ASM Hydrasynth gets Major Free Firmware Update; Here’s What’s New
Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) let us know that they have released a major firmware update for their Hydrasynth line.
The free version 2.0 update adds new synthesis capabilities, new performance options, expanded patch memory and more, and is compatible with the entire Hydrasynth line.
What’s new in Hydrasynth 2.0:
- 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.
- 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.
- More modulation options – a new modulation source called VoiceMod (voice modulator) allows users to offset values for each voice that can then be applied in the Mod Matrix to vary chosen parameters per voice. D
- 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 users can quantize their outputs to achieve unique stepping effects. It is also now 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
“Hydrasynth firmware 2.0 is a huge update. ASM CEO Glen Darcey suggest downloading the manual update to find out more about the features, adding “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, along with the Owner’s Manual addendum.
An introduction to Hydrasynth 2.0 from ASM CEO Glen Darcey:
Hydrasynth 2.0 VoiceMod (voice modulator) feature overview:
Hydrasynth 2.0 LFO Step advance mode, with Product Specialist Ken Pierce:
Hydrasynth 2.0 LFO/Envelope Quantize feature overview.
Performance demo, by ASM Senior Product & Design Manager Dominic Au, focusing on new features in 2.0:
You can learn more about the Hydrasynth line at the ASM website:
Hydrasynth keyboard
Hydrasynth desktop
Hydrasynth Deluxe
Hydrasynth Explorer
