Hydrasynth Explorer vs Deluxe vs The World // The Ultimate Pros and Cons Compared to other Synths

[@woodzzy1]

This is the only KZbin channel where I come before I make a decision on buying a new synth. I watch many other reviews, but this place is the best, it feels like I'm playing myself, I get all the answers, all the insights. I watched this review few times and I finally bought the Deluxe version. Thank you sir for such great and in depth reviews!

[@loopop]

Thanks for taking the time to write :)

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

10:15 (Hydrasynth) “Well, that’s not very nice.”

[@decimal1815]

Having tried all 3 Hydras recently, I think the original 49-key is the sweet spot for me. Not too large to carry around, and not too small to make the polyAT keyboard pointless.

[@MalusMons]

“But loopop told me I could put my succulents here! How does that void any warranty?!?”

[@Snudedude]

I highly appreciate the new video structure with pros, cons, and vs other separately.

[@tomlavelle8518]

Awesome video again! I don’t understand any of this, but very fun to listen to!

[@aaroncarter8845]

Literally was pondering this exact question.

[@JKVisFX]

I purchased the desktop version and really am kind of regretting not having purchased the keys instead. Price was the primary driver for my decision as well as limited desktop space. I thought my Arturia keyboard controller would do the trick but now I realize how much I am missing by not having the key's version. But, I do like the finger pads, they are a fun way to play it and do still have the full synth engine and all but two of the knobs so, I'll live with my "mistake" and enjoy it immensely anyway. Maybe someday, I will have enough money to sell it and upgrade to the Deluxe...

[@davecarver3864]

Wanna trade

[@AdamJayTechnoElectro]

I enjoy my HS KB. I just wish they’d allow saving of chord mode settings inside the patch.

[@aloharay]

Thank you. Explorer model looks more interesting to me after watching this than it did at first glance.

[@ToyKeeper]

If you can only have one synth... a Hydra is definitely one of the best.

[@youcaillou]

It will be my only!

[@ToyKeeper]

@@ErraticFaith It's great that you've found a setup you like. There's no need to dis other instruments though. If anyone is unfamiliar with the Hydra's sound, some good examples to check out are the "Secret Collection" and "Classic Collections" by Push-Pull, the Hydra sound demo by Jexus, and the Ignition patch banks. After hearing those, I doubt anyone could honestly call it tonally repetitive or unmusical. There are good reasons why ASM won the community's Best Synth Of The Year award both years ASM released products.

[@royansabah5733]

Yes, I'm thinking about it, but what do you think about Elektrons Digitone?

[@ToyKeeper]

@@royansabah5733 Digitone is one of the best things Elektron has made. It makes good sounds, and up to four patches at a time, plus four midi tracks. It also has pretty unique features to algorithmically generate harmonically related tones by modulating parameters for ratio, waveform, and algorithm... plus an unusually powerful arpeggiator. This makes it kind of like a Moog Subharmonicon, but much more versatile and powerful. It also can do algorithmic sequencing of all its layers, which can be used kind of like a Korg Wavestate, for really complex patches and musical soundscapes. Or, with careful setup, it can be performed live. And the UI is pretty intuitive and easy to learn. The main downside of the Digitone is that it's limited by Elektron's 64-step (4 bar) pattern sequencer. This very strongly pushes the user into specific musical styles and structures, and in particular, tends to get people stuck in a short loop. I've done longer compositions on Elektron devices, but the Elektron workflow made it take waaaaay longer than it should have, because it's really not designed for that. It's designed for the user to loop a single pattern over and over while muting/unmuting tracks and turning knobs, then maybe switch to a second pattern and do the same thing, and so on... and for its most skilled users, songs tend to be only 1 to 4 patterns long. Oh, and its midi capabilities are very limited. Elektron only allows access to a small subset of what midi can do. So... it can be great, but it didn't work well for me. Like, when I used Elektron gear for a short 3-minute song with a more traditional structure, it ended up needing ~25 patterns spread across two pattern banks, and 13 tracks. And it was a huge pain to make. To see what the Digitone (and Digitakt) are good at, look for some of Ehsan Gelsi's videos. Or Cuckoo recently uploaded a Sega-styled Digitone game soundtrack. Or Red Means Recording has demonstrated some really cool stuff with it. To see what the Elektron workflow is really bad at, I uploaded a song called "Easy Does It", where I forced a Digitakt to do a more traditional linear song structure. I can't recommend that anyone else try that, because the workflow is terrible for that type of song structure. Of course, none of this is relevant for a Hydrasynth... because it's not a sequencer. It's just a synth, designed for performance and patch creation. A Hydra needs to be part of a larger studio, to provide other voices, since it's not meant for doing entire songs by itself. So like, add a DAW, to layer and arrange multiple recordings... or for dawless, it needs other gear to handle sequencing and play other voices. Personally, since I don't like all the complexities and overhead of using a computer for music, what I've found works best for me is an Akai Force. It's a DAW in hardware form, and provides everything I need for making music. I also like to have one nice synth though, and a mic.

[@78thandSynth]

You like over the Take 5 Sequential? I am ready for first Poly

[@kashdro85]

Just picked up the Explorer and it's no slouch. There is no noticeable aliasing so far and I don't anticipate any considering my limited sound design. The random button is super cool and the build quality is amazing considering the quality of the builds of most other synths in this price range. The polyphonic AT is very expressive and I find the keys surprisingly reactive. Thanks for helping me make my decision Loopop ☺️

[@hoagy_ytfc]

Polyphonic aftertouch on the £519 Explorer is pretty cool. Key-off is interesting too, though I'm not sure how much I'd use it.

[@jettsom]

A strong point for me was the excellent build quality. Really robust and the keybed with MPE is a joy to play. Better than my Moog Fatar.

[@lundsweden]

But the Moog sounds Fatter...

[@bo-bodad8253]

I purchased a KB version in June of 2020 and it's still my favorite synth. Your original review was instrumental in helping me choose the HS and it's nice to see a "what's new" video that only touches on the new features. Thank you.

[@MrVleker]

I think the Hydrasynth Deluxe is now my dreamsynth

[@DumblyDorr]

I was really impressed with the Deluxe.... honestly thought about getting the Deluxe almost solely for the 6 octave poly-aftertouch keyboard with ribbon controller, arps and full midi/NRPN out... I don't need another large poly. But at that price point, it's almost worth getting over the Novation SL61 Mk3... Though I'm hoping Novation does a Mk4 with that kind of keyboard and Behringer does a Desktop version of the DS-80 :D

[@NoxBoxdy]

Hydrasynth has a much better keyboard than the clacky SQ-80. I have a SL mk3 and while it is awesome it is only single channel aftertouch. While I am keeping the SL for the arps and midi control capabilities, the SQ-80 is going as soon as the Deluxe arrive. I recommend the Deluxe over any other keybed atm. No one else has poly aftertouch and the ribbon is everything. :-)

[@huntergalloway3944]

Have you sold the SQ-80? The only synth I’d replace my ESQ-1 with would be the SQ-80.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

You must be living in a warehouse :). Amazing compare.

[@hughkremer4026]

For me the best thing about the Hydra is the EIGHT macros. Good preset collections typically have all eight macros set up, and that’s where the magic happens. On the presets I have created I spend more time on the macros than the initial sounds.

[@TedBrownMedia]

well im sold on the deluxe now. was on the fence the original vs deluxe . thank you so much for for the pro and con section answered alot of questions on the 4 models and the competition.

[@marektomczak1435]

Always helping, never boring. Many thanks for both Hydrasynth presentations. I have an additional question. You have mentioned de Luxe is bitimbral, so I assume that one can control 2 seperate layers/splits via 2 separate MIDI channels from, for example, external sequencer. Am I right? Best Regards Marek Tomczak

[@cykho175]

A brilliant review, as usual. Thank you!

[@tomk6613]

I wish there was more good patches / custom good patch demos of the hydra out there. It’s capable of patches so much better and more interesting than most of the presets

[@VincentPresley]

I would say that about every synth

[@DrJ3RK8]

It is a synthesizer. If you buy it, you can make as many as you like. ;)

[@tomk6613]

@@DrJ3RK8 obviously 🙄 😂 but it’s nice when a synth comes with some preprogrammed, great sounding starting points to help spark ideas.

[@Hardts]

I was about to say the very same thing. I just got my Hydrasynth Deluxe a few days ago. The really good patches are amazing, and while the multi-patches (deluxe only) are better than the single-patches, the vast majority are not very musical. They really let the synth down, and I don't get it.

[@mcnitt]

@@Hardts Are any of the factory patches from known sound designers?

[@MusicWizard85]

One thing that's uniquely appealing to me is how the Hydrasynths would be a perfect first synth for anyone learning synthesis. There's plenty more features for more advanced synth users and sound designers to have fun. Something for everyone. My only gripe is that I'm not impressed with many of the factory presets. However, there are lots of talented people who make and sell custom patches. The ones I've tried have convinced me to keep my HSD.

[@steelcitysi]

Great review! What is the length/width of the blank area + shelf on the Deluxe? Wondering what is the biggest item I could possibly put there.

[@loopop]

Thanks! A smidge more than 13 inches (33cm) wide and 11 inches (28cm) deep with the shelf

[@R3DC0N1]

Awesome! I've been mulling over trading in my "Keys" for an Explorer, and this helped answer that question. Thanks!

[@youcaillou]

How did you decide?

[@R3DC0N1]

@@youcaillou I personally decided to keep the 'keys' version. The desktop is still on my radar because of the smaller size and I like playing pads better than keys in general, but I'm still in love with the OG Hydra, and not sure I can get myself to part ways with it =P The biggest reasons I chose against trading in for the Explorer is the smaller sized keys, halved parameter display, and lack of the extra Arp knobs (that I tend to wiggle on the fly)

[@brentvirgin4902]

I know its a10+ year old design, and the parent company has almost forgotten about it, but I don’t see how you can compare a wavetable synth like Hydra to the “world” and not include the Access Virus TI. It is still one of the most powerful digital synths ever made and has a totally unique sound. I do think ASM did an excellent job of designing the interface on this keyboard. And the polyphonic AT definitely makes it stand out. But every time I listen to a demo of a Hydrasynth is sounds very digital and bright. And that could work for some applications. But then I go turn on my TI2, and although it can make those bright, chirpy, digital and FM sounds, it just absolutely floors me the breadth of sounds you can get from it and how fantastic it sounds when you want an aggressive, menacing sound. And although the TI VST interface no longer works with Apple, it still works perfectly well with Windows 10 (not sure about 11). Given that you can buy a used TI2 desktop for @$1200, I think it definitely deserves a comparison to the Hydrasynth or any other modern digital synth. I’d love to see you do a review of an Access Virus TI and share how you think it stacks up to today’s modern digital synths.

[@MichaelRohaly]

I'd watch that review.

[@loopop]

I didn’t mention a lot of others like Blofeld, Medusa and Kyra for example - but I don’t think I missed a feature in virus in my “others” list - let me know if I did. Virus is worth a look on the channel for sure regardless!

[@9877joseph]

I would love to own a Virus!

[@nathankirklambo1986]

I regret selling my Medusa and blofeld, but the Medusa was especially interesting. What a unique synth!

[@shapeshiftersmediagroup]

Looks extremely tempting! Do you know if the desktop version has the ability to monophonically execute portamento glide from note to note? Outstanding review as always Mr. Loopop!

[@Garflips]

FYI - looks like Sigabort's editor is no longer in beta but no mention about support yet beyond the original Hydras though I can't imagine it not working with Explorer and of course, there's a demo to try.

[@stilllearningtruth]

Its an unfair comparison purely based on how glorious this synth sounds. For me the deluxe is just a dream synth,endless possibilities.

[@Fluxwithit]

Nice video:) some Notes about the “only 8 waves per wavetable” isn’t completely accurate. There are 8 single waves used to create a wavetable with over 14 thousand (or was it hundred thousand I forget) waves in it. So by choosing those 8 points, there is 24 bits of interpolation between each of those steps. A cool way to see this is set a macro to wavescan and set the macro depth very shallow (say 10 out of 128) and notice there will still be no stepping heard as you morph through the wavetable. Bringing its wavetable resolution far beyond “8” and far beyond the typical 256 or so that most others would do.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Yes, I'm aware that Hydras morph between waveforms and show it in my main video from two years ago. The vast majority of wavetable synths have an interpolation feature (so, for example, Peak morphs/interpolates very smoothly between 5 waveforms in a table, but it still only has 5 in a table). Having a larger number of waveforms in a table allows for more complex timbres, for example, even speech synthesis, or wavetables derived from interesting samples. That's not something you can do with only 8 waveforms in a table no matter how many interpolation points you have between them. For example, see the "hello loopop" wavetable in my review of Iridium here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3mzXpmjrtljr5Y

[@Fluxwithit]

@@loopop sure, just noting how it was worded because it can be confusing. Many also don’t do this (such as the kyra for example which does not smoothly morph between waveforms). Speech synthesis is another topic in iridium is not quite the same but I get what you are saying. Again, great video.

[@loopop]

thanks again :) just to clarify re Iridium - it doesn't have a dedicated speech synthesis engine - it's just a one time algorithm that takes text you type in and converts it to a standalone set of waveforms in a wavetable - that runs within their regular wavetable synth

[@tsooze5041]

what about the keybed action feel in comparison of 49 key's hydrasynth ?

[@DrJ3RK8]

While I agree that the ribbon is a bit "icing", once you start playing with Poly AT for a while, your hands will just want to do it by default. I find myself moving individual fingers for AT even on MonoAT synths now. :D

[@ICanFixThat2]

Thanks for such a great review. I got both Explorer and De Luxe and for my personal playing the Poly AT is just the best, I could only have it on my TS10 or the Seaboard but these guys are just way more fun. Most of the normal Joe would not care or understand the things under the hood, but that's why we are musicians, to translate all these tools to a language everyone can understand: music!! Thanks again!!!!

[@MichaelRohaly]

One of the things about the mutants that's so terrific is a mix level, as opposed to turning PWM or FM on or off. You can then add little bits of additional overtones to whatever you like if you play with ratios and depth to taste, and envelope that mix level. (And the ratio on most things!) It's possible that every other synth that does wave shaping does this, but I don't have those and on the HS it's wonderful.

[@loopop]

True

[@jolivo2]

"or a succulent, if you like" I feel personally attacked.

[@VincentPresley]

Love the Hydra. I've had the original since it came out and the only reason I just sold it was to buy the Deluxe. I've bought and quickly sold so many Korgs, Moogs, and Sequentials over that couple of years but I doubt I'll ever sell the Hydra. I like it more than some of my synths that cost 2-4 times more.

[@klstay]

As with Matrixbrute the genius of Glen Darcey is all over this thing and the newer versions. For many I think whichever model suits should be the benchmark as a base/first "do-everything" first poly choice. If looking for something more specific and focused the 3 Korgs each do that and eclipse any Modal/Argon/Cobalt as an option IMHO. If it MUST be analog then you have left the building anyway for a Prophet or Summit or maybe Polybrute etc. with Deepmind as a not-mentioned SERIOUS dark horse with those onboard FX and modmatrix into them and how cheap a used 6 voice can be had for. Gross oversimplification but: old school analog plus killer onboard FX = Deepmind; must have serious wavetable/wave sequence/deep FM = Korg; everything else = one of these models for anyone on a budget at these price points.

[@danielsimpson6207]

Thanks, great review. MPE is a really important feature of the Hydrasynth to me. I control the Tabletop with my Linnstrument 128 with fantastic results. I also have a Cobalt 8 which is MPE capable, but I don't know if the other synths mentioned implement it. I think the the Cobalt has a somewhat better "analog" sound than the Hydra, better than many actual analog synths in fact, and the full size keybed feels great. The Hydra wins on versatility and digital timbres though... I would choose it over the Cobalt if pressed.

[@RoHen-pw5ol]

Have to respectfully disagree with regards to Cobalt 8 - was really disappointed with sound, to my ears it is far far off from Analogue - had a harsh timbre in the freq spectrum I couldn't ignore

[@CubaseAcademy]

Sneaky OMD. I love my Hydrasynth.

[@hypersonicfox]

I remember looking for the Desktop version the last year for months and finally bough mine at Black Friday. It's a great synth but, for me, creating your own patches isn't as easy and fast as many people say. It is not as user-friendly as I would liked. I found Iridium's layout more intuitive. But there are many things I really love of my Hydrasynth Desktop: its sound and morphing capabilities, its construction (it's a freaking tank!), its recessed ports (it looks tidier and there's less risk on breaking the ports when it's plugged) and its balanced output (take note Waldorf).

[@ickebins6948]

You're right, the iridium has a great interface and the huge screen helps alot but compared to other synth in its price range the hydra has still the easiest interface to work with and tweaking single parameters is a bliss, not having to dive into menu after menu.

[@josuearesav]

I personally like to route an envelope follower through the CV input, and modulate the Amp level down. When following my Kick, it acts as sidechain compression.

[@TOMLEW1S]

You can do that in the post FX section....pick the compressor effect and select the MOD 1 or 2 as your sidechain input source...adjust to taste

[@waveshapes251]

10:15 that's rude

[@antonyfaulkner8649]

I have a Hydra Deluxe, and managed to get an hour testing an Explorer in Store. Full credit to Loopop, but failed to mention that Deluxe has more Key travel, and the PolyAT is a lot smoother (less On/Off stepping, less accidental trigger, more pressure controllable/easy, and audible smoother transition in Timbre). It's a better Keyboard. I'll go further, the Deluxe has an excellent keyboard.

[@ktreier]

It’s not really two additional stereo outputs. Rather an additional stereo output (L & R) on balanced TRS jacks. Otherwise great differences video. Hydrasynth UI has to be one of most innovative in recent history.

[@touchclarity]

"or Succulent" ....... that made me smile on a Monday.....

[@kitchenelectronica]

As always, fantastic review. Thank you so much.

[@timothyjohnson3727]

Hydrasynth Deluxe vs System 8? Which is better?

[@djbmanifestomode]

Does the poly after touch translate to say access virus kc if using the virus as a master keyboard? And if you had a choice between the Jupiter, X and the hydra deluxe synth, which one would you choose and why because the piano was very disappointing in my opinion on the hydra synthesizer. I thought that they put that much great work into the device that it would have a great piano sound and natural piano sound variations.?

[@xandimalbeach8944]

Wow this is great. The Deluxe really is Deluxe! love that bi-timbral mode and all the extra patch storage. I would love to see a software/firmware update that allows you to adjust the volume / mix of the thermin mode vs. keyboard volume when using theremin mode.

[@SuperChaoticus]

Buying the original Hydra keyboard version is the best money I've ever spent on equipment. It still blows me away.

[@MichaelRohaly]

That was my experience too.

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

Great video....but when selecting a different sound in the Deluxe version...does the first sound stop abruptly or is there smooth transition to the next sound? Thanks

[@rayderrich]

I definitely love the layout of the Hydrasynth but I think the Deluxe could have 8 more knobs and displays and be even more epic. The sound is nice but I am not sure if it is superb. But your video is, as always, thank you!

[@tinybytes1377]

Is the Keybed on the 49 Keyboard the same feel on the Deluxe or does the Deluxe feel more semi-weighted?

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

you are simply the best presenter of synths on the planet ,-

[@ktreier]

A Blofeld fits perfectly on the right hand end of the Deluxe and layering it with the HD produces some very interesting timbres!

[@illford]

The World was my favourite stand from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

[@srrrb5953]

LMAO

[@Frozirra]

Bruh, Za Warudo has nothin on my Hermett Perrpoo

[@helpmeiaminhell]

Just purchased the Deluxe because of this video. Thank you for all the information!!!

[@SrNutritivo]

Got my hydrasynth a few days ago. Incredible machine! Sounds so good! Makes the digital vs analog debate obsolete!

[@dingbatjack1234]

Lol ya no….

[@fjfrancois]

😅

[@atonegames]

Sorry man, its not really a debate. Digital is 0s and 1s, it will never be as fat and full sounding as analog. Because of voltage, and electricity literally running though it. Check out Aturia's PolyBrute.

[@MichaelRohaly]

@@atonegames I'll check that out on KZbin where it's all converted to ones and zeros.

[@atonegames]

@@MichaelRohaly What? No, that's what digital is. No conversion, it just that- binary. Analog is transistors, capacitors and electrical conversion Check out the Poly Brute lol. It's an amazing snyth. If you like Hydra, it's the analog version of it. And you can hear the difference

[@swanofnutella4734]

9:56 ....or succulent. Literally laughed out loud.

[@lawsondavis4909]

Nymphes soon?

[@jernaugurgeh451]

Playing a few notes of Enola Gay is well worth a copyright strike.

[@Brendan-Black]

The Deluxe and all that wasted space on the right...

[@stevehofer3482]

I just bought a Deluxe. The “wasted” space on the right is important to me, because it gives me space to set a computer or iPad. ASM provides a removable metal extension to make the space deeper.

[@Gnomebro]

​@@stevehofer3482Hello there I am wondering how much did the deluxe version cost?

[@stevehofer3482]

@@Gnomebro I bought mine on a spring promotion for $1,499. I bought it at Sweetwater, but other dealers had it for the same price.

[@St33v33]

Hidden feature @ 09:55 ... Succulent support. What will they think of next?

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

The explorer is a great marketing wonder of business. I wasn't willing to bet $1400.00 on a synth as complex as the Hydra, and no one seemed to be making patches until recently that illustrated the capability of the synth. Now for $600 we can try it...and if wonderful... add its 8 voices to the 61 key Hydra for 16 voices and full sized keys with PAT and ribbon. (yea, I would buy two Hydra's, the mini and full sized key).

[@robinr22]

I'd wager there'll be a Desktop Explorer at some point.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

@@robinr22 I would take that bet, don't think that will happen. :) Maybe a all new synth will be released instead. The market is wide open for knob-per-function digital synths. Roland Gaia is the only one, Modal's interface may have lots of knobs, but as the sound designer you don't know where they are set unless you move one.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

@@robinr22 Desktop Explorer??? They already have a desktop unit...

[@robinr22]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene totally agree that there's a big market for something like that - even the Gaia isn't really knob per function because it only has one set for all the oscillators. It does seem that digital synths have gone for features and compactness over usability.

[@robinr22]

@@GrayGhostDog1 Sure but it's £100 more than the explorer. A desktop version of the explorer at £300-£400 would sell by the bucketload. There's nothing similar in hardware at that price.

[@falazarte]

20:31. Have you tried the latest Microfeak update?

[@macronencer]

I can't wait to finish moving house so I can unbox my stuff, including my HS Keys! These firmware updates are great but there was one thing I wished for that I don't think they've addressed: I think it's still impossible to switch the pitch glide to "constant time". It always operates like "constant rate", which isn't always what's needed, musically speaking.

[@vertigev]

I'm so glad I chose the Hydra as my first flagship synth ❤️

[@010203109]

Thanks for your Hydrasynth videos. Doing production as a hobby in the box, I've been impressed by some of the really powerful and affordable software synths out there. But the 32 mini keys on my controller feel restrictive. It's been a long time since I took piano lessons but I still remember enjoying being able to get really expressive with it as it is. But I feel like hardware synths should more often embrace that they need not be constrained like a piano is and push the possibilities for expanded physical controls with things like polyphonic aftertouch, release velocity tracking, and ribbon controllers and/or joysticks. It's very cool to see a line of synths do pretty much all that and offer MPE support at a comparatively affordable price, in a 73 key board. The synth engine on its own seems really nice and well laid out with a great deal of potential, and I don't mind a steep learning curve given I'm trying to come to grips with the Synclavier V. I wonder if with a little coaxing over USB midi I could use Ableton Live or a plugin within it to make up for that missing sequencer when I really need it, too. Hopefully they can address most of your remaining criticisms with firmware updates. I also know Glenn told Syntaur in an interview for their podcast in October that he and his team have plans over the next few years to develop this line. Perhaps waiting a bit longer will bring us a new iteration of the engine and a Deluxe that puts a smartly laid out sequencer and features to enhance the synth's capability as an MPE midi controller where the empty space on the top currently is. But on the other hand the Deluxe can be had for surprisingly good prices right now and seems like an excellent tool for a journey outside the box. I've heard some people pull amazing custom patches out of it. Sonicstate's video on FM with the Hydrasynth engine had a preset where they had one oscillator wavescanning and another using the FM mutator on a simple sine wave, and it came together as this wonderful, emotive pad sound. The engine is fantastic as is; and I have software synths like Pigments 3 that could probably do some really cool things with that keyboard thanks to the MPE support too.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

(Knowing I’ve already written a comment, I’ve got another one. It’s June 12, 2024. I finally took delivery of an Explorer 5 days ago. I’ve already had some fun creating my own patches on it. One (momentary) challenge is activating the aftertouch (from the front panel) and directing it to LFO depth as with Preset A001. Otherwise, it’s awesome having a virtual analog that’s capable of largely being an Odyssey with patch memory storage (or an OBXa).

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Loopop is the best.

[@mchockney3664]

The deluxe probably has the noisiest key-action, I've ever heard on a synth. On top, couple of keys are real sticky, when coming up from an Aftertouch position. Not a key bed I would wanna play piano sounds on. And there I thought this would be "the one and only" for me. Another thing, that surprised me, was how little headroom it has, leading to some nasty clipping.

[@farmerfreakeasy9577]

After 20 years of being a sound designer, i can safely state that the way in which tech companies and the general population expect sound designers to interact with synthesizers is not just inept, but utterly inhuman. I'm a musician, not a robot, can some tech company please save musicians from the never ending button pressing on these synths ? It sucks the enjoyment out of making sounds, and is detrimental to fully understanding the routing of your sound. I'm sick of editing menus, and switching between parameters using endless button presses. There's got to be another method, whilst still maintaining a complex routing option. And yes, before anyone says, i know some analogue synths don't have editing menus or page switches, but most can't save presets.

[@jernaugurgeh451]

Second time I’ve watched this video, this time after watching the original keyboard review first. I have been considering the Explorer or Arcturia's Minifreak as a first ‘proper’ synth… and then felt I needed to splash out and get the original 4-octave Hydrasynth…. but now I want to break the bank and get the Deluxe, if only to have a place for my cat to sit on.

[@loopop]

Oh man I totally missed the cat functionality in the review - thank goodness for the comment section!

[@jernaugurgeh451]

@@loopop Cat functionality is mandatory. Unfortunately, after looking at my finances, my cat is going to have to wait for its special place to rest. But I’ve just ordered an Explorer to get me started. Oh, and this is now my third watch of this great video :)

[@EWHiggs]

Channel AT is exceptionally limited and relatively useless with modern complex sounds. However, NRPN high-resolution Poly AT with Release Velocity on the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe separates ASM from current synth manufactures and allows a keyboard to emulate a stringed instrument creating a new level of expression many professionals have been waiting for since the 80's.

[@GadiantonsRobber]

Have you tried the Take 5 yet? I’m looking for my first synth.

[@loopop]

I have not tried it, it sounds great but you're paying a premium for analog and the sequential brand, which is ok if that's what you want.

[@SupraSmart68]

If I blow my wad on a Hydrasynth, will it keep me preoccupied and off of eBay so I can stop spending, errr........money? Well it makes perfect sense to me anyway! 😇

[@christoroppolo8742]

The hydra synth is my favorite poly synth even with the shitty sequencer . 👽

[@cybernaumemusic]

deluxe seems like a dream synth but for money explorer would be just fine for me.

[@nathanjames4242]

What about vs the MiniFreak? Which do you feel gives you better inspiration?

[@loopop]

what matters really is what would give you inspiration :)

[@nathanjames4242]

@@loopop Well, neither because I have no experience with either. If I did, I would have just asked myself instead of you. :)

[@loopop]

@@nathanjames4242 I made hour long videos about both and there are plenty of other sound demos - my recommendation is don’t outsource the decision re what inspires you - if you’ve seen both and neither calls you, just wait and see what else does. Imho of course

[@tsooze5041]

Great review! what about the keybed action feel of the deluxe in comparaison of the original one ? (less noisy ?)

[@johncase2408]

Loopop always makes objective sense, but some of the comments don't make any synths. 🤣

[@AndroidFerret]

AAAWESOME ..I do that with my smartphone and caustic 3 ..

[@alexeykurilo4381]

why no sequencer? :(

[@falazarte]

Go.DM!!! It sounded pretty close.

[@kingwestside5]

Hydrasynth, Cobalt 8x or minilogue which would you choose for the best features, price for what you get, and for sound design

[@stujay]

Thanks for this. Helpful.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

There is one thing missing from the Hydrasynth line that has stood between me and seriously considering getting something such as the Explorer. None of them have a vocoder feature. I realize that it is more about sound shaping that is about sound processing and that most wavetable synthesizers don’t include a vocoder. However, it is something that I have become accustomed to seeing in a virtual analog models.

[@markmaw8]

I've just bought a mpc live 2, I want a decent synth but also a midi keyboard to control the internal mpc sounds, if I bought a hydrasynth is there an option to bypass the internal sounds and use it as a midi controller for the mpc presets?

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Are you describing using the midi out, from the Hydrasynth, connected to the midi in on the MPC, to play sounds from the MPC? And you don't want to hear the Hydrasynth? Is there a reason, you would not turn the volume down, on the Hydra, to accomplish your goal? Or are you asking if it has a "local" mode, where it sends midi out, but not to its own synth engine?

[@markmaw8]

@@TheScreamingFrog916 thanks for replying, I have no idea about things like this, basically instead of buying a dedicated midi keyboard to use the mpc's in built sounds, could I use a hydrasynth to accomplish the same results?

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@markmaw8 yes, you could use the HS as a keyboard controller for your MPC. Using a midi cable. I also think you can connect the HS to the MPC with a usb cable. Best wishes for your continued fun with synthesizers.

[@kirkegodfrey414]

So looking forward to seeing this. Thanks for suffering APv22.

[@loopop]

Thanks and oh man, I feel like I need a hug after using Premiere 22 - I mean, I'm already locked up in their prison, why the abuse?

[@joninio6542]

Yep, once again loopop gets my GAS going - I bought the Hydrasynth Keyboard. Thanks loopop, I wouldn't have done it without you. Maybe you could revisit the Hydrasynths since ASM released the ver2.0 firmware? Great job, as ever, thanks!

[@loopop]

My pleasure! I cover so many instruments, I rarely re-visit firmware updates unfortunately

[@barnabascee1889]

Does the Explorer have the same presets as the original keyboard version?

[@kopiller]

finally a keyboard that can compare with the GEM s2!!

[@night_speed]

Hail Hydra!

[@nolyspe]

I've never wanted to buy a synth so much after seeing a review.

[@DrTenDeg]

More polyphony than a Rick Wakeman concert right there ….😄

[@Elazarko]

What is a "knob per function" synth with keys that you can recommend?

[@0072gldnfngr]

Loopop is thee encyclopedia for all of my music needs. Thank you good sir. Given this was a year ago, I’d like to ask, any updates on your wishes for future updates?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Just what's in the wishlist here and in my original video

[@JornLavoll]

beautiful synths!!!

[@jdjk7]

I'm now really glad I haven't impulse-bought the original HS. The Deluxe is all I could have ever wanted from the HS. It'll play really nice with my Summit... (Seems very clearly inspired conceptually and in design by the Summit, but I say that in the best possible way!)