The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum
OTHER DISCUSSIONS => General Synthesis => Other Hardware/Software => Topic started by: Tonda on September 03, 2019, 01:55:13 PM
-
Never heard of it, but it looks pretty interesting...
https://youtu.be/i6mKVMRdfCc (https://youtu.be/i6mKVMRdfCc)
-
Nick’s trying to figure out if it will do PWM...
https://youtu.be/MhBi6rzFkCA (https://youtu.be/MhBi6rzFkCA)
-
Poly aftertouch apparently...wow...I’m actually more interested in this than the Summit.
-
There's a 46 minute review of this and the desktop module on the Loopop YouTube channel :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rJd_j9_Ixs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rJd_j9_Ixs)
-
Looks interesting in concept but there are two things I would like to know.
- How does it compare to the Peak in the frequency domain, more specifically FM?
- How does it age? Had some very bad surprises with Arturia made in China, all rubber buttons and wheel melting into some sticky jam after a couple of years. Not speaking about encoders getting a lot of dirt (plastic dust) and skipping steps.
If the sound is good, the hydrasynth could be a good replacement for the Rev2...
-
Wow! I have to say I'm very impressed by the huge synth power under the hood!
Together with the very well designed user interface and the fact that is has poly aftertouch and the versatile ribbon controller makes it a very desirable instrument. This could be the digital synth I was waiting for...
-
Looks interesting in concept but there are two things I would like to know.
- How does it compare to the Peak in the frequency domain, more specifically FM?
- How does it age? Had some very bad surprises with Arturia made in China, all rubber buttons and wheel melting into some sticky jam after a couple of years. Not speaking about encoders getting a lot of dirt (plastic dust) and skipping steps.
If the sound is good, the hydrasynth could be a good replacement for the Rev2...
This is a very good point. I’ve heard nothing but nightmares from MatrixBrute owners. But isn’t the Peak/Summit made in China as well?
Kind of makes one hesitant to pull the trigger, regardless of how powerful the specs are.
-
Looks interesting in concept but there are two things I would like to know.
- How does it compare to the Peak in the frequency domain, more specifically FM?
- How does it age? Had some very bad surprises with Arturia made in China, all rubber buttons and wheel melting into some sticky jam after a couple of years. Not speaking about encoders getting a lot of dirt (plastic dust) and skipping steps.
If the sound is good, the hydrasynth could be a good replacement for the Rev2...
This is a very good point. I’ve heard nothing but nightmares from MatrixBrute owners. But isn’t the Peak/Summit made in China as well?
Kind of makes one hesitant to pull the trigger, regardless of how powerful the specs are.
“Made in China” means that the quality of the product could be anywhere from superior to terrible. And it usually comes down to the size of the company having the product made in China. For example, the Apple iPhone is a superior product. That is primarily because Apple has the clout to enforce strict QC in factories that they purposely built in China for manufacturing their phones and nothing else.
Smaller companies, like ASM, who are having their products built in factories that were making vacuum cleaners last week, and hairdryers next week, generally have less control over quality and therefore the quality of these products can sometimes be more of a coin toss.
-
I wonder how large it is size wise compared to an OB6 or P6.
-
I wonder how large it is size wise compared to an OB6 or P6.
According the Sweetwater site...
Hydrasynth:
Keyboard: 31.5" L x 13.63" W x 4.53" H (80 cm x 34.3 cm x 11.5 cm)
Desktop: 17.4" L x 8.78" W x 3.39" H (44.2 cm x 22.3 cm x 8.6 cm)
OB-6:
Keyboard: 31.8” L x 12.7” W x 4.6″ H (80.7 cm x 32.3 cm x 11.7 cm)
Desktop: 20.75” L x 7.8” W x 4.4″ H (52.0 cm x 19.8 cm x 11.2 cm)
Prophet-6:
Keyboard: 32.3” L x 12.7” W x 4.6″ H (82.0 cm x 32.3 cm x 11.7 cm)
Desktop: 21.25” L x 7.43” W x 4.4″ H (54.0 cm x 18.9 cm x 11.2 cm)
Conclusion, they are pretty equal size wise.
-
“Made in China” means that the quality of the product could be anywhere from superior to terrible. And it usually comes down to the size of the company having the product made in China. For example, the Apple iPhone is a superior product. That is primarily because Apple has the clout to enforce strict QC in factories that they purposely built in China for manufacturing their phones and nothing else.
Smaller companies, like ASM, who are having their products built in factories that were making vacuum cleaners last week, and hairdryers next week, generally have less control over quality and therefore the quality of these products can sometimes be more of a coin toss.
ASM is backed by medeli (http://www.medeli.com.hk/about-us) afaik, a Hong Kong based company that does keyboards, digital pianos, and digital drums.
I can't vouch for the quality, but can say as much that the ASM products are most likely NOT built in factories that were making vacuum cleaners last week, or hairdryers the week before. :)
-
“Made in China” means that the quality of the product could be anywhere from superior to terrible. And it usually comes down to the size of the company having the product made in China. For example, the Apple iPhone is a superior product. That is primarily because Apple has the clout to enforce strict QC in factories that they purposely built in China for manufacturing their phones and nothing else.
Smaller companies, like ASM, who are having their products built in factories that were making vacuum cleaners last week, and hairdryers next week, generally have less control over quality and therefore the quality of these products can sometimes be more of a coin toss.
ASM is backed by medeli (http://www.medeli.com.hk/about-us) afaik, a Hong Kong based company that does keyboards, digital pianos, and digital drums.
I can't vouch for the quality, but can say as much that the ASM products are most likely NOT built in factories that were making vacuum cleaners last week, or hairdryers the week before. :)
Well if Medeli is making Arturia's stuff, I would prefer a vacuum cleaner manufacturer
-
Looks interesting in concept but there are two things I would like to know.
- How does it compare to the Peak in the frequency domain, more specifically FM?
- How does it age? Had some very bad surprises with Arturia made in China, all rubber buttons and wheel melting into some sticky jam after a couple of years. Not speaking about encoders getting a lot of dirt (plastic dust) and skipping steps.
If the sound is good, the hydrasynth could be a good replacement for the Rev2...
This is a very good point. I’ve heard nothing but nightmares from MatrixBrute owners. But isn’t the Peak/Summit made in China as well?
Kind of makes one hesitant to pull the trigger, regardless of how powerful the specs are.
What MatrixBrute nightmares have you heard?
-
Looks interesting in concept but there are two things I would like to know.
- How does it compare to the Peak in the frequency domain, more specifically FM?
- How does it age? Had some very bad surprises with Arturia made in China, all rubber buttons and wheel melting into some sticky jam after a couple of years. Not speaking about encoders getting a lot of dirt (plastic dust) and skipping steps.
If the sound is good, the hydrasynth could be a good replacement for the Rev2...
This is a very good point. I’ve heard nothing but nightmares from MatrixBrute owners. But isn’t the Peak/Summit made in China as well?
Kind of makes one hesitant to pull the trigger, regardless of how powerful the specs are.
What MatrixBrute nightmares have you heard?
The actual matrix starts to become faulty, some of the pots start to mess up, in fact one guy had the entire filter dial come off and Arturia’s customer service isn’t exactly the best.
-
The actual matrix starts to become faulty, some of the pots start to mess up, in fact one guy had the entire filter dial come off and Arturia’s customer service isn’t exactly the best.
That’s the kind of close eye you keep on the forums when considering a $2k purchase.
:)
-
Looks interesting in concept but there are two things I would like to know.
- How does it compare to the Peak in the frequency domain, more specifically FM?
- How does it age? Had some very bad surprises with Arturia made in China, all rubber buttons and wheel melting into some sticky jam after a couple of years. Not speaking about encoders getting a lot of dirt (plastic dust) and skipping steps.
If the sound is good, the hydrasynth could be a good replacement for the Rev2...
This is a very good point. I’ve heard nothing but nightmares from MatrixBrute owners. But isn’t the Peak/Summit made in China as well?
Kind of makes one hesitant to pull the trigger, regardless of how powerful the specs are.
What MatrixBrute nightmares have you heard?
The actual matrix starts to become faulty, some of the pots start to mess up, in fact one guy had the entire filter dial come off and Arturia’s customer service isn’t exactly the best.
Interesting, I have never heard of matrix or pot issues. Support for the MB should also be good, can you pm me details?
-
Well if Medeli is making Arturia's stuff, I would prefer a vacuum cleaner manufacturer
I don't know if medeli is involved with Arturia, but I'd prefer not to speculate about the quality of unreleased products.
There are some cues anyone can take by just looking at the ASM Hydrasynth and compare to i.e. most Arturia products, but if that translates to long term durability (esp of the insides) remains to be seen.
-
Anybody understands the fundamental difference between fading and morphing two waves?
In the image domain, morphing is fading plus shape interpolation. I can’t figure out what that means in the sound domain?
-
Anybody understands the fundamental difference between fading and morphing two waves?
In the image domain, morphing is fading plus shape interpolation. I can’t figure out what that means in the sound domain?
An easy visualisation of morphing is to imagine gradually amplifying a triangle wave to the point of its peak clipping, sides becoming as good as vertical and it becomes a square wave. Another one is to imagine a sine wave angling up into a triangle wave; on the way to becoming a triangular, the sine wave gets more and more hyperbolic in shape until it just goes all triangular. With a triangle to saw morph, the peak of the original equilateral triangle is pushed across to be come a right-angle triangle. With fading, it is a matter of reducing the amplitude of one wave while increase that of the one that is replacing it (same way a cross-fader on a mixer works).
-
Hello,
this desktop sounds crazy !!!!!
I'm not a specialist but i think a new synth generation is coming, a new philosophy too...
I hope that the "Boss" Mr Smith have an eye on this !
-
Is it just me, or is this VERY similar sound and architecturally to a Prophet 12? I was interested in the Hydra at first blush, but the more I watch and hear, the more it seems too redundant to my P12, which I consider a lifetime purchase I will never part with.
-
I have only had my hydrasynth for a week but for me so far it is pretty different to the P12.
-
I have only had my hydrasynth for a week but for me so far it is pretty different to the P12.
Oh great, I was afraid someone might say that. ;D
What do you find the main differences are so far? What are your overall pros/cons with it after the first week?
-
Well it’s early days but to me they just sound really different. The oscillators/mutant stuff gives a much larger palette of sound pre-filter. The HS seems to sound more fizzy/distorted in general, the P12 sounds smoother.
This has been mostly from playing the presets so far, when I get more in to programming it I will post some more info...
-
I picked one of these desktops up... for $800 I couldn't resist. I guess we'll have to see how it ages, for now the build quality seems fine.
One of the first things I did was update the OS to 1.5.4 (it shipped with 1.5.2). The updater utility is much slicker than loading sysex files via MIDIOX, it's a dedicated client you install, then you browse for the .dat file and load it in).
It sounds fantastic... much like the Prophet 12, that digital sound really finds its place in the mix. The sound design possibilities are really vast. I'm still getting accustomed to where everything is -- it's very intuitive as the reviews say, but due to the sheer number of options, it takes some getting used to where everything is. The filters are surprisingly good, and there's many to choose from. It's nice to have so much control, for example being able to shape the curve on envelopes.
I'll go out on a limb and say that for those looking for flexibilty in sound design, interested in lots of depth, and possibilities for complex sound experimentation ....and, not wanting to spend a fortune this synth warrants a serious look.
-
I'm only a month in, but I will tell you that I have not had this much fun with a synth since I got my PEK years ago. I opted for the poly AT keyboard version- but that intent was mainly that I wanted that sliding strip- which I'm finding quite useful. They really thought of everything I'm discovering (that is once you have version 1.5.4). The price is extremely reasonable.
I have not tried much "classic" sounds yet, but I would say that this raw sound reminds me perhaps like Pro 2/P12 engine(comparing to DSI stuff), yet still different. Kind of hard for me to say just yet whether this is grainer or anything like that. There's a lot of filter combination options - so it's really where you set those up. Most videos it seems to my ears always have filter open just a hair too much, not matter the instrument. Stopped filter down on some preset pads and found some dreamy spots.
-
Still mind blowing to me that 100% digital synth doesn't have bi timbral split and layer capabilities.
-
Still mind blowing to me that 100% digital synth doesn't have bi timbral split and layer capabilities.
Some of the free patch banks listed on their website were pre-installed on my synth (at least I hope that means they preload from factory and doesn't mean I was sold an open box item). ...
...One of them is called Apline split. I have not dissected it to see how they did it, but it has two sounds split at middle C kind of a pad on the upper keyboard and a pulsey bass sound on the lower register. I assume it was achieved by sending OSC1 and 2 to filter 1 and 2 separately in parallel mode and then scaling that across the keyboard, I have not yet dissected it to see how they did it. However they did it, it just goes to show the vast possibilities with this synth. I feel like its going to be one of legendary "discount Asian synths" like the DX7 was back in the day... but even then Yamaha was already a respected name in music, this company seemingly came out of nowhere with this box.
In addition to the split possibility, some of the patches sound layered and will genuinely convince you they are two sounds playing at once, this synth has a lot of dimension to it. Many of the sounds remind me of a Roland D50 and its multi programs.
And, on top of all that... $800!
-
I'm only a month in, but I will tell you that I have not had this much fun with a synth since I got my PEK years ago. I opted for the poly AT keyboard version- but that intent was mainly that I wanted that sliding strip- which I'm finding quite useful. They really thought of everything I'm discovering (that is once you have version 1.5.4). The price is extremely reasonable.
I have not tried much "classic" sounds yet, but I would say that this raw sound reminds me perhaps like Pro 2/P12 engine(comparing to DSI stuff), yet still different. Kind of hard for me to say just yet whether this is grainer or anything like that. There's a lot of filter combination options - so it's really where you set those up. Most videos it seems to my ears always have filter open just a hair too much, not matter the instrument. Stopped filter down on some preset pads and found some dreamy spots.
I can totally see how the ribbon would be fun on this synth. I have not yet plugged an expression pedal into it but I suspect that will be fun too. The pads on the desktop do poly after touch, I like them. I would have been glad to have this synth in keyboard form, but the reality is I have no more room for any more keyboards. I'm even not using one tier of a 4 tier stand, because I want unfettered access to the Prophet10 knobs and having anything on top would be in the way.
-
Are there any indications that they will be adding a sequencer to this synth?
-
Are there any indications that they will be adding a sequencer to this synth?
I haven't heard of plans to do so. For me the lack of one is not a problem, I'm content to put Cubase in step sequence mode; DAWs are kind of the ultimate sequencer anyway due to ease of editing. A sequencer would be a welcome addition though.
-
Are there any indications that they will be adding a sequencer to this synth?
The Hydrasynth's LFOs can be set in step mode and synced to BPM. This allows you to create sequences up to 64 steps. It is even possible, with the SemiLock feature, to program each LFO "step" with actual offsets in semi tones. Really great feature and behaves like a simple sequencer. Of course you loose an LFO doing this.
-
LPF83,
yes I saw those "split" patches too. Pretty cool. I haven't looked yet either, but I'm assuming your guess on how it is done is correct.
Lobo Lives,
Digital or not, Bi-layer is not going to happen on every new synth. I notice that you mention that point a lot, but sometimes the other features are far the larger selling point. I think on Hydrasynth it would only get in the way. I do have that ability on the P12 and Summit, though I use it only seldom I'm finding on the Summit. I suppose its because on the P12 its more straight forward. Ideally all LED's on a bi layer synth should turn red in layer A and Blue in Layer B. This way inadvertently screwing up the wrong layer is less common.
-
LPF83,
yes I saw those "split" patches too. Pretty cool. I haven't looked yet either, but I'm assuming your guess on how it is done is correct.
Lobo Lives,
Digital or not, Bi-layer is not going to happen on every new synth. I notice that you mention that point a lot, but sometimes the other features are far the larger selling point. I think on Hydrasynth it would only get in the way. I do have that ability on the P12 and Summit, though I use it only seldom I'm finding on the Summit. I suppose its because on the P12 its more straight forward. Ideally all LED's on a bi layer synth should turn red in layer A and Blue in Layer B. This way inadvertently screwing up the wrong layer is less common.
Perhaps you are right. Saves me money I suppose.
-
So it looks like bi-timbral is happening on the new Hydrasynth Deluxe. I like anything with that word on it. Others might like to set standards, but I like to set deluxes. Please forgive me for what I just did, and never hold me to it.
The Hydrasynth Explorer, with piano keys instead of pads might appeal to many and the price ($600!).. I first thought I might need to start recommending this over the desktop which I have, but then I saw the display and thought better of it. I think those who are interested in the sound sculpting capability (which is one of the main draws of this synth IMHO), may enjoy the display of the desktop or higher. I feel the wide display of the desktop when dealing with modulation sources, wave morphing etc. contributes a lot to the usability of the synth and why nobody complains of menu diving.
Seems to be really interesting times at the affordable/compact end of the spectrum.
-
Hell of a lot of wasted panel space on that deluxe version
-
Hell of a lot of wasted panel space on that deluxe version
The target audience might be folks who want to also use it as a primary MIDI controller. For a primary controller, I really appreciate having enough room for a smaller desktop module to sit atop the right side of the keyboard (my Toraiz AS-1 is utilizing that space now). At the moment I'm still using an older Novation 61key controller which has some real estate on top -- whenever its time for replacement, having more space on top will be high on my wishlist... my current controller has a lot of sliders and buttons I don't need. Something like the Virus Ti2 keyboard layout would be a good option for my workflow.
-
Darn it! I knew this "Deluxe" was bound to happen being that I've only had my Hydrasynth for several months. Guess I'll be selling it soon ;) I plan on getting this deluxe for sure, love the way they lay things out with the color coding for the different layers.
-
Hell of a lot of wasted panel space on that deluxe version
The target audience might be folks who want to also use it as a primary MIDI controller. For a primary controller, I really appreciate having enough room for a smaller desktop module to sit atop the right side of the keyboard (my Toraiz AS-1 is utilizing that space now). At the moment I'm still using an older Novation 61key controller which has some real estate on top -- whenever its time for replacement, having more space on top will be high on my wishlist... my current controller has a lot of sliders and buttons I don't need. Something like the Virus Ti2 keyboard layout would be a good option for my workflow.
I mean they could have extended the ribbon controller at least.
-
Hell of a lot of wasted panel space on that deluxe version
The target audience might be folks who want to also use it as a primary MIDI controller. For a primary controller, I really appreciate having enough room for a smaller desktop module to sit atop the right side of the keyboard (my Toraiz AS-1 is utilizing that space now). At the moment I'm still using an older Novation 61key controller which has some real estate on top -- whenever its time for replacement, having more space on top will be high on my wishlist... my current controller has a lot of sliders and buttons I don't need. Something like the Virus Ti2 keyboard layout would be a good option for my workflow.
I mean they could have extended the ribbon controller at least.
Might that have been deliberate to ensure that patches made on earlier versions play the same? I haven’t played one so don’t know if the ribbon has a centre point or runs from zero on the left to maximum on the right. If the latter I guess a longer ribbon would mess up the scaling.
-
I mean they could have extended the ribbon controller at least.
I've never owned a synth with a large ribbon like that so I'm not sure how much I'd use it. I do find the touch slider on the Toraiz AS-1 useful since it has so few knobs, it allows some one-handed fun using the middle and ring fingers to work cutoff while tapping or sliding some other modulation destination with the thumb.
One omission from the deluxe version that surprised me is no sequencer. Some of that space might have been used for real-time step editing, etc.
-
I mean they could have extended the ribbon controller at least.
One omission from the deluxe version that surprised me is no sequencer. Some of that space might have been used for real-time step editing, etc.
Agreed
-
Might that have been deliberate to ensure that patches made on earlier versions play the same? I haven’t played one so don’t know if the ribbon has a centre point or runs from zero on the left to maximum on the right. If the latter I guess a longer ribbon would mess up the scaling.
I don't think so. Even if it could be an issue, it'd be a minor one, with simple remedies. The OG Hydrasynth ribbon controller can be calibrated, and the "scale width" can be adjusted of course. I've mainly used Doepfer R2M until the Hydrasynth, but have dabbled a bit with the Korg Mono's and Softpot ribbons, 500mm and 1000mm (yes, about 3 feet long), and it was supereasy to adjust the scaling by changing the resistance. The space between semi-notes (high and low) always remained equal distance, no matter the scaling. The ribbon is basically just a variable resistor, like a rotary or slider potentiometer. But because it "floats" between voltage in and ground, when not touched, a gate can also be derived from the touch. There's apparently some added digital control on the Hydra though, as it can be calibrated, but that's just software...
-
Good video from Tim Shoebridge here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOdq7QCXPoE
-
To be honest, I've yet to see a bad video from Tim :) I'm a big fan of his presentation style, knowledge of the products, playing ability..... the list goes on.
-
Having had the Hydrasynth for a while now... I get continually blown away by it. The poly aftertouch is the best I've ever played on a "regular" keyboard, just SO sensitive and expressive. A big + is the aftertouch implementation, where you can set delay, fade in (attack) time and fade out (release), and sensitivity of course, for tweaking to fit any occasion. It brings new life to many old AT capable instruments, in my case the JV-2080, ASR-10 and Rev2.
One con(-) though... the keyboard lacks 'release velocity' capability, which surprised me. Not THAT big of a bummer, but release velocity would be nice. Apparently, they implemented it on the newer Hydras though, Explorer and Deluxe. While my JD-800 sends release velocity, it doesn't have poly AT, so...
Anyhow, the Mod Matrix is way too hard to keep track of on the Hydras screen, for me at least... so I've made an interface for the iPad app TBMS, to keep track of the Mod Matrix and Macro routings. I will post it here in a while.
-
Having had the Hydrasynth for a while now... I get continually blown away by it. The poly aftertouch is the best I've ever played on a "regular" keyboard, just SO sensitive and expressive. A big + is the aftertouch implementation, where you can set delay, fade in (attack) time and fade out (release), and sensitivity of course, for tweaking to fit any occasion. It brings new life to many old AT capable instruments, in my case the JV-2080, ASR-10 and Rev2.
One con(-) though... the keyboard lacks 'release velocity' capability, which surprised me. Not THAT big of a bummer, but release velocity would be nice. Apparently, they implemented it on the newer Hydras though, Explorer and Deluxe. While my JD-800 sends release velocity, it doesn't have poly AT, so...
Anyhow, the Mod Matrix is way too hard to keep track of on the Hydras screen, for me at least... so I've made an interface for the iPad app TBMS, to keep track of the Mod Matrix and Macro routings. I will post it here in a while.
Release velocity is implemented on the new Deluxe model, which I’m
looking at hard.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2BfHW1fGD8&t=548s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2BfHW1fGD8&t=548s)
-
Thanks for posting this! I enjoyed that and probably wouldn't have seen it.
I'm still reading the manual and wrapping my head around this very powerful instrument.
-
This was fun, Starsky Carr delivers as usual:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVfDYaKz2XM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVfDYaKz2XM)
-
The results... Quite interesting indeed. It's funny how some claim the Hydra is lacking in the bass department... compared with others (and this is without all the various boosting available), it seemingly kicks their asses here (pardon my french). And the rest, it sounds "cold, sterile" and the rest. Sometimes it isn't the equipment, but the user... Have fun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-4WU8Mu_dI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-4WU8Mu_dI)
-
Right before they released the Deluxe model I had purchased a Hydrasynth. Just my luck. Anyway...after a lot of consideration I finally decided to upgrade to the Deluxe model as I wanted more keys. No way to hide it from the wife, as the box was so long that she had to help me carry it into the house ;D
I'm just so impressed with the design of this instrument. Over two years of having the standard model, never had an issue, easy OS updates and really good sound. So off to FB marketplace to sell the older one.
I should mention that they added more storage space, velocity off feature, and of course- the layers. Three more user banks for single patches are included, and the multi patches have 3 of the 5 banks as user.
-
I should mention that they added more storage space, velocity off feature, and of course- the layers. Three more user banks for single patches are included, and the multi patches have 3 of the 5 banks as user.
I really hope all new synths come with extra RAM...
(for both extra program storage AND extra memory for larger operating systems!)
Oh... and, all new synths, after 2020, there should be an included PC/computer/software Application,
for parameter control and program management... [and no, I will not download your app!]
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeslmXzJM4E&ab_channel=JonSheltmire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeslmXzJM4E&ab_channel=JonSheltmire)
-
Nice version.
There's not much this baby can't do
-
After lots of experimenting, I'm now very happy with CS-80 Blade Runner Brass patches that I'm getting out of the HydraSynth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci1N6BWrbz4
-
Lovely, Jason. Very delicate and yet with a subtle brooding power.
I've always found that a leap from a high register to a low one with string chords created a dramatic effect all by itself behind the rest of the music. You did this quite effectively at 1:09.
-
Thank you very much! I love the strings that I'm getting. When I play the VC-340, it is controlling both Prophet Rev2's, and so I have three analog instruments going into that string sound. I had ordered a Waldorf for strings but then cancelled the order as I listened to more videos. I've been conflicted about using some Behringer gear, (and especially bad about making the Prophets play so intimately with the Behringer via MIDI) but it proved too tempting for me. We shall see if I keep it. I was also not sure about the HydraSynth for quite a while (presets were as disappointing as ever), but the more I program it, the more I like it.
-
Aha! I had thought to myself, "Egads, that little Behringer stringer sounds exceptional." But no, it was the Rev 2 that is responsible for its warmth. There, that makes sense. 8)
-
Aha! I had thought to myself, "Egads, that little Behringer stringer sounds exceptional." But no, it was the Rev 2 that is responsible for its warmth. There, that makes sense. 8)
The Prophets literally are giving it the warmer tones with a more closed filter. I'm going to make a video discussing the sounds and will likely compare and contrast the two string sounds. The Rev2 can sound very similar and more lush (especially in stereo) in certain ranges, but I couldn't get it to sound as much like a stringer in the upper range. I then closed the filter a bit on the Prophets and put them all together and could play them like that all day.
-
I do wonder what ASM have in store for their next instrument. It seems like a lot of companies (ASM, Modal, UDO) are in the habit of making the same instrument but in different form factors/colors rather than moving on to a new instrument. I appreciate that approach but I'm more excited about what ASM is going to do next than I am about the HydraSynth.
-
A short demo of 3 Hydrasynth multilayer patches.
https://youtu.be/0_LdgkL1PhI
-
Discussing and demonstrating my attempts to get classic Vangelis sounds using modern equipment, including attempts to get the Blade Runner Brass sounds from a HydraSynth and the Roland VP-330 strings from Prophet Rev2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBnsZfCL3zs
-
I finally got on board and ordered one of these to pair with my Linnstrument. It should arrive in a couple of weeks.
-
Shaw, Not sure if you are getting the keyboard version, I have a Linn too, you'll be happy to know that I did try it and it worked good. But ironically I have not used it much on my Hydrasynth. I think that between the great Poly AT and ribbon board on the ASM offering so much dimensional control already, the outboard MPE controller hasn't been reached for much. Its a nice problem :D
-
Shaw, Not sure if you are getting the keyboard version, I have a Linn too, you'll be happy to know that I did try it and it worked good. But ironically I have not used it much on my Hydrasynth. I think that between the great Poly AT and ribbon board on the ASM offering so much dimensional control already, the outboard MPE controller hasn't been reached for much. Its a nice problem :D
For space considerations, I got the desktop module version. I am making a run at going “all in” on the Linnstrument. For someone who grew up playing (and still plays) guitar and bass, the Linnstrument is an absolute joy to own and use.
-
Nice 2.0 firmware update released today from why I can gather.
-
Nice 2.0 firmware update released today from why I can gather.
I haven't tried it yet, but the new voice modulator feature alone seems like it has huge potential. It basically allows you to add a modulation offset on a per voice basis, then modulate whatever you want via that offset -- similar to CreativeSpirals work on voice modeling if you're familiar. It's in effect like giving us a customizable vintage knob, that "vintagizes" whatever we want (my first goto would probably be pitch fluctuations).
I'm eager to try it out on my desktop. Also, I've only updated mine once since purchasing, but when I did the update tool was a joy, and exactly what all firmware updaters should be.
In terms of a sound-designers playground, it's hard to match the Hydra. Some info on new features here:
https://youtu.be/Merf2J0AuL8
-
If it wasn't dizzingly complex already, it certainly is now... Not only the voice mod, but now also the 5 LFOs in step-mode (substituting for sequencers up to 64 steps) can be Key-stepped. Just like what CreativeSpiral uses the Rev2 sequencers for. In one of the new tutorial vids, they state that this is one of the purposes and reasons for adding it, and also mention that this is what they programmed the "Analog Feel" value to do, offsets to individual voices, in pitch, intonation, filter and amp.
This is next level. I could use a couple of LFOs for this key-step modulation offset of individual voices, and have them offset more/less by modulating those LFOs depths with the Voice Mod... And/or use a bit of "Analog Feel" as well. I suppose you could throw in a few Macros in the chain, to organize it a bit and make the modulation offsets more "immediate" to control. And then you could use any other modulator to modulate those Macros through the Mod Matrix. I'm getting dizzy already.
Yes, in terms of a sound-designers playground, this has now truly become a dream synth. I was really hoping for the key-step LFO functionality, and here it is. I'm blown away, just wow.
https://youtu.be/gRTUec3u3nY?t=978 (https://youtu.be/gRTUec3u3nY?t=978)
-
Yes, in terms of a sound-designers playground, this has now truly become a dream synth. I was really hoping for the key-step LFO functionality, and here it is. I'm blown away, just wow.
One thing I always admired about Daniel Fisher, is his ability to apply sound design to musical context, often citing examples of how to use a particular feature from the live musician perspective... like what he demonstrates here about the LFO step advance functionality, and using it to overcome tempo challenges of live play:
https://youtu.be/aPvmiNKb-HY?t=333
The whole video is worth a watch, he's great at demoing.
-
100%
Daniel Fisher is my absolute favorite demo-dude, because of musical context like you said. Also very pedagogical and lagom pace. 8)
-
Ditto re Daniel Fisher :)
-
Kind of makes one hesitant to pull the trigger, regardless of how powerful the specs are.
“Made in China” means that the quality of the product could be anywhere from superior to terrible. And it usually comes down to the size of the company having the product made in China. For example, the Apple iPhone is a superior product. That is primarily because Apple has the clout to enforce strict QC in factories that they purposely built in China for manufacturing their phones and nothing else.
Smaller companies, like ASM, who are having their products built in factories that were making vacuum cleaners last week, and hairdryers next week, generally have less control over quality and therefore the quality of these products can sometimes be more of a coin toss.
With respect (Love your programming!) I've read that these are made by Medelei, a parent company which manufactures many keyboard products. My Explorer feels quite SOLID to me. (wish it had a ribbon though, lol.) True Medeli is based in Shanghai, but they may have the clout that DS mentions due to their size, and the fact that vacuum cleaners may not be their bread and butter these days.