ASM Hydrasynth: An Existential Guide 🤯

[@sub-jec-tiv]

This episode rocks. It’s such a great synth. The big mistake a lot of people make is thinking that a synth that is so flexible that it allows you to make bizarre and uncomfortable sounds doesn’t have a ‘big sweet spot.’ In my experience, a good quality creative tool allows a person who is deeply committed to come up with new creative ideas that haven’t existed before. The ‘sweet spot’ comes from the ears and mind of the musician, not the instrument. Whenever anyone says a deep synth like the Hydra or the Pro 2 doesn’t have a big enough sweet spot, what they’re really saying is: ‘I’m not interested enough in making things to bother truly learning an instrument and finding out what i have to say with it.’

[@ethermod307]

Indeed! Also most people look for "easy" instead of "deep".

[@ChumpyDumps]

While I understand what you’re saying there are benefits to having synths with sweet spots. It’s so quick and easy to dial in classic synth tones on a Moog and part of it is just how simple (but great sounding) most of them are. Hydra won’t make the patch for you like a “sweet spot” synth does though and it’s really meant for people to chisel away themselves. I’d say neither is necessarily bad. There are definitely tons of people that shit on the Hydra for no reason though calling it “cold” or “shrill” when it’s really they were making cold and shrill patches.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

I’ve had a really tough time making sounds on the Hydra, it has a harsh tone by default. I’ve owned two and come to the same conclusion each time, making patches from scratch. Maybe it’s something to do with the filter response. It also takes ages to program macros… Contrast that to the DSI OB6 which is probably one of the most immediately responsive synths I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing.

[@malikdavis6091]

​@@RikMaxSpeed real question here. You say you have a hard time making sounds on the hydrasynth, yet it has more features than most synthesizers on the market. How can it be hard to make sounds on this Synth. Just makes no sense to me because even though it's a digital synth it does those warm analog sounds very well. better than some analog synths. Just say that you don't like creating sounds from scratch. Stick to your presets.

[@aviolentpurple9925]

@@RikMaxSpeedI disagree. The hydra synth has a warm rich sweet tone like a Nord, Virus, or even Moog. It’s a deep, powerful, grungy, dual filter synth that’s a dream to program if you know how

[@ZigbertD]

You posting this video after I've spent the last 48 hours working myself up to a state of insatiable desire for this synth is a signal from Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite that I buy this immediately.

[@ZigbertD]

So I heeded the transmission from the Monolith and bought it (desktop version though, not a good enough keys player to justify the keyboard for $500 more). After two weeks, I'm only scratching the surface of what kind of crazy stuff it can do. Just each oscillator section is a world in itself, seemingly infinite modulation possibilities. Curious if you've dug into the CV section at all. I don't really have any Eurorack gear perse, but a couple of synths with CV patch points. Apparently you could use the mod matrix to turn incoming MIDI CCs into CV mod output?

[@laurenpinschannels]

what an intro, wow

[@crnkmnky]

I had to rewind a couple times to comprehend it… is it even legal to be that high?

[@philmakesnoise]

This is the one! I've watched a ton of Hydrasynth videos and of course you can expect a powerful and broad synth to get a lot of sounds, but I just wasn't hearing the right things from it yet. The outro jam finally sold me on the Hydra! I love the murkyness it can get when you start moving those waves around but nobody has really been showcasing the simpler, glassy, bell like, mallet stuff I think it could be excellent for. Thanks for that.

[@pumpernickelplace]

Same. I almost went with the Argon 8 because of that. but then I was feeling like the Argon 8 sounded too nice overall for me personally, ha. I like how the Hydra seems to be easy to take to imperfect places but I just wasn't hearing examples of it making anything with glass, bell, chimes.

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

Same here. Everything sounded harsh and glassy and mostly unusable. This example is very useable and exactly what I want out of this synth. Now. I haven’t been able to make anything this nice but I’ll get there

[@Ub3rMario]

Benn fyi you can setup a mod routing more easily by just holding your mod source's selector button then pressing the destination's selector button. With the newest firmware you can also hold the source button then press one of the parameter buttons that correspond to what you see on screen. For example, if you're in the mutant menu, just hold the LFO 5 button then press the white button above the depth parameter in the screen. Easy!

[@intrascendente]

can't stop falling in love with that cold-warm metallic sound

[@AndreaPessino]

If you only use external FX with this synth you are missing out. The internal FX are great but, more importantly, many of their parameters are mod destinations - combine that with the amazing array of mod sources this synth offers and you can appreciate how much of an integral part to creative sound design the FX on the Hydra can be.

[@Pighood]

well stated

[@sammyboy123321]

i find the same with the analog four, the effects do not sound great on their own but they are v interesting when they are modulated

[@Dolores5000]

Nice poly aftertouch demonstration

[@CaidicusProductions]

This channel has brought two synths into my life, the Hydrasynth and the Polybrute. Both fantastic synths and demoed absolutely beautifully on your channel, Benn.

[@lpearson88gmail]

Mate you need a matrixbrute. Dont learn how it works at all. Just press presets and tweak endlessly. Again; never learn how it truly works and live in wonder. The black one has different presets. Havent tried it *yet

[@CaidicusProductions]

@@lpearson88gmail I am kind of running out of room for new synths, at least until I move into a new apartment. :P I also wonder if the MatrixBrute would have too much crossover with the PolyBrute. On top of all that, I also don't want another mono-synth, simply because I have one really good one and can't imagine how I'd use another. My current one is the Moog Voyager XL, quite a lot of synth, in and of itself. On another note, I paid for, and am waiting for, another synth that's on back-order. The Osmose by Expressive E. I think THAT will be an entirely new experience for me. :P Out of curiousity, which synths are rocking your world, these days?

[@Braindead909]

I have to say this one of the most exciting new products out there. For something so complex, they've really nailed an intuitive interface

[@gydur]

I got this synth a month ago...it keeps blowing me away with its hair raisingly awesome depths and endless possibilities...

[@kabood777]

That intro, the music and videography at the end... Just beautiful!

[@johnnyrenfield]

Just got one can't wait to play it 🤘💀🍻🔥

[@edwardvivenzio5843]

Been digging your stuff for a long time,thanks for the Music!

[@edwin-zone]

i love that ending sequence so much.

[@SuperChaoticus]

Pound for pound, the Hydrasynth is the best money i've ever spent on a piece of gear. The polyphonic aftertouch and the ribbon are absolutely worth the extra expense. Thanks for the vid. You gave me ideas I hadn't really thought of, yet.

[@cold_fashioned]

4:10 - Vangelis / Blade Runner for the win. Nice. Then you dive into early '90s Super Nintendo organ action. Outro was also beautiful.

[@leNotstrom]

This is the best Into and Outro i have ever seen or heard from you. Brilliant!

[@thomas.moerman]

4:00 c-beams, tannhauser gate, belt of orion, you know the drill ;-)

[@criminimalj1897]

That was a great video. Good to see someone using the Hydrasynth in ambient tunes. I get mine in a couple days. Can't wait. Thank you.

[@sumchi3690]

Best guide I have seen Thank you🙏

[@MDJ5]

wow that ending got surreal

[@rreeppeeaatteerr]

that opening shot was a trip!

[@ParallelusReflection]

That intro is some serious piece of work! Thank you for this rich soundscape

[@powermix24]

I got mine yesterday, an excellent time to watch this video 😁

[@tonverfall_studio]

Given how much I love ambient, wavetables, mod matrices, and maximum flexibility, this just might be my One Synth To Rule Them All. Crazy nice.

[@jasonmoyer]

This was the video that finally sold me on getting one. Keyboard came yesterday, and it's amazing. I dunno if it's just because the presets are meh and that's what most demonstrations are, but it's a hell of a synth.

[@mode7beats]

I got to play with one of these last month at the Portland synth expo, and I think it’s maybe the most synth you can get for 600 bucks right now. I’ve been pretty set as far as hardware lately and usually just end up going back to only a laptop, but I’d use the hell out of this thing!

[@Phillibos]

Great aesthetics you’ve got, Benn !

[@torsteinnordstrand170]

That intro. So much beauty.

[@olinred]

Had mine for just about a month... have a number of hardware and software synths and this is the best purchase I have ever made given how many features are packed into it. I like to use it as a sound designer and then try to reverse engineer the sound on hardware or throw some effects on top and no one will know its not a hardware synth. The Arpeggiator is the best on any synth EVER and the ribbon makes for fun performance explorations. This is a future classic and given its ASM's first synth I can't WAIT to see what else they have dreamed up

[@bentropy]

When did it get an arpeggiator? You’re not talking about the stepped LFOs, are you?

[@olinred]

@@bentropy i thought so, from their website: “The arpeggiator allows for standard note arpeggiations but also has a phrase arpeggio built-in. Parameters like RATCHET and CHANCE will generate other rhythmic patterns with some randomness to add life and spontaneity to your performance. ​ You can also modulate most of the parameters in the arpeggiator so imagine using LFO’s, Envelopes, Polyphonic Aftertouch or the Ribbon controller to modify your arpeggios in real time.”

[@bentropy]

@@olinred I’m sorry I was thinking of its lack of a standard sequencer, tho I gather there are workarounds like the stepped lfos and modulating the arp. Thanks for educating me. Hope to get one someday soon, but still learning some of the deeper gear I’ve taken the dive into (Machinedrum, Analog Keys…elektron takes time to get). From the demos I’ve watched, the Hydra UI looks very intuitively understandable but also the machine is another deep one). I’d love to follow your progress and discoveries if you make videos or whatever)

[@glendarcey978]

Very nice Hydrasnyht video. Love the music as well.

[@csharp57]

This synth has all my attention now. I really want this!!!

[@riquester1971]

Very cool video! I like the drone shots. :) Plus, you have helped me in my decision to take the plunge and get a Hydrasynth.

[@johnrichardson3297]

Love the outro, Great to see personal name change for your channel! :)

[@NovakTheEnjoyer]

These are the best. I watch the Polybrute one every once in a while too. When I want to get away :) Great job!

[@GARDNSOUND]

I was just looking into this box. Thanks for the video!

[@AndrewHoeveler]

DAMN! With one quick second at 6:50 you've blown my mind and made me second guess my certainty that I was going to buy the Moog Harmonicon, because I already have a keyboard controller. Now I'm taking a hard look at this. My main goal is to get away from a computer-based system to more hands-on play. THIS takes hands-on to whole 'nother level!

[@ElectronicazMusic]

Thank you Benn! I'm sitting out the painful wait for my Hydrasynth to arrive next week by watching all the vids I can find on it. This is my fave by far. Thank you. PS I need a Miami Vice vest too,

[@thegimpsometimes5937]

God DAMN that outro. Thanks for your embraces, I will definitely be checking out your music

[@just_pierre9730]

Great job, Benn! Learned a lot of it, thank you.

[@ogasi1798]

Super opener Bennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[@watchaddicts1213]

Lovely intro!!

[@willswitchcraft]

Happy to find this upload. Some nice insights. However......In my opinion, using the internal Reverb is a key component to creating patches, simply because it can be modulated by multiple sources, and you can also set virtually any of the reverb parameters up to be controlled by any of the Macros - to affect either a negative or positive value....VERY powerful for sound design and live performance control, which is not going to be duplicated by a pedal or plugin, no matter how high end....

[@bssitsmmsunrr]

I'm not an expert by any means, but I have a Yamaha Modx and think the Modx can do what you described? Though modx only does FM synthesis so not comparing the two. Just got a Hydra yesterday and looking really forward to playing with it, so I'm trying to learn as much about it as possible.

[@sh8dyw8yz]

I've been thinking about this synth, thanks for the demo

[@unitcode_machine]

I JUST got this synth from Sweetwater, *cracks knuckles* show me the way Benn, love your channel btw

[@ubiquitousreverser]

Well, not just about half way through this and from what I’ve looked into about the new ‘explorer’ microkrog like version....I think I found my hardware polysynth. And I’m done for life. Sweet demo Ben!

[@rossconran2333]

Benn That Outro music is exquisite

[@voxmnemonic]

Hey Benn! Thank you so much for this video. It was super helpful in letting me decide on whether I need one of these. I've been a huge fan of yours for over a decade and am always grateful for what you put out! I saw you in Denver at the Denver School of Music for your panel and had a great time, thanks again for doing it! (I was the dude asking about your neural interface projects 😂)

[@fromfilmtocode]

I support the idea of making more Hydra tutorials & videos.

[@delugedj]

Lovely wee jam at the end dude, creamy one! Im just discovering this puppy , managed to nab myself a desktop version. Crazy synth. Just discovered the voice mod and voice mod+ , party on Wayne 🎉

[@GirlfightClub]

Thank you! This helps a lot

[@LeonTodd]

Thanks for this breakdown Benn. I had about 2 minutes on one of these at a music store and the aftertouch feature immediately felt and sounded great. I think I'll watch this a few more times and then go make an absolute nuisance of myself at the store again.

[@thb-music]

Thank *you* for all the preamp reviews.

[@Decoy303]

I watched Blush Response's review on this synth and it just didn't sound good to me but what his review lacked was it being played in a manner that reflects a style that isn't Hard Techno/Trance. This synth has an amazing cinemascope like sound quality. It can make this harsh and glitchy sounds but I think it's more suited for deep yet chill textures and soundscapes.

[@loiphin]

I love the Hydrasynth too..(poly aftertouch keybed is amazing) but probably not as much as you, as you went to the lengths of carrying it in a field of sheep :)

[@elialehman3052]

I see where this is going....and I like it.

[@MouldySoul]

I like the envelope configuration, Attack, Sustain and Meltphace

[@nexuzeb79]

Love your music by the way.. "the trees in Juarez" has been capturing me lately..

[@seanrichards8774]

Yep. This!

[@JustinThomasProducer]

Very well done. Well explained and fast. Unlike a hour video to show wave stack. I also enjoyed your opening with your patches. Are the available for download? I will check your link. Thanks for your time to make this video. Namaste

[@lutzholzapfel5702]

Great ! Thanx a lot

[@difflocktwo]

We need a "how to listen to reverb" video. At least it would supplement wherever you talk about reverb and someone (me) can't really understand what you're listening for.

[@willswitchcraft]

I've done a pretty comprehensive reverb review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5DJdImYZrengpY

[@eleven9286]

You.. you don't know what reverb is? That seems like a you problem.

[@difflocktwo]

@@eleven9286 Knowing what reverb is is not the same as understanding DSP reverb algorithms and how to listen for their artifacts.

[@mrblablablabla]

Please make this happen!

[@funkyeaaaa]

im really considering picking this up for my first synth

[@JO-nt6tk]

0:32 man vibes at incredible leisurely pace

[@thehowlingterror]

Benn and Gear...I will always sing it and I'll be 90% correct.

[@codebycandle]

the final tip to trigger all via generative sequencer - priceless.

[@enochroot9438]

Hi Benn, will you be taking a look at the Hydarsynth deluxe? it looks brilliant

[@ZaaZoJo]

The random button is SO much fun!

[@antoineguilbeault8025]

Drop the ending on an album. i'm not even joking 👌

[@alfonsomalagon727]

best intro ever

[@metaspherz]

Just a guy and his trusty keyboard on a walkabout on a sunny day. Two friends making wonderful music together.

[@TheMrPalich]

What was that software for an iPad you used to generate sequences at 24:00?

[@domgraveson1942]

fugue machine? maybe?

[@willswitchcraft]

oh, and was just reminded about TTA, and realized that you were a part of that.......LOVED those albums. Some of my favourite tracks back in the day. Time to give it an ear again. Great reminder. I also have a Hydra overview on YT if you care.....

[@BrianGawlik]

Benn's synth demos are always incredible. Does anyone know where I could look in his [giant] discography to find similar takes in EP or LP form?

[@SynthAddict]

nice video - love the Fugue Machine seq bit this synth is on my short list even though I'm getting an Osmose

[@tomnicholson1653]

I love the outro :)

[@metaspherz]

I just came here after listening to Denis Polic another KZbinr who recently added the Hydrasynth to his studio. He raves about the synth too. Have you heard of him? He's fantastic and a musical genius with ambient and Tangerine Dreamesqe tunes that will blow your mind.

[@mattderosier9771]

No but this synth makes me ecstatic because it fills the spot inwas searching for in my rig. Anything ambient,drone, industrial sounding I'm all for. Anyone using a hydra I'll listen to.

[@C1c4da]

Never thought I'd actually own a hardware synth that could do the things I do on my softsynths. I recently bought the explorer, and it is so fun. You can just tweak endlessly. All the videos ive seen where people dog on things for being too complicated is confusing to me. No one is forcing you to go outside standard analog workflows. Personally, I'd rather have the option to get weird.

[@Hagelmiester5673]

It was between this and the medusa and the hydra desktop version won out for its workflow design and super cs-80 level pad textures

[@christoroppolo8742]

I’m in love with mine it’s a beast👽

[@MaynardAndEuniceShow]

I'm trying to decide in between this or the Polybrute :O

[@watchaddicts1213]

Your [first]feedback example, I thought, could double for the intro to I FEEL FINE

[@kgbinfo]

Hey Benn, I love the sounds you've coaxed out of this machine! I'm curious about the sequencer app you were using on the iPad towards the end. What is that?

[@mrcmarciniakify]

I looked a bit and I think it's a FUGUE MACHINE.

[@prtysh]

you are a funny man.And i DO love your work.

[@pulsedsignals7082]

Seeing this Intro (and the end of the video) as well as the Outro of your "Channel Transition" video, I think your video-making reached a new level, which I like very much. Also appreciate the great and thorough content you put out.

[@MottiWolkenbruch]

Amazing! Thank you. What sequencer do you use? Have you hooked it up to software?

[@EpsteezyFoSheezy]

Didn't realize this could do 4op FM. Suddenly shot to the top of my want list.

[@wickeddubz]

EpsteezyFoSheezy hydra is very capable. Among interesting synths these days : wavestate, hydra, summit, iridium, udo super 6. Probably missed few more. I wish i had time to dig at least hydra and summit.

[@EpsteezyFoSheezy]

@@wickeddubz Don't forget the Argon8, that looks pretty wild too! I was strongly considering the Iridium over the Hydra, because I'd heard the Hydra was extremely limited in terms of FM. Since that doesn't appear to be the case, I think the slightly more limited feature set is worth the much lower price tag and way nicer UI/UX.

[@fosferus]

i looooooooooooove bitcrush/sample rate reduction sounds. the hydra does them pretty well; so many interesting little worlds to explore. you sir, with your comment about not using pre/post fx, was surprising. we must embrace digital filth. can you embrace the grunge with me? gunky aliasing... mmmm..

[@ewencousin]

big fan!

[@AdamsOlympia]

Try Hydrasynth with Geforce OB-E ... Perfect combo with its beautiful polyA VA patches; many of which were designed using Hydrasynth as a controller.

[@DBPawlan]

We need to make a "Reverb Dorks" group. I'll join.

[@jsogman]

Ah ok I get it. Poly aftertertouch @7:39: instant Shine on You Crazy diamond mode....

[@jarguna]

Hello Benn! Congratulations for the video and for your explanation. Can you tell me what application are you using on the pad? and how did you set up for Hydra? Thank so much!

[@MrChameleon95]

yoo what's that super cool generative sequencer iPad app at the end? Love the idea of having a sequence run at multiple speeds and directions, are there any equivalent plugins or max devices to do this sort of thing?

[@cp99music]

That’s Fugue Machine

[@MrChameleon95]

@@cp99music Thanks!

[@wesleyleigh4063]

This synth would be borderline perfect if they'd included analog filters and an ability to add more wavetables. I don't think there is currently a digital synth out there with these possibilities, but once that happens then we can conclude on synthesis design.

[@nexgen91]

The Novation Summit is what your looking for, analog filters and 10 user definable wavetables.

[@AgonalRhythm]

Technically, the Microfreak now has these features too 😏

[@bentropy]

I can live without analog filters given how flexible the filters and routing and opportunities to dirty up the signal are on the Hydra. Being able to bring in your own waveforms/tables would be cool, but how often do users really make their own wavetables?

[@AgonalRhythm]

I can't speak for others, but I haven't really found a need. However, leveraging existing wavetables from something like Serum or wavetables from 90s synths (found on old archive pages) is definitely something I've done.

[@RonaldFigura]

What is the iPad app? How is it connected to the Hydrasynth, especially on the Hydrasynth end?

[@bentropy]

What generative sequencer on your iPad? Have you don’t vids on either (or both!) generative music or using the iPad for music? Enjoyed this exploration of he Hydrasynth. Still using it? Thoughts on it, a year and half later?

[@martenmeij]

I just missed a couple of train stops listening to the outro…. ❤️ And I have no idea where I ended up, it seems like I crossed some border

[@MXVDJ]

what is that app you are using to sequence the synth at the end? Looks cool man!

[@crnkmnky]

_a lot of people are saying it's called Fugue Machine…_

[@jarikaariainen]

Thank you! What reverb pedal would you choose for Hydrasynth?

[@BennJordan]

Probably Empress Reverb with the CV or MIDI outputs controlling parameters from the mod matrix. 🙂

[@jarikaariainen]

@@BennJordan Cheers👍

[@PunguinYoga]

Thanks.