RedMeansRecording Takes Us Through the ASM Hydrasynth Joyride

Get ready to be mesmerized by the ASM Hydrasynth! In RedMeansRecording’s latest video, we uncover the magic behind this electronic beast. From sound selection to sequencing wizardry, it’s a crash course in synth heaven. Perfect for those who love a good beat-making session and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty.

The Synth Odyssey Begins

RedMeansRecording kicks things off with an introduction to the ASM Hydrasynth, and boy, are we in for a treat. Calling this a ‘crash course’ is an understatement; it’s more like a synth symphony rolled into one juicy tutorial. Jeremy, the mastermind behind RedMeansRecording, has just dropped a pack of 128 patches aptly named Ignition Sequence, designed to elevate your sonic experience on the Hydrasynth. For newbies, hang tight, because it might get a little fast-paced. But for the pros out there, Jeremy teases some new tricks even for those well-versed in the ways of the synth. The Hydrasynth offers a delectable range of sounds with its three oscillators, packed with waveforms from saws to wavetables, ready to be tweaked into oblivion.

"So think of this as a crash course in the Hydrosynth for those that are familiar with it."

Unleashing the Oscillators

The real fun begins as Jeremy dives into the nitty-gritty of the oscillator section. The Hydrasynth’s three oscillators blast out individual waveforms like saws, pulses, and wavetables, and things get wild from there. Jeremy shows how you can morph these waves, turning your sound into a dynamic beast. The scale lock feature is a game-changer, snapping your creations into a musical grid of your choosing, whether it’s pentatonic or something funkier. Plus, with the sound effects via the arpeggiator, your beats will have more texture than a well-loved vinyl record. You can play with the polyphonic settings, switch modes to unison, and let the detuning begin. Whether you want a simple vibe or something that shakes your walls like a vintage boombox, the Hydrasynth’s got you covered. Jeremy’s way of explaining makes even complex setups feel accessible, dropping knowledge like it’s hot.

Making Waves with Modulation

"Detuning is going to make things feel a little bit lusher and richer at the expense of coherency."

Ever wanted to feel like an audio wizard? Jeremy dives into the mod matrix, expanding on how modulation can breathe life into those synth patches. With a few tweaks, you can introduce vibrato to your leads via the LFOs, or employ polyphonic aftertouch to add expressiveness to each note. Need that wave scanned magic? Wave scan mode lets you morph between up to eight different wave forms, providing a lush or gritty texture. It’s like crafting a sonic Mixtape with endless possibilities. Jeremy’s not just blowing smoke here; he demonstrates how even a beginner can ride the waveforms and find their groove. And don’t sleep on those random phase settings to ensure your vibe stays unpredictable, just like a night out in Chicago.

Filters and Mutants: Unleashing the Beast

Filters? Check. Mutants? Check. Jeremy dives deep into the Hydrasynth’s capable filter section. With different filter types at your disposal, from the classic Moog-like ladder to modern flavors, Jeremy guides you on how to sculpt your sound precisely. He shows us how to exploit the Drive feature for that extra sonic crunch. Now onto the Mutants section, where PWM and FM techniques live in glorious harmony. Not only does Jeremy show the standard fare, but also how to twist these elements into sounds that echo throughout the synth world. By entering the Mutant section, you’re essentially teleporting into the gritty underworld of sound design where happy accidents make the most memorable tracks. With vivid examples, Jeremy exhibits how to coax warmly lush or aggressively thrilling textures right from the keys.

"You can get really, really creative with filter routing and mixer routing and also your oscillator initial waveform."

The Mixer: Creativity Unleashed

Jeremy paints the mixer section as the playground of the Hydrasynth. It’s where your inner mad scientist can truly thrive. He showcases how turning oscillators on and off using LFOs can lead to mesmerizing movement within a patch. Add a sprinkle of reverb and delay, and you’ve got a concoction worth sharing. Through practical demonstrations, Jeremy shows how to turn simple sine waves into a flowing composition, where oscillators dance to the rhythm of looping envelopes. This segment is like street food for thought – complex, layered, and surprisingly tasty to the ear. Jeremy emphasizes the power of looping envelopes to create sounds that are almost living, changing and morphing as they unfold.

Step LFOs and Masterful Sequencing

"Basically any of these LFOs can turn into sequencers and they can be pitch sequencers or they can be not pitch sequencers."

Ah, the pièce de résistance: step LFOs. With Jeremy at the helm, this section shows how the Hydrasynth turns simple notes into an intricate symphony of sound. Using the step LFOs, you’re not just making music; you’re crafting sequences that could score anything from a quiet city street to a bustling marketplace. Jeremy demonstrates how to layer up to three sequences, blending them like a DJ at the peak of their set. Add in macros for real-time control during performances, and you’ve got a setup that’s as dynamic as it is killer. Jeremy’s wit and expertise shine through, making all those knobs and sliders feel less intimidating and more like old friends.