ASM HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER Synthesizer with Polytouch Keybed

Synthesizer with Polytouch™ Keybed

The ASM HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER is a Digital Wave Morphing synthesizer equipped with a Polytouch™ keybed with 37 mini keys and polyphonic aftertouch (independent for each key), allowing for expressive control previously only found on some very expensive vintage synths.
Thanks to an extremely advanced wavetable synthesis engine, featuring 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, this synthesizer's sound generation capabilities are unparalleled.
The 3 oscillators of the ASM HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER allow you to choose from 219 single cycle waveforms, and oscillators 1 and 2 of the Hydrasynth 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 and 2 are routed to the MUTATORS, which allow you to modulate, bend, and sculpt the sound in new or familiar ways.
Each mutator allows you to choose from the following processes:

1. FM-Linear: To produce classic FM sounds. You can choose from various FM sources, including external inputs.
2. Wavestack™: To create 5 copies of the incoming sound with adjustable detune amount.
3. Hard Sync: To create typical hard sync sounds. Try syncing a morphing wavetable and start having fun.
4. Pulse Width: Allows you to modulate the pulse width of ANY incoming sound.
5. PW-Squeeze: A differently shaped pulse that can create softer sounds.
6. PW-ASM: This mode divides the incoming wave into 8 sections and allows you to set the amount of pulse width modulation for each portion.
7. Harmonic Sweep: Sweeps the harmonics of the incoming sound from the oscillator.

In FM and Sync modes, the mutators can also generate waveforms, effectively giving you an extra oscillator. Naturally, routing is flexible, so if desired, you can use the other oscillators as modulation sources.
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 pan of each input source. Additionally, you can separately adjust the amount of signal from each source to be sent to the two filters. For maximum flexibility, the filters can be used in both series and parallel.
The ASM HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER has two filters that can be configured in series or parallel. The first filter features 11 different models, offering more options to customize the sound, while 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 EXPLORER is equipped with 5 low-frequency oscillators, each featuring a Step mode that allows you to create 8-step patterns. The availability of 5 mini step sequences adds extraordinary possibilities for further shaping the sound. There are also 10 standard waveforms. All LFOs feature delay, fade-in, 3 trigger modes, smoothing, start phase, and one-shot mode, which can act as envelopes or sync to BPM.
The 5 DAHDSR 6-stage envelopes 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's also possible to loop the envelopes to create LFOs whose shape can be voltage-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 degree of randomness to add vitality and spontaneity to performances. You can also modulate most parameters in the arpeggiator using LFOs, envelopes, polyphonic aftertouch, or the ribbon controller to change arpeggios in real-time.
The ASM HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER features standard MIDI and USB/MIDI connectivity, and for advanced use, there are also CV/GATE outputs that allow connection to the modular world. They support 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 allow you to initialize or randomize a complete patch or specific modules, simply by holding down the appropriate button plus the desired module selection button. Pressing the Home button returns to patch browsing easily and immediately.
In the Master Control section, all parameter changes, patch naming, and macro execution are performed. Using OLED displays, high-resolution encoders with LED indicators, and 8 buttons, this section is designed to provide good feedback on what is happening. Voice parameters give access to play modes, analog feel, voice panning, and many other features.
The Macros associated with the patches are designed to give the user in-depth control over the sound engine in live performances. The 4 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 EXPLORER is equipped with 5 banks of 128 patches, totaling 640. The 256 factory patches were created by some of the best sound designers around.
Finally, the effect chain is different from other synths, and the Pre and Post effects offer some unique ways to process sound. The delays and reverbs have been modeled after some of the most popular effects on the market.

Specifications

• 37 velocity and aftertouch sensitive mini keys
• Polyphonic aftertouch featuring ASM's proprietary Polytouch™ technology
• Pitch bend and Modulation wheel
• 8-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, Wavestack™, 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 function, fade in, 3 trigger modes, smoothing, start phase, one-shot mode
• BPM synchronization
• 5 6-stage DAHDSR envelopes (Delay, Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain and Release)
• 29 sources and 155 modulation destinations
• Modulation matrix with 32 user-definable routings:
• Modulation destinations include practically all synth parameters including effects and arpeggiator
• The matrix crossover points themselves 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 (placed 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 (placed after delay and reverb): Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with side chain)
• Patch MACROS 4 assignable buttons and 4 knobs
• Memory: 5 banks of 128 patches each. 256 factory patches
• 2 6.3 mm Main audio outputs
• 1 headphone output
• MIDI In/Out connections
• USB port for use as a USB/MIDI interface
• CV/GATE outputs compatible with standard Eurorack voltage and Japanese Volts>Hz
• 2 OLED displays
• Sustain pedal input
• Power supply with external 110-230V to 12V adapter included with all models
• Power supply with 8 AA batteries (not included) Explorer model only