ASM Hydrasynth Updated With New Filters, Microtonal Support & More

Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) let us know that they’ve released a free update to the Hydrasynth digital wave morphing synthesizer.

The update introduces new synthesis options, including five new filter models, microtonal scale support, modulation and control enhancements and more.

Here’s a playlist of videos covering what’s new in Hydrasynth 1.5:

Here’s what they have to say about the free update:

“Today, the release of the Version 1.5 firmware update for the Hydrasynth brings an amazing array of new features and behaviours to an already sensational synthesizer, starting with advancing its unique-sounding synthesis engine several steps further forward. Firstly, five new filter models are available in FILTER 1 — namely, LP Stn12, ASM’s version of a popular 12dB low-pass filter; LP 1 Pole, a gentle 6dB low-pass filter; and LP 8 Pole, a steep 48dB low-pass filter; alongside BP Stn12, a popular 12dB band-pass filter with dual 6dB slopes; and HP Stn12, a popular 12dB high-pass filter — expanding its total to 16 filter models. Meanwhile, that Version 1.5 firmware update also adds a second multi-mode filter type to FILTER 2, with an ability to switch between LP/BP/HP (low-pass/band-pass/high-pass) or LP/NOTCH/HP (low-pass/notch/high-pass) filter modes.

The Hydrasynth now benefits from microtonal scale support, opening up a brave new world of musical expression beyond the 12 tones most prevalent in Western music to allow composition and performances from any culture or harmonic discipline with 32 custom scales loadable using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Tuning Standard files. Furthermore, envelopes can now be triggered from as many as four sources, including LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), keyboard, ribbon, CV (Control Voltage) INPUTS, and PEDAL — EXPRESSION — input, whereas previously they were all triggered by the keyboard only. On top of that, the LFOs themselves have been upgraded to allow up to 64 steps when set to Step mode, with a new SemiLock feature to quantise those steps for pitch control of the oscillators.

MOD MATRIX improvements in the Version 1.5 firmware update makes creating modulation routings one step easier by allowing users to choose a specific parameter in a MODULE to be the modulation destination via direct selection, thereby creating a link between the source and destination in the fewest number of possible steps. Since the MOD MATRIX itself has been expanded to allow new modulation destinations with many more VOICE parameters and macros being added to the destinations, there are now many more sound design options available.

ASM has also updated the RANDOM page so users can set a percentage of how much randomisation takes place in each MODULE. Many more usable patches result from an added second patch randomisation option that generates a new patch by pulling in a random selection of values from other patches, which themselves are selected at random from every bank by combining various aspects of patches that are already known to be useful.

The PRE-FX and POST-FX modules both benefit from the addition of a new stereo Distortion effect, with controls for Drive, Tone, Asymmetry, and the Overdrive curve, as well as Output level.

LATCH mode moves things onwards and upwards, allowing users to press a key and have that key stay holding for as long as the LATCH button itself is enabled — ideal for ambient and generative patches.

System setup changes courtesy of the Version 1.5 firmware update include a Save System state, allowing users to boot up their Hydrasynth with a patch of choice; shorter timing options in Vegas mode; additional (Buchla®) 1.2V per octave support via the CV OUTPUTS; an option of selecting MIDI CC mode or NRPN (Non-Registered Parameter Number) modes, making automation in DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) that do not support NRPNs possible, while that all-important user-assignable ribbon controller can now send NRPN or pitchbend data — all aiding ASM in making major strides in advancing its Hydrasynth sensation… dive deeper than ever before!”

Here’s a video demo, via MajorOsc that showcases some of the sonic possibilities of the new version:

Pricing and Availability

Hydrasynth is available with a street price of about $1300 USD for the keyboard version and a $1000 for the desktop variant. The firmware update is a free download.

8 thoughts on “ASM Hydrasynth Updated With New Filters, Microtonal Support & More

  1. Oh boy…I’m all about this Hydrasynth!!

    Huge present from ASM today….such a usable firmware update!! I can’t wait to load it!! I can definitely use all of this!!

    Thank you ASM!!!

  2. They’ve done a fabulous job with this synth, right from the start. You can tell that want to establish themselves with an awesome product. And the desktop is probably the best bargain on the market right now.

    1. Yes I have this gorgeous Hydrasynth Desktop as well (what a Big Bang for the buck) desktop n soon to have the keyboard version (Deafening bang) as well. From the standpoint of what I do…which is Generative Music…the Hydrasynth fits well in the ‘Generative world’ and marries up well with my other Analog gear/setup….

  3. What amazes me most is that the Hydrasynth came out of nowhere. It’s as though the big synth companies have been asleep at the wheel, perpetually on auto-pilot, regurgitating the same technology over and over in their flagship digital synths.

    I was already trying to figure out what to sell so I can snatch one of these up. If the keyboard was available in a 5-octave version I would have bought one already.

    This new firmware makes it even more compelling. Pretty sure I’ll be taking the plunge soon.

  4. I don’t think it’s really possible to make “the new DX-7” or “the new D-50” or “the new M1” (i.e. synths that take over/change the world) in 2020 but if it were, Hydrasynth would be it. What an amazing machine.

  5. Really an astonishingly good machine even in its original iteration (the front panel is a master class in how to do an interface properly), and this can only serve to make it better.

  6. The major contribution of this synth is its flexible knobs & mini-screens interface, and of course the poly aftertouch which is a killer feature.

    Otherwise everything else is largely covered in a Waldorf Blofeld at a 3rd of the cost for 3x the polyphony – not to mention much more complex wave tables and user samples.

    Next on my Hydra-wishlist: tuned delay line filters, so we can get into physical modelling territory.

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