ASM Hydrasynth Explorer! Don't believe the Hype! REVIEW

In this video, we want to find out if the hype around the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer is really justified?

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[noteleksevil]

Thanks, I think I've finally decided on my first synth.

[K.KILLORAN]

I love my hydra desktop. It pushes me to experiment in a way no other synth does. It can create everything I can imagine.

[billybartcody]

If you want to control cutoff frequency and envelope decay simultaneously, it's quite easy to set up with a macro - each preset has user-definable macros that occupy the master control display and knobs in Home mode. This and the extensive mod matrix make the UI very customizable, I find it's a synth built for performance.

[Ancaja]

I am going to buy the Explorer as an expressive poly for live performance. Currently I play two analog monos and they are fun and expressive and add an extra layer of spontaneity to every set, but everything I do polyphonically, are just multisamples. Super excited to bring this into the rig.

[dreamplace]

Someone please tell me what headphones are those? @2:05

[adir_i]

I have the Deluxe and it's amazing!

[MarcusKnappMusic]

Good stuff, thanks for the video! The Hydra is definitely one of my top considerations for my next synth. Cheers from Berlin!

[Noise-Conductor]

FYI filter 1 & env 1 can be rerouted you just have to manually change it.

[i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

Appreciate the effort put in this insightful review.

[Jay]

I have now spent 30min trying to get the Hydra connected. The original powersupply was apparantly lost, so I used one of my multi-adapters. Making sure of the polarity I switched it on. Company logo animated and then "Hydrasynth" slowly blinking until steady. --- No sound ---- Tried the same cable with a volca and almost blew my monitors, so no cable-problems. Can it be so that the Hydra demands 1000mA to make a sound? My multi-supply only delivered 12V 500mA. Since it's not my synth yet, I decided to disconnect it and ask someone who knows things.

[ErikFrancisCPH]

While living in Copenhagen currently and being in my home made studio I miss two things after seing this video. 1. Being in Germany and 2. Having the ASM Explorer. Finding a scoop on Kleinanzeigen and then just drive down to one or two of the beautiful places in Germany would just be cherry on the top!

[eyesintheskies]

Been trying to justify a fancy komplet kontrol s-series, but why would I pay that for a midi controller when I can get this for less.
Looks better built too.

[laurentvoillemin]

bonjour j ai question concernant ce synthé ....est ce que je peux l utiliser comme clavier comme par exemple mon clavier keylab 61 d arturia et analog 5 ect donc exclusivement par usb daw?

[wackerburg]

I never cared for the/any Hydrasynth, oops. I obviously missed out. Thanks!

Edit: Your Thomann-Link ends up at the Behringer Vocoder VC340.

[analogrealms]

As an ex Hydra owner. I have to say it sounds pretty bad. Like a cheap plasticy sound. I would stick to korg minilogue or something similar but not this Chinese crap. The features and the build quality are quite awesome and it also makes some nice pads but the FX, Fillers and oscillators just suck. And the fact that you cant upload your own samples or wavetables and the lack of a sequencer just broke my heart. I would say unless you’re someone who plays live with Synthesizers alot while using only your own sounds for it and not rely on presets. Even then i would ask you to consider other options. As it might feel like it’s bang for your buck given its features on paper but the sound just doesn’t hit the spot always. I spent a big chunk of my savings on it but was heavily disappointed.

[ttaurimusic]

corbieres + explorer de belles valeurs .

[SacSynths_Jack_Z]

The Hydrasynth is the most disappointing sounding synth of the modern era per the hype. Sure it has a deep feature set for its cost, but its raw tone is bland and unvarying. Every sound, even complex, has a shared overtone. Before trying one in person, I bought the hype and preordered a Deluxe right after the announcement... I had to force myself to use it everyday for a month only to ultimately follow what my ears told me on day 1. It still shocks me how much praise they get. Of course tastes vary widely in sound and music, this is just my 2 cents... ~CS80, Matrix 12, OBX, JP4/6/MKS80, Voyetra 8, Chroma, Prophet 5 Rev 2 & VS, A6, The River, XTk, Q, 3rd Wave owner.

[sjfarrell.]

Great interface and feature set; uninspiring sound, IMO.