Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) has announced the upcoming availability of Hydrasynth Deluxe and Hydrasynth Explorer as two new additions to its Hydrasynth keyboard and desktop polyphonic wave morphing synthesizer siblings.
As a 73-note, 16-voice version of the Hydrasynth keyboard complete with proprietary ASM Polytouch technology to provide responsive velocity and expressive polyphonic aftertouch over each note, Hydrasynth Deluxe additionally features dual stereo — MAIN/UPPER (L/MONO and R) and LOWER (L and R) — outputs. On top of that, there are also split and layering functions for its 16 voices powered by two separate Hydrasynth — analog modeling (OSC 1-3) and WaveScan synthesis (OSC 1+2) — voice engines, allowing for full bi-timbral control.
An accessory shelf that mounts on the back of the right side of Hydrasynth Deluxe extends the top panel-available area so diverse devices such as sound modules, mixers, laptops, and drum machines can comfortably be accommodated atop.
A user-assignable four-octave ribbon controller and ergonomically-designed pitch and modulation wheels — all familiar from the Hydrasynth keyboard — all add to its illustrious performance capabilities, complimented by an also-now-familiar connection compliment of SUSTAIN and EXPRESSION PEDAL inputs, MIDI (IN, OUT, and THRU on five-pin DIN, as well as class-compliant USB B), and a comprehensive CV / GATE section (for playing nicely with the ever- widening Eurorack modular world, vintage synthesizers, and more).
Moving on to the other end of the synth scale, Hydrasynth Explorer is a compact-sized Hydrasynth featuring a 37-note mid-sized key-bed with proprietary ASM Polytouch technology to provide responsive velocity and expressive polyphonic aftertouch features that are not found in other smaller-sized keyboards.
However, Hydrasynth Explorer still has the full eight-voice Hydrasynth engine and, despite diminutive — 21.81”/ 55.4cm (W) x 9.72”/24.7cm (D) x 2.28”/5.8cm (H) — dimensions in comparison to its bigger brother, also features CV / GATE OUTPUTS, a SUSTAIN PEDAL input, and standard-sized MIDI IN and OUT connectors (complimented by class-compliant USB B connectivity), as well as a stereo — L/ MONO and R — OUTPUT and another output for (head)PHONES. Perfectly portable, Hydrasynth Explorer can also be powered by 8x AA batteries — not included.
Indeed, Hydrasynth Deluxe and Hydrasynth Explorer both bring back polyphonic aftertouch — one of the most requested features in synthesizers and controllers — with their respective semi-weighted-keys-providing Polytouch keyboards beautifully breathing life into otherwise static sounds by affording an ability to create expressive passages, unlike common channel aftertouch-enabled keyboards. It is not necessary, therefore, to learn a new keyboard technique to be able to play and perform with an ASM Polytouch keyboard.
The bigger picture is immediately clearer as ASM CEO Glen Darcey ends on an equally high note:
“Our goal at ASM is to create premium- quality, fantastic-sounding, extremely-playable instruments providing musicians with the affordable tools they need to express themselves musically. Our team has many years of experience with electronic music products, both on a personal and professional level — from playing them to designing them. Our unique partnership with Medeli allows us to realize this goal.”
Hydrasynth Deluxe and Hydrasynth Explorer are expected to ship in November 2021, at an MSRP of $1,999 USD/$1,799 USD MAP) for Hydrasynth Deluxe and an MSRP of $799 USD/$599 USD MAP for Hydrasynth Explorer.
More information: Ashun Sound Machines
