ASHUN SOUND MACHINES / HydraSynth Keyboard

The Hydrasynth series is from Ashun Sound Machines (ASM), a new hardware manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California, USA and Hong Kong.

Features
■Sound Generator
・Maximum Polyphony: 8 voices
・Number of Patches: 128 tones
・Number of Banks: 5
・Basic Waveforms: 219
・Wavetable: Yes
・User Waveforms: 8
・Ring Modulation: Yes
・Noise Generator: Yes (White, Pink, Brown)
・Hard Sync: Yes
・PWM: Yes
・FM: Yes

■Oscillator [LF]
Wave morphing is a feature commonly found in synthesizers with preset wavetables. Creating your own wavetables is difficult, if not impossible. Unlike most wavetable synthesizers, the HYDRASYNTH's oscillators 1 and 2 feature a WAVELIST mode. [LF] In this mode, users can select eight of the 219 waveforms, rearrange them in their preferred order, and then interpolate and morph between them. [LF][LF]
■MUTATORS [LF] Oscillators 1 & 2 are each routed to a ""MUTATOR."" The word MUTATOR comes from ""mutant,"" allowing you to modulate, twist, and shape waveforms in new (and of course, old) ways.
[LF][LF] FM Linear - Produces classic FM sounds. Select multiple FM sources, including external audio inputs. [LF]
Wavestack - Duplicates the input waveform by five times and outputs them in unison. You can adjust the detune amount for each duplicated waveform. [LF]
Hard Sync - Achieve classic hard sync sounds. Combine with wavetable morphing for even more interesting effects.
[LF] Pulse Width - Modulates the pulse width of the input waveform.
[LF] PW - Squeeze - Provides smoother modulation than the typical PW effect.
[LF] PW-ASM - This mode divides the input waveform into eight slices and allows you to adjust the amount of pulse width generated in each section.
[LF] Harmonic Sweep - Adds harmonic content to the input waveform. [LF] The MUTATOR can generate its own waveforms in both FM and Sync modes, allowing you to create sounds without consuming additional oscillators. Of course, the routing is very flexible, so you can use other oscillators as modulation sources, just like in traditional synthesizers.

■Mixer/Filter Routing [LF] The three oscillators are input into the mixer section along with the noise generator and ring modulator. [LF] The mixer also allows you to set the mix level as well as panning. [LF] A balance control allows you to adjust the amount of each input signal routed to Filter 1/Filter 2. [LF] The filters can be connected in parallel or series for ultimate flexibility. [LF][LF]
■Filter [LF] The HYDRASYNTH features two filters, which can be configured in series or parallel. [LF] Filter 1 offers 11 filter models, providing a variety of options for tailoring your sound. [LF] Filter 2 is a 12dB/Octave multimode filter that can be continuously switched between lowpass, bandpass, and highpass, similar to the classic SEM filter.

Number of Filters: 2 (Serial/Parallel)
[LF] Ladder: Yes (12 & 24dB) [LF]

State Variable: Yes
[LF] Formant: Yes

■LFO
Five LFOs are included.

The HYDRASYNTH's LFO features a STEP mode that can generate patterns of up to eight steps. Five mini step sequencers offer incredible sound-shaping possibilities.

Modulation is also possible using 10 common waveforms.
All LFOs have delay time, fade-in, three trigger modes, smoothing, phase start point, and one-shot mode. They can be used as envelopes or synchronized to BPM.

■Envelopes
Five DAHDSR-style six-stage envelopes are included.

The HydraSynth's envelopes consist of six stages: delay, attack, hold, decay, sustain, and release.

Each stage's time can be set in seconds or by resolution, allowing them to operate perfectly in sync with your music.

In addition, the envelope shape can be controlled by an external CV via the modulation matrix, and it can be looped to act like a complex LFO.

■Modulation Matrix

The HydraSynth's modulation possibilities are limitless.

32 user-definable modulation sources are available, with 29 modulation sources and 155 modulation destinations.
Nearly everything in the synth engine, including the effects section and arpeggiator parameters, can be a modulation destination.

Modulation matrix points can also be used as modulation destinations.
Modulation sources and destinations can be assigned to the CV Mod In & Out jacks or MIDI CC.

■Arpeggiator
The HYDRASYNTH's arpeggiator can generate not only standard note arpeggios, but also phrase arpeggios. Parameters such as RATCHET and CHANCE add lively phrases and a touch of rhythmic randomness to your performances.

Most arpeggiator parameters can be modulated, allowing you to affect the arpeggiator in real time using LFOs, envelopes, polyphonic aftertouch, and even ribbon controllers.

■CV/GATE - MIDI - USB
The HYDRASYNTH is equipped with standard MIDI and USB/MIDI interfaces, but also features a CV/GATE interface for deeper exploration into the world of modular synths.
In addition to the V/Octave format used by Eurorack modulars, the HYDRASYNTH also supports the Hz/V format used by some Japanese brands. The MOD In/Out allows for a wide modulation range from static DC to the audio range.

■Master Control
By assigning macros to patches, users can easily optimize control of the sound engine during live performances.
Eight assignable encoders and buttons can each be routed to eight destinations. These buttons and encoders can be assigned to sound parameters that require hierarchical control.

■Macro Control
By assigning macros to patches, users can easily optimize control of the sound engine during live performances.
Eight assignable encoders and buttons can each be routed to eight destinations. These buttons and encoders can be assigned to sound parameters that require hierarchical control.

■Patches
The HYDRASYNTH memory locations consist of 5 banks of 128 patches. We hired top patch designers to create 256 factory patches that fully convey the power of the HYDRASYNTH. The browser lets you easily search for the patches you need in the library. The patch manager plug-in, which runs on PC/MAC, also lets you easily move patches around to create your favorite order, and supports loading new patch libraries in the future. ■Controls
・Ribbon Controller: Yes (4 octave)
・Sustain Pedal: Yes (Auto-Polarity Detection)
・Expression Pedal: Yes

■Effects
・Compressor: Yes
・Equalizer: Yes
・Chorus: Yes
・Flanger: Yes
・Phaser: Yes
・Tremolo: Yes
・Lo-Fi: Yes
・Analog: Yes
・Tape Echo: Yes
・Ping-Pong: Yes
・Pitch Shift: Yes
・Reverse: Yes
・Filter: Yes
・Hall: Yes
・Room: Yes
・Plate: Yes

■Main Unit
・Width: 80cm
・Height: 10.3cm
・Depth: 35cm
・Weight: 10kg