Limbic Bits has introduced Flora, a new collection of presets for the ASM Hydrasynth line of synthesizers.
The sound pack features 70 patches that the developers say are suited to Ambient, Electronica, Techno, and other electronic music styles.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“Without any doubts, Flora has a strong focus on cinematic atmospheres and deep pads. But you’ll also get lots of powerful bass sounds and complex leads with it. If you’re producing dub techno or ambient, you can choose from several typical dub chords and stabs.
Over 3300 modulation routings and extensive controller assignments
Every one of the 70 Hydrasynth patches makes heavy use of the modulation matrix resulting in a total of over 3300 modulation routings. Using the macro controllers, you get access to several parameters at once: Easily reshape the character of a tone completely in no time, e.g. morph a lead sound into a pad. Every assignment has been chosen for each patch individually. This way the results are always useful in a musical context.
Also, every patch features parameter assignments to the most important live performance controllers such as modulation wheel, velocity, and aftertouch.”
Features:
- 13 Pads & Textures
- 10 Rhythmic Pads
- 12 Leads
- 10 Basses
- 10 Arpeggios
- 3 SFX
- 12 Dub Chords & Stabs
- Over 3300 modulation routings in total
- Compatible with Hydrasynth Keyboard, Hydrasynth Desktop, Hydrasynth Deluxe, and Explorer
Pricing and Availability
Flora is available now for $25 USD.
I listened to the entirety of the sampling of sounds. Hydrasynths front panel is a dissertation to what a modern synth design should be. However it is the sound engine that still leaves me underwhelmed. It always sounds brittle and compressed, even in person. I am hoping the next iteration of this synth resolves these issues.
True, it’s a little on the light side and not so organic sounding but maybe a nice overdrive that adds low harmonics and smooth the brightness a little can help.
Had the same issue – HS sounded sterile regardless how I dialled the sound. However after experimenting, I found that doing minor tweaks and using a Strymon Deco did improve the sound considerably (only thing is that if using time based Fx in the HS, then the saturation as well affects them – Not a huge issue for me though).
Easiest is when going straight to Interface + DAW, I use a saturator plugin + the usual time-based Fx and get decent results.