Bad Gear - Hydrasynth Explorer

[@AudioPilz]

Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/audio.pilz/

[@PNNYRFACE]

Do you work in video editing? You are really good at making videos!

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I think this is the first one of your videos to make me like a synth I previously did not like. Wow, I did not know this thing could sound that good!

[@toussaintthomas8015]

AudioPilz we love you bro, you don't even have to front anymore. You can put any gear on this show and we'll watch it. Bad gear, good gear, mid gear, it doesn't matter just keep it coming homie.

[@AudioPilz]

So happy to hear that, thank you so much!!!

[@b_og]

true

[@DiodeMilliampere]

I always took it to me "bad" in the 80s/90s sense part of the time

[@yu2bedj675]

i just like hearing gear get roasted 😅

[@doichekonnecktion]

Thinking about it, the rate at which you review gear and upload it is astonishing!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

ASM really did a disservice to themselves with the selection of factory presets they supplied with the Hydrasynth. They focused a lot on the whiz-bang digital waveform patches. This caused the vast majority of people who do not much more than spin through some presets to declare authoritatively that "The Hydrasynth sounds thin and digital." The Hydrasynth can sound as warm, fat and huge as you could ever imagine - it's just not demonstrated in the factory presets. Because 99.9% of the owners/commenters apparently never do any sound design on it, they don't realize what it is actually capable of. It can sound digital, it can sound like a classic analog, it can sound like 80's FM, it can even emulate pianos and EPs quite convincingly. I say this in my Hydrasynth videos repeatedly: The Hydrasynth can do EVERYTHING!

[@AudioPilz]

I think these presets sold quite a few units but you can't have it all...

[@stevenwebbmusic]

agreed. and like 80% of the patches have the vibrato turned up to the max which makes them sounds worse in my opinion.

[@HOLODECK-MUSIC-PROJECT]

so true, so true

[@Fluxwithit]

If I had a dollar for every time someone said the opposite when we launched "To many EP, To many bread and butter" ,,,, LOL

[@mjKlaim]

As a owner but also a noob in sound design (I'm learning through Hydrasynth and Pigments), I can see what you mean, although I'm still not able to push the thing to the limits hahaha. I would be interested if you can point to presets libraries available online which shows more the wide range of sounds.

[@Arehexes]

I remember I went to a music store to get a Roland JU-06A. I saw the Explore and after 10 minutes seeing what it could do I walked out of the store with an Explorer no questions asked.

[@AudioPilz]

It's natural. Completely normal...

[@slipknotboy555]

Good choice!

[@NotJarrett]

As somebody who has a JU-06A and an Explorer and loves both you definitely made the right choice, the Explorer is a beast of a synth, probably my favorite new synth of the last decade 100%

[@treetopjones737]

@@NotJarrett If this had come along in the 80's ( hypothetically ) our heads would've exploded.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

@@treetopjones737Absolutely. I mean, listen to the DX7 without reverb delay or chorusing. That was the biggest hit of the 2nd half of the 80s. And it sounds worse than the Hydra (opinion). But yknow, I was always salty that the DX7 killed analog for 15 years and ushered in an era of no knobs/sliders. 😂

[@bsbazzman]

it finally happened. And this is the first piece of gear I own that has graced this channel! Excellent video as always. In addition to all the other praise on this thread, I want to add to that one of the other really unique things about HS is that its the closest I have EVER seen a modern synth get to modular territory. The sheer amount of modulation possibilities is an absolute game changer. The ability to loop envelopes. A Low Pass Gate option! Also I have the explorer and I have never seen a "budget" version of a flagship synth sacrifice so little. The minikeys still being semi weighted, the poly aftertouch, and all the features of the full one just with a bit more menu diving with 4 instead of 8 parameters at a time that is surprisingly never tedious because of how they laid everything out. An absolute unit.

[@ET2carbon]

You don't have enough gear then, get to buying hut hut!

[@Firstinversion899]

Hi, this is Dylan calling. I am your Sweetwater engineer. I love you❤

[@Firstinversion899]

I just wanted to see how it’s going with those strings you bought six months ago…

[@vmppvm8763]

The Hydrasynth is funny because it gives you access to just about every parameter imaginable in a subtractive synth, and people still go online and complain that it sounds bad or only does certain sounds. It sounds like what you make it sound like!

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Perfectly and correctly put. Learn how to use it and you'll have few complaints.

[@pamackie]

Analog feel. Random phase. Warm mode.

[@teamphil]

I think people should realize that no synth is universal and every synth has its unique sound and limits. You need to look at digital synths as an addition to analogue, one that can complement and not duplicate its sound. I love this and my cobalt because they do things my moogs, sequential and oberheim cannot.

[@Magnus_Loov]

A thing said by every owner of modern parameter laden synths. The thing is that you can't do it all in one synth. The fact that it has "every parameter imaginable" doesn't mean you can make it sound as good or better than any other Synth. Every Synth has its own character. And from what I have heard both here and in many other demoes, the hydrasynth simply sounds "cold" to me. There are plenty of vst-synths that are much better at "classic warm analog" and "warn digital pads". Now, for complex digital evolving things, the Hydrasynth might be good. But for that we have an enormous amount of options in the vst-synth universe. Heck, you can even build/patch together your own with Native Instruments Reaktor. So that, for me at least, leaves the Hydrasynth with one very big "selling point" : As a controller with its Poly Aftertouch keyboard with MPE-compatibility. I was interested in the Synth for that simple reason, but when I researched it for its own sounds, I was disappointed from what I heard. It didn't bring anything I already had in VST-form.

[@enochroot9438]

Remarkable restraint not dropping an Xmen meme when discussing the mutants...especially when you factor in Florians resemblance to Professor X

[@AudioPilz]

I'm more of a Cronenberg dude;)

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

@@AudioPilz amen

[@brentlehman5028]

8:26 DX7 used as a MIDI controller for DEXED 🤣

[@AudioPilz]

😂😂😂

[@JustDatBoi]

I missed that lmao

[@ruffiankick]

LMAAAOO 😂

[@tommymandel]

so hilarous kzbin.infogaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f923.png

[@ToyKeeper]

ASM: _wins Synth of the Year every year they've made a new synth, and for good reason_ ASM: _raises the bar for the entire industry_ AudioPilz: This will make a great episode of Bad Gear!

[@AudioPilz]

Evil laughter intensifies

[@TheZooropaBaby]

if Florian covers Access Virus TI, we're going to see the real end of the world

[@AudioPilz]

I really need to get one!!!

[@cooptrol]

@@AudioPilz Yes! As I suggested a couple years ago, you can review the Snow model, it has a lot of UI quirks that would suit a BG episode very well. Reviewing a full size TI would be challenging as it is almost perfect.

[@AmeyahOfficialTV]

@@AudioPilz there is also a real emulation of this one, emulating the physical DSPs chips. so far there has been the virus A,B,C released as the DSP emu Osirus. those sounds 100% like the hardware. maybe you can review the OsTIrus when its released to the public? there is no ETA on it, yet.

[@samhughes3527]

It'd be nice to see him using the ti tho just for the entertainment

[@theanachron303]

My TI2 is glitchy as hell in multi mode, but it sounds so good that I don't talk about the problems. I have considered trading it for Hydra ...

[@notsofastener]

I was considering getting a Hydrasynth Explorer to add to my studio. This video makes it so I have to now. I already have 11 bits of gear that were featured on Bad Gear so your channel has become a shopping list for me now. Awesome!

[@AudioPilz]

Happy to hear that!!! Thanks!!!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Florian didn't mention that it is also battery powered. Mine seems to like being played outdoors! 😉

[@aakash9058]

Skip it imo. It was boring to patch on

[@CausticCatastrophe]

had mine for years. love the shit out of this thing.

[@notsofastener]

@@aakash9058 I will decide that for myself, thank you.

[@ZILtoid1991]

What the harmonic mutator does is similar to the resonant waveforms of the Casio CZ series, the so-called AY-cid trick done on certain PSGs, and my own FM synth's "resonant" mode. Basically, you amplitude modulate the output of an oscillator at audio frequency, in case of my own solution, it's done by sacrificing an FM operator for such purposes, then it's own output envelope will control the amount of resonance mixed in parallel to the other operators.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for the heads up!!!

[@jackcimino8822]

The resonant waveforms on the Casio CZ actually use windowed sync, but it sounds similar and uses harmonic emphasis. Edit: Is your FM synth a Digitone by any chance, or is it something you built?

[@ZILtoid1991]

@@jackcimino8822 it's QM816, a module for my game engine "PixelPerfectEngine". Overengineered audio solutions for an overengineered engine. I might make a plugin from it, but I also have to create a DAW for my game engine, due to its overengineered music format (imagine music macro language with MIDI 2.0 and scripting in assembly).

[@Iceleben]

The Hydrasynth went completely under my radar for a very long time. This year I stumbled over some Videos and bought the Deluxe Version 3 month ago and I have to say that it’s an amazing Synth which is extremely expressive ( poly AT, macros, ribbon etc…) and the GUI is awesome. It’s super inspirational and you can really “bend” the sound from cheesy old school or fm tones to absolute Sound mayhem. I’m still scratching the surface of the possibilities, but I haven’t created so many new Presets on a Synth since a very long time.

[@bsbazzman]

i have never made so many presets on synth before. It really is the closest I have come to the same feeling one gets when patching on modular ❤

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@seedmole]

The Hydrasynth made a huge splash when it showed up, it was only a matter of time til it made its way here.

[@AudioPilz]

Hell yeah!

[@Workerlaman]

Nice timing! Mine is being delivered today!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@treetopjones737]

Enjoy. Be sure to RTFM.

[@СергейГорбачев-я3г]

It's time for octatrack

[@AudioPilz]

Maybe for christmas;)

[@FemcelFurio]

Had one. Not worth it. I learned to use most of it after reading the manual and practicing for like a literal 9 months. I downloaded Ableton and I immediately hated the Octatrack for being so archaic, and the constant needless roundabouts and extreme menu diving to get it to do basic tasks. I learned in 90 minutes everything I knew how to do on the Octatrack. It makes making relatively basic music production into a specialized work that requires months of intensive training. The slider on it is pretty cool though. I did make some cool songs on it but it’s far too limited and difficult to use.

[@abstractsoundscape]

Hail Hydra!!!

[@painlikebaneadamah_picture38]

ALL H@IL!

[@AudioPilz]

We bow down before the magical artifact

[@DjRavix]

Cut off one Voice and two more will appear 😅

[@abstractsoundscape]

@@DjRavix 😂😂 in this case it would be awesome!

[@treetopjones737]

@@AudioPilz Cue "Wayne's World" clip: "We're not worthy!" 😄

[@Wrzlprnft]

The Module-Selection section just immediately clicks with my brain. I sold my Microfreak since the way i think didn't work with its mod-matrix. Perhaps i get to try a hydrasynth one day

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, quite logical

[@mzisman]

I was listening without watching and when you said "low-pass" I literally thought "J-Lo meme goes here!", stopped the video, rewind and replay to check - voilà! Your memeing-skills are getting beyond-Matrix-dejavu-oracle-level perfect.

[@AudioPilz]

lol, nice

[@cedinetuscher6269]

'We are the music makers. And we are the dreamers of the dreams'. Thank you for yet more high-level meme-ery Mr Pilz, and completely agree @2:44 re: 'Selected Ambient Works'.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@virgilsstudio]

Sorry, but this is one of the freaking best channels on KZbin - I can only imagine how great it is for Gen X and newer people because of the short attention spans out there... I get people complaining that I talk too much on my channel, which I don't give a crap about, but you are the maestro!! I own a couple of Hydrasynths and they're pretty cool - not the best sounding synths, but you can pull the sounds you crave out of them with a bit of coercing and sometimes a velvet hammer.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@bodhibeats8257]

I’ve had a Hydra for some time and I think you nailed it: it has great presets and a fabulous engine that can do damn near anything. It’s amazing for deep sound design sessions with a UI that is as good I’ve ever seen on a synth this deep. Where it falls down is simpler sounds, like VA stuff- you can make them, of course, but (for me, anyway) it takes a fair bit of work to make something that sounds as good as a Juno or Prophet does the instant you turn it on. I love the Hydra but I also love simple, classic analog sounds - and Hydra is probably not the best choice for that. You can get there, it’s just not very convenient. Great video as always! 😁

[@zap7759]

Legitimate. After this video a quick trip to the Lead A1 demos on the Nord site is like shock to the system.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@treetopjones737]

@@zap7759 The price for that is a shock to the system.

[@MonetaryGain]

Actually, there's a brilliant sound designer on KZbin whose name escapes me at the moment, who demos his synth patches for sale, and has made a collection of great analog and organic sounding patches for the Hydra. Obviously, you're not good at sound design to make those types of organic and analog sounding patches, so don't discredit the Hydra, discredit yourself for not being good enough at sound design.

[@bodhibeats8257]

@@MonetaryGain Agree completely and I said so. I said clearly in my original post that FOR ME it takes a while to get the warm analog-esque sounds on Hydra. I know others have done it amazingly well, I know the Hydra is capable of- it just takes ME longer to get there than I’d like. As I said clearly. Pretty sure those making great patches for sale also put in quite a bit of time to get them there. Did you even read my post? I said that the Hydra definitely CAN produce these sounds, it just takes ME longer than I’d like. If you are saying you have to be an expert sound designer who sells patches professionally to get warm analog tones, then you’re kind of making my point.

[@dstarling61]

My dream setup is a Hydrosynth and an Osmose. It’s good to have attainable dreams. BTW, the Hydrosynths are on sale at Sweetwater until the end of April.

[@BellXllebMusic]

Hydrasynth Explorer almost killed off my GAS. "Only" bought an FM synth (Mega FM) and a digital piano afterwards and sold all my other synths.

[@AudioPilz]

Makes total sense to me!

[@stefanhennig]

HAH! You bested me here, sir! I was just about to write the very same, except that I could not sell anything as my other synths are all Behringer and Volcas. I am actually not looking for any new other synthesizer at the moment. Would you believe that... The Hydrasynth with the full - sized keyboard, though.... hmm... not any _other_ synthesizer, technically...

[@BellXllebMusic]

@@stefanhennig I just decided to use the piano and the FM synth for big pads and the Hydra mostly for leads. It's such a joy to carry compared to a full size synth when going to band practice! The touch strip would be nice of course but you can't have it all, can you...

[@Dtapesound]

Dude, you haven’t heard of kodamo essense fm yet, apparently. again GAS )

[@billybartcody3591]

It's true, I could see maybe adding some smaller boutique analogs along for the ride, but it covers 90% of imaginable territory and with the expressivity with the polyAT and ribbon is just euphoric to play. I do want a Mega FM though, sweet little thing.

[@ecclesoul]

** sees thumbnail ** This gonna be a special episode.

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@Jobotubular]

An(other) awesome presentation that really hits the most important points, peppered with hilarious memes and great demo jams. The amount of work that goes into these really shows. Not that I needed convincing: the first time I placed hands on a Hydrasynth, I was sold.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

When your face appears twice in the same Bad Gear video (even though one of them is Nick Batt's face) you know you've arrived. Also, I love this friggin synth. It's awesome.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@screamclown]

The poly aftertouch is amazing. I bought one used just to use as a keyboard for my Deckard’s, but I have fallen in love with its digital sound.

[@AudioPilz]

Great feature!!!

[@Gu1tar1st]

Almost every piece of gear I own or have lusted after has appeared on Bad Gear. I absolutely love my Hydrasynth Deluxe. Incredible versatility in sound design means you can make it sound like anything you want. One of the best sounding synthesisers out there, and easy to understand it’s very complex interface. I guess you can’t please everyone. I would say try one before discarding the Hydrasynth; you can’t judge how a synthesiser sounds through phone speakers whilst watching KZbin videos.

[@treetopjones737]

David Lynch said when watching a movie "on a fucking phone" you hadn't actually experienced it.

[@AudioPilz]

Nothing personal;)

[@uubrmanx]

One feature of the Hydrasynth is to use its envelopes to control midi CCs, which few VSTs can actually do. There's also a trick to do pseudo Polyphonic Unison by essentially playing two midi channels at once, one slightly delayed, so you can use the voicemod feature to vary each note's pitch. It sounds better than the monophonic unison modes but can oftentimes go out of sync. ...Although I've thought of another idea of doing poly unison using seperate velocity values to alter pitch, which should be a more stable way (but still seems to go out of sync but way less often) and you lose velocity control over patches... unless you do something like mapping polyphonic aftertouch to the key velocity or something.

[@blinson1697]

What I love about this comment is that I so completely understand it. Or…. I would if I was drinking psilocybin mushroom tea. I have a goal.

[@bsbazzman]

the voicemod was such a cool update add. really takes things to the next level

[@AudioPilz]

Nice technique!!!

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

Hydrasynth: We patented PolyTouch polyphonic aftertouch Me; My 1989 Ensoniq VFX-SD has polyphonic aftertouch Hydrasynth: PolyTouché

[@thehuntergt]

I almost bought this synth, but Uli called me and told me to get a TD-3 and Wasp instead. After that, I only had enough left over for a Circuit Tracks and a Mininova. You should see the looks of jealousy I get from Colossus and Moog Modular owners...

[@AudioPilz]

That's a rather awesome setup still;)

[@JH-lo9ut]

Isn't Cirquit tracks a mininova?

[@thehuntergt]

@@JH-lo9ut It is indeed. Double "Nova" engines at work. Aftermarket patches installed on both. Ambient pads on the Tracks...Moog and Roland ripoffs on the Mini. TD-3 and Wasp for the acid goodness.

[@voltijuice8576]

.....THERE.....IS.....ANOTHER.....SYSTEM......................

[@jameshamilton5703]

Amazing work as ever Florian -- been waiting for this. You've reviewed all of my gear now. Massive LOL at 3:10

[@AudioPilz]

Great suggestion, thank you!!!

[@mauadachi]

3 nick batts!

[@slipknotboy555]

Great job as always, Florian! Loved the dolphins and stuff in the finale part, haha. Also that Mutable meme. Imo, the Hydrasynths are pretty damn cool. The Explorer may not have *as good* of a UI as the others, but a cheaper, more compact version is very nice. Plus, the UI still seems really good and relatively easy to use, especially for the kind of synth it is! And I'm probably largely "preaching to the choir" here, but on the analog vs digital thing - I think it's best to have both. Analog synths, different kinds of digital synths, hybrids, etc. Unfortunately, I'm missing a synth that's more like a Hydra (or Blofeld, or Modwave, etc.) in my collection, and have no money, haha (haven't bought a synth in years and years at this point). I do have a great sounding hybrid, though (DW-8000) 😎 And - kind of a lot of other synths, haha. Unfortunately, they've largely just been collecting dust for a good while. I'll have to try to get back into it at some point -. [Sorry for longer than normal comment, heh.] Keep it up! These are pretty much always the first videos I watch on Fridays!

[@bsbazzman]

def the least I have ever seen sacrificed for a "budget" version

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@slipknotboy555]

@@bsbazzman Good point! I saw the thumbnail for a video that was clearly bashing it recently; it had a picture of the Explorer, and it said "Chinese Takeaway." I was like 🙄. The fact they kept so much of the functionality, *and* the physical UI elements is really cool. And in what seems like a nice, compact package.

[@slipknotboy555]

@@AudioPilz 🙂

[@julioagnosia]

it's amazing that your vids are always on time every week without ruining any 25year anniversary presentations!

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@CatgirlThatLovesYou]

That last jam melody is so catchy! Would definitely work well in a live set. :P

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@flickds]

Aside from the fact that your videos are excellent, I love how there’s a Twin Peaks reference in almost every one I’ve seen.

[@treetopjones737]

Brie & butter sandwich. DL told him to get as much of it in his mouth as he could and speak.

[@AudioPilz]

Now for a damn fine cup of coffee;)

[@GeorgeL909]

Kyriakos grizzly power lifting two cs-80s is the meme I never thought I'd see. That one got a genuine laugh and a knee slap and a "this freaking guy" response outta me.

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@mattjc]

We now need a wavetable of the kyriakos scream

[@TheSoundspot]

I have the KB version for ~3 years now. For a long time it was a love/hate relationship. I'm not going so much for the presets but program my own patches. Now here is the catch, since there are so many options and the sweetspot is a bit critical, you can easily tweak a single patch for hours to make perfect. Yes, then it also sounds great but you need to be willing to invest the time. My tip to get really punchy sounds: use an Env with a short decay time on the Amp module which comes directly after the filter and attenuate the sustain as needed.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice technique!!!

[@AndresViolencia]

After some months subscribed to the channel, I am slowly starting to think he really does not think all these 'bad gear' are actually bad at all...

[@AudioPilz]

You might be onto sth here;)

[@l1fef0rm]

Finally! You did one on my beloved Hydra. Sidenote: Jexus has some great patch vids (and banks available) for this beauty. The build quality of the desktop version is on a completely different level from the Explorer. I do wish the desktop model had the ribbon controller.

[@bsbazzman]

i thought about the desktop but what sold me on the explorer (in addition to price) was that you still get poly AT. was basically like my arturia keystep (but better feel) so i was already used to the keys which helped too.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️Jexus❤️❤️❤️

[@boilingsky]

Not one week ago I started looking into Hydrasynth demos and my first place to check was Bad Gear. I'm very happy, and more than a little weirded out at the coincidence.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Every time I touch a key on my Hydrasynth Explorer it makes a noise . . . I have no idea why, or exactly how, but I love those noises so very, very much! 🥰

[@AudioPilz]

Ah, synths are so great!!!

[@SumnSumnSumnHTK]

I absolutely love my hydrasynth!! Great Synth!

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@delsydsoftware]

The Hydrasynth Explorer was a game changer for the music that I make. Paired with a pretty modest Eurorack setup (for beefier and crunchier bass sounds), it just sits in the mix very well. The polyphonic aftertouch is really expressive, and as you said, the arpeggiator is amazing.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@RockyMountainSounds]

Never really looked at this synth before but oddly your showcasing it makes it sound great.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@matzer8846]

Yup ... ran accors one in a Berlin synth shop and was impressed: great human interface, a very capable key bed and lots and lots of great sounds

[@nixienoise]

Ahh, I was moments ago thinking about ordering a Hydrasynth and here you are with a video on it. I'm still undecided, as part of me also wants to dip my toes into the MPC world.

[@AudioPilz]

Touch choice!!!

[@xivivix7195]

BOTH

[@nixienoise]

@@xivivix7195 That option isn't off the table yet!

[@ambient-hour]

The Pilzfecta! Every synth I own is officially Bad Gear. As usually you've only made me remember how much I love this thing

[@AudioPilz]

Bad Gear bingo!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@DerekPower]

Jam #3 is Eccojam 2020. Also this is probably the geekiest you've done as far as memes and jokes here =]

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@NicholasBryantBonzaiSequoias]

I'm hoping ASM make a Hydra-Sampler! Something that allows live sampling and then goes crazy with all the looping (start, end, direction) via modulation as per the Synth.

[@smokegreeen4556]

I use the Hydraysnth Desktop and Novation Peak as my daily driver polysynths. I find myself using the Hydrasynth more often than the way more expensive novation peak. It sounds amazing running through an analog mixer into the audio interface.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@midiwall]

That's exactly the setup at my left. My Q is {over there} on its nose. (decided to not power up after 20+ years! lol)

[@ZigbertD]

It's true Hydra isn't primarily designed to to VA, and is not as immediate as other synths in that regard. Still, it does it pretty well, and if you have space or budget for only one synth and need maximum versatility, it's definitely a great option. I have a template preset that I made for VA patches that has some things already set up for that, which makes it a little easier to get started on making VA patches.

[@AudioPilz]

True that!!!

[@pthomas36]

I love my Hydrasynth and you'll have to pry it out of my cold dead hands.

[@grymdylan]

That first jam is one of the best I've heard you do, you seem right at home with this synth........maybe I want to spend a month's salary on one.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@ThePrestoPrestissimo]

This Synth should be perfect from the features it has, but most people will never be happy with their equipment

[@AudioPilz]

That's basically true!

[@godfreyofboullion8349]

​@@AudioPilzAbsolut

[@Synthshop]

It's like chasing women, the minute after you score, you're looking at the next NEW one. Chasing synthesizers and pedals is the ultimate consumer sickness I've known.

[@robinr22]

For a synth that was explicitly designed to have an excellent UI, its actually very poor, especially the Explorer version. Constant menu diving and lack of visibility about what is going on. Sounded great but quickly sold because I hate badly designed UIs.

[@ThePrestoPrestissimo]

@@robinr22 It's Exploration, not Resultination

[@3D6Space]

I'm sold. When I get some time... and money... I like the desktop version because i'm short on space. Thanks for the great music and review!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks, 3d!!!

[@rainbowkrampus]

Personally I've never understood the digital vs. analog divide. I have a Hydra, I have a few analogs. They all sound great to me. They sound even better together. Hydra just happens to have so many tools under the hood that you can make it sound like just about anything. Toss in a pedal or two and you're gucci.

[@AudioPilz]

Totally Gucci!!!

[@LeeWilsonProjectStudios]

Red necks synth Lords from Alabama; Southern United States approve Audio Pilz . You fellers are pretty smart about synthesizers and what have you.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@old_romans]

Yes! the ARP section on the Deluxe is even better. I feel that the sound is very close to my old Korg Wavestation SR, the SR being a rack unit, I really appreciate the UI of the Deluxe.

[@AudioPilz]

Wavestation is strong in this one

[@ColinBrislawn]

6:40 "This is like printing a VST." Yes. It's a synth

[@AudioPilz]

;)

[@roggyo]

Finally! Thank you so much, Florian! I've been eagerly anticipating this review. Since the recent episode about the Wavestate, it's the only synth you've reviewed after I’ve already purchased it. I've bought a few other synths after seeing them on Bad Gear, which is why I was even more excited to see you play with the Hydrasynth, because I already own it. By the way, I can usually tell if I like a synth from your 5-minute introduction section, even before you start jamming, and whether it's a good fit for me or not. But if you make a good jam session with it, the next day I already want to buy that synth. 😂 You're better at reviewing synths than 90% of synthfluencers! Keep up the great work!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@guidedbyechoes]

I'm surprised this made it to bad gear. It is universally loved by most outside of the "if it's not analog it might as well be a vst" crowd.

[@AudioPilz]

You can always rely on that crowd tho;)

[@Magnus_Loov]

Well it kind of is, isnt' it. Software instruments to a 100%. The MPE-compatibility with Poly Aftetouch looks sweet though. Very uncommon in Synths to have that.

[@guidedbyechoes]

@@Magnus_Loov I'm going to say no. My reasoning is it doesn't exist outside of the hardware and is not as cool without the controls.

[@Magnus_Loov]

@@guidedbyechoes Lot's of things doesn't exist outside of the hardware, like old Cazio mini keyboards, some crappy early hardware Virtual Analogs from the late 90:s. Still isn't a reason for getting them. To me the hardware has to offer something that you can't do in software. MPE-controller is that. Having great sounding analog filters would be another one. Soundwise you just can't compete with a DAW for virtual instruments anymore. it is for the pure reason that you have to buy the hardware in the synth that you already have in the PC. In addition to that you don't get the benefit of saving everything in the box with all the sounds. So it's only drawbacks with a digital external Synth as a soundsource. Cost and more hassle when integrating it. Absolutely no meaning at all if it doesn't bring anything extra to the table. THings that I value as external hardware that actuall ADD something for me is Arturia Microfreak (analog Oberheim filter plus very special ways to control it and the fact that it is expanded with updates for new functions like getting a vocoder among other things). And Korg Minilogue XD with it's combo of pure analog (including VCO) and a software updatable engine (for new Synthesis types). Or the Korg Ms-20 Mini with its raw analog sound that the VST-versions don't come near (or even Behringers clone). The great patchbay and the way you can twist external audio in it. (And patch it) They all bring something to the table that I just can't do (or do as good) in software.

[@guidedbyechoes]

@@Magnus_Loov For the most part software just doesn't have the same tactile feel. I like having both. pigments is an absolute monster of a synth, but ease of use goes to the hydrasynth. Making patches is a breeze and so many options you don't get elsewhere.

[@MathewGracie]

I just got mine this week, I was gonna drop the bomb on the Explorer, but found out the Desktop has modulation inputs. Made it an instant buy for some wacky chaotic euro rack modulation sources.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@NachozMan]

Your videos are the only ones I can't watch in 2x speed so I don't miss all the dank memes tbh.

[@AudioPilz]

That's the idea;)

[@djembeboyzach]

The hydra opens up when u connect it to Osmose or Push 3. Thats how i use mine anyway, the MPE is amazing. Also a foot pedal for extra expression

[@Klangraum]

If I had the choice between Minimoog Model D and Hydrasynth I would take Hydrasynth and a fast horse!

[@AudioPilz]

Lol

[@fortheloveofnoise]

The meme at 5:25 hits deep in the feels.

[@Art1stical]

Hilarious memes aside, the Hydrasynth does seem to be the type of thing I might enjoy AND use. I love fun arpeggiators (the quick and playful arpeggiator on the Elka Synthex is one of my favorites) and tons of LFOs for modulation, so it seems right up my alley. Time to break the piggy bank, AGAIN.

[@AudioPilz]

That's what it's for...

[@bsbazzman]

Not just lfos either. There’s a voicemod matrix that’s super dope and any of the envelopes can be set to looping to trigger parameters or loop them infinitely. It’s so good

[@thefool2007]

You sir make some incredible demo music! I love what you do and appreciate that you attempt make an informed decision before rendering judgment. I love my HS Keys.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@lairdkilbarchan]

Behringer's working on something called "Cerberus". Probably.

[@AudioPilz]

There's already a Medusa, isn't it?;)

[@FredBloggs919]

Greek mythology is awesome!

[@lairdkilbarchan]

@@FredBloggs919 It's definitely in my top ten favourite ancient mythologies.

[@danbunge9787]

I just bought a mint table top version on R Verb for a great price. Paired up with a Keystep, awesome!

[@radcliffe2192]

That one Scary movie bit when ring modulation is mentioned gets me every time.

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@lordflatworm]

I LOLed big time. When he's spinning around. haha.

[@SergioCamachoRico]

Not a heavy HS fan, but your music in this episode is beautifully expressive, melodically rich. Why that?

[@dracoony]

Where Hydrasy.... Wait a minute! Finally! :D Good video, as usual. Thanks!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@DarnKatarn]

I got the Hydrasynth Deluxe, and it remains my favorite piece of hardware. I often get buyers remorse, but I just smile every time the Hydra powers up. Incredible synth

[@lucid484]

All hail Hydra!!!!

[@the_jACK_Ripper]

Funny you talk about synths, I just recently got my hands on a near mint d-50 and then a month or so later found an absolutely unused pg-1000 to go with it!

[@mr.b7586]

This is in the mail on its way to my door tomorrow! The tradition continues, all my gear ends up here

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@kurtwestphal2513]

Nice! One of my favorite synths crosses paths with one of my favorite movies, Hero. Breaking some as of yet identified part of the universe populated by the Batt triplets!

[@yago8672]

I really love this channel!

[@higherself7129]

Me too! Soo much.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@higherself7129]

@@AudioPilz I'm fanboy swooning!!

[@eastofmars6413]

The hydra synth kind of forces me to make a new patch every time I sit down with it. That is precisely why I love it.

[@uly1981]

i love how your past few weeks were basically a "ah yes, i've had that synth for a few weeks before i sent it back / sold it" for me

[@AudioPilz]

Way of the gear;)

[@wendelynmusic]

i absolutely love my ASM Hydrasynth Explorer. I can get some real clean sounds, but I use it for a lot of noisy luscious dirtiness. I love this synth. It is a joy to use.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@BusterBeaton]

i want that last two jams as full songs so much they're so good

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Shameless plug: full tracks and extended jams are available on Patreon

[@V-Pee]

nice ​@@AudioPilz

[@RoneySmithseedoflife]

This keyboard series sounds like someone manufactured a hardware version of several music plugin developers’ software. It appears to be a deep trap for those inclined in sound design which is a different path of music gear shoppers I now believe.

[@MatsueMusic]

Got rid of mine, the workflow is great for sound designers but immediacy is very lacking. It kills song inspiration because you have to spend hours to create a single sound. BUT, the sounds you create can be great. And, after the minifreak got its wavetable update, prefer the analogue filters and immediacy of the mod matrix.

[@AudioPilz]

I totally feel you!!!

[@chiphopper]

8:49 Ah, finally someone gave the Ecco the Dolphin intro the intro it deserves.

[@RSTypeContent]

i heard that if you snap the top half of a hydrasynth you'd double the knobs get it- cuz- cuz- its- its called th- its called the hydrasynth l- like a- its like a hydra- its called- its- like a hydra

[@AudioPilz]

[@lairdkilbarchan]

Hey, I get it. It's like an ancient mythical monster.

[@1_of_4]

Purrrrfect

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

I bought a Hydrasynth Explorer in November 2021. Didn’t show up till maybe February or March of 2022 because they were still being made and shipped out when I paid for mine. I LOVE the PolyTouch. Stock sounds are too heavy on effects, to the point where it’s hard to see the skin under all that makeup. Keybed is really nice for such small keys. Last year it began immediately saying low battery when on battery mode, even if the batteries were new. I talked to Sweetwater, they talked to ASM, and I had a brand-new Hydrasynth Explorer a month later. I’m still not totally sure what I think of the darn thing.

[@treetopjones737]

Kudos to ASM for doing that.

[@MichaelRohaly]

I very much enjoyed the firmware update that lets you turn off the effects entirely.

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

So you can bypass all effects rather than having to turn them off individually?

[@MichaelRohaly]

@@MatthewChristianMurray Yes, but it's fairly drastic. You turn them off from the system menu and they're off for everything and their buttons don't light up. That's ideal to me from a programming perspective, but it's not ideal if you're happy with the effects on some of your other patches.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

HERO! I remember sampling the sword fights years ago for the blade and leaf sounds...and the female groans of course lol ( the desktop ver with the pads is the best ver IMO as far as function, size and price)

[@AudioPilz]

Great movie!!!

[@brianedgin]

Great changeup from the Boutiques and Volcas that are such an easy target. The deluxe is the centerpiece of my rig, and my go to for raw sound design..."I didn't find a bass preset that worked, so I made my own." ... I feel seen. :)

[@AudioPilz]

Took me only around 2h;)

[@XNBeatsMusic]

I know it's a show. But the Hydra is one of the BEST modern synths I tried period. You need to spend time and create amazing patches because it can do so much.. The explorer version is ok but not enough screen, desktop is a much better experience, and the 49 and deluxe are an amazing experience. We all know BAD GEAR doesn't mean BAD GEAR anymore :)

[@AudioPilz]

;)

[@AndyFirebladeMuza]

I bought an Explorer back in December 2022. It was my first synth and I quickly got addicted to synths because of it. It is my main go to synth out of the 8 synths I now own. Hydrasynth Deluxe is on my shopping list.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@jjbing3]

I have one. It’s nice. I got some other presets from around the net. It was worth the investment. Whole bank of 80s synth sounds. 😌

[@tmtmtmtmtmtmtmtmtm]

I really respect the interface of the Hydrasynth. ASM figured out how to make a deep synthesizer that is relatively easy to program. I also like that its software was programmed using assembly for optimum performance. The designers clearly care about this synth. I spent a lot of time programming one and I just didn't like how it sat in my mixes. It took a lot of programming, mixing, and eq'ing to get it right. I ended up selling it because of this.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, the sweet spots are pretty narrow

[@tomasspacey6828]

Thanx, till now I ve never found this one sonically atractive but U have made it sound awsome indeed. I will try to put my hands and ears on it when having opportunity and explore that narrow sweetspot mentioned. Greetings and all the best.

[@secretelitemusic]

I liked the futuristic ambient wooshy bits enough to buy a used Hydra desktop podule. The screen is a bit teenytiny for the amount of stuff going on, but then so are the displays on the Viruses and Supernova. Hydra sounds lush, but it leaves space for other synths in the mix, a bit like Omnisphere. On the modern hardware side, it's somewhere between the Cobalt 8 and Iridium desktop boxes, which is fine by me. It'd be interesting to see you ruthlessly compare esoteric DIY synths like Mutable Instruments' Ambika and Shruthi, with their swappable filter cards. They have that agreeable spacey wooshness too.

[@AudioPilz]

Great idea, thanks!!!

[@repairerofreputationsmusic]

This one I am a little surprised about. I think maybe the explorer makes sense, but I'm not aware of a lot of complaints about the hydrasynth in general. It does definitely have a sound through. It's very band-limited and you can really hear it in comparison to the novation peak, for example. If you throw on everything it can do, all the sounds are going to be pretty similar.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, I thought it would be safe too but so many comments asked me to dig deeper and I was not disappointed;)