ASM Hydrasynth // Up Against Analog Classics // Dare you take the blind test?

/ starskycarr
A quick test to see if anyone can pick out the Hydrasynth. I use a couple of really simple tones in an attempt to isolate the differences as being caused by the filters - not the synth architecture, oscillators or unique aspects.. Just a simple filter sweep and a basic pad.
I'll post the results here in a few weeks - do you dare to guess? Haha.. I wouldn't!!
BUT If you think KZbin audio isn't helping.. check out my experiments in KZbin algorithmic compression:
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#hydrasynth #review #demo

[@aphexish]

Idk what’s what, but I love the sound of electricity just fighting not to be contained.

[@billybartcody3591]

With all the gain stages, drive opportunities, and pre/post compression/EQ FX, you can get the Hydrasynth to sound pretty close to a great many other synths and plenty warm or dirty. Where it really shines is in its expressivity/playability and deep sound design capabilities. I make myself cry playing at my 49-key HS sometimes, haha. Looking forward to more HS coverage :)

[@StarskyCarr]

I know there's so much in here. With this I just went as simple as possible. No drive, no tricks... just super simple.

[@ToastandJam52]

I agree. Hydrasynth is hard to beat especially at the price. Maybe a Christmas present to myself!

[@billybartcody3591]

​@@ToastandJam52 you really should, there's endless fun to be had! I highly recommend a model with the ribbon if you enjoy performing. And all models went on sale this very day!

[@Whistler-007]

@@ToastandJam52 Do it!

[@GertBoers]

Already subscribed long ago, but I am looking forward to your Hydrasynth findings. My guesses for the Hydrasynth are #1 for the first and #4 for the second.

[@dgoldstein]

Lately when I hear these great synths coming into the market I keep considering how well I can get my Explorer to do it. Great seeing this content.

[@StarskyCarr]

It’s an amazing synth.

[@PacificIslandDrive]

I never judge synths based on technology, price, or trends, but rather I always focus on these three primary objectives… #1 Sound. #2 Functionality. #3 Ease of Use. The sound of an instrument, is always going to subjective to a users taste. If the user is forcing themselves to love a certain sound, or feature, because it’s popular with their peers, chances are they will always be artistically frustrated. Otherwise, each user relies on different functions, technology, and capabilities, to achieve the specific types of sound/music, that they want to achieve.

[@C1c4da]

your channel is like a weird form of therapy thanks for the vids! im about to buy myself the hydra for xmas :) and maybe a lxr 02 for extra digital mayhem. I cant deal with my daw anymore. lol

[@spaceranger145]

The Cherry Audio synths have really been blowing me away lately, I really don't think many people could tell the difference in the mix! I'm happy you pointed out the grittier synths in the end, I do feel like those complex nonlinear sounds are just not properly modeled yet.

[@compucorder64]

It's true, but I was impressed with Arturia's new MS-20. It seems like a great effort at capturing that kind of non-linearity. Adding a touch of good saturation, like HG-2 or Dist Tube Culture or Sketch Cassette helps a lot too.

[@spaceranger145]

@@compucorder64 I'll have to check it out, I was very unimpressed with the response of the PS-20 at high resonance. I agree, distortion helps, as does multiband compression, but then it feels like trying to polish a turd rather than just starting with an instrument fit for purpose.

[@NatLifeSounds]

Cherry Audio sounds good as other VSTs but it does not sound like Hydra and even not close to real analog voices. 80% will not hear the difference yeah, and if you do not hear it - use software. I'm in the other 20% who hear it clearly, so for me soft synths can't sound so Free and open-minded like it's Analog or good Hardware synth. Maybe it's because of converters in VA synths, but it is.

[@nekrodamusas]

Thanks for covering the Hydra, its the synth that cured my GAS and I will always praise it for that 😊

[@StarskyCarr]

It does so much. I’ve tried to make a 12-13 minute demo for my Clubbing TV show but it’s so bard to squeeze it all in!

[@ProckGnosis]

Ah...nicely making the point! Differences in a semi-dense mix are 99% negligible (IMO), and I don't have a problem using digital synths. My Akai Miniak and Access Virus C are still 2 of my favorite synths. Even the free Tyrell N6 (from U-he) sounds great!. A large part of what appeals to me with most (though not all) analog synths is the immediate access and smooth control (esp. Dreadbox Erebus or Murmux). I grab, I twist or slide, and it RESPONDS in a solid and interactive way. That was my main complaint with the Alesis A6. It SOUNDS truly amazing, but the interaction felt uncertain, especially with the very digital controls and dodgy encoders. I also used to complain that certain digital synths didn't have the same full bottom end as analog (as the Hyrdasynth was initially accused of lacking), and then quite hilariously, I realized I was usually EQ-ing out a lot of that same bottom end of the analog synths, to reduce the "mud" so they would sit better in the mix. So yeah, at least part of it comes down to synth snobbery, I would say (again IMO). Of course I'd sell my Akai Miniak and Virus C before I sold my Prophet 6 or OB6. : )

[@RobertSaintJohn]

“Just a simple filter sweep”… quick! Watch and answer before the video is taken down! 😄

[@l1fef0rm]

I love digital filters. The Rossum Linnaeus eurorack module is my go to when not using the Hydra. (Hydra + Linnaeus also good).

[@PhrygianPhrog]

HS is 2nd (or maybe 4th) in first lot, 3rd in second lot. Keen to find out the results!

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Would love a Waldorf M. Curious if the Minifreak will get a part of that fix?

[@compucorder64]

Could be right with the first two here, which I like the most, lost otherwise: 1 - Pro one (throaty rasp) 2 - MINIMOOG! (rumbly resonant growl) 3 - Hydrasynth (smooth) 4 - Kawai 100F? (thin/lofi) Mostly guessing here: 1 - OB-X (smooth brass) 2 - Hydrasynth (smooth/static - but I like it) 3 - Polybrute (steppy - but I like it) 4 - OB-6 (rough brass)

[@rainbow_mess_music]

I can never tell, to be honest :) and I've only played with the hydrasynth for a bit out of these, everything else I've only watched videos ... but these guessing things are always fun so I'd guess: 1 - Pro-1? 2 - Moog 3 - hydrasynth 4 - 100F It's possible the hydra is 1 too?? pads: these almost sound exactly the same wow. this is almost a full shot in the dark, but: 1 - obx 2 - hydrasynth 3 - polybrute 4 - ob6

[@cronenbergj]

The Quantum recently got the same number of voices as the Iridium in a new Beta Fw. And other options of mixing Analog and Digital filters.

[@gamma_noize]

Hmm... There are differences in the resonance behavior, but i can't really tell which one belongs to which synth. The most noticeable clips are the second of the saw sweep and the the fourth on the pad sweep. In both the resonance "ring / whistle" gets quieter the more the filter opens and is barely audible when fully open. On the other examples the resonance stays more or less constant. So i guess, 2 on the first sweep and 4 on the second sweep is the Hydra. I think, this resonance behavior is what i remember from trying out the Hydra Synth. I might be wrong though... It was quite some time ago, that i had the Hydra under my fingers.

[@vryc]

I like having both in my setup.

[@aseomg]

The only comparison I want to see or rather hear on this channel before 2022 ends is; Cherry Audio GX-80 vs hardware poly synths...analog, digital, hybrid or whatever! *I don't have any hardware polys nor do I care to get one, so its just a curiosity of mine as far as comparing poly synth sounds.

[@StarskyCarr]

Interesting - basically how does a much lauded analog Poly emulation compare to an analog Poly? I did this with my CA 106 and my Juno - but it wasn’t a great co parison tbh. Their synth obviously sounds a lot different to mine! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGO2YZRmZZqDq5I

[@benzmobil]

Hydrasynth can mimic some great analog synths for sure, but they can't mimic hydrasynth even a tad close when you do some sound design on it! And don't sleep on that randomize button, it's such a great option to get unexpected result.

[@StarskyCarr]

There’s nothing quite like a glass of your favourite beverage and a randomise button to spend a long winter evening finding all sorts of inspirational stuff…. And mainly insane noise - Hence the need for the beverage 😂 every synth should have one.

[@ToastandJam52]

To be honest, it is difficult to tell the difference between sounds for a lot of things due to the mangling YT does to audio. even through my studio monitors it was hard to tell the difference from one synth to the other. Recently I was able to try out the 49 key Hydrasyth out in a music shop and I was completely blown away. It sounded great and fairly intuitive the use and at an amazing price. I didn't recognise the last two synths you were holding at the end. Maybe they are worth checking out. Thanks. I enjoyed your video.

[@glennharrall8655]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZynkGikZbOpgbM Are you sure KZbin does that much “mangling”?

[@Fluxwithit]

KZbin generally doesn’t mangle the audio anymore (except on live streams)

[@StarskyCarr]

What KZbin does to music kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZynkGikZbOpgbM

[@guidedbyechoes]

I think that the difference isn’t as large as one would expect. I have the hydrasynth and couldn’t immediately tell which one it was

[@StarskyCarr]

No-one has got the answers right yet. I think I’ll make a short video explaining what’s what rather than just post the results so keep an eye out :)

[@dobeeeeval]

I think 1 was Hydra cause it had the most linear sweep. 2 had notches in its sweep. 3 and 4 had a lot of character. 4 sounded the best on the pad.

[@xa1a]

That polysynth shootout, the first one was the Oberheim. It has that sizzle to it! The Monosynth one, I think the Hydra is the 4th one!

[@StarskyCarr]

Nice one. We’ll see. Thanks for taking a stab. I bet I get a lot more brave folks once the results are announced! 👍😃

[@xa1a]

@@StarskyCarr hahaha yeah you will!!

[@Ni5ei]

0:38 A Blofeld... I have to admit I only bought that (with sample memory expansion) years ago to use for 1 single sound: The Polymoog Vox Humana

[@ivanskunov9166]

Great rebus!Thanks! To answer, I need to train my hearing on different instruments every day. In my situation, this is not possible. But is it possible to judge as a weak presence of bass compared to others? Probably the last solo is the behringer poly d? This tool may have strange functions with a filter on the ends...

[@StarskyCarr]

the synths I used are the ones shown on the graphics. That's a Minimoog not a PolyD :)

[@ivanskunov9166]

Damn it!Oh!No!;)) Thanks! Great, awesome contest! I hope there will be your answers

[@MusicZeroOne]

I've done this on forums and people don't take part. They know the answers afterwards though! HS 100 Moog Pro1 PB OBX OB6 HS

[@StarskyCarr]

I congratulate you on being first to take a stab… and yeah. Lots of people know the difference - once they know the answers 😉

[@drsamurai009]

I originally guessed the HS was 4th in both, but re-listening, to the audio and reading down your guesses, I think I may go with your guess of flipping the mono HS and Pro1. The Pro1 is really thin at the top (open) end of the sweep, and the middle two are super deep at the bass end. I had guessed the HS 4th in both actually, and short of having 1 and 4 in my mono list reversed, I would rank both lists the same as your's. Looking forward to seeing how far off I am ;).

[@hermask815]

Talking about minute details. Many talk about how great the filter of some vintage synth sounds and mostly it’s a low pass filter (only). But there are Low pass High pass Band pass Band reject Hi shelf Low shelf Formant And Comb filters.mostly found in the filter section and NOT in the effects section. If you check most currently available synth (

[@StarskyCarr]

You’re right. I guess the low pass is the most used and most obvious to demo. I’ve found that when demoing others it’s really hard to show substantial differences - u less it’s a distinctive part of the character like the MS20 HP for example or demoing SEM style things.

[@AntonAnru]

you haven't got copyright claims for the sweeps. congrats!

[@StarskyCarr]

haha.. a miracle!

[@ShaunCymruDS8]

Ok.. I’m just going to go with HYdrasynth is 1st of each groups. Looking forward to see what the 3rd synth on group 2 is as it’s gorgeous:)

[@StarskyCarr]

Interesting .. thanks for having the bottle to post!

[@GrootsieTheDog]

My only guess is that the hydra is the very first example you play - only because I’ve noticed the resonance can have a high piercing tinnitus sound on some of the filters when fully open and settings with high resonance - Contrary, the Minilogue XD or Peak (both analog filters) the high resonance sounds really great throughout the filter sweep.This is something I noticed when I first got my Hydra synthesizer. The resonance can really be unpleasant more so than usual with higher settings compared to analog filters or even my microKorg digital filter.

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ve started to dread filter sweeps as they really bring on my tinnitus. Turning up the volume to listen to the higher frequencies in detail is a killer!

[@jeffc1753]

Why judge a synth by max resonance when no one wants to hear it in the first place?

[@GrootsieTheDog]

@@jeffc1753 you kinda answered your own question. But I'm not really judging it, I'm only stating an observation. Also, it has a lot to do with the overall behavior and sound of a filter. I've grown to actually like it for many reasons, but the hydras filters (some less than others) still have a weakness, compared to the filters I mentioned, in its full range of sweep - the res often sounds too high or too low depending on where you are in the sweep so you have to make real time adjustments.

[@jeffc1753]

@@GrootsieTheDog Too high or low in pitch or volume?

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Hydrasynth owner since Jan 2020. Got me through the last 3 years! Except for the stepping filter sweep I am not sure which is which. The Hydra is so easy to program and a dream. I am still trying new things 3 years later. Hoping for a new update to add more features! That step filter was gorgeous. I don't think that was the Hydra. I'm going to go play through the fliters right now and repost.

[@StarskyCarr]

I look forward to it :) FYI The filters used were the basic 24dB Ladder and the 12db Steiner

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

None of the 12db filters step on the Hydra. The LP3 (6db) steps when the filter is open around 50%. Can't wait for the reveal!

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Just saw your post. Now I have to go back and triple check.

[@StarskyCarr]

@@jamesdefrancesco7765 What you hear on the video isn't stepping (as far as I can recall) - I think its just plucking out the harmonics. Possibly a very focussed Q.

[@Fluxwithit]

@@StarskyCarr yeah I agree none of these sounded steppy, I hear harmonic peaking but not stepping . (Resonance causes harmonics to peak out in intervals )

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

Idk what is what but sweep 2 was definitely the nicest sounding. Something I always notice with digital synths or plugins is the kind of harsh ringing in the upper frequencies. It almost feels like something is pinching your eardrum. Moot and sequential rarely have this problem.

[@StarskyCarr]

So you think 2 was the nicest sweep but you do t think it’s the Hydrasynth? I’m trying to figure what everyone’s listening for. Thanks for the guess btw - I’ve played to people involved with synth design who have got this all wrong! S

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

Oo I misunderstood the point of the video. I’m going with 1 and 4 being digital. I thought 2-3 were the nicest sounding. Shot in the dark I’m going with hydra is #4

[@StarskyCarr]

@@Genital.Wartzenegger cool I’ll upload results soon.

[@TechnoShamanism]

@@StarskyCarr have you uploaded the results yet?

[@Whistler-007]

1:01 this is found in many groups of musicians who play different instruments & use gear. E.g. guitarists over the best guitar / amp / cab / speaker.

[@scottmcdiarmid8196]

Waldorfs digital filters are superb, hard to tell nowadays I think.

[@RealityShiftUK]

Does that include the blofield ?

[@scottmcdiarmid8196]

less so @@RealityShiftUK

[@tommikarkkainen9130]

I would have to guess that the Hydra on monosynths is number 2. The bass tone comes way too steady and has been cut earlier than others. In others the resonant filter takes away the base when wide open.

[@asdfjkl227]

Can you link answers video in description?

[@radaget3459]

Fancy doing an OBX8 vs OP-X Pro-II comparison please?

[@StarskyCarr]

If I get the time.

[@Truthasvictim]

Hard to believe we a re still even debating this anymore. Owning lots of incredible VST softsynths, I have been sold on them for years. U-he's many amazing synths alone, not to mention Rob Papen's and many others should have put this to bed years ago, excoet most of them are even better sounding now with the revisions that have been made to most.

[@fjfrancois]

@j s Yep.

[@drsamurai009]

Digital VA synths, and soft synths have come a long way in the past 20 years, and the debate is almost no longer necessary, but fun none the less :). IMO, the main (maybe the only) reason to have/rent/borrow/use any genuine analog synth is really no longer the sound, but the interface. VST and digital synths certainly can stand up to almost any old analog synth, except for the interface. At least a dedicated VA like a Virus can have the same controls as the old polys and when you're trying to dial in a sound, knobs and sliders will always be better than a mouse on a screen. Having an OB-Xa, I laugh when people complain about the new OB-X8 not having more controls when the front panel is so big. Every classic sound ever made with the OB series of synths (short of page 2 on the OB-8) was dialed in with only those front panel controls. THAT is the OB sound. Anything more is just icing on the cake. As far as the sound, I can comfortably state that if someone took away all my hardware and I had to use only VST synths, I would not be disappointed in the sound. Short of the tactile interface, the sounds are here, there and everywhere.

[@Truthasvictim]

@@drsamurai009 Once I did the crossover, my hardware stuff sits there doing nothing. I've got a ton of top notch VST's Rob Papen's Explorer, U-he, Korg's Collection and Synthmaster amongst others. I'd love to see blind tests only and see how many times the analog evangelists would get it right. And no, 25% is not a win.

[@alancurrall]

I'm probably not the first person to say this, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if this was a trick test and all the synth sounds we hear in this video, including the angry mono synths at the end, are coming from the Hydrasynth. It's more than capable of producing all these sounds if you want to put the time in.

[@StarskyCarr]

haha.. I'm not that cruel - honest :) I'll upload an explanation vid rather than just post the results - probably more useful overall. But yeah the Hydrasynth is such a chameleon it could be possible, especially once you start introducing drive and playing with the gain structure.

[@drsamurai009]

Not that easy for sure! I'll put my background up where my mouth (guess) is.... I don't own all these machines, but I do own a Hydrasynth Deluxe, Behringer clones of both the Pro 1 and Model D, and for poly reference I own an OB-Xa I bought used in 1986 so it's sound is definitely worn in, as are my 55 year old ears ;). My guess is the Hydra was the 4th (last one) in both tests. Less stepping in the filter on the mono test IMO, and just slightly less analog feeling in the poly12db test. I had a tougher time on the poly test settling on my guess but I'll roll with that. I will say I've been able to dial in both the Lucky Man Moog solo sound, and the Tom Sawyer bass rez sound that I'm very happy to use if I had to have only the Hydra. Bass isn't quiet as deep as true analog, but it's more than good enough. Throw in Poiy AT and it's the dessert island synth hands down for me.

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks for having a pop. I think it just shows how good digital can be these days. I didn’t plan it in that I didn’t try to find similar synths or tweak the Hydrasynth to match anything - no added drive etc… and I just used the synths that were plugged into the patch bay at the time. Results coming soon.

[@drsamurai009]

@@StarskyCarr That makes it even more impressive, that you didn't overly plan or overly try to match them. Simple. Here are four synths and right out of the box, without really trying, they all sound pretty darn close.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The 3rd category would be software sythersizors, in My opinion if people are short on space then a single midi keyboard controlling some nice software sythersizors might be better then for space and money saving. I only have 2 digital and 1 Analog sythersizor, it's just not logical or practical for Me to have lots of physical sythersizor.

[@baddriddimworkshop]

nice. Hey starslky, what about a digita vs digital one of these days. Why not hydrasynth vs REGEN. okay not as a function to function comparing, but maybe show different approaches, comparing results, workflows, implementations, etc... Saw that other vid you made about regenm onthat other channel, i wih there was more contenmt on the unit, but at the same time when you see pro synth network's "Cold Unboxing" of the regen, it seems the unit is kind of seen as a very complex thing when it's not, you will need to understand but it's not that complicated if user is versed in synths in general, youre stuff about regen was great for, imo, demystifying ( unmystifiying? sorry half american but french, sometime i'm not shure about sopme words but i'm shure you get what i mean) regen to the public. i'm so happy with mine, i personally think this is closer to what akai should have gone towards rather than making them st playing units, my oppinion though. Another thging we hear a lot is that ragen is some kind of a vst sold for a heavy price, well to tyhese i would answert that rather, it's a COPMPUTER, dedicated to it's own generator algorythmers and focussing on these only, then i'd ask p[eople to show me a vst in a 2k5 computer that 12x12 synth generator vst together... okay, i'm aware regen has it'sa limits regarding memorys for samples mainly, but you can go WAAAAY further with regen than with a computer using housed vst's. the other little thing that we might consider missing for the cost is a keyboard and/or sequencer, but seriously, if you are out for a regen, witch defenantly wont be the first generator you ever buy, in 2024, you allready have keying and sequenceinbg tools at your pl;ace, and if you dont, you can get those for rather good bargains depending on what you are looking for (i'de like to get a studio logic 73 or 88 one day that would be nice add on for when i'll have a good keyboardist playing at my place, but with abasic controler, and my mpc, or keystep pro, i'm great aswell). the fact that you can even plug a multiple output sound card to it in usb is a pretty nice feature aswell. and thus just to finish, that aint a vst, it's a complete computer dedicated to generators only (and trhat super reverb i love, they should make a standalone hardwaRE vbersion of it, i'm shure it wiould be afdfordable to producvce and to buy, and they would sell a bunch of em, and they coul;d add they're vibratro and tremolo to that type of unit that would be fun...). As usual i'm talking to much, but all this just to say more regen vids, even in vs vids, would be highly appreciated, oh and i saw you shared you prodgy samples and made a sample collection for regen, thanks for that mate. One last thing, a little tip for sound designmers looking for oscilators, look for the "adventure kid" website he has a collection of six thousand one cycle osc waveshapes that he shares, this is great for wavetables for example; imo a hudge add-on to your REGEN.

[@rycrump]

I heard as 3rd in the 24db being HS. My clue was the stepping in the others. I think that HS scrolls cleaner through the frequencies, but I’m not positive

[@benmckinney2941]

On example one my guess is number 4 is the Moog.

[@lextron-audio]

The 1st sweep sounds like Pro-1 to me

[@robman80808]

Dunno, but synth 2 filter sweep rattled the heck out of my sub!

[@StarskyCarr]

and my windows

[@fjfrancois]

@@StarskyCarr Lol

[@Dr-Stu]

Hydra is #2 on the sweep I reckon, I recognise that fizz at the end, #4 on the Pad. Are we gonna find out!?

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ll post in the description in a couple of weeks. 👍

[@Dr-Stu]

@@StarskyCarr you probably said that in the vid, goldfish memory.

[@alexkourelis]

Nice Polyend hoodie there

[@StarskyCarr]

It’s becoming my favourite for this season 😂

[@EmissaryRemix]

Did he ever post the results? I can't find it in the comments.

[@StarskyCarr]

Here you go… I’ll add to the description Analog vs Digital // The Results kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV6XiIhugtqSmqs

[@klinkske]

I don t know but there are some sound i don t like. Does not matter if it s digital or analog. The stepping sweep is what i don t like. I sold my ob6 because i didn t like it so i can t really be surprised anymore. I know jexus digs the hydra big time

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah the stepping on the seque ti stuff is I furiating. I wish you could turn it off. It quantised to semitones which is great for FM and poly mod stuff at times… but only at times. Other times it’s a nuisance.

[@attilaszasz5649]

Here's my guess: 1st group: 1. Kawai 2. Minimoog 3. Pro-One 4. Hydrasynth 2nd group: 1. OB-6 2. OB-X8 3. Polybrute 4. Hydrasynth

[@StarskyCarr]

Nice one - thanks for having a go. I’ll iPad the results soo. You maybe surprised.. or maybe not 😏😂

[@alfiedotwtf]

First question: second and third were analog, last was digital Second question: first was the OB-X8, second was the OB-6, hydrasynth was the last one

[@StarskyCarr]

:) I'll let you know. Check out the description in a week or 2 :)

[@deadmanwalking6342]

Yes, there is still big differences, analog VCF does Hz/Volt and Lin FM just fine 30- 40khz depending on design some even way beyond that while digital quickly runs into ugly aliasing problems and always have limited FM amount due to that and the bandwidth limiting algorithms reduction needed. Simple physics still rule so just a simple VCF sweep with a 800hz sawtooth as the filtered to be audio signal is not a "complete" blind test of a particular filter topology. Devil sits in the details as usually! Try do some FM on e.g Asturias analog VST's it sounds rather awful quite quickly no matter the sample rate, strangely enough, one can only assume at face value same band limiting algo are used for all sample rates or something. E.g CEM3320 VCF then assume C4 is 261.63Hz then assume start range is 16,35hz for the CEM3320 who has a specified "min" range of 12oct ( it regularly can do 14 octave sweeps) then 12oct ends at 66,796khz! Now imagine the sounds produced over that FM range. If you haven't tried you will not be aware of it as the modular folks use to say as their stuff usually are better optimized designs compared to regular mono and particular polys where you look for "repeatable conformity" among the voices.

[@StarskyCarr]

I guess what you’re saying is applying FM to the filter makes a big difference? Good point .

[@deadmanwalking6342]

@@StarskyCarr Yep , on P5, Memory Moog etc its called poly mod (Hz/Volt) , Oberhiem Matrix 6 (Lin FM), Xpander (Hz/Volt) basically a VCO who frequency modulates the VCF.

[@biggrime]

They all are close. Yes I hear differences but nothing to crazy

[@StarskyCarr]

And I just picked a few synths. The ones that were already plugged in! So I’ve not tried to match stuff or pick close sounding filters. That 100f can be mental!

[@TiberianFiend]

Starsky broke the DW-8000 out of the closet for this one.

[@StarskyCarr]

And now it needs an outing.. maybe compared to the ModWave? It’s so simple a demo would take 5 minutes - but loads of folks love it.

[@TiberianFiend]

@@StarskyCarr I've heard it compared to the Peak, which isn't even headlined as a wavetable synth (that fact is usually buried somewhere down in the copy). As someone who owns both a DW-8000 and a Peak, I find that a more interesting comparison.

[@StarskyCarr]

@@TiberianFiend I’ll try to get my hands on a peak… maybe in the new year.

[@bob-rogers]

In the first group of tests, the first synth has the weakest bass and I'm going to guess that's the AMS. The first two also have stairstep filter sweeps. I'm going to guess Minimoog is #3 and the 100F is #4, because you had the hardest time getting a smooth sweep. Don't know about the 2nd group, but the third one sounds different and I'm going to guess that's the PolyBrute

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks for taking the leap - no-one has got them both correct yet. Tbh I expected it to be difficult as I was surprised how different all the 2db sweeps where. I think the pads is pretty much impossible to work out which is which - which in itself is a bit of a revaluation to me. As others have said. If I’d attempted FM it might be a different story.

[@jacobbaxter123]

1: Moog 2: Pro One 3: Kawai 4: Hydrasynth 1: Hydrasynth 2: OB-X8 3: Polybrute 4: OB-6

[@StarskyCarr]

The results... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV6XiIhugtqSmqs

[@RealityShiftUK]

The hydra-synths can sound convincingly analog

[@StefVR]

First test last was the Hydrasynth I guess.

[@geephlips]

My only guess is that synth 3 on the 12db pad is the OB6 due to the harmonic stepping. Couldn’t even hazard a guess on the first one, because I rarely do that kind of filter sweep. I will say that my issue with the Hydrasynth was the workflow, not the sound. I think most synths with a lot of wavefolding, FM and other types of audio rate modulation are going to get labeled as harsh or thin, while a synth with a more basic structure won’t be. The same is true for synths with multiple filter types versus synths with just one 24 db low pass filter. A synth with more capabilities is more capable of making sounds people don’t like. But that also means it will be more capable of a wider variety of sounds, and that kind of synth sustains my interest for a longer. It also means I actually prefer VSTs for analog holy grail synths.

[@TheSinclairmoore]

Synth 2 was my fav

[@StarskyCarr]

Interesting. Was that in both examples?

[@TheSinclairmoore]

@@StarskyCarr yeah both, look forward to the reveal 👍

[@BrazdaluiNovac]

4 is the Hydrasynth

[@mastermachetier5594]

Syn2 sequential haha 😊

[@ChancellorAllen]

Polysynth guess: Synth 1 OB-6 synth 2 hydrasynth Synth 3 Arturia. Synth 4 OBX8

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks for having a go. This is by far the most difficult of the tests I think. It’s interesting to get so many perspectives. I’ve even had DMs from the designers that haven’t identified their own synths. It’s not intended to trick anyone (and everyone seems to be taking it in the spirit as intended - don’t you just love this community?). If I played with them a little more perhaps their individual characters would shine. If I get a chance to demo the Hydrasynth in detail (these will have to be returned to their owners at some point and I’d rather know them inside out before reviewing!) hopefully this can show anyone saying it sounds cold and digital that it really depends on the style of the sounds being created. Presets demoing all the functions don’t necessarily show the true character. I found that with the PolyBrute. It’s got a real vintage analog to raw tone, but the addition of all the gizmos can take away from that (great in most cases but if you’re after raw sounds not so much)

[@roryjineffect]

That Malevolent is just evil.

[@jutjup4731]

I don’t care if it’s analog or digital - only if it’s good or bad. I do like the blofeld filters but they are horribly aliasing

[@Funkbutterfly]

ok best guess 1 hydra, 2 proph, 3 moog, 4 kawai 1 hydra, 2 polybrute, 3 ob6, 4 obx8 Im probably very wrong though lol

[@happylittlesynth]

I think Hydrasynth was the 3rd filter swee

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ll upload results soon.

[@happylittlesynth]

@@StarskyCarr ETA ? :)

[@StarskyCarr]

@@happylittlesynth take a look at my channel - I uploaded it a few weeks following this video.

[@falangistavaleroso9689]

My fav digital synth since the Microwave XT. I want one asap

[@StarskyCarr]

it's ace!

[@blindianajones]

Given what you said in the intro, I was expecting to hear each synth in a mix vs a sweep. Ive heard hydra demos on their own and liked the sounds and then I have heard hydras in a mix and they sound awful. And it depends on what kind of music you are playing. Every synth has a usable sound in it but many synth may only work for one type of tune.

[@StarskyCarr]

I did try with a drum loop etc over the top but it was a bit pointless tbh. I thought id keep it short and sweet. as you say it depends on the type of music and style of track, so an electronic beat might suit some, an acoustic others. etc etc. Have to stop where I think the 80/20 rule comes into play.

[@BillBensen]

Welp, the first one freaked out my cats… 😂

[@bartmark5744]

hydra 3 and 3

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

Before I go watch the results, I'm gonna say 1. Moog (has that analog "fluff", and the way the oscillator comes through sounds Minimoogish to me) 2. Hydra (that extreme bass makes me think digital) 3. Pro 1 (sounds like a pretty standard filter) 4. Kawai (filter's resonance completely drowns out the oscillator... not familiar with any synths that do that, and I'm not familiar with the Kawai, so I'll guess Kawai, lol) Time to go check the reveal and see how I did.

[@vforvillain77]

A few weeks? Bro where's the update, it's 4 months now

[@StarskyCarr]

It on my channel somewhere. Did it a few weeks after this 😎

[@jno8039]

it doesn't matter. Some people are happy with a 5000 euro analogue synth other with an hybrid, and of course soft synth.

[@StarskyCarr]

I 100% agree. Here I’m just seeing if anyone can really tell the difference. When I upload my review of the Hydrasynths I’ll no doubt get films saying how digital it sounds, so I can point them to this rather than try to squeeze it all into a single mammoth video.

[@pinkieblu4320]

I have a Hydrasynth and, I have to confess, I'm totally underwhelmed with it. To my ears, it sounds soooooo tepid.

[@wavrekordz]

I think this is only matters in live. If you record an analog sound digitaly it loose the advantages. It's not about the sound character, but the quality. Same as LP... nobody says that if you record from vinyl you can get the same. Why we think that this is not true for analog synths? In a digital record nobody can decide which is which or only if there is a very specific sound character.

[@StarskyCarr]

Another interesting comment thanks. I remember when I bought my Voyager after having gone in the box for a couple of years. Within a couple of seconds of playing with the filter as the windows rattles and my body vibrated I knew it was a good move. I also remember watching left field around the time of their Leftism album. As they came on stage they played a frequency that dropped and dropped and you could feel it moving down your chest as the frequency dropped. An amazing experience I’m sure was a live synth not a recording, but there’s definitely something g about electrons and circuits that can bring that something special.

[@Goettel]

Everything is Hydra.

[@StarskyCarr]

😂😂

[@deadmanwalking6342]

yes lol 🙂

[@trespacerooh]

I thought the exact same 😂😂😂😂

[@Goettel]

@@StarskyCarr On second thoughts, it's all MiniFreak : - )

[@PC0067]

Ce sont des essais qui n'ont pas réellement d'importance car est-ce qu'on écoute un filtre à travers un casque avec un préampli de mauvaise qualité ou écoute t'on sur des bonnes enceintes avec ampli à lampe ? Tout ça c'est pas très important

[@StarskyCarr]

And what does that say about how important the differences are in general? If most people will be listening with headphones or characterful speakers? Some people are adamant that digital is not as good and the differences are obvious 🤷‍♂️ 😀

[@PC0067]

@@StarskyCarr j'ai pas le traducteur. Si il vient je te répond volonthiers plus tard. En tout cas merci déjà pour ta réponse. Merci pour ta chaîne

[@StarskyCarr]

@@PC0067 :) merci

[@PC0067]

@@StarskyCarr coucou j'ai pu traduire. oui il y a des différences entre analogique et numérique c'est vrai. Oui le son purement analogique est réellement plus chaud mais oublie pas que ça ne sert à rien d'avoir le meilleur des synthé à 3000 francs pour ensuite faire l'enregistrement en numérique dans l'ordinateur. La seule chose où on entend la différence est quand l'enregistrement est AAD enregistré en multipiste analogique, mixé en 2 canaux en analogique et juste à la fin transposé en numérique. Là ça vaut la peine. mais maintenant on fait tout numérique avec l'ordinateur. D'ailleurs en multipliant une piste de synthé numérique dans l'ordinateur et en décalant un peu les copies on arrive réchauffer le son. Moi je t'avouer que personnellement j'ai encore de la peine à trouver un son bien en numérique pourtant il y a des spécialistes qui arrivent très bien.

[@dankeplace]

HS for me, I never really liked mine and sold it. It just never played nicely with my other gear. It sounds brittle and hollow, sure it can sound very specific but that's not my type of sound. Does this mean it's a bad synth? Well I don't think it is, but it was a frustrating synth for me. As for how YT treats uploads, I can certainly say that I have experienced a difference between my raw tracks to my uploads, and I am a small non existent channel. lo-fi boy hit the nail on the head that larger channels get favored over smaller channels. No matter how I upload videos, I can never get mine to look as good as more popular channels, let alone sound as good. If you want to see what I mean, try creating an extra account that is not branded of your existing one and isolate it with no subscribers and see if you encounter any issues. Upload both to your existing channel and the new channel to make a direct comparison.

[@StarskyCarr]

An interesting idea. Maybe worth a look.

[@sylviemcritchie6258]

Oh My God💛!!! Do not waste your time - "PromoSM"!

[@michaelmoore1697]

So why buy a digital synth if you already have a computer? Honest question. PS, the answer to which is HS is: who cares?

[@vaiman7777]

Because they usually can do more. Having it as a hardware synth allows you to program much easier, plays like an instrument, and doesn't require a computer.

[@DannyKavka]

It's nice having a digital like the Hydra (I own one) where everything is being run with no latency on dedicated Hardware so you don't have to worry about CPU or delay issues. The workflow and the knobs are really nice for dialing in and tweaking a sound fast without having to click around or fine tune with a mouse.

[@StarskyCarr]

Just cutting through the bs .. and I agree it doesn’t bother me.

[@djohnson2449]

In the case of the Hydrasynth (particularly the Deluxe), the addition of the poly AT keyboard, high quality rotary encoders, and ribbon encoder create a terrific performance platform - dynamic in situ as played. If composing takes place "in the box," what can be done with the computer to my ears is indistinguishable and obviously more versatile. If you are a keyboardist, answer is own both.

[@DannyKavka]

@@oldunclemick Me too. I’ve had to compromise with soft synths for the $$$ analog sounds because my taste there exceeds my budget 😅, but for the composition and inspiration I do best sitting at my piano and/or my Hydrasynth.

[@yavamaystudio8045]

Artura is not a level of Hydrant

[@StarskyCarr]

I don’t think anyone said it was 🤷‍♂️