the Hydrasynth? I tried searching the Internet to see if it was possible but the few discussions about it are full of contradictory information and people flaming each other, so I figured I'd ask you.
I have not, but I've played several other synths (and softsynths) that support polyphonic aftertouch from my Hydrasynth, and they work great - I didn't have to change anything, they just worked.
I would have suggested a Roland Jpiter X / XM maybe , capable in all areas and even has drums , your firned would have fun even for guitar job !!
Meh ... I'm hearing a lot of "get away with it" and "sort of sounds like". Personal opinion is I'm sticking with my MODX7 and Wavestate for on-stage work. MODX piano is awesome and organs are really good - perhaps not as good as the Arturia suite but I don't want to lug a laptop and the new Arturia Astrolab is not quite making a convincing argument for me.
Great video! Subscribed.
The Hydrasynth has been on my radar for a while now.
I do most of my playing on a Roland Fantom, and have a Novation SL Mk 3 for VSTs.
Would appreciate your thoughts on Desktop vs Explorer as an addition to my setup.
Thanks!
avoid the explorer, the other models are metal and heavy af, and have literally half the menu diving
I was thinking... "but my Hydrasynth doesn't have the piano patch, maybe is a deluxe only patch", and I realized that the piano patch comes with the Patch Manager 2.0.
The Hydrasynth is super cool.
My 12 year old just came in whilst watching this and he said that man had a piano addiction 😂 yes son don’t we all 😢
Oh dear Scott those piano sounds are so awful. Even buried in a mix I could never bring myself to use them. I know you are fond of the Hydrasynth but I think you were blinded by love this time. Thanks for being you and doing synth stuff for us synth fans.
No they don’t sound “awful”. It’s not sampling it’s synthesizing which will always sound different. Good luck hauling an upright to your gigs! 😃
We'll just have to agree to disagree about this @@darryldouglas6004 ! But that's fine, the Hydrasynth is still top-notch synth and has a place on my GAS list,
I love love loved the programmability of the synth. Almost anything you can think of you can program. I just was not thrilled with the sound character. It was sterile and didnt sound like much, lacked character. Thats my opinion but when I compare it to my other synths like my Moog and even my sledge it just lacked something. I created some very fun and cool patches and it was great but I had to get rid of me because the sound was not inspiring. YMMV of course and this is just my opinion, Its still an awesome synth and can find its way into many production songs because it can do anything you need.
The band that I currently play with most Saturdays doesn’t usually perform live. When I go there, I play the house Keyboard, a Roland VR-09B, along with a synthesizer I tote with me, a .Korg ARPOdyssey. I thought about instead bringing a polyphonic model with me with presets. I was leaning toward the sequential take five, but the 49-key Hydrasynth is also speaking to me. Most times, the first song we play is a cover of “Lucky Man”. This might be a silly question, but is it possible to create a Hydrasynth patch just to emulate the sounds on that particular song?
I also find myself doing a lot of single-oscillator monophonic patches.
3:38 to skip plugs and intro, and get to the topic at hand. Not that the plug isn't worthwhile, but only to those likely to get to El Mocambo in the next week.
Hydra is really powerfull, I hope I will get one little Explorer soon
Haha. Nice of you to play When In Rome - I Promise You.
cant say i'm impressed with the sound. if we're talking desert island synth, i'll go with my integra 7
I've used a Korg KRONOS 2-88 as my main workstation for the past eight years. What makes you prefer a Yamaha MONTAGE?
It's got a touch strip and polyphonic aftertouch that's what I want
I like your style, scott.
All that synth is missing now is a good distortion. It's the only reason I'm still considering getting a trigon 6 from sequential.
The 3 distortion options on the current hydra simply won't do the same thing
Scott, without going into too much detail as I do respect your time - can you tell me if the Hydrasynth (Explorer) can do the same sort of sounds as a Korg Wavestate? I am relatively new to synths, as I'm a guitar player first, but I do have a Novation Bass Station II, and that was my first one and I do love it. I'm looking for a bit more as far as sounds go. I'm sure I sound very ignorant and I do apologize, but I've been heavily debating on both of those synths for awhile. I love both presets and exploring sound design. And I narrowed what I want down to being a wavetable synth I believe. I almost had my mind made up on the Wavestate, but then thought about how much I hear "the hydra synth can do anything"...
I have had both, though I had the Hydra 49. The answer to your question is that it really depends on what you’re looking for. They’re two completely different beasts. If you have the ability to test them out, I would encourage that. Otherwise, maybe watch more UA-cam videos. I ended up feeling both were too hard for me to use to their full utility. Hydrasynth is far superior when it comes to quality…hard for me to say, as I tend to love Korgs, but I don’t like the quality of the Wavestate. Would not buy another one. I will probably buy a Hydrasynth Deluxe at some point.
The Hydrasynth is a beast! I was debating between the System 8 and the Hydra but at the end the plugouts won my heart.
Thanks Scott your synth videos are a jewel
Having had both for the past year or more, I can say there is no real contest -- you can do much more with the HS than the S8: poly AT alone makes the HS respond unlike the S8. However, that may be more than you wish to manage, at least in a concert setting. This is why I have the HS at home for fun and exploration, and the S8 as part of my current stage rig. But Scott's video here may change my mind about that :)
Not a fan of that A11 piano sound at all. But I get that it could pass in a pinch. Sounds more like the attack of a guitar, but the sustain of a piano. Something like that. I think I'd be way more interested in the rest of what the Hydrasynth can do. The Wurlitzer sound is much more convincing in the mid section of the keyboard.
Hi Scott, I was just watching a Gutfeld segment, and he had a guest on named Mike Baker, a former CIA operative, who looks like he could be your twin brother.
Can it be used as a controller with other synth modules?
Absolutely!! I use it as a poly aftertouch controller for my Montage M7, and I also use it to play my Wavestate, because the keybed on the Wavestate is...well, miserable.
captain of her heart 🙂
Love that song. :)
thank you
The factory piano patch sounds most realistic in the bass, while curiously it sounds a bit like a sitar in the midrange.
Have you mc-707? I have this and i find this very cool gear. But for me interesting what are you mean about this.
It seems most people stop buying synths when they can no longer fit them in their room :D
I now have a montage, a modx+ and a P515 piano with stand and pedals. I doubt I can fit anything else with a full sized keyboard in here, and really I can't think what it could be anyway since the montage is a real beast. But I would probably consider buying something like a groove box, that's something I've not really experimented with.
I have no experience with hydrasynth and while what you say is true, someone who would like to play piano would probably not get satisfied with this.
No, if you are looking to play piano, this is not going to suit you. But if you need a synth to play out, and occasionally might need a piano sound, the Hydrasynth could pass for it.
And yes...my limitation right now is space for synths! I'd need another stand to add any more.
In my Hydrasynth, see a ton of complex waveforms to choose from, and they all sound rather quirky when unfiltered. I'm guessing it's the proper combination of them, in proper order, with appropriate filters, that will then sound like an electric piano, or a marimba, or a dolphin's call, etc. Just... how the heck do I learn what waveforms to use for what? There must be a reason the Ashun engineers picked those particular waveforms.
Great video Scott as always! I noticed the Hydrasynth is not in your top synths list (you did some vids a couple of years back featuring Cobalt, System 8 and others). Would the Hydrasynth feature in that list now?
I think that was my "best synths for beginners" video, and the Hydrasynth I thought would just overwhelm someone brand new to synthesis.
@@ScottsSynthStuff - and probably correctly so. That said, I only know the basics of subtractive synthesis, and my ready-to-practice setup is simply a Yamaha piano and the Hydrasynth
Ah, gotya, thanks!
Do everything? Why can't 49 and 37 key version split and layer sounds aka multi-timbural? I was close to buying the gorgeous Hydrasynth, but when l found out it can't split or layer sounds l kept my Nord Lead A1.
The Hydrasynth Deluxe can absolutely split and layer sounds.
@@ScottsSynthStuff I was referring to the 49 key and 37 key explorer. I thought that at least the 49 key version would have this feature!...edited accordingly.
damn this phantom sounds nice
I love the Hydrasynth, but those patches were some of the weakest in its repertoire. Acoustic instrument sounds are the one thing I wouldn't recommend it for.
Neither would I. The point is, if you HAVE to use it for this...you can get away with it.
Waldorf Iridium!!!
I dare you to try it...
Only one rule in Kebord life : Keep Hi-dro-antaded.
How about the StudioLogic Sledge? Hands-on synthesis, user samples and wave tables.
Yup, that one is really on my list - the 2.0 version, but the main problem with it is that it is HUGE! I don't currently have a space in my studio to fit it. I also really dislike the idiotic decision to put all the connections on the side. Why?!?
ha ha, the connections on the left: easy to see what you're connecting. But they're recessed just enough that right-angle plugs can't drop down, only up. Why? No good reason. And that's just one of several "features" of the Sledge which make you wonder. That said: it's an amazing value-for-money synth, the hands-on aspect is very satisfying, and you can do almost anything with it -- if you take a deep breath, spend some time with it, and accept it for what it is. Some insist on the black version for the better keyboard but the yellow version is good enough for Jordan Rudess, so who can argue with that? :)
I feel that way about Kurzweil dude(s)
What is the best VST piano? I’ve never tried the Steinberg stuff , the korg module is a joke. My motif es8 is ok at best, so I was blown away by the Steinway sampled piano on Logic Pros exs24 (now just called “sampler” )
As are the two Yamaha grands and the bossendorfer. The logic EP is also head and shoulders above the Eps on my motif. So what is the best plug-in acoustic sampled piano? Anyone who has tried the Logic Pro Steinway able to weigh in?
No drums or programming of layered or looped sections on hydrasynth?
It's a synthesizer, not a workstation...so no.
Captain Of Her Heart !
You got it! :)
I have a Fantom and a Hydra . I think I'll watch your tutorials. I've yet to dive deep..😬
How is programming on hydrasynth? I hear the system 8 is just so easy to program.
The Hydrasynth is of course FAR more complex a synth engine than the System-8, so there's no way you could do knob-per-function at the level of the System-8. However, they spent a LOT of time designing the user interface on the Hydrasynth, which makes it a joy to program. It's very easy to get to any parameter, and most of the parameters you need are a single button push away.