ASM HYDRASYNTH - First Impressions, Overview and Demo

[@milosmilosmilos]

Any company that keeps throwing out updates to support their product has my support. ASM are boss.

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

Ive had the Hydrasynth Deluxe for about 4 weeks now in the studio. I must say that its an absolutely incredible synthesizer for sound design. We where actually blown away by it here, wasnt expecting it to be this good. We have synthesizers twice its price that dont and simply cant get to places that this can. I for one tip my hat to ASM for making such an incredibly flexible and powerfull synthesizer. Put it into multimode and utilse those 2 hydra engines and get creating.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well said, i second that, far exceeded my expectations, some of the sounds took my breath away!

[@ingostromitzky497]

@@WoodyPianoShackand on top it’s the perfect controller for softsynths

[@PeteMOBie1]

@maydaygoingdown5602 Would you recommend the ASM Hydrasynth if you already have other wavetable synths? I have the Modal Electronics Argon 8X and although to my ears the two instruments are different, I don't want to overlap too much.

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

@PeteMOBie1 Hi Pete, I tend to think of the wave table aspect of any synth as only 1 part of a tool, ie it's not just about the wave tables but more about what can be done with wave tables ie manipulation via modulation techniques/combinations and effects and use of the filters. This is where the Hydrasynth deluxe excells at, you can even modulate the poly aftertouch is desired lol..if you can think it, it can modulation it:). This thing can create patches most others simply cannot. There's a waldorf iridium keyboard here that can do it but it's twice the price and I can can get fairly close on the Polybrute, again both the iridium and Polybrute have excellent modulation options. So if was to compare, I'd say the iridium gets closet to the Hydrasynth for wavetables and amount of modulation. However, there is another option..The Korg Mod wave, we've been having an absolute blast with it, very impressed. Tons of modulation options and it's wave tables are excellent plus it's a dodle to make your own or simply import from other synths...a hell of a lot cheaper than the iridium and Hydrasynth Deluxe too!!. As for Hydrasynth Deluxe, it's 100% a keeper, it's a deep synth with just an insane amount of control and modulation options, 2X Hydrasynth engines under the hood, we all agree in the studio that the polyaftertouch on it is better than the iridium, they nailed it with the Deluxe, a keeper for sure. But hey, if its Purley just wavetable synthesis your after, don't sleep on the Mod wave by Korg, honestly if you take the time to really learn it and get deep with it it's a massively capable synth especially for the price.

[@PeteMOBie1]

@@maydaygoingdown5602 I was tempted with the WaveState. Tried an Opsix and liked it but the faulty Korg software/USB is a deal breaker so it is being returned. The Hydrasynth sounds like it can do FM synthesis, Virtual analogue, wave stuff and anything in between. A Hydrasynth is £1069 here in the UK and very tempting. How long does it take for you to adjust to the polyphonic aftertouch? I rarely use aftertouch except to show folk what aftertouch can do. I'm also tempted by Expressive's Osmose for its expressive Ondes Martenot inspired keyboard.

[@jameshoiby]

The nice thing about an external power supply that supplies low voltage (12V?) is it's easy to use the keyboard directly with battery power supplies in the field, without having to first run through an inefficient inverter to step up to high voltage AC. Thanks for the great introduction to the Hydrasynth!

[@musicalSFCat]

First synth purchased few years ago was the Korg Wavestate. Recently wanted to add one final 73 key synth for recording studio. Done extensive research. Found the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe had some of the best features for my personal inspirational creativity. After watching your outstanding passionate review of the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe, decided to purchase this model. Thank you for the great overview. Cheers.

[@AshunSoundMachines]

great to see :) thanks for so many positive comments!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

nice! thanks for stopping by!

[@ZenithMusicNet]

The Hydrasynth looks like a really interesting piece of gear I may have to keep my eye on. Despite the small display, it offers lots of knobs for direct feedback. And I like that. More videos with this one are highly appreciated.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, i am hopeful that this will be very usable even without staring at screens!

[@jenslempke7501]

That Miami Vice intro is among the most beautiful tunes ever written.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

it really is! and i don't really understand why, it's only 3 or 4 basic chords.

[@CAT_ON_WATER]

Welcome to the club! I'm an Explorer owner... These synths are just incredible... My ASM explorer is the center of my studio and every day I work on it. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I can take it wherever I want and compose as I wish, when I want and where I want. What I also like is that it's a machine that makes you feel good...sometimes we have/can have these days of blues, loneliness, "sadness"... or whatever we might call it. On a bad day... all I have to do is start playing with my Hydrasynth and it immediately makes me smile and happy. This machine is incredible and I feel like it comes from another dimension. A fabulous machine!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i totally get your point of view. that explorer sure is tempting too, congrats on yours!

[@payt01]

Good stuff Woody! I have the 49 as my main controller. The polytouch is awesome, and really adds an extra layer of expressiveness. Really a cool and flexible synth that's really is built like a tank :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great choice, i understand also that it makes a superb controller, the macro knobs send different CCs depending on which module you select, so very convenient for controllig softsynths

[@BrunoBizarro]

I own a normal one (the 49 keys one, not the Deluxe) and love it. Use it a lot, especially in film music and sound design. Wonderful Video!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thank you bruno and congrats on yours! the 49 was very tempting, probably my favorite form factor for synth.

[@ToastandJam52]

I am green with envy! Whenever I am in my local music shop I make a point of noodling around on one of the Hydrasyths on display. I think they are amazing machines and as you point out extremely well made and well thought out. The only thing I can find wrong with the Hydrasyths is I just can't afford one!!!!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glad that you at least were able to experience one in the flesh so to speak. they seem to be relatively affordable and good value compared to other synths, but yeah, still quite a chunk of change to save up.

[@ryanbmd7988]

Cheers Woody! Thanks for giving your impressions and always enjoy your playing style+enthusiasm

[@SuperChaoticus]

I've had the original Hydrasynth for a few years now, and I still feel like there's so much left to explore. It became my favorite synth from the start, and it still is.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i can relate to that, congrats on your hydra!

[@shaboogen]

A genuine modern classic. Interested to see your take specifically because i wouldn't think it'd be up your alley due to its extremely digital roots.

[@kevinsturges6957]

Wow, very good info video, Woody. Good to see this.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

much appreciated kevin

[@SpikesStudio3]

Kudos for sharing that with us Woody. Its so good to see you genuinely impressed. There is still much good to be had in this world. Material and not.

[@ChrisP3000x]

Looking forward to all your vids on this. 🎹

[@tntills2002]

Woody, I am so psyched, I've had my 49 key version for several months and have not had the time to explore it. Now that summer is over, I'm looking forward to spending some time with it, and your videos and hopefully learn something about the Hydrasynth together. Love your videos. keep up the good work.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thank you and congrats on your hydra! yeah, synth exploration is more of a autumn/winter thing, right?! we'll both have some fun on this journey.

[@hvhvgitaar]

I have the Explorer and love it. I am relatively new to synths and the layout of the controls has helped me to understand how the sound can be sculpted. I am not so keen on most of the presets because they are mostly designed to show off the capabilities . It can sound a bit “tinny” but there are a few ways of “warming” the signal and the filters are pretty good.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Just a nice guy reviewer who can play keys very well. I said to myself "what is Woody doing with a deep sound design synth"? And then as the video begins Woody admits being more of a preset guy. That kind of honesty is mighty refreshing. Well I am a deep sound designer and have wanted to try this, and I am an old pro at the piano and wondered if my skill can take advantage of poly-AT. But I am listening to Woody play this synth, most reviewers are not good keyboard players, and hearing it for the first time differently than in all the other review. A good keyboard player can make it sound completely differently than a tweaker, and you did!!! Thanks for giving us a whole new listen to this synth.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

appreciate the comment, yes, that's the kind of discussions i was having with ASM before accepting the synth! i told them that i didn't go deep on sound design, but they were keen to get some different perspectives on the synth from another type of user. i'm not sure if you have one, but you should look into it as a sound designer yourself and especially with your piano player background!

[@en3970]

Nice to see a synth player review this synth. Many videos show how to create havoc with it, some do sweet sound design.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

haha, "create havoc". i can do that too when i randomly twirl the macro knobs without seeing first what they do.... :)

[@DanVilleneuve]

I always enjoy your frank and thoughtful unboxing videos, Woody. Even though I've always been a Roland fan, this makes my interest towards ASM pique. Thanks for the great overview!

[@pauljeavons8878]

How could you resist it. I get why you got this synth. This is the very best synth available.

[@Br00sta]

Great video Woody! I think I was of the same mind that this was going to sound tinny and digital and FM-esque so I wasn't at all interested in it even when loads of people online have been raving about it since it came out. I now want one due to hearing you play it! Sounds full, rich and powerful. Also seems like there might be very little menu diving which is a bonus. But... it looks like you're wearing the headphones backwards?! And my eyes are pretty bad so I have to wear reading glasses with stuff like this - £25 for 5 pairs from Amazon dude!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

haha, that's hilarious, knowing me, the headphones are most likely backwards. i may have noticed with stereo acoustic piano sounds. yeah, this definitely does cover a lot of the somewhat harsh and clinical modern wavetable sounds, but I think it is more versatile than that. i'm really tempted to attempt programing the prophet 5 factory banks so i'll share that with you when it happens.

[@khaossian76]

I love the humbleness of your videos ( I have so many problems with my vision as well and want to find something that is more intuitive than technical ). I've been seriously considering the hydrasynth for a while now, and with this deluxe version my interest have definetely been piqued. I'm looking forward to seeing how your programming of this synth works with you and how you play. I tool around on my keyboards so much these days, but I still havent gotten the sounds I'm really looking for. The Hydrasynth has such a 'warm' tone to it naturally and it seems to envelope the spectrum a lot better than many of the other synths I have been looking at recently. Your videos have really influenced my playing quite a bit and I'm wondering what your final take will be on this keyboard. Thanks again for your approach to these reviews.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

appreciate your kind comment and thoughts. i just finished shooting a demo of the multis, and I must say how impressed I am with the sounds, and the UI. i'll keep you posted of my journey!

[@PrisonLaParis]

Great video! Your excitement about some synth that I’d never heard of kept me around for the whole video. By the end, I decided to look into buying one for myself. Cheers!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

nice one! make sure to check all the alternatives too, there may be other contenders that you never heard of too ;)

[@PeteMOBie1]

Woody Great to see you having fun with a new toy and letting us learn with you. It looks like ASM have taken inspiration from the JP8 end panels, DX7 headphone sockets, Ensoniq ESQ1 user interface and architecture mapping where pressing a module button displays all the parameters for that module in the display screens. 6 octaves is a bit too big for me. After reading some of the comments here I'm about to pull the trigger on the 4 octave 8 voice original.

[@PhilW222]

I love my 49 key version, very versatile sound engine, accessible interface and of course the polytouch and ribbon make it a joy to just play it. I think one day I will upgrade to the Deluxe.

[@mwmusic29]

You got a HydraSynth??? Fantastic!! Looking forward to this demo!

[@Zebulon94]

Another excellent synthesizer that gives that impression of a well-built instrument that is pleasant to touch and handle is the Novation Summit! Without doubt one of his greatest competitors 😉

[@eskalia2315]

And the Novation Peak makes the perfect combination as the Peak can receive poly aftertouch from the Hydrasynth via midi :D

[@videoglyph]

Hi, Woody! I'm looking forward to your next video on the HS Deluxe. I bought the HS Explorer earlier this year, and enjoying it very much. Next to that is my Yamaha MODX6, which I mostly bought because of your splendid videos on it. I love those nighttime backyard concerts that you did! I can't wait to see what you do when you dive into the programming! 😊

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thank you and huge congrats on the explorer (and the mo!)

[@npartridge12]

Excellent video as ever Woody. I have both the 49 key Hydrasynth and the Explorer and they are amazing synths, beautifully made, excellent key beds and for me one of the most inspirational synth engines I’ve ever has the pleasure to work with. The synth can do everything from warm classic analog tones to spiky digital and is so easy to program, sounds just fall out of this thing. And ASM are a brilliant company with all the support with updates they’ve given the Hydrasynth over the past few years. The Deluxe does look and sound in your most capable hands sir, absolutely stunning, I may have to see if I can upgrade my 49 key to this amazing beast of a Poly synth someday.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the feedback and as always nice to get some opinions from another owner, especially when this positive! i'm very inspired to program my own soundbank, let's see how it goes.

[@stevehofer3482]

I just got a Hydrasynth Deluxe. I totally agree with you re the solid build quality. In the US right now you can buy one for $1499 USD. It feels like a machine designed to sell for more than twice as much. I love the polyphonic aftertouch. I can’t wait to try it out as a softsynth controller.

[@powermix24]

Congrats, I bought the 49 Key Hydrasynth back in August 2020, amazing synth. would love the Deluxe but I have no room as of right now

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Good demo woody,I like your demos.

[@vanessajazp6341]

Got one of these a couple of months ago. Glad to see you doing a demo of this phenomenal synth! I think a lot of this synth's concept was designed with the classic CS80 in mind (Polyphonic Aftertouch; long touch ribbon).

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hey there, and congrats on yours. i'm sure you have been enjoying it!

[@theaudioeng]

Coooolll Woody !! Played the Deluxe ver at Synthfest Sheffield a few weekends ago, really nice. Interesting Poly AT keybed.... 😎👍🎹🎶🍻

[@LezMarwick]

I bought the Hydrasynth Explorer a couple of weeks ago and I was amazed at the build quality for the price. Although the top and sides of the Explorer case are plastic, they almost feel like metal because of the weight of the synth and because the quality is so good. All of the knobs feel top quality as well. It reminds me of the quality of electronics from the mid 20th century, when things were built to last, rather than modern day builds.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

absolutely, yes i've heard other reviewers saying the build of the explorer is great, congrats on yours and happy exploring!

[@nunomollc]

This is fantastic introduction of the synth thanks!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thank you too!

[@mrclaytron]

Great video Woody! I'm glad to see you taking the Hydrasynth for a spin! Its a pretty wild synth - I love it. I have the desktop version (I had the original KB version, but had to change for the desktop, as I need to save space!) I actually think its very capable of some analog type sounds, its got a few tricks tucked away that can help with that. People often dicredit it for sounding too cold and digital - personally I think it can go either way, its very flexible... Anyway, Im looking forward to see your upcoming videos and hearing your thoughts, and some great music from you! Have fun man!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the encouraging message and congrats on your hydra!

[@germansnowman]

One of my favourite things after a long day of work at the moment is to sit down in front of the Hydrasynth, load preset A016 “BladeTitles”, play something Bladerunner-inspired and let the poly-aftertouch rip :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

I will make sure to hunt down A016, congrats on yours!

[@germansnowman]

@@WoodyPianoShack Great, and thanks! It’s a fantastic machine, I have barely scratched the surface of its features. Still learning a lot, so thanks for this video!

[@VexylObby]

So many great synths released in the past 5 years. Which ones will time be kindest to?

[@OswaldoVonSchnoobenstein]

My more recent (Got the HS when it came out) albums are made with the Hydrasynth, Deepmind 12 and Montage. The Hydrasynth is just the rabbit coming out of the hat. It's just magical. I love it so much.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah, i get the same feeling when browsing the presets and making some tweaks to the sound. congrats on yours. it would be interesting to explore the workflow of creating tracks with just a hardware synth or two, opposed to the convenience of plugins.

[@OswaldoVonSchnoobenstein]

@@WoodyPianoShack I'm pretty old school. I only use all hardware in those three synths I have, I don't use sequencers. Everything is hand played, no copy/pasting in the DAW. I will play every layer beginning to end on all my tracks. They sound more organic to me that way as it's never perfect. Obviously, the drums are programmed 🙂

[@XavierRadix]

This synth always impresses me when I hear it. I've been tempted to get one, maybe one day, who knows!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi xav, indeed, the sound did astonish me as i flipped through the presets, and rarely i have heard such musical sounding filters! it's the design and interface that impresses me even more though. hope you get to check one out some day, i would love to hear what you can do with it.

[@jernaugurgeh451]

That extra shelf accessory would give it just about enough space for my cat to curl up on.

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

Great video....but when selecting a different sound in the Deluxe version...does the first sound stop abruptly or is there smooth transition to the next sound? Thanks

[@genedevine]

Really nice review…I’m considering other synths but this has jumped up maybe to that top

[@djkanyon]

Hydra is the synth that deserved to be reviewed by Woody. To me it's a synths' synth if ya'll feel me. I mean with this one you feel like you are actually "synthesising" the sound. Not really my thing but it's an enigma that just had to appear in a synth world. There's not a lot of negative comments about Hydra coz it offers sound possibilities for a reasonable prices without raising prices just for a brand. Hydra is a "people's champ", so to speak. Now i'm gon' watch the video from start to finish.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i agree with that, could this be the digital synth that inspires me to do some programming...?

[@djkanyon]

@@WoodyPianoShack"...to be continued"!

[@robertgarza466]

Great review. Thanks for the video!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

not sure if i would call this a review after literally just opening the box, making some multis and playing a bit! but we'll do one eventually...

[@sjfarrell2.03]

I had the 49 key version for about six months but sold it as I just didnt like the sound that much. It is a good synth and it is easy to program with a decent keybed but not my thing.

[@FeatherGlow1]

I bought my Hydrasynth Deluxe about 2 months ago. Annoyingly, I haven't set it up yet. I need to re-arrange my small music room to accommodate it. Hopefully I'll get that done in early November when I have a couple of days off work. I can't wait to get it up and running, download the upgrade, and start playing.

[@nielsdt]

Hi Woody, After a long time using the Hydrasynth, do you feel the font of the screens is still too small, because I feel that too. Could you DIY-solve it by sticking magnifying glasses over all of the screens? Did you try that?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well it all depends how shit your eyesight it, i would not rig up anything on the synth, but mag glass in left hand works when editing!

[@dessiplaer]

Every time I hear you play those Nik Kershaw chords, I have to watch the video on KZbin. Have fun with the Hydrasynth. It looks and sounds really good.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

love that chord progression, what a song writer!

[@dessiplaer]

@@kierenmoore3236 Woody was playing the chords to Nik Kershaw's song "Wouldn't it Be Good." I like that song a lot, and apparently Woody does as well. Cheers!

[@moogman5]

Certainly nice, but I'm waiting to check out the new Behringer CS80 clone when it comes out

[@PeteKowalsky]

Nice video, Woody! I got my HSD about a month back, and I'm loving it. Polytouch and the ribbon are AWESOME, and you're right about the construction - I immediately thought of my MK I DX7 when I unboxed mine - very tank-like, but not so absurdly heavy for its size, like that DX7 - LOL! It's VERY intuitive to work with, and sounds INCREDIBLE with or without on-board effects. It gets MASSIVE when I run it through my DAW and some premium effects like Butterfly Effect, BigSky, and Black Hole. It's an unabashedly-digital machine that sounds epic, and also does everything from wild FM or 90's digital stuff to fat warm pads like a BOSS. The librarian is pretty good and mostly intuitive. I'd like to have a computer-based plugin controller/editor that shows literally *all* parameters on screen at once (if possible?), for in-place quick edits from my system. I'd use that along with the physical controls on the front panel - but HSD is not my only synth, so having a computer-based editor would be sweet! It's a VERY high-quality keyboard that I know will bring me years of fun and inspiration. ASM has made a great instrument here.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well said, enjoyed reading your insights!

[@PeteKowalsky]

@@WoodyPianoShack I should also mention I'm a preset flipper as well for a while when I get a new synth. That fun doesn't end anytime soon with HSD. There are also some AMAZING third-party libraries that have blown my mind - when you have a chance, check out libraries by Paczka (ambient lo-fi stuff WOW), multis by Synth Universe (stunning pads), and Push-Pull (lots of amazing stuff here). Use the librarian to load / sort / organize these. :)

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

You either love the Hydrasynth or you are wrong! Owner since Jan. 2020. Zero regrets.

[@ilyandilymusic]

Mine arrives next week! I’m beyond stoked.

[@mickec5245]

Impressing. Could you possibly show us how it works as a midi-controller for different vst instruments? There isn't many demos here on KZbin about that and I wonder why. Especially the Ribbon controller and the aftertouch midi out function is of interest. It would be very appreciated 🙂

[@WoodyPianoShack]

one of the makers/designers did a fabulous video showing how that it makes a fabulous controller, since the macro knobs send different CCs when each synth module is selected, so very powerful and intuitive vst softsynth controller. it might be a good topic for me to cover too, thanks.

[@billyruss]

I bought one of these when they first came out, wowed by some of the sounds I'd heard and the prospect of polyphonic aftertouch and a ribbon. I've owned other keyboards with polyphonic aftertouch and have to say that this is just a dream to play - so easy to articulate individual notes within a chord. In the first patch, the default behaviour of increased pressure is to open the filter, add a slight vibrato and increase the amount of reverb on the note pressed. Very nice indeed. The polyphonic aftertouch, coupled with the ribbon will inevitably lead to comparisons with the mighty CS-80, and there are times, when you're browsing the patches on the Hydra, that you suspect the creators have set out to give you the Vangelis sound at your fingertips. I have to mention though, that I got the Wavestate at the same time, too, and that has given me many more hours of fun - there are just so many great sounds, and they are almost infinitely tweakable. The sounds on the Hydra are of a different type. They seem to me to be not as warm as other synths I've played. I had the same feeling about the Waldorf Blofeld and the Modal Argon8 - it's difficult to put my finger on it, they just feel, as you said, "metallic" somehow - though that may well be down to my not having put a huge amount of time into delving into the sonid architecture to make my own sounds. There are a few really nice patches, and the poly AT and ribbon alone make it difficult to part with but, if I was forced to choose between the Hydra and the Wavestate, I think the Wavestate would win. When Cherry Audio released their excellent GX-80, I spent hours playing that using a couple of Lumi Keys to get the poly aftertouch, and got (for me) some pretty great sounding results without the weight (as you point out, it's very sturdily-built and a bit of a beast - I'm impressed by how easily you were able to heft it about, you must work out!), and I'm waiting to see how I get on using the new Native Intruments S61 Mk3 with its polyphonic aftertouch. That won't have the ribbon, though 😞

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thx for sharing the insights of a long-term owner, interesting reading indeed. and good luck with the new mk3! and no, i was huffing and puffing after moving this around, just shooting the thumbnail was a workout!

[@squishmallowfan025]

TOTALLY noticed those metal side panels as being reminiscent of the Roland Jupiters so very happy you mentioned it......damn, I don't need it but financed it's not THAT much......do I REALLY need seven streaming services.......my D50 is still going strong(ish) 37 years later, will this copy that sort of longevity?

[@MichaelRohaly]

The analog feel control is nice, but also if you smooth a random LFO you'll get a useful source of flakiness that you can apply to any mod destination at low levels, and that can make things drift in a pleasing way.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

excellent tip, thanks for that!

[@dykodesigns]

A midi thru port, that’s something you don’t see much anymore. Quite a usefull feature still. This synth oozes built quality, I like how they designed the encoders with the LED’s around it, so many nice touches and fine details. I’d say the UI is well layed out, looks intuitive.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi dyko, yes, a lot of thought has gone into this, it is apparent when you start digging into the features. the last time i saw encoders like that was the nord lead 4, it was and still is a very good design that you don't eee enough of.

[@Wagoo]

You might need a set of face-irons, Woody - the text on the screens on the Hydrasynth isn't _that_ small 🤓Bit of a luxury compared to some synths.. like the postage stamp screens on Minilogue or even mighty Black Corporation synths! Have fun, it's a great synth! :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hi wagoo, my eyesight is a lost cause, with or without specs!

[@royevans4581]

Controls look a lot like those used on modern airliners. I'm going to fly a Deluxe pretty soon. ❤❤

[@Death_By_Media]

Longtime owner of the desktop rack version . welcome to Hydra its a journey Little known or underused fact : the cv in can double as an audio input 😉

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's an awesome tip! i was wondering why this lacked a aux input, but yeah! i guess it's not stereo caoable tho.

[@stevec.1802]

Does this unit have a screen sharing option where you can connect a laptop to it to have a larger view than the onboard screen? Love the sound and your presentation. Thank You.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thank you, no, there is no way to do that! magnifying glass for me, it´s a challenge for me on most synths.

[@X22GJP]

A good review and overview, but let’s be brutally honest, would you have picked one of these up had you not been given it for free as a long-term loan? Don’t get me wrong, the synth is awesome and I’m pretty much a mirror of yourself in terms of how I play and what I play (samples) so value the input. I’m on the fence myself as to what primary dawless setup to get that covers as many bases as possible.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

your question is fair and i'll try to answer honestly. i'm in weird situation of having too many keyboards that are rarely used except for videos, so buying another one for my own personal use was not something i even considered. if i had to start over and buy something for dawless then one of the hydras would be my choice, or a new sequential prophet perhaps... but much more money and not as versatile. i hope you get to try one yourself. the sounds are simply stunning, i think it sounds better , fresher and more inspiring than my workstations. hope that helped, let me know if I can demo anything for you.

[@X22GJP]

@@WoodyPianoShack Hey woody, massively appreciate the detailed response. I’m with ya’ on the whole “having too much” dilemma, not that I actually have too much, but I know how I am if I do - things just get generally left, which is why I’ve never really gelled with my iPad full of soft synths or bothered with a plethora of cheap and readily available soft synths. Sometimes less is more, and forces creativity. It’s interesting you say that the hydra is more inspiring than your workstations - I’ve been monitoring the Montage M situation and it looks like Genos 2 is coming soon, but those are or will be hella’ expansive compared to the Hydra deluxe which is a lot of synth for the money. I know I really want bi-timbral as a minimum as layers sounds can be far more expressive. I’d been keen to know how well the hydra does with bread a butter type sounds like piano, strings, organ etc. I know it’s not designed to replace them, but how close can it get? Also, as somebody who like yourself tends to surf presents, how do you find it in terms of ease of use and programming sounds? Another spendy one I’ve been eyeing up is the UDO Super Gemini that purposefully lacks screens to make you focus on the controls. I do like pads with lots of long tails and ethereal movement which the Gemini excels at, so be nice to hear what the hydra can do there too. Thanks again mate, truly appreciate your time and work.

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

Is there a smooth transition when selection one sound to the next?.....ie..the previous sound still rings on the keys pressed

[@JKVisFX]

I had the hydra desktop for a while and found I just was not using it nearly as much as my plugin synths. The reason is the lack of two key features I wish all digital synths had (only a very few do): • Audio over USB • A Patch editor plugin that can control the synth like a plugin synth; automatically download and save patches in the DAW project, and upload the patches from the DAW to the synth.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

right on, good call on those two features.

[@manny_f]

What's the problem with wall wart power supplies? If it breaks it's much easier to replace than an internal one.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

IF you're taking questions for the next video....I don't have the room for the 76 key, but want the layers and the polyphony, can we polychain the little mini key Explorer for polyphony and feed it patches from the main synth for layering?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i think i saw that you can chain together for more poly, but doubtful you can load multi patches, since neither of the smaller synths have them in the presets. someone might correct me....

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

No, you can't load layers into an Explorer, but one MIDI cable from the Hydra61 and I have layers. Layers and polychain at the same time, probably not. @@WoodyPianoShack

[@crazzylee]

The MPC X would be perfect with that.

[@LivinLifeLoud]

I control 4 other synths through a MPC Live with my deluxe and I feel it is a perfect match!

[@Denvermorgan2000]

Nice synth and video.

[@ferranmelero7727]

Fantastic vid

[@aptudo]

I would love a video in which you play your FAVORITE presets.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i got you covered this weekend!

[@afprojects]

I have the desktop version, great synth, love it🎹

[@WoodyPianoShack]

congrats on that, enjoy!

[@iixorb]

Great review and the first synth I've had serious 'GAS' for, for quite some time !! I know what you mean about 'wall warts' but I think they're generally a good thing as they are easier / cheaper to replace than internal power supplies tend to be when they go wrong :-)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, that is true, but do quality internal psus fail that frequently? the wall warts seem to fail more often. also fair to say it's mainly a cost-cutting and convenience exercise by the manufacturer?

[@iixorb]

@@WoodyPianoShack two DX7 failures (both mk 2's) and a JP8000 😉

[@iixorb]

@@WoodyPianoShack. Having just failed to find my MODX wall wart this morning, I’m leaning towards your way of thinking on this issue 😂

[@SuperGinkgo]

Fresnel lenses/reading magnifier? May make it legible writing with heath robinson affair or bracket...? You do the instrument justice, your approach and catchy riffs work for a lot of us! 🖖

[@WoodyPianoShack]

appreciate the kind feedback, yeah, i can always get by with some assistance on my synths, but a possible reason why i don't go too deep on sound design when screens are involved, it's a bit of a strain.

[@nieuweabnormaal5869]

Important is: is a manual included? At least a pdf with readable letters. I bought the Novation Summit, and I just cannot read the small letters of the manual. It is for saving the planet of course they say, when you print it you cannot read even with reading glasses. Now the machine is collecting dust. So this synth hopefully has a readable manual.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, i showed you the included paper manual, with decent font sizes. if this is a struggle, i always recommend downloading the pdf manual and then you can zoom in as much as you need!

[@torbenanschau6641]

Really nice overview.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

kind of you to say so, thx!

[@clauswagner6649]

I'm glad to own the EXPLORER version (cant afford the big one) and i must say, it is not a CS80, but it comes close. And the good thing is, it can so much more. Wish i had the deluxe Hydra.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

part of me regrets not getting the original keyboard model, i like that form factor and you get all the important controls!

[@hebrewsvevturesgroupjohnso9471]

they need to make these synths with more groove shot samples and loops like you will find in the phone apps. partial ballads, break beats and orchestrations too

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i'm sure they are monitoring the comments, so keep your fingers crossed for that! :D

[@joefro9473]

What drum machine was that ?

[@ChrisCebelenski]

I've had the desktop version for awhile now (actually it's pre-release), but aside from some initial exploration I haven't done much with it - only so much time in the day I guess - BUT I haven't found it limiting in any notable way, and the sound is top notch so I expect I will pull it out again and do something. Oh, and I'm going to start calling you "Shaggy" now for obvious reasons. I do look forward to what you come up with as you go deeper - maybe get beyond the presets, since it's fairly intuitive? One thing I did was try and mimic some of my vintage stuff where it might make sense - nothing conclusive, but again nothing bad either. It's more "digital" in the same way my Dave Smith Poly Evolver is I would say - not in your face aliasing monster like the new Korg stuff can be.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

BINGO! there it is, the first hair comment, you didn't let me down! congrats on your hydra, yes i agree, there seems to be no limits - apart from 8 note poly of course!

[@JKVisFX]

Do you have reading glasses? I'm probably close to your age and have always had bad eyes (so bad so that I have a 65" TV as my computer monitor). I had the same issue with the tiny screens on my Hydra Desktop.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i see pretty bad with or without glasses or any correction, bummer. magnifying glass seems to help some tho!

[@agentooe33AD]

I can't wait to see more content from you on this board. To be honest, most of the demos I've seen, really didn't inspire me at all and thus, kept me from buying it. I do appreciate the quality and layout, but the sounds themselves just didn't really do it. I am curious to see what you do with it!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

what kind of sounds or features do you like, i can try to find some and include in my demos?

[@hoagy_ytfc]

The shelf, and other aspects of the physical hardware, are very Arturia-like - and indeed I think I saw reports that the designer used to be at Arturia.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you'd be right, glenn darcey came from there, and worked on the Brutes, amongst others.

[@angelesblancosincofficial4756]

Can this be useful as a midi for a software.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, it also works as an excellent software synth controller

[@BigMacBook1300]

I own the rack version and love it .

[@WoodyPianoShack]

nice, congrats on that!

[@hoagy_ytfc]

I had one, and had to get rid of it due to its size (my available studio space is sadly pretty small). Such a shame, it sounds awesome, I do regret not managing to find the room for it. If the Deluxe model were available in five octaves, but retaining the poly aftertouch, I'd def get one.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, I think that would be a good combo too. but not sure there is enough front panel space for those extra deluxe controls.

[@paulmapp8306]

I didnt really gell with mine. Its OK - bit its nothing that special, and I really didnt like the keybed (not the Poly AT -t hat bit was great). Ended up with an Iridium keys (again, Poly AT) in its place - and Im much much happier. Each to their own though.

[@sagantiworrior5284]

Hi please how can I get my Korg M1 workstation correspond with my Atari 1040 st computer running on notator or cubase crack 2.0

[@WoodyPianoShack]

lol! hello from 1989 :)

[@MIxstarsOnline]

Bought this same synth and hated it.. I even purchased more presets still sounded like crap... Took it back and got a Rev 2 instead...

[@erichkohl9317]

You've piqued my interest in this synth Woody. Looking forward to your followup videos.

[@PeteMOBie1]

Thanks

[@mwmusic29]

I notice that their swirly logo resembles the pitch and mod wheel look, if they are viewed from the correct angle. I know - I’m probably reaching… 😂

[@WoodyPianoShack]

good call, i wondered and would like to know the origin of the logo too.

[@kfunkenstein864]

The first 12 mins of this video make me think you are unboxing my $30 Casio from 30 years ago. A major diservice to the hardware at your finger tips.

[@StargateMax]

I started wanting it so bad after seeing this video, but... I found out that the company is Chinese, therefore I'll forget about it altogether. No need to say that many other companies use "made in China" parts or assembly, it's not the same thing as an actual Chinese company. Good alternatives do exist, including software like ANA 2 or Serum for example.

[@asynchronicity]

Did you get enough stickers with it? Haha

[@edjones3390]

This wonderful synth has been on my shopping list since its release! please don't do any more youtubes or my bank account will be empty! 🤣

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you're kind of making me feel a little guilty now!

[@dunc1959]

Nice machine I have a Kronos 88 piano touch music station in the gold limited edition can't understand why Korg have replaced it with the Nautilus a good machine but a Kronos it is not I hope Korg to bring out a new Kronos in time

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, we are all trying to figure out what the nautilus strategy is all about.