ASM HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER

Essential Information About the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer Synthesizer

• The same synthesis engine as the Desktop and Keyboard versions: 8 voices, elite expressivity with polyphonic aftertouch.
• Compact 37-key "mid-size" keyboard (3 octaves), ideal for mobile studio and stage use.
• Battery-powered option (8 x AA) for creating anywhere without compromising sound quality.
• Major Firmware 2.0: memory expanded to 8 banks, new modulation sources/quantizations, arpeggiator up to 6 octaves.

The Most Accessible Format in the Hydrasynth Range

Designed by ASM to democratize its flagship synthesis engine, the Hydrasynth Explorer delivers the exact power of the Desktop and Keyboard models but in a lightweight, portable chassis. Its "mid-size" keyboard and ASM Polytouch polyphonic aftertouch provide the expressive control that made the series famous, while broadening the audience with a more accessible price and format.

Who Is It For and What Is It For?

From ambitious beginner musicians to seasoned sound designers, the Explorer excels in electro, techno, ambient, synthwave, modern pop, or film scoring. In the studio, it is a deep sonic laboratory; live, its advanced arpeggiator, generous modulation, and polyphonic aftertouch ensure dynamic and nuanced performances. Its battery operation option makes it an ideal companion for creation on the go.

Features and New Additions

The digital wavemorphing engine is built around 3 oscillators (219 single-cycle waveforms) with "WaveScan" to sweep and modulate wavetable positions, a "wave list" mode allowing crossfades between up to 8 wavetables, and a mixer incorporating noise and ring modulation. The filter section combines two routable circuits in series or parallel: Filter 1 offers 11 models (12/24 dB slopes, vintage character, HP/LP, vocal models, etc.) and Filter 2 is a SEM-style 12 dB filter with continuous sweep from low-pass through band-pass to high-pass. The modulation matrix offers 32 routings, supported by 5 DAHDSR envelopes and 5 LFOs featuring Delay, Fade In, 3 trigger modes, smoothing, start phase, and One-Shot mode. The arpeggiator includes ratchet, "chance," gate time, and swing (8 modes).

Firmware 2.0 greatly expands possibilities: memory extended to 8 banks on the Explorer, new modulation source "Voice Modulator," bit crusher in oscillators, LFO and envelope quantizers, LFO Step Advance, global effect bypass, higher resolution vibrato, new pedal options including Sostenuto, extended LED options, added glissando in glide settings, arpeggiator range up to 6 octaves and Step Offset parameter, more Rand/Init shortcuts, and "Local On/Off" state memory.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard and Expressivity

• 37 "mid-size" velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
• Full ASM Polytouch polyphonic aftertouch
• 8 voices, monotimbral

Synthesis Engine

• Digital wavemorphing synthesizer
• 3 oscillators with 219 single-cycle waveforms
• "WaveScan" parameters for wavetable modulation
• "Wave list" mode: crossfade up to 8 wavetables
• 8 user-defined wave lists per oscillator
• Mixer with noise generator and ring modulator
• 2 filters (series or parallel)
• Filter 1: 11 models (12 & 24 dB slopes, vintage scale, HP, LP, vocal, etc.)
• Filter 2: 12 dB SEM-style with continuous LP-BP-HP sweep

Modulation and Control

• Modulation matrix with 32 user-defined routings
• 5 DAHDSR envelopes
• 5 LFOs with Delay, Fade In, 3 trigger modes, smoothing, start phase, and One-Shot mode
• Firmware 2.0: "Voice Modulator" source, LFO/ENV quantizers, LFO Step Advance, increased vibrato resolution

Performance, Effects, and Memory

• Arpeggiator with ratchet, chance, gate time, swing (8 modes)
• Firmware 2.0: arpeggiator range up to 6 octaves, Step Offset parameter
• Pre- and post-effects for sound design, global effect bypass (FW 2.0)
• 5 banks x 128 patches, 256 factory presets; FW 2.0: up to 8 banks
• Extended Rand/Init shortcuts (LFO STEP, Wavescan, Voice offsets); "Local On/Off" memory; new LED options; pedal options including Sostenuto; glissando in glide options

Connectivity and Control

• USB (USB MIDI In/Out) and MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
• CV gate inputs and outputs, supporting all common CV/Gate standards
• Clock input and output
• PC/Mac Patch Manager plug-in
• 8 high-resolution encoders with LED rings, OLED screens

Power and Format

• Optional battery operation: 8 AA batteries
• Dimensions: 554 x 247 x 58 mm
• Weight: 3.46 kg