Hail Hydrasynth - Sonic LAB Review

We take an in depth look at the new Hydrasynth from Ashun Sound Machines. A fully digital 8 voice monster synth , with a ton of features - including plyphonic aftertouch keybed and ribbon controller.
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[@BromeliadBro]

"Wavetable synthesis has been around for centuries" - Nick Batt

[@MarkLoweLowebrau]

"Nick Batt has been around for centuries" - PWM (Love Nick Batt btw)

[@gustavogastelum9024]

Loooool

[@MrSunnyBra]

20th and 21st centuries...Nick is right 🤔

[@MinusNoir]

Don't you know - besides of the Knights of the Wave Table, it has also been used by The Knights Who Say 'Ni!' ;D

[@SuchaDoofus]

McCloud, you cannot die you fool.

[@daveother]

Corksniffers: psssh, it's a VST in a box. Me: Finally a VST in a box!

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

I wish they would come back out with the Hartmann Neuron....it's very expensive used.

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

Actually, that was one of their goals. To do some of the cool stuff that VSTs have been doing, but in a hardware offering. I'm not complaining

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

@@EarmonkeyMusic Still, I would rather have the Hartmann Neuron....that was truly unique in the hardware world, and is quite literally a VST in a $4000 box. It's so foreign and alien. I wish more digital synths would not be afraid to dive off the deep end. I wish he would come back out with it or a MKII version. I want one but for their fragility....a 4k investment is 100% out of the window.

[@notsure1135]

Corksniffer! Lexicon thusly expanded.

[@andym28]

On a related subject, would it be feasible to run 2 laptops and keyboards for a vst

[@overtonwindowshopper]

That bass/cello patch is genius

[@steelcitysi]

This review clearly shows why you are my favourite synth reviewer and different (IMO better) than all the other synth reviewers. Not just focused on reiterating things you will find in the manual, you actually attempt to reconcile the musical possibilities with the technological capabilities so we can hear what we might do with it in a musical context. Keep up the good work!

[@alphanumeric1529]

Well said man. A bit effusive. Don't forget this is a job for Nick. He's gotta say nice things, or the gear flow stops. But yeah, you can subtly tell when he is slagging off a piece of gear, even though he is saying nice things. Likewise, you can tell when he really appreciates a bit of kit, like in this case, kind of bowled over.

[@Shadowbait]

Nick Batt synth reviews tell me more than every other review I can find of the same synth combined. Every time I'm weighing a synth purchase decision, *these* are the videos I always come back to. Thank you for making them!

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Between Nick and loopop you pretty much know what needs to be known.

[@willswitchcraft]

I whole heartedly agree. Great to hear someone who really knows their ship. SO MUCH INFO, so quickly from each of his videos. Heads above most of the 'reviewers' out there. What a great resource - especially for someone like me, who lives far (many many hours) from any major centre which might have something like this in stock.

[@dairebarefoot6763]

I play acoustic guitar and still watch this guy just because I love gear

[@MajorOSC]

@@LarsBjerregaard looks like we've stumbled upon the answer as to why other channels have so many less views lol

[@BoBeats]

Nick made the Hydra joke I didn't dare do. Such a boss.

[@NapalmJustice]

I don't think I've ever seen him this excited in a review before! You know a synth is good when someone gets exhausted from talking about how cool it is.

[@rnedp760]

Yes, when the LFO doesn’t go through zero and Nick’s STILL excited, you know it’s something special 😁

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

Totally agree!

[@Formal-DeHyde]

Yea I think he might have gotten a little overstimulated by the pwm capabilities.

[@davidcole1362]

Haha true

[@snuppssynthchannel]

@Freeda Birda Just another great digital!

[@MichaelRohaly]

I guess it's a little past my one-year anniversary with the Hydrasynth. I'm still in love.

[@impurfekt]

Voice fades into oblivion as he scans through wavetables. Love it.

[@LouisLinggandtheBombs]

Frozen shimmer reverb. Wow! I'm a snob and a grump but even my jaded jaw dropped at that moment.

[@pcuimac]

For every synth that dies, two shall arise!

[@gourkernow5694]

The best and most interesting digital synths are the ones that aren't trying to be analogue.

[@barrnycharlton8951]

agreed i am sick of here’s “Virtual Analogue” every time a digital synth comes out

[@10010011001100110101]

But MUH VINTAGE SYNTHS

[@SuchaDoofus]

@@10010011001100110101 It will only go out of tune if YOU want it to.

[@aaronmichaud1]

Synths looking forward into the future and not imitating the past

[@philmason9653]

Wow, really impressed with this thing. My days of analog purism are in the past (seen too many with 'golden ears' who couldn't tell the difference in A/B tests), and I love to see someone really taking digital possibilities out there in a physical insttrument.

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

As a Microbrute and BSII owner, first thing I noticed is how non-digital it sounds. To my ears, its oscillators have part of the warm-sounding, pleasant character analog waveforms have. My brain instantly agrees with that quality of sound. I'm super-impressed. The filter also wowed me. It hits my aural spot. I like analog and digital synths alike...but this thing sounds unlike any other digital synth I've ever heard. When I heard the Peak and Summit, although I love Novation as a company, I yawned...Oxford oscillators and all. This Hydrasynth grabbed my attention from first listen of the raw saw wave.

[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

It sounds very digital to me, but that is not necessary a bad thing....

[@MichaelRohaly]

@@jazzjeffjazzjeff The raw saw wave is actually really bright, but that's what subtractive synthesis is there for. And there are 200 other waves to play with.

[@infraviolet]

i swear this is my dream synth ive never seen anything align so well with what i think a modern digital synthesizer should be

[@synthanatomy]

Great synth indeed, thanks for the review, Nick. It's like Serum or Pigments in a hardware synth :)

[@annother3350]

It's a drum and bass producers dream

[@stateazure]

Thanks for the awesome review, Nick. Looks like a killer synth!

[@4TehLULZ1997]

You are by far favourite synth channel! Thank you for all the tunes.

[@stateazure]

@@4TehLULZ1997 Thank you!

[@TomAndreen]

I am so in love with this synth that it almost hurts a bit. After this video I’m going to have to go and buy a ring for it. The interface alone is a complete winner!

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

This is the first synth I've lusted after in a long time (not counting your Jupiter 6)

[@Thoracius]

PWM Tip: Using the new PhasDiff mutator on a saw wave converts it to pulsewave with depth controlling the pulse width. This sounds much better and has none of the weird artifacts that the PWOrig mutator gives you.

[@wanneskolf2042]

For that given time of presentation, he covers clearly the main features of the Hydrasynth, with great enthusiasm and clarity while actually explaining the very essence of synthesis in some kind of way. Great review and beautiful instrument.

[@kristianross8997]

[@miikawarsell1923]

If this is not a future classic, I don't know what is.

[@herbertherbert3909]

Well I ordered my Hydra in September and it arrived a week ago. The first day playing thru the presets kinda bummed me. THEN I WATCHED NICKS REVIEW AGAIN. NICK BASICALLY GIVES MINI TUTORIALS IN HIS REVIEWS. So I started creating my own sounds from scratch using the best synth interface I’ve ever used in my 35 years of owning too many synths to list here. THIS SYNTH IS JUST AMAZING. I can spit and growl and gurgle like a rabid Kracken. It’s the kinda synth a romulan would bring to audition for a Klingon band playing music written by a Vulcan. It’s truly capable of some very fresh tones but you gotta work for it and learn the hows-abouts of the interface. once you grasp it there’s so much fun to be had. Brilliant achievement.

[@Marcus_Sylvester]

Herbert ''It’s the kinda synth a romulan would bring to audition for a Klingon band playing music written by a Vulcan.'' 😂 No argument can win against this... I must buy!

[@synriser6742]

Thanks again for a great review. Great synth with lots of possibilities . Sounds deep.

[@spankenheim]

ordered one of these half way through the first demo video the day the embargo was lifted and I got my paws on one at Knobcon. I can't wait until it shows up. They really got the poly AT and the bend strip right. You can easily articulate one note in a chord. Also, the engine in this thing is AWESOME. This isn't just another wavetable synth, this is like the Omnisphere of Wavetables. Its got huge amounts of depth and the modulation options are extremely flexible and useful. Plus you can make your own wavetables. I haven't been this excited about a new instrument in a long time.

[@felixbr26]

10:47 Nick: „Have no idea what it‘s doing but it‘s really interesting“ 🤣👍

[@pizzagogo6151]

Great review, as always. I love the fact this synth combines features everyone has been asking for but also an original sound engine and interface. Plus the icing on the cake....it’s affordable! Given the enthusiasm of Nicks demo, what an astonishing first effort from this company- they certainly have a sale as soon as I can get my hands on one!

[@alphanumeric1529]

They could have just said $3,000 and people would have lined up, noses in the air, money in hand. But they made it affordable! God bless them!

[@gourkernow5694]

Would like to see a multi part review Nick, a deep synth deserves more than a singular review that really only skims the surface, and this synth looks deep. Harking back to your Peak review, which made me buy one by the way, i may not have parted with the cash unless you spread the review over 2 vids and really delved into the workings.

[@monkililiki]

Fully agree! A complex instrument deserves more time. And keeping the videos short doesn't really serve any particular purpose does it?

[@supernatural802]

7:50 mark...aannnd im sold.

[@donaldpriola1807]

When you say "crikey" something is happening.

[@VickersDoorter]

Whoops-a-daisy is another English classic.

[@Pighood]

WOOPS MISSUS MIGGINS YOURE SITTING ON MY ARTICHOKES

[@Miliussauce]

Wow that was a lot of specs you went over nick. Amazing job 👌 this synth seems like a pad makers dream!

[@MrAliensix]

I enjoyed your enthusiasm for this synth. This is a no brainer purchase for me. Sounds amazing! Thanks for the review :)

[@johnmiller19925]

Oh how long I’ve waited for this pun.

[@EricMorello]

Forget about the CS-80, they seem to have really been inspired by the Ensoniq ESQ-1 and SQ-80.

[@MichaelRohaly]

It baffles me that I have a synth from the 80s with three oscillators, three LFOs and four envelopes and so few manufacturers try to beat that. And the front-panel approach is great: here it is again, better.

[@Phoniq]

The ESQ-1 is a beast. I love mine and it keeps surprising me even when it doesn’t have any on board effects.

[@bobafruti]

I really wanted an esq-1 but settled for a zr-76 instead 🤔

[@reginaldbowls7180]

Except that it doest sound like a toy

[@EricMorello]

@@jm6734 So do I, and just as no one is saying it sounds like a CS-80, I don't think anyone here is saying that the Hydrasynth sounds like an ESQ-1 (although the Hydrasynth seems flexible enough that you could probably get it to if you really wanted). The comment(s) is/are more in regards to the layout, interface, general architecture and "spirit" of the synth.

[@frankschneider7190]

You forgot the LFO-Sequencer! And much more... Please a second part!

[@HotStrange]

Frank Schneider also the labia!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@HotStrange LOL, did not know it had that. I'll have to give it a closer look...

[@brynbache521]

That modulation at 07:00, that's what my Rev 2 can't do and that's why I want this synth. Awesome review Nick!

[@paulfabian7274]

I haven't been this excited by a synth in awhile. Great review!

[@Claidheambmor]

Well done ASM, a glowing review!

[@mikewells5744]

Bought myself one for XMAS, finally sat down today to 'have a twiddle' what a bit of kit this is and thanks so much Nick for this AMAZING 'tutorial', i'll sling the manual in the bin now!! Happy New Year everyone :-)

[@truthbydesign5146]

The mod1 CV input can accept audio frequency signals, so it’s a great way to bring in external oscillators or other sounds, to be processed or combined w/ hydras FX and oscs. Neutron can make a great pair with it, since it’s line input can be brought up to eurorack levels via its CV audio output jack.

[@timothyscott318]

Hey Nick, When you do your review of the desktop would you please explain in detail as to how the voices are allocated when you connect it to the synth to make a 16 voice synthesizer? Thank you!

[@daemeonation3018]

I just got mine today. My first real hardware synth, unless you include volcas and the like. I was blown away by the sound. And the keybed is amazing.

[@scottharris7222]

I was trying to decide between the DeepMind 12D or this in rack form. Nick's video showed me how well thought out the parameters are in terms of accessibility. So the ASM is now on order. Thanks Nick!

[@griffgoldsteinreference]

Reminds me a little bit of Serum honestly. Love it!

[@hiltonius]

well done, nick. this is the best i've heard it sounding by far. thanks!

[@monkililiki]

I would be interested to see how it works together with Analog Heat. I really do like the sound of the Hydrasynth, but I think with the Analog Heat (that Gaz Williams did an excellent video on as tool for mastering control) it would open up some additional sound possibilities.

[@MrBothandNether]

+1 Own the Heat as well as the Drive, they both add warmth and mids to my digital stuff.... I run omnisphere back thru the Heat a lot. It really helps separate them from slightly overdriven guitar tracks, imo. (I use the Analog Drive on the Kemper KPA, the sweepable mid-thingy is indispensable for mixing that thing)

[@joechristopher5803]

I can’t WAIT to get mine!!! Preordered from Sweetwater! Those guys said this thing is a BEAST!!!!!!!!

[@russlightfoot]

Beautiful synth and I love Nick's Pittsburgh Modular shirt!

[@_User333]

I nearly spat a biscuit into my coffee - wtf - someone said he lost a kilo or two and that daggy outer shirt

[@rhamlyn100]

Impressive, but blimey it would take me years to get a handle on that thing. Sound designer's dream, though. I'd just never get anything recorded.

[@raulrodriguez82]

My main issue with it to be honest. I love it but it look so deep.

[@synthesizernews]

Instant classic...great synth & great review thx!

[@group-music]

I can see the influence of the Ensoniq ESQ-1 in the user interface. Very intuitive to use.👍

[@JunkSoap]

Can't wait to buy this beast.

[@jr6786]

Much love! Thank you Nick!

[@MrBothandNether]

I sure hope there is some breakthrough in desk space-increasing technology soon...... I can imagine Eric Persing making an amazing hardware template for this one....especially the arp section.

[@MarshalArnold]

Awesome synth, great design, great sound, great value!

[@CO5MA]

:D

[@Dogboy73]

Looks like a beast of a machine both in terms of capabilities and build quality. Very interesting. The interface looks excellent as well. Very well laid out and does look intuitive. Having the CV stuff is a really nice touch as well. Fantastic to see such a well made and though out synth for a brand new company. What a start. Hope it does well. Sure it will.

[@cooltrades7469]

Great review , as always. Thanks. Thinking of buying one .

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Great demo. The sound quality of this demo, is a lot better than most, and makes me think of getting this. So far my only complaint about Hydra, is the other demos make it sound mushy and without clarity, and character. But with your demo, I can hear it can sound good. Thanks for doing what you do, and Happy New Year.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

My Casio XWP1 is a wave table, but it don't sound like this. The effects on this synth is not the normal add-in average sounding, the effects are stellar. Effects are half of sound design, without great effects you don't have much, half a synth.

[@pcuimac]

Yep. Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Phaser! That's what makes a synth great. I love high feedback delay with reverb and some chorus. You can so easily go mad with that. :D

[@noelcosgrave113]

The XW-P1 uses sample-based synthesis, sometimes incorrectly termed "wavetable", combined with basic virtual analogue. It isn't a wavetable synth in the tradition established by Wolfgang Palm with the PPG. It doesn't do wavetable scanning like the PPG, Waldorf Blofeld, Hydrasynth, Argon 8, Virus TI and some others.

[@6pin66]

I'd seen a couple quick reviews of this synth...and I thought ok ,that's looking like a pretty neat machine . Then comes the Nick review.......whoa ..........this thing is luscious . The sounds you squeezed out of it , Nick , what are you some kind of wizard?!?!?

[@Methanol2000]

Yes, Nick is a synth wizard.

[@thedarkestrainbow]

I haven’t seen Nick this excited since he reviewed the Dominion 1. Which he ended up getting for himself...and sold me on. Maybe we will both end up with this too! I’m really digging this synth. That pulse width is legiiiiiit. Really creative interface design. Can’t wait to try it. This paired it a Peak would be a killer combo.

[@agerven]

Good demo of what tends to be a fantastic synth. Thanks Nick, a well spent 29+ minutes. I was hoping you could shed some light on availability in the UK / Europe and the pounds / euro pricing. Currently it is only available for pre-order within the USA and rumoured to start shipping at 1 november. Also hope you get to keep it a while to bring us some friday fun with it.

[@scottcupp8129]

Very nice synth... Polyphonic after touch? How freakin sweet is that?

[@Gary-lu4op]

What a great looking, sounding and user friendly beast. It's about time something like this has evolved, hopefully it will give some of the other synth manufacturers a good kick in the arse. In particular Korg... ! Stagnant and same same are too many of the old timer designers. Nice work ASM. Great review bro, no way you could show everything by the looks.

[@teknomanning]

Been digital since the wavestation

[@hulkslayer626]

WOW!! Not even 8 minutes in and I am already sold. So many creative ideas buzzing through my head already... HAIL HYDRA!

[@psyswordrizvi131]

This looks so cool .can't wait to hook it up with my monitors

[@dfmn8650]

This synth is no-brainer purchase. They really got this right.

[@sndrcve]

The layout and control is very impressive. Whilst very deep it looks simple to navigate.

[@doublelunch24]

Can we get a Friday Fun with this synth? Great review!

[@synesthetica]

Outstanding. Great sound design possibilities, great UI, great design, great price.

[@demokid2000]

Great review. :) How is the keyboard action?

[@robertsutton7949]

5.07 You know a synth is good when it momentarily makes you into Zippy from Rainbow

[@andym28]

I thought he was more Geoffrey

[@MeatyController]

Innovation NOT relegation! I want this synth so hard

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Nick, enjoyed that, feel free to do a part 2 if you fancy. :)

[@vvhalefccd]

What’s tators precious? MU-TA-TORS. Mix ‘em mash ‘em put ‘em in a stew!

[@Loeil22]

This is really hell of a synth... Wow

[@jonnyhead]

M83 use a beautiful trio of hydrasynths

[@btaylo24]

It's a wolf in wolf's clothing.

[@emotionblur7214]

Good it's not a Timbre Wolf :)

[@Digiphex]

Wolfgang Palm!

[@Claidheambmor]

@@Digiphex Wolfgang Facepalm!

[@BretHalford]

Would having this and a Modor NF-1m be redundant? They seem like they can cover similar ground; I have both, but prefer the keyed Hydrasynth, just wondering if I'd be missing out on too much by unloading the mini Modor.

[@laurencevanhelsuwe3052]

Final tune sounds wonderful too.

[@Superlover]

what a monster of a synth!

[@Mark_Ocain]

Sounds awesome through a mixer...these WTSs are getting to be almost more analogue than analogue

[@pyrotek45]

I think you guys should always use a sawtooth when testing out the unison. I can never hear what its doing on other wave shapes.

[@zerocrossing]

“That’s just that and that’s crazy...” - Nick Batt

[@ErikEkholm]

Crikey! This would be the synth to have if you are into modern music production.

[@sodiumlights]

Nick, you don`t sound too good chap. Lemsip/synth recommended.

[@ben1210]

Do I sell my Digitakt / Bass Station 2 and pick up the desktop, or go for the argon8 and a 2nd hand tr8? Nice dilemma to have!

[@georginikolov1141]

Skulpt and this lot of character

[@ejh1100]

Enjoyed this review.

[@vampolascott36]

I got excited about this one! The price is right too.

[@KiR_3d]

Hello, Nick! What's the wave's resolution here?

[@vedabou]

Am I able to cook my meal on this as well? Impressive processing!

[@shookstylez]

"A bit 'corgi' in design". Well, Corgi's are one of the most smart doggies there are (and one of the cutest), so good call Nick.

[@wavesequencer]

Actually I think the reference was Corgi toys.. a British thing: www.corgi.co.uk/shop/vehicles/cars-motorsport-1.html.

[@ebeep]

Slowly transitioned into being over my head about 1/2 way in. I'm glad he understands, but I'm a bit lost.

[@VR360TV]

lol love the title "Hail Hydrasynth" but looks and sounds amazing :)

[@zerocrossing]

I need hear what its distortion options really sound like all the way up the range. This could be a nice Peak replacement.

[@Owoshima_]

The wavemorphing is actually 24bit internally, so you get 80 steps with the knob. However you get a much smoother transition when using a modulator since there's essentially 33 million waves between two waves. This has been discussed here: facebook.com/groups/354392362134625/permalink/623735895200269

[@Psychlist1972]

It's been a while since I last saw you excited like this in a review. :) I got to play this at Knobcon. I don't typically think much of dedicated digital synths that feel like plugins in a box, but this.. this was really nice. Fantastic price, too.