Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $621
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "ASM Hydrasynth Explorer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock a world of sonic exploration with the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer, a compact powerhouse designed for both studio and stage. This digital wavemorphing synthesizer is tailored for musicians who crave versatility and innovation in their soundscapes. Featuring 37 velocity-sensitive keys with full polyphonic aftertouch, this synth offers an expressive playing experience that truly responds to your touch.
Dive into its rich sound palette with 3 oscillators, each boasting 219 single-cycle waveforms and unique WaveScan parameters, allowing seamless modulation through wavetables. Experiment with the Wavelist mode to crossfade up to 8 wavetables, crafting evolving textures and dynamic tones. Its dual-filter setup, with 11 different filter models, provides endless opportunities to shape your sound, from classic warmth to modern edge.
The Hydrasynth Explorer is equipped with a comprehensive modulation matrix, offering 32 user-definable routings, 5 DAHDSR envelopes, and 5 LFOs featuring unique functionalities like delay, fade-in, and smoothing. Its arpeggiator, with 8 modes including ratchet and swing, adds rhythmic complexity to your compositions.
Designed for intuitive control, the synth includes 8 high-resolution encoders with LED rings and OLED displays for clear visual feedback. With USB and MIDI connectivity, along with CV gate outputs, it seamlessly integrates into any setup. Plus, its optional battery operation means you can take your creativity anywhere.
Key Features:
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys with full polyphonic aftertouch
- 8 voices and monotimbral design
- 3 oscillators with 219 waveforms and Wavelist mode
- Dual filters with 11 filter models
- Comprehensive modulation matrix with 32 routings
- 5 DAHDSR envelopes and 5 LFOs
- Arpeggiator with 8 modes
- USB, MIDI, and CV connectivity
- Optional battery operation for portability
Product specs
| Available since | December 2021 |
| Number Of Keys | 37 |
| Touch-Sensitive | Yes |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Split Zones | No |
| Modulation Wheel | Yes |
| Number of simultaneous Voices | 8 |
| Sound Engine | Digital |
| MIDI interface | 1x In, 1x Out, 1x Thru |
| Storage Medium | None |
| USB-port | Yes |
| Effects | Yes |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 2 |
| Digital Output | No |
| Display | Yes |
| Pedal Connections | 1x Pedal, 1x Sustain |
| Dimensions | 554 x 247 x 58 mm |
| Weight | 10,0 kg |
FAQs
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Is the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and compact design. It offers extensive sound design options that are intuitive to explore, making it a great choice for those new to synthesis.
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Does the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer have aftertouch capabilities?
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Yes, the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer features aftertouch, allowing for expressive playing by responding to the pressure applied to the keys after the initial strike.
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How many voices can the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer play simultaneously?
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The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer can play up to 8 voices simultaneously, providing ample polyphony for creating complex and layered sounds.
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What kind of sound engine does the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer use?
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The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer uses a digital sound engine, which allows for a wide range of sound design possibilities and intricate modulation options.
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Does the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer have a built-in sequencer?
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While the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer does not have a traditional sequencer, it features LFOs with a STEP mode that can create patterns with up to 64 steps, offering versatile sound shaping capabilities.
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Can the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer connect to a computer via USB?
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Yes, the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer has a USB port, enabling easy connectivity to a computer for MIDI control and integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs).
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What are the key dimensions of the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer?
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The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer measures 554 x 247 x 58 mm, making it a compact and portable synthesizer ideal for small studio spaces or on-the-go music production.
Videos
Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech
Patch Battle Feat. Dan Bingham - Arturia Minifreak vs ASM Hydrasynth Explorer
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional polyphonic aftertouch for expressive playing
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Versatile MIDI controller capabilities, with customizable CC/NRPN sending
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Compact and portable, fitting easily in a backpack
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High-quality construction with sturdy knobs and solid feel
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Intuitive programming interface and straightforward sound manager software
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Battery operation for on-the-go music creation
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Deep modulation matrix and wide range of sound design possibilities
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Acts as an effective MPE controller for software synths
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Firmware 2.0 enhances functionality significantly
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Offers a unique sound palette, capable of both cold, digital tones and warm, analog-like sounds
CONS
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Lacks the step sequencer of larger models
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Some factory presets are dull and unexciting
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Missing CV inputs compared to bigger versions
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Mini-keys may not suit all players despite quality feel
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Knob placement can obstruct screen visibility
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Requires a certain level of synth knowledge for full potential
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Reported issues with LFO modulation quality and engine stability
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Rear jacks may feel less secure than desired
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Sound character might not satisfy those seeking purely analog emulation
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Some users report difficulty achieving standout sounds despite extensive features
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ASM Hydrasynth Explorer.
Build quality
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Some users dislike the stiff knobs and heavy weight of the Explorer, which can detract from the overall user experience.
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Features and functionality
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The Hydrasynth Explorer offers factory patches that function as percussion loops, highlighting its versatility in sound design.
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The Hydrasynth Explorer includes a randomize feature that allows for individual setting or complete patch randomization, aiding in sound design.
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The Explorer's reverb effects are often criticized as lacking character, prompting users to supplement with external DAW plugins.
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The Hydrasynth Explorer is praised for its polyphonic aftertouch, which significantly enhances playability and expressiveness.
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The Hydrasynth Explorer's arpeggiator is highly valued for its sound design capabilities, but some owners wish for more accessible modulation controls over LFOs.
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Mini keys on the Explorer are described as exceptionally high quality, making it a viable option even as a MIDI controller.
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Comparisons
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The Minilogue XD is noted for its ease in creating 'meat and potatoes' sounds quickly, contrasting with the more intricate patch creation required by the Hydrasynth.
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The Hydrasynth Explorer's custom LFOs enable better drum machine-like sounds and loops compared to the Minilogue XD.
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Owners note the Modwave offers more direct controls, greater modulation depth, and additional features like sample oscillators compared to the Hydrasynth Explorer.
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Compared to the Arturia MiniFreak, the Hydrasynth Explorer's interface is noted for being menu-heavy, whereas the MiniFreak offers more accessible controls.
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User experience
Software and compatibility
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A missing MIDI thru port limits daisy-chaining capabilities, requiring additional equipment for complex setups.
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Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings
186
Fantastic sound design tool
This is a great tool for making sounds quick, or for going in deeper, creating lush, transforming sounds that can carry a whole track
155
Very Thoughtful
ASM created a very thoughtful and inspiring instrument. I love the form factor of the Explorer, affording me the same engine as all the other Hydrasynths, but compact and portable. The polyphonic aftertouch keyboard is worth the purchase alone. Sound design on Hydrasynth is deep, but streamlined by the layout and flow chart on the controls and logical multifunction knobs and buttons. It doesn’t hurt that this keyboard is pretty to look at too. I love my Hydrasynth!
110
Inexpensive good synth, too much product dependent language. For recording rather than performance.
The presets are horrible and need hours of tweaking. The good part of that is the learning experience is grand. Good arpeggiator and lots of easy fun with it. The renaming of patches is easy. And the return of system defaults easy and often tempting. The pitch bend strip makes sense.
Artist usage
Add artist
At 4:10 a hydrasynth explorer can be seen above the mixer. This is clearly the explorer due to it having 37 keys.
In this Instagram post from cEvin you can clearly see a Hydrasynth Explorer on the right.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ASM Hydrasynth Explorer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
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