ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP Synthesizer with 3 Oscillators

3-Oscillator Synthesizer

The ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP is a 3-oscillator synthesizer designed to offer maximum flexibility in creating or modifying a patch, aided by an intuitive user interface that allows quick access to every parameter without delving into complicated submenus.
Thanks to an extremely advanced wavetable synthesis engine, equipped with 3 oscillators with numerous mutators (FM-Linear, Wavestack, Hard Sync, Pulse Width, PW-Squeeze, PW-ASM, Harmonic Sweep), 2 filters usable in series or parallel, 4 envelope modifiers (HAHDSR), 5 LFOs, an advanced modulation matrix, as well as effects and an arpeggiator, the sound generation capabilities of these synthesizers are unparalleled.
The problem with most desktop synthesizers and rack synths is that they require an external controller or a master keyboard to be played. And while the main advantages are their compact size and the possibility of being placed even far from the workstation, this latter condition does not facilitate real-time parameter modification while playing. The ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP features 24 pressure-sensitive polyphonic pads that allow it to be played effectively. With numerous selectable layouts and scales, playing the ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP is a new musical experience.
The 3 oscillators of the ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP allow you to choose from 219 single-cycle waveforms. Unlike most wavetable synths, oscillators 1 and 2 of the ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP feature a WAVELIST that allows you to choose 8 waveforms from the 219 available, arrange them in the desired order, and morph between them. Oscillators 1 & 2 are routed to MUTATORS that allow you to modulate, bend, and sculpt the sound in new or familiar ways.
Each mutator allows you to choose from the following processes:
– FM-Linear – to produce classic FM sounds. Possibility to choose from different FM sources, including external inputs
– WavestackTM – creates 5 copies of the incoming sound with adjustable detune amount
– Hard Sync – to create typical hard sync sounds. Try synchronizing a morphing wavetable and start having fun
– Pulse Width – allows you to modulate the pulse width of ANY incoming sound
– PW-Squeeze – differently shaped pulse capable of creating softer sounds
– PW-ASM – this mode divides the incoming wave into 8 sections and allows you to set the amount of pulse width modulation for each section
– Harmonic Sweep – Sweeps the harmonics of the incoming sound from the oscillator
In FM and Sync modes, the mutators can in turn generate waveforms, thus providing an additional oscillator. Of course, the routing is flexible, so if desired, other oscillators can be used as modulation sources.
The signals from the 3 oscillators are routed to a Mixer along with a Noise Generator and a Ring Modulator. The Mixer allows you to adjust the level and panpot of each input source.
The ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP has two filters that can be configured in series or parallel. The first filter has 11 different models that offer more options for customizing the sound. The second is inspired by the classic SEM filter, with a 12 dB per octave slope and continuous sweep between low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass.
The ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP is equipped with 5 low-frequency oscillators. Each LFO features a Step mode that allows you to create 8-step patterns. The availability of 5 mini step sequences adds extraordinary possibilities to further shape the sound. There are also 10 standard waveforms. All LFOs feature delay, fade-in, 3 trigger modes, smoothing, start phase, and one-shot mode that can function as envelopes or synchronize to BPM.
The 5 DAHDSR envelopes of the ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP feature delay, attack, hold, decay, sustain, and release. The time setting can be adjusted in seconds or beats, allowing the envelopes to operate in sync with the song. It is also possible to loop the envelopes to create LFOs whose shape can be tension-controlled in the modulation matrix.
With 32 user-definable modulation routings, the 29 modulation sources and 155 destinations can be combined in countless ways.
Almost everything in the synth engine can be a modulation destination, including effects and the arpeggiator. The modulation matrix points themselves can also become modulation destinations. Modulation sources and destinations include Mod CV input and output jacks and MIDI CCs.
The arpeggiator allows for standard note arpeggios but also features an arpeggio phrase. Parameters like RATCHET and CHANCE will generate other rhythmic patterns with a certain randomness to add vitality and spontaneity to performances. It is also possible to modulate most parameters in the arpeggiator using LFOs, envelopes, polyphonic aftertouch, or the ribbon controller to modify arpeggios in real time.
The ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP features standard MIDI and USB/MIDI connectivity, and for advanced use, there are also CV/GATE inputs and outputs that allow connection to the modular world. It supports standard voltages for Eurorack modules and some Japanese Volt>Hz products. MOD inputs and outputs allow modulation from DC to the full audio range, further expanding modulation capabilities.
The main system controls allow you to navigate patches, configure system settings, and display parameters such as envelopes, waveforms, and filters on the OLED screen. The Init and Random buttons will allow you to initialize or randomize a complete patch or specific modules, simply by holding down the appropriate button + the desired module selection button. Pressing the Home button returns to patch navigation simply and immediately.
In the Master Control section, all parameter changes are performed, patches are named, and macros are executed. Using OLED displays, high-resolution encoders with LED indicators, and 8 buttons, this section is designed to provide good feedback on what is happening. The Voice parameters give access to play modes, analog feel, voice panning, and many other functionalities.
The Macros associated with the patches are designed to give the user in-depth control of the sound engine in live performances. The 8 assignable encoders and buttons can be routed to 8 destinations each. Complete audio transformations can occur with the press of a button or the turn of a knob.
The ASM HYDRASYNTH DESKTOP comes with 5 banks of 128 patches in total. The 256 patches provided with the device were created by some of the best sound designers around. Finding the desired patch and searching the library is easy with the Browser, while the Patch Manager plug-in, available for PC and MAC, also allows you to easily move patches into the desired order and load new patch libraries.
The effects chain is different from that of other synths, and the Pre and Post effects offer some unique ways to process sound. The delays and reverbs have been modeled on some of the most popular effects on the market.

Specifications

• 24 polyphonic and pressure-sensitive RGB pads (Desktop model only)
• Pad layout for setting 16 different scales (Desktop model only)
• Eight-voice wavetable synthesis (expandable by connecting a second Hydrasynth)
• 3 oscillators with 219 selectable single-cycle waveforms
• Ability to create custom waveforms by combining up to 8 waveforms
• MUTATORS type modulators, capable of creating FM-Linear, WavestackTM, Hard Sync, Pulse Width, PW – Squeeze, PW-ASM, Harmonic Sweep sounds
• Noise generator and Ring Modulator
• Internal mixer with pan capability for each input source (oscillators)
• 2 multi-mode filters, one inspired by the classic SEM filter, each with 11 selectable models and source mix
• Ability to use filters in series or parallel
• 5 LFOs each with: 10 selectable waveforms | STEP mode capable of creating 8-step patterns | Delay, fade-in, 3 trigger modes, smoothing, start phase, one-shot mode | BPM synchronization
• 5 DAHDSR 6-stage envelopes (Delay, Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, and Release)
• 29 sources and 155 modulation destinations
• Modulation matrix with 32 user-definable routings:
• Modulation destinations include virtually all synth parameters including effects and arpeggiator
• The intersection points of the matrix itself can in turn become modulation destinations
• Sources and destinations also include CV Mod In & Out and MIDI CC
• Arpeggiator with RATCHET and CHANCE functions capable of generating rhythmic patterns with adjustable randomness for greater spontaneity during performance
• Extensive effects section: Pre-effects (positioned before delay and reverb): Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with side chain) | Delay: Tape, Ping-pong, Analog, PitchShift, Reverse, Filter delay | Reverbs: Room, Hall, Shimmer, Cloud, DarkSpace | Post-effects (positioned after delay and reverb): Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with side chain)
• Patch MACROS with 8 assignable buttons and 8 knobs
• Memory: 5 banks of 128 patches each. 256 factory patches
• 2 x 6.3 mm audio outputs
• 2 headphone outputs with volume control
• MIDI In/Out/Thru connections
• USB port for use as a USB/MIDI interface
• CV/GATE inputs and outputs compatible with standard Eurorack voltage and Japanese Volts>Hz
• 5 OLED displays
• Assignable expression pedal input
• Sustain pedal input
• External power supply included
• Steel chassis with aluminum side panels