Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) is presenting the Hydrasynth Explorer and Hydrasynth Deluxe Synthesizers, first is a compact, battery-operated variant and the second is the Hydrasynth Deluxe is a larger version with 73 keys, double the number of voices, and split and layer capabilities.
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer
The Hydrasynth Explorer keyboard synthesizer is coming at Superbooth 21. This gives the Wavescan synthesizer a little brother, which can be used anywhere thanks to battery operation (8x AA).
The keyboard has shrunk to 37 mini keys. Nevertheless, it is equipped with polyphonic aftertouch – a trademark of the Hydrasynth. The mini version of the Hydrasynth is also compatible with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression).
The very good news is that you don’t have to compromise when it comes to sound generation. Like its big brother, the Hydrasynth Explorer offers three oscillators and four waveshapers. The filter section is also identical. In addition to a multimode filter with 16 types, the synthesizer offers a state variable filter in the SEM style. The filters can be used in series or parallel.
The modulation options are one of the greatest strengths of the Hydrasynth. The Explorer is in no way inferior to the Hydrasynth and offers a wide range of options with five LFOs and envelopes each. The modulation matrix with 32 slots enables flexible allocation of modulations.
With the Hydrasynth Explorer, the series has been expanded to include a synthesizer for all those who like it a little more compact and mobile, but don’t want to do without the keyboard entirely.
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer synthesizer keyboard has been priced at $599 and it is now available to pre-order via the Bhphotovideo.com online store.
ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe
But the ASM Synthesizers series is also expanding in the other direction, which is a very pleasant surprise. The ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe has a 73-key keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch. More importantly, the synthesizer with 16 voices has twice the number of voices compared to the regular Hydrasynth.
Two sounds can be combined into a multi and layered on top of each other or distributed over the two keyboard areas Upper and Lower. 640 memory locations are available for multis. The keyboard synthesizer has been expanded to include a second stereo output so that separate outputs are available for both parts.
Together with the larger keyboard, the split and layer capabilities make the Hydrasynth Deluxe ideal for live use. On the four octaves of the standard Hydrasynth, it could get a bit tight, especially in live use. With the Hydrasynth Deluxe, there is now a variant that not only eliminates this shortcoming but also creates new performance options with split and layer.
ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe synthesizer keyboard has been priced at $1,799 and it is now available to pre-order via the Bhphotovideo.com online store.
Recently, Korg has also made available the new wavetable synthesizer called Modwave, which is equipped with wavetables, offers a sequencer, and has a Kaoss pad for modulation purposes, and is priced at $799.99.
