New Firmware update for Hydrasynth by Ashun Sound Machines

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Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) is proud to add features and functions to its perennially popular Hydrasynth range — comprising the original Hydrasynth keyboard and Hydrasynth desktop, announced to widespread critical acclaim in September 2019, followed by the flagship Hydrasynth Deluxe and portable Hydrasynth Explorer models announced in September 2021 — with a major (2.0) firmware update available for free.

As an appealing appetiser, ASM’s major (2.0) firmware update adds three more memory banks to the Hydrasynth keyboard, desktop, and Explorer models, matching the Deluxe’s existing eight banks for a total of 1,024 patches. Put it this way: all are cutting-edge digital wave morphing synthesizers that positively invite their respective users to get involved in designing sounds, so more memory makes sense. Speaking of sound design, each Hydrasynth oscillator — OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3 — now includes a new BitRedux (bit reduction) parameter that allows users to choose between OFF, 16, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 bits.

But — given that the 2.0 firmware update readily ranks as a major one — there is more, including more modulation options, thanks to a new modulation source called VoiceMod (voice modulator) that allows users to offset values for each voice that can then be applied in the Mod Matrix to vary chosen parameters per voice. Digging deeper, all five envelopes — ENV 1 through to ENV 5 — and LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) — LFO 1 through to LFO 5 — have new Quantize options, so adventurous users can quantize their outputs to achieve unique stepping effects. Excitingly, now it is possible to choose to advance through the steps with each new note on with the LFOs in Step mode, meaning users can play through the steps one by one with each new note press.

For flexibility in the studio or at home, Hydrasynth’s version 2.0 firmware update also allows users to bypass each of the (Pre-FX, Post-FX, Delay, and/or Reverb) effects globally in the system page — to record a dry signal without having to edit each patch, in other words.

Thanks to the 2.0 firmware update, Hydrasynth users can choose how the sustain pedal operates. The three options available are: Sustain — traditional sustain (as it has always worked), Sostenuto — press and hold a single note while playing notes above it, and Mod Only — disables the sustain function, allowing users to then route it in the Mod Matrix.

Meanwhile, mention must briefly be made of other added features and functions, to include: Arp range expanded to six octaves; new Arp Step Offset parameter; Bank selection from browser window; ability to randomize all steps in LFO Step mode; new display Dim, On/Off options; Glissando mode added to Glide options; fine control for more subtle options offered by Vibrato; and Local On/Off status recalled (with in-screen reminder). As ASM CEO Glen Darcey duly concludes: “We hope you like the new features in 2.0. I would ask that you download the manual; there are some good tips and tricks on each of the new features and functions in there.”

Owners of any Hydrasynth can download the latest (2.0) firmware update for free — as well as the associated Owner’s Manual addendum that comes highly recommended for its tips and tricks — from here: ASM – Downloads

Watch ASM CEO Glen Darcey’s illuminating introductory video to the Hydrasynth 2.0 firmware update here: YouTube video player

Price: Free