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ASM Hydrasynth Explorer 37 Key Synthesizer
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Your Price: $899.99 CDN
or from $95 CDN/mo
The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER is the ultimate in power and portability, offering the powerful Hydrasynth sound engine together with battery powered operation and a new ASM PolyTouch® polyphonic aftertouch mid-sized keybed. The greatest attention has been put to its user interface, making sound creation a breeze. This is the ultimate companion for a portable setup, where a smaller footprint in needed.
Utilizing an advanced wavetable synthesis engine, 3 Oscillators, dual Wave Mutators and 2 filters that can be configured in series or parallel, the tone generating capabilities are unmatched. As for the performance capabilities, The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER has ASM's proprietary 37-note mid-sized Polytouch™ keybed that offers polyphonic aftertouch over each note, giving you the type of expressive control found only in certain vintage synths.
Polytouch™ Keybed
The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER features the ASM Polytouch 37-note mid-sized semi-weighted keybed, allowing both ON/OFF velocity and aftertouch as well as full polyphonic aftertouch. In recent years companies have been trying to find ways to give the keyboard musician more ways to better express themselves. The problem is that their solution is almost never a keyboard, so you have to learn a new technique to play them. The Polytouch keybed features high quality, mid-sized keys, so you can start playing it instantly.
Oscillators
The tone generation capability is the heart of any synthesizer. The 3 oscillators allow you to choose from a selection of 219 single cycle waveforms. Wavemorphing is a feature usually found on synths with preset wave tables. Creating user wavetables is arduous or downright impossible. Unlike most wavetable synths, ASM's oscillators 1 & 2 have our WAVELIST mode. This mode allows you to pick and choose 8 waves, from their bank of 219, arrange them in the order you want, and then morph from one to another.
Master Controls
The Master Control section is where all parameter editing, patch naming, and Macro performing is done. Using OLED screens, high-resolution encoders with LED rings, and 8 buttons, this section is designed to give you good feedback on what is going on. The VOICE parameters give you access to play modes, analog feel, voice panning and many other features.
Patches
The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER comes with 5 banks of 128 patches in total. Finding the patch you want and searching the library is made easy with our BROWSER. The PC/MAC based Patch Manager application also allows easy moving of patches to create your favorite order as well as load in new patch libraries in the future.
Effects
The effects chain goes beyond the typical ones found in other synths. Pre-effects and post-effects give you some unique ways to process your sound. The delays and reverbs were modeled on some of the most popular effects on the market. The effects are the perfect way to complete your sound, in the box.
Specifications
PHYSICAL SPECS
• Chassis Construction: All metal; steel top and bottom, aluminum side panels
• Number of keys: 37 mid sized keys
• Keybed: PolyTouch Semi-weighted
• Aftertouch: Polyphonic aftertouch
• Velocity Sensitive: yes
• 5 banks of 128 patch memories
• CV gate input and outputs
- Support multiple CV/GATE standards
- Clock in and out: 1PPS, 2PPQ, 24PPQ, 48 PPQ
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB
• Expression pedal input: 1 x 1/4"
• Sustain pedal input: 1 x 1/4"
• DC input jack
• USB port: 1 x Type B
• Supports USB MIDI In/Out
Dimensions: 55.6 x 25.5 x 7.8 cm (21.9 x 10 x 3.1 inches)
Weight: 3.4kg (7.5 lbs)
SOUND PATH SPECS
• 8 Voice Advanced Wavetable synthesis
• 2 Wavemorphing Oscillators
- 219 single cycle waveforms
- User wavetables - 8 user selectable 'wavelist' per osc to build user wavetables
• 1 fixed Wave OSC
- 219 single cycle waveforms
• Dual Mutators per oscillator
• Noise Generator with 7 noise sources
• Ring modulator
- Selectable input sources
- Depth control
• Sound source mixer: Mix the following sources - OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, Noise, and Ring Mod
• Two Filters
- Series or parallel routing
MODULATION SPECS
• 5x Low Frequency Oscillators
• 5x Envelope Generators
• Matrix modulation
- 32 slots for source-destination mod routings with amount
• 8x Macro knobs and buttons
- Each macro knobs allows positive and negative of up to 8 destination controls
• Arpeggiator
- 7 modes
- Octave Range: 1,2,3,4
- Play Order, Swing, Gate time, Ratchet (repeats notes), and Chance (sets how often the ratchet takes place)
EFFECTS
Pre and Post effects: Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with side chain), Distortion
Delay: Mono, Stereo, Panning, LCR, Reverse
Reverb: Hall, Room, Plate, Cloud
Utilizing an advanced wavetable synthesis engine, 3 Oscillators, dual Wave Mutators and 2 filters that can be configured in series or parallel, the tone generating capabilities are unmatched. As for the performance capabilities, The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER has ASM's proprietary 37-note mid-sized Polytouch™ keybed that offers polyphonic aftertouch over each note, giving you the type of expressive control found only in certain vintage synths.
Polytouch™ Keybed
The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER features the ASM Polytouch 37-note mid-sized semi-weighted keybed, allowing both ON/OFF velocity and aftertouch as well as full polyphonic aftertouch. In recent years companies have been trying to find ways to give the keyboard musician more ways to better express themselves. The problem is that their solution is almost never a keyboard, so you have to learn a new technique to play them. The Polytouch keybed features high quality, mid-sized keys, so you can start playing it instantly.
Oscillators
The tone generation capability is the heart of any synthesizer. The 3 oscillators allow you to choose from a selection of 219 single cycle waveforms. Wavemorphing is a feature usually found on synths with preset wave tables. Creating user wavetables is arduous or downright impossible. Unlike most wavetable synths, ASM's oscillators 1 & 2 have our WAVELIST mode. This mode allows you to pick and choose 8 waves, from their bank of 219, arrange them in the order you want, and then morph from one to another.
Master Controls
The Master Control section is where all parameter editing, patch naming, and Macro performing is done. Using OLED screens, high-resolution encoders with LED rings, and 8 buttons, this section is designed to give you good feedback on what is going on. The VOICE parameters give you access to play modes, analog feel, voice panning and many other features.
Patches
The HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER comes with 5 banks of 128 patches in total. Finding the patch you want and searching the library is made easy with our BROWSER. The PC/MAC based Patch Manager application also allows easy moving of patches to create your favorite order as well as load in new patch libraries in the future.
Effects
The effects chain goes beyond the typical ones found in other synths. Pre-effects and post-effects give you some unique ways to process your sound. The delays and reverbs were modeled on some of the most popular effects on the market. The effects are the perfect way to complete your sound, in the box.
Specifications
PHYSICAL SPECS
• Chassis Construction: All metal; steel top and bottom, aluminum side panels
• Number of keys: 37 mid sized keys
• Keybed: PolyTouch Semi-weighted
• Aftertouch: Polyphonic aftertouch
• Velocity Sensitive: yes
• 5 banks of 128 patch memories
• CV gate input and outputs
- Support multiple CV/GATE standards
- Clock in and out: 1PPS, 2PPQ, 24PPQ, 48 PPQ
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB
• Expression pedal input: 1 x 1/4"
• Sustain pedal input: 1 x 1/4"
• DC input jack
• USB port: 1 x Type B
• Supports USB MIDI In/Out
Dimensions: 55.6 x 25.5 x 7.8 cm (21.9 x 10 x 3.1 inches)
Weight: 3.4kg (7.5 lbs)
SOUND PATH SPECS
• 8 Voice Advanced Wavetable synthesis
• 2 Wavemorphing Oscillators
- 219 single cycle waveforms
- User wavetables - 8 user selectable 'wavelist' per osc to build user wavetables
• 1 fixed Wave OSC
- 219 single cycle waveforms
• Dual Mutators per oscillator
• Noise Generator with 7 noise sources
• Ring modulator
- Selectable input sources
- Depth control
• Sound source mixer: Mix the following sources - OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, Noise, and Ring Mod
• Two Filters
- Series or parallel routing
MODULATION SPECS
• 5x Low Frequency Oscillators
• 5x Envelope Generators
• Matrix modulation
- 32 slots for source-destination mod routings with amount
• 8x Macro knobs and buttons
- Each macro knobs allows positive and negative of up to 8 destination controls
• Arpeggiator
- 7 modes
- Octave Range: 1,2,3,4
- Play Order, Swing, Gate time, Ratchet (repeats notes), and Chance (sets how often the ratchet takes place)
EFFECTS
Pre and Post effects: Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor (with side chain), Distortion
Delay: Mono, Stereo, Panning, LCR, Reverse
Reverb: Hall, Room, Plate, Cloud
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
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A portable synth as powerful as the full blown Hydrasynth Deluxe? 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store White Rock, British Columbia
I couldn’t afford the big version, nor did I have space for it but it could do some amazing things. I expected a watered down version of Explorer so they could upscale. HOWEVER, I find even better!
I could bring it with me everywhere (yes, it has battery compartments), it retains the amazing build quality and the keys are polyphonic aftertouch!
Interface is intuitive considering so many features and elements AND it makes a great MIDI controller making presets with names by the 4 knobs.
I’ve made some really out of the world sounds with it already; it really does have a rich soundscape.
Posted by Albert on Aug 13, 2023
Wow! One of the best synths 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Langley, British Columbia
I have tons of analog and a few digital synths but I’m reaching for the Hydrasynth a lot these days, especially for the upper layers.
Excellent midi controller, you can name custom knobs and buttons and save them for each VST.
Polyphonic aftertouch, MPE!! Had to lower sensitivity a tad but it’s all configurable.
Paper manual!! So handy having it and flipping through real paper.
CV controls, I can sync clock with Volcas or anything else basically. Top is plastic but you don’t even notice, it’s hard and bottom is metal so you can aftertouch no problem hard.
Build quality is amazing for this range. Did they use their parent company that makes digital pianos for some of the design? It just feels right. The rubber buttons are okay but I love the LED feedback on page keys. LFO, etc. Asks if you accidentally change patch so you don’t loose yours.
And the sound!! I’ve always liked Hydrasynth engine but too expensive, now I have it!! And in the form factor I prefer. The FM synthesis and stuff is cool. I’m still learning but it’s such a lush sound. Sounds a lot more musical for a digital synth, especially with a few slight adjustments. Mod/pitch strips are not bad. I actually like the pitch wheel like this. Mod wheel I wish I could see value real time. Same with aftertouch. It’s still firmware 1.0.0 so we’ll see if we get any goodies as such.
Battery bay? Many might not need it but sometimes it’s so handy in bed with headphones or when camping. Love changing ring colour.
Thank you ASM!! I’ll be watching you for future products. I’m so happy so far.
Excellent midi controller, you can name custom knobs and buttons and save them for each VST.
Polyphonic aftertouch, MPE!! Had to lower sensitivity a tad but it’s all configurable.
Paper manual!! So handy having it and flipping through real paper.
CV controls, I can sync clock with Volcas or anything else basically. Top is plastic but you don’t even notice, it’s hard and bottom is metal so you can aftertouch no problem hard.
Build quality is amazing for this range. Did they use their parent company that makes digital pianos for some of the design? It just feels right. The rubber buttons are okay but I love the LED feedback on page keys. LFO, etc. Asks if you accidentally change patch so you don’t loose yours.
And the sound!! I’ve always liked Hydrasynth engine but too expensive, now I have it!! And in the form factor I prefer. The FM synthesis and stuff is cool. I’m still learning but it’s such a lush sound. Sounds a lot more musical for a digital synth, especially with a few slight adjustments. Mod/pitch strips are not bad. I actually like the pitch wheel like this. Mod wheel I wish I could see value real time. Same with aftertouch. It’s still firmware 1.0.0 so we’ll see if we get any goodies as such.
Battery bay? Many might not need it but sometimes it’s so handy in bed with headphones or when camping. Love changing ring colour.
Thank you ASM!! I’ll be watching you for future products. I’m so happy so far.
Posted by Albert on Apr 30, 2022
Great Synth and Midi controller 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Montréal, Quebec
I needed a midi controller and had a price range in mind. I was always interested in the Hydrasynth but don't have the space for the 49 key version. This one fit the bill perfectly. I can control all the software VST's I own with this and have a Hydrasynth at the same time!
The build quality is excellent, the encoders are the same quality as the ones on the other Hydrasynth models, the top is a high quality plastic and the bottom is metal. The semi weighted poly aftertouch mini keys surprisingly very good!
Overall I highly recommend this if you're into sound design or just want a high end hardware VA synth on the relative cheap.
The build quality is excellent, the encoders are the same quality as the ones on the other Hydrasynth models, the top is a high quality plastic and the bottom is metal. The semi weighted poly aftertouch mini keys surprisingly very good!
Overall I highly recommend this if you're into sound design or just want a high end hardware VA synth on the relative cheap.
Posted by Levelup on Mar 31, 2022
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrasynth Explorer 37 Key Synthesizer | 761989 |
