Hydrasynth Mega Hang Time (Sound Design Tutorial)

Hey, come hang with me while I'm exploring the Hydrasynth and creating a couple of sounds from scratch, and trying to show you the depth of the modulation possibilities. Hopefully there's something in it for you :D
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[@lpg4785]

20 minutes in, this video is already more helpful than the other 9 hours of hydra tutorials I have watched. thank you so much!!

[@Tehons]

Yeah it's crazy how you can learn from this type of video better than everything else

[@LSDshroomspeyote]

⁠@@Tehonsthat’s what I was thinking! I learned like 20 things I’ve been wanting to know and I’m only at 14:24. This is fantastic!

[@LSDshroomspeyote]

100%. Incredible how simplicity and just messing around can show you the way vs. the typical instructional KZbin edit. This is fire.

[@frankslade33]

Same for me, this is great. Thanks.

[@mattkaz9604]

This format is better than a normal review - you get a far better feel for the synth.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks a lot mate. 🙏🏼

[@bitbotrecords]

💯% yes

[@ToddMushaw]

Brilliant mind. I have the desktop version. The extent of my synthesis knowledge was ADSR, cutoff and patch scrolling. You’ve opened up a whole new lane of understanding and exploration for me. The only problem is that your voice is very smooth and relaxing. I usually fall asleep about 30 min in so I have to watch in segments. 😌 A humble thank you for sharing your gifts.

[@MrNiceGuyAlexander]

I fell asleep too...lolol

[@FastRCToys]

@@MrNiceGuyAlexander True sleeping Kangaroo ;)

[@NSW-ye3xw]

I bought the desktop version recently and I am blown away by it. The build quality alone makes it feel like a synth worth twice as much. This synth is limitless and really compliments any analog gear you have. The good man Cuckoo demonstrates this synth very well, but be open to the fact he is scratching the surface. This synth is deep and at the same time intuitive and easy to use.

[@davebellamy4867]

I love this review because it's teaching me something about synthesis, not just about the particular keyboard - and it's subtle. It's too often that reviews are about getting some huge sound but this is all about fine tuning the sound, which is often where the sweet spots really come.

[@Longstride]

This is such a great synth and you do such a fine job explaining it step by step thank you!

[@Vincent-sy9sn]

Really like this format of 'reveing' a synth and your beautiful playing of those lovely sounds you created in the last 20 mins of the video convinced me to buy one!.

[@josslyn333]

This is the best. Thank you! I don’t know how long you’ve been doing this, but I’ve learned so much. This type of demonstration is so much more valuable than anything else I’ve found.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much Josh! Means a lot to me 🙏🏼

[@midigek]

Beauty of a synth ❤ Love the MEGA tutorial series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@truecuckoo]

❤️

[@dennisbartalsky3570]

Hydra is ASM. Cuckoo talking is ASMR

[@anderslundolsen6489]

You are the first to make melodic sounds on the Hydrasynth. Thanks.

[@bp9884]

I hold you personally responsible for the sad state of my bank account

[@ChurBoBaggins]

very inspiring, please do more on the hydrasynth!

[@JohnnyBurdick]

Your tutorials are so wonderful, a treasure-a real mind working in real time with an astonishing ability to verbalize it. Pair that with great aesthetic instincts and synthesis experience, it’s just killer. Alive in a way that most others are static. You and Loopop are my A team, though I enjoy many others as well.

[@sawyerthereal]

I love the Hydrasynth! Got mine a month ago and it's been nothing short of amazing!

[@Bijutu]

Got my HS Deluxe two days ago and I was overwhelmed by its functions, but thanks to your video I can dive into it much faster than I thought at first!! Thank you!!

[@davebellamy4867]

This is brilliant tutorial because it shows everything to make a sound from the start! I remember your NAMM interviews at the DSI booth for the OB6. Now, here, this is where it gets detailed. I ordered a Hydrasynth today and now you're teaching me how to program it. Thanks Cuckoo!😊😀

[@leohall1337]

One of your best.

[@wernerhaider2338]

I bought that thing last week. I've had the manual on my phone for 4 months. I think this synth was a good investment. Why? Everyone has his/her own approach to it and its flexible enough to accommodate for individual patch design. I'll have to spend some more weeks on the Hydrasynth to make it blend in with my live tuba. I'll let you know when I get there. ;-) Thanks for the video, cheers from Vienna!

[@metalplatedfacejob]

I got to say this vid sold me on the Hydra. Everyone else just sort of does some weird washy digital pad sounds in vids. You on the other hand showed a more real world application in my opinion. It's great that it can morph and do a bunch of modulations and sound scaping textures. However this vid puts it into the context of other instruments and the sounds one might go for to compliment other players in a group. Very much appreciate your time and will be searching for the deluxe version very soon.

[@JohnnyBurdick]

Yes, when I was wondering whether I was going to like the Hydra for real playable and non-washy keyboard sounds, the kind you might use instead of an EP or an accordion, or a harpsichord, this was the first video to answer that definitively.

[@benrogmans]

Ohhhh man I am on the lookout for a Cuckoo patch pack for this thing 🙏

[@Stadsjaap]

What a fantastic workflow for such a deep engine. ASM nailed it.

[@Trk-El-Son]

Yup, they did actually nail it. It is simply ridiculously well executed. This is EXACTLY how to make a hardware synth in 2020.

[@claudekaber609]

Around 7 min, things going on at effects level, which you would expect at oscillator level. That comment is spot on, the developpers of the hydrasynth show some deep understanding of mathematical implementation of sound design. Like applying pulse width modulation to oscillors other than pulse, at effects level. Around 25 min, very interesting tutorial for how to choose waveforms.

[@Thomas-dn8dr]

This is by far the best tutorial video I have seen for the ASM Hydrasynth. Thank you so much.

[@truecuckoo]

I appreciate hearing that, mate 🙏🏼

[@808owens]

So glad I found this walkthrough! Very proper breakdown. Thank you!!! Just picked this one up a week ago after a year of looking for an analog poly, and refusing to get a modeling synth... this one blew me away and I stripped myself of the purist mentality ;)

[@johnny5kmusic346]

I picked up the desktop version a few months ago, and LOVE the sound and flexibility in creating sounds. You can create almost any sound you can imagine once you get a hang of the routing and features! Love the way you share your creations and workflow too! Keep up the good work 👍🏾

[@graphpaperguy6133]

When I'm watching a synth review and the creator is wearing a shirt with a cartoon likeness of (presumably) themself saying "I like synths", it's like ... a signed certificate of trust.

[@truecuckoo]

😂

[@sumchi3690]

🤣

[@iamsushi1056]

if all your videos are done the same way this one is then I'm definitely subscribing with no regrets

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you, friend! 🙏🏼

[@thegoony]

I have had the Hydra for a few months, its an awesome synth, and lose hours making patches, can see you love the Hydra too, by the smile you have when making sounds.

[@piperfox74]

Absolutely outstanding tutorial. The best I've seen on this beast of a synth. Thank you!

[@JamesWilliam70]

Love that Rhodes patch. The mid and low end is so laid back yet encapsulating cool and groovy.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Man, your videos are just SO GOOD! I just bought a desktop version of the ASM Hydrasynth and I love it, I'm loving how I can watch this and follow along with my synthesizer. You really made mod matrix routing a lot easier to understand, thank you Cuckoo.

[@MottiWolkenbruch]

What an amazing beast (device and artist)!

[@EchoKraft]

Hi I’m a little late to the party. I’m going to be purchasing a hydra synth. This was a great video thanks !

[@bitbotrecords]

The gift that keeps on giving thanks Cuckoo, love your work mate 🎹😎👾

[@MaynardAndEuniceShow]

Thanks for the GREAT demo of this unit - I've been eying this synth and I read a comment earlier today about a guy who purchased the unit, played the presets, was kind of disappointed, THEN he went in and started making his own presets and fell in love with the unit afterwards. My journey brought me here because I value your opinion and I just spent the last hour and 21 minutes watching you delve into this. I loved the look on your face as you started coming up with various ideas on sculpting sounds that will tickle your ears and I look forward to my own journey of the same - thanks again!!

[@kevinbartlett7381]

Hey Mate, just had the Hydrasynth Deluxe show up here. Your tutorial is inspiring and I can't wait to implement some of what you're showing. Brilliant job ! Thanks.

[@damonkeithfrost]

WONDERFUL !! Just got the Hydrasynth and I’m so loving your Bass Clav sound and the release sound,,, very organic ;)) SUPER informative !! BLESS YOU

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@macronencer]

Yay! So glad to see you've done this. I just bought one of these beasts (it was a choice between this and the PolyBRUTE... and my bank balance won), and I'm really excited to explore its mysteries.

[@leandromiquet4820]

I can't get enough of these videos. Great review-walktrhough-live-patch-satndup

[@GirlfightClub]

So excited you made this!

[@carlosheredia2219]

wow do i have time in the day for my hydra synth 101 class??? very insightful - as always love your tone and anunciation on all your tutorials. been watching you for years- thanks a million!!! next time i watch this video ill have a note pad and pen- thanks again!

[@GertBoers]

Great showcasing of an awesome synth! I love your way of thinking and teaching. Thanks for sharing. One little tip on my side: In the macro's, I see you don't use the button values. Those can be really handy if you want to toggle a predefined value on and take that off again. The buttons can also work like a trigger, if you press shift + the button. (But in system setup page 2 you can even define the preferred mode for MacroBtn: toggle, trigger, switch or reset.)

[@FrozenLonesome]

Just got my Hydrasynth and as always appreciate your detailed approach and focus on musicality. Thanks!

[@townrowclark3797]

I’m always in for a treat when I see you pop up in my feed. Another gorgeous video. You are a master of sound.

[@joseluisrevelo]

You have a really didactic style. Really enjoyable. You will probably be responsible for me getting this synth. Thanks.

[@thehowlingterror]

Nicely done. Thanks.

[@ElSWVisitor]

Thank goodness i looked for a hydrasynth video, KZbin's algorithm changes over lockdown made cuckoo's vids invisible to me even though i'm subbed and have notifications on. 😑

[@ShaiUI]

I got my first casio sk-1 synth when I was a little kid, then I got an op-1 a few years ago, and now I got this hydrasynth. mainly because I wanted to learn synthesis and sound design. hydrasynth is amazing bc it takes what a lot of vst plugins do and turned it into hardware. I think it resembles serum the most (?). Having actual knobs is so much more conducive to design. it's like the difference between using a pencil to draw versus using a mouse to draw. but anyway, thank you for such a great vid I learned a lot. it's so much better than going through those dry instruction manuals that read like a spec sheet.

[@Jimantronic]

Cool guide, thanks 👍 Great to see some real world useable sounds and your workflow. It's such a versatile instrument!

[@jaderington]

This could finally be the one , Yaaaee !. Me and the Hydrasynth ain't friends yet . I'm no synth Wizard , but that Hydra is a tuff cookie to crack. I'll watch this later with some popcorn, just incase I need to throw any at the screen. I've watch quite a few already, but still the penny hasn't dropped for me. I'm tired of sounding like an organ on a merry-go-round. I know this synth does more than that. I prey very deeply !

[@MRFThorne]

Excellent hands-on demonstration - thank you.

[@edmx]

Nice to hear this synth without tons of reverb & echo. Would love a no-talking version of just you making and playing some sounds without fX.

[@8thlvlMage]

I too enjoy when my lover stays quiet during lovemaking.

[@ultrajayme]

I love your mirror

[@sierragold]

Cuckoo, you are the BEST teacher!

[@dani538]

LOL, I posted on your IG for a megatutorial (and here it is). Rock on dude! This thing is dope, I have the Desktop, but probably end up with the KB version.

[@truecuckoo]

Yeah, this is for you Daan! ❤️ If you absolutely want the polyphonic Aftertouch and the Ribbon, the keyboard version is the way to go. But your can come a long way with the desktop and a MIDI keyboard.

[@dani538]

True Cuckoo yes indeed! I have noticed that for modulation you press mod matrix first, then assign and then the source and destination. If you have update 1.5 there is a much quicker way. When you are in the destination page already. Like you want to move the Wavescan of OSC 1 with LFO 1. When you are in the OSC 1 page you press and hold LFO 1 and then press the Wavescan button and BAM connection made and shown in the mod matrix directly.

[@ThePickledOnions]

This is so enjoyable

[@fxdaly]

Excellent tutorial. 👏👏👏

[@KarimLeMec]

The best of this generation I will buy after 10 years of vst world

[@rrrrrrtt1]

Amazing tutorial! Great explanation that could be implemented with other synths for sure!

[@GareauRA]

Man timestamp 4:15 sounds like music straight out of Phantasy Star III for the Sega Genesis. Awesome!!!!

[@xaviermccloud4586]

It's funny because I bought my Deepmind 6 and Hydrasynth months ago and haven't used them. Now that I pulled the Hydra out, people are doing all types of tutorials. Thanks! Edit: I don't know anything about music but naturally know how it works. Never played an instrument or Synth and you really helped me understand how to design a sound. THANK YOU!

[@nandodolleman7819]

You just buy some synths and then don't use them for months? wow, that's fancy boy

[@xaviermccloud4586]

@@nandodolleman7819 It's actually because I don't want them to get destroyed in my room while I finish building my studio in the basement. Not a huge studio, like 12x10 feet. I'm not rich at all and I'm broke as FUCK right now lmfao! Edit: I've "since" had the "synths" out since I made that comment LOL!

[@formulator404]

Wow super video, incredibly informative and such an amazing synth, waiting on my desktop version to arrive !

[@ctd_audio]

Awesome vid! I love how you managed to fit the mirror in perfectly between the screens. 👌😂

[@astrologervinod2227]

Hatts off to your knowledge sir

[@ms.marieanne]

Excellent video. I learned & laughed at times 👍

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼

[@davebellamy4867]

44:30 Now it's starting to sound a bit like Mark King of Level 42 on the bass guitar!😀

[@Jesiahjesiah]

Okay, it's been 2 years and this still might be the best sounding Rhodes on Hydra in the wild... finally got myself a Hydra Explorer and I'm ready for the tutorial ;) Or maybe Rhoadie is in one of your packs? Thanks for the good work!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks! Yeah Rhodie is in the pack for sure. I spent a lot of time on it, to make it very customisable.

[@Jesiahjesiah]

@@truecuckoo Thanks for the reply! Somehow missed that the pack came out. Looking forward to trying it myself

[@zwcharbin]

Shift is my fav button on all synths man!

[@DanYannay]

Great vid bro! You are such a pro

[@JoeLaRocca]

"Oh Hello there..." Awesome Video Brother.

[@moetarded7757]

I love this video. I need more. Feed me.

[@zachlombardi3137]

Hey brother, just wanted to say this is really great.. the video. Appreciate the help and journey through the machine. Good looks friend! Also, as someone else I see pointed out, this is a fantastic format for the video, with all the different views.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much! It’s a tricky synth to film with all the little screens. Glad you found it helpful 🙏🏼

[@elwhagen]

0:37 "The Hydrasynth from ASM", he says, with his ASMR voice! :-)

[@massimilianovillani9036]

Amazing tutorial, thank you! ❤

[@AstronoizeOfficial]

Thanks Cuckoo! Just picked up the desktop version of this and will definitely reference this video lots. P.S. love your skateboard clips on instagram. We both love skating too!

[@Axiomatick]

Thank you. Great sounds,demo,music!

[@autnagragm2550]

BASS.... great video

[@jayjayjay391]

Creativity was inspiring

[@jmcoffin1]

Best tutorial on Hydrasynth I’ve found... by far! If I had heard this before I sold my Hydrasynth, I wouldn’t have sold it. Now I’m inspired to buy another one, and I’m excited about doing sound design on it… But I’d still love to buy the patches that you made in this video (And more like them). Are they available somewhere? I don’t see them on your site. You are a truly gifted and inspiring teacher…Thank you so much!

[@SynthAddict]

excellent as usual sir, I'm ordering the keyboard this week :-)

[@SupraSmart68]

I was torn between the Hydrasynth Deluxe and the Arturia MatrixBrute but bought a MatrixBrute and still want a Hydrasynth....... and time to play with them, maybe even play them eventually. I also bought a Behringer DeepMind 12 that's more intuitive to me out of the box and has plenty of massive sounding patches built in and quality sliders that have no stiction or judder for silky smooth frequency and resonance micro-adjustments that are mindbending in the way that you can discover harmonics in the patches.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

I love that you play Axel F on all these reviews I've seen. My synth journey began when I watched a dancing Frankenstein play that on a synth while waiting in line at Universal Studios. I'd never seen or heard something like that, and when I look back, the dream thence expressed that a machine could create any sound just blew my little mind.

[@RuiGon1]

Thanks a lot.

[@zbnmth]

1:09:38 made me think of Ernst Reijseger's "Shadow", from the album Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

[@cedricbablet9429]

Bravo, plein de bonnes idées. Merci!

[@informationsuperkhan]

That beavie patch is wicked

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

Feeding the main out into some type of crunchy warm guitar amp would sound great for that quacky funky sound. Like a big tweed Fender amp.

[@Vyseblues]

Getting some Ecco The Dolphin vibes from this demo

[@whirled_peas]

Was looking for this comment

[@ToyKeeper]

80 minutes totally mesmerized. You've got serious talent. I thought I had decided on a Pro 3 as my main synth, but now I'm not quite so sure.

[@9877joseph]

Me too! I ended up getting both Hydrasynth models lol. The Pro3 is still sexy! I'm saving my pennies for one as we speak! Hopefully you can grab both Hydrasynth and Pro3!

[@1980VINZ]

7:30 HOLLY SHIT it was even better than this synth😲 You’re the most lovely weird guy on the planet, I fucking love you. PS: And I’m not gay. PS2: And I’ve got this synth and to me this is the best synth of this decade. PS3: Btw I fucking cannot wait the PS5.

[@yeoldmedic7572]

PS4 : i got one arriving tomorrow *teen girl whinny noises* out with a rompler in with a CHONKI BOI

[@HBCrigs]

I just want to live in that organ world forever

[@augustisraelsson2250]

Pro tip: send envelope 3 to mixer! :)

[@funkyboss007]

The stank face at the 6 minute mark. 😂😂😂

[@matteomarasco8655]

I just got the hydrasynth as my first synth, oh man it's sooo much stuff ahahhahaa

[@MrDeeKayTV]

Genius!

[@alexsomma]

Hi Cuckoo! Great video. It's always inspiring to hear your thoughts as you make a patch. Ever since I got the Hydra I've been wondering what you'd do with it. You always bring your own imagination and create these special and beautifully playable patches. Hopefully you will do a Hydrasynth Soundpack :) I know you love key on and key off sounds ;) Have you tried subtly using a second oscillator with keytracking turned all the way down for that? Then you can wavescan and modulate your key on/off sound. It can get a bit crazy, but you have a way of taming crazyness into something nice so I thought it might be interesting :)

[@DayuhansDiary]

Watching this video leaves me with mixed emotions. I excited to buy this but I won’t because there is no way I could ever do this 😢

[@tommymandel]

At 1:08:xx maybe you should have made the Envelope modulating the Cross Modulating Mutant a negative value?

[@MrSheddingshadows]

hi cuckoo i suck atmaking sounds i love the sounds ur making i bought all the sounds for this thing i could find and honestly there not that good make sounds and sell em the sounds u been making blow theres out of the water all there doin is tweeking sounds and calling them there own. i been workin at making sounds and im getting better but its a king climb before i get there thanks for ur videos there all cool cyaaa