ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe

Overview

The Hydrasynth Deluxe represents Ashun Sound Machines' most fully-featured keyboard synthesizer, combining wavetable oscillators with deep modulation architecture and expressive polyphonic aftertouch in a 73-key format. It is designed to balance instant access, intuitive workflow, and complex sound design capabilities.

Main Features

Sound Engine

• 16 voices, 3 oscillators per voice
• Analog modeling (Osc 1–3) and WaveScan wavetable synthesis (Osc 1+2)
• Select from hundreds of waveforms, then morph / mutate / warp them freely
• Mutants 1–4: FM-Lin, WavStack, OSC Sync, Harmonic, PhazDiff, PW variants
• Ring-Noise module for additional timbral blending
• Filter 1: 16 types including vocal formant filters
• Filter 2: Classic state-variable 12dB/octave, two modes
• Filters in series or parallel configuration
• Loopable ADSR envelopes with Delay and Hold stages
• Curve and BPM-synced values for each envelope segment
• Up to 4 trigger sources per envelope
• LFOs 1 and 2 with standard waveforms; Step LFO with programmable step values

Effects

• Pre/Post FX: Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor, Distortion
• Delay: 5 types including Left-Right-Center and Reverse; all tempo-syncable
• Reverb: 4 types with pre-delay, damping, and lengths up to 90 seconds
• Reverb "Freeze" feature
• Global bypass of any or all FX modules
• Effects can be independent or shared between Upper/Lower parts in Multi mode

Hardware

• 73-key Polytouch® keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and velocity
• Ribbon controller: Pitch Bend, Theremin, or Modulation modes
• Backlit pitch bend and modulation wheels
• Octave Down/Up buttons, Chord mode button, Glide button
• Two independent OLED displays (Left: patch info/graphics; Right: parameter editing)
• 8 Control knobs + 8 Control buttons with LED rings
• MIDI In/Out/Thru (5-pin DIN), USB Type-B (class-compliant)
• Four 1/4" balanced outputs: Main/Upper L/R and Lower L/R
• Two front-panel headphone jacks with independent volume control
• Sustain pedal input (polarity-sensing), assignable Expression pedal input
• CV/Gate: 5 outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod1, Mod2, Clock) + 2 inputs (Mod1, Mod2)
• Detachable laptop shelf, Kensington lock port
• Overflow mode: link two Hydrasynth units for up to 32-voice polyphony (Single mode)

Quick Start

Connections

Power using the included 12VDC / ≥2A supply. Lower speaker/mixer volume before powering on. Connect Main/Upper L/R outputs (1/4") to mixer or audio interface for stereo; use Left only for mono. USB is for MIDI only — it is not an audio output. The Hydrasynth Deluxe is USB class-compliant; no drivers required.

For headphones: power the unit on first, then connect. The front-panel headphone jacks have their own independent level control. Both 1/4" and 1/8" sizes are provided.

Selecting Patches

Press [SINGLE] to enter Single mode. Turn the Patch knob to browse one patch at a time. Hold [SHIFT] + Patch knob to jump between banks. Use the Left/Right arrow buttons for single steps, or hold [SHIFT] with them to jump 10 at a time. Press [BROWSE] to open the full browser with name, category, and sort options.

Arpeggiator Quick Reference

Filter Section

The Filter section has two select buttons and five knobs. Select Filter 1 or Filter 2 with the buttons, then use the knobs. Knobs 1 and 2 are always Cutoff and Resonance. For Filter 1, knob 3 controls Drive. For Filter 2, knob 3 morphs the filter between LP/BP/HP (or LP/Notch/HP depending on type).

Top Panel Layout

Button Types

Access buttons (colored letters): Open the parameter page for that module. Press repeatedly to scroll through pages.

Function buttons (white letters): Make immediate changes — load a patch, toggle something, activate a Macro. Examples: [ON], [EXIT], [HOME].

Control knobs: Endless encoders. On Home page = Macro controls. On parameter pages = value adjustment. Also edited for Upper, Lower, or Both in Multi mode.

Control buttons: Paired with each Control knob. On Home page: Macro trigger/toggle. On parameter pages: select a value for editing or toggle a setting.

Knob Types

• 270° encoders: Have upper and lower limits (e.g., Master Volume, Filter Cutoff)
• Endless encoders: No range limits; editing starts from current value
• Selection knobs: Click between fixed positions to select values (Arpeggiator section). Swing parameter can be set to intermediate values.

The Displays

Left display: Patch selection, bank/number, and helpful graphics.

Right display: Parameter selection and adjustment; shows current page contents when any Access button is pressed.

Rear Panel

Main Systems

HOME Button

Returns to the top level (Home page) of Single or Multi mode, where Macro controls are available. From any other page, press HOME to return immediately. Hold [SHIFT] + [HOME] to send an "All Notes Off" command to silence stuck MIDI notes.

SAVE Button

Opens the Save page to store an edited patch to a new location, rename it, assign a category (Bass, Pad, etc.), and choose a color for the Patch knob and wheels. Also determines whether Macro knob positions are stored as-is, returned to zero, or saved as direct parameter edits. [SAVE] + [SYSTEM SETUP] together set the boot-up patch.

INIT Button

Reset a parameter: Hold [INIT] + press the Control button next to that parameter. Lit Control buttons indicate edited parameters.

Initialize a Module: Hold [INIT] → press the module's Access button → confirm with [INIT] again. Press [EXIT] to cancel.

Initialize a Patch: Press [INIT] twice. Clears the Edit buffer entirely.

RANDOM Button

Randomize a parameter: Hold [RANDOM] + press the lit Control button next to the parameter.

Randomize a Module: Hold [RANDOM] → press module Access button → confirm with [RANDOM] again.

Random Patch (Single mode): Press [RANDOM] twice for a generated random patch. Or hold [SHIFT] + press [RANDOM] twice for PATCHRND, which draws from existing patches.

Multi mode: Select [Upper] or [Lower] then press [RANDOM] to randomize that part. Select [Multi] + press [RANDOM] twice to randomize the parts inside the Multi (mode/balance/octave/arp settings stay). Hold [RANDOM] + press [Multi] + press [RANDOM] again to randomize Multi settings only (Upper/Lower sounds untouched).

SHIFT Button

Accesses secondary functions shown in orange text under controls. Also accelerates value selection: hold [SHIFT] + turn the Patch knob to jump between banks, or hold [SHIFT] + turn a Control knob for fine-tuning a parameter with a large range. See Control Shortcuts for a full list.

EXIT Button

Lit as soon as you enter any page. Returns to the previous page. Cancels Initialize, Randomize, or Save operations if you change your mind. The Home page is the only page where EXIT is not lit.

VOICE Button

Accesses Voice module parameters: pitch bend range, vibrato, mono/poly/unison modes, glide settings, scale selection, Analog Feel, and Random Phase settings. See Voice Module section.

MACRO ASSIGN Button

Opens the Macro assignment page. Eight Macros per patch, each with up to eight modulation routes. Control knobs and Control buttons operate the Macros from the Home page. In Multi mode, up to 16 Macros are available (2 per Control knob set). See Mastering the Macros section.

MOD MATRIX Button

Reveals the digital patch bay with up to 32 modulation routes per patch or layer. Sources include LFOs, Envelopes, both types of Aftertouch, three MPE parameters, Ribbon, Expression pedal, CV inputs, and any MIDI CC. Destinations can be nearly any Hydrasynth parameter, including other Mod Matrix routes, Macros, Mod 1/2 CV outputs, and any MIDI CC. See Mod Matrix section.

PAGE Up / Down

Lit when more parameter pages exist in that direction. Both lit = pages available in both directions. Hold [SHIFT] + lit arrow to jump to first or last page.

Module Groups

The Module Select section contains 26 Access buttons arranged to reflect signal flow from left (oscillators) to right (outputs). Pressing a button opens the first parameter page for that module; Page Up/Down navigates additional pages.

Vertical lines between module buttons indicate: a pre-wired connection (e.g., Env 1/LFO 1 to Filters; Env 2/LFO 2 to Amp), the ability to route in Series or Parallel (Filters), or order of operations (Delay output feeds Reverb input).

Module Shortcuts

Create Mod routes: Hold one Module Select button (source) and press another (destination) to create a Mod Matrix route directly.

Select Macro Destinations: Hold [MACRO ASSIGN] and press a Module button to assign Macro destinations.

Copy / Paste settings: Hold a Module button and press [SAVE] to copy its settings; hold the destination module and press [SAVE] to paste.

Oscillator Group

Oscillators 1 and 2

OSC 1 and 2 can operate in two modes: Single (one waveform) or WaveScan (sweep through a table of waveforms). Both support analog modeling and wavetable waveforms.

Single Mode

Standard oscillator mode. Select one waveform from the Waveform List and shape it with Mutants. All standard oscillator parameters are available.

WaveScan Mode

The oscillator sweeps through a list of up to 8 waveforms you select. The Scan knob (or a modulation source) moves the playback point through the wavetable, morphing between adjacent waveforms. This is the Hydrasynth's primary wavetable synthesis method.

Oscillator Bit Reduction

Reduces the bit depth of the oscillator output for lo-fi digital textures. Available as a parameter within OSC 1 and 2.

Mutants 1–4

The Mutants are wave-processing modules applied after the oscillator. Each Mutant type fundamentally alters the oscillator's waveform in different ways. They are available for OSC 1 and OSC 2.

About Ratio

When a Mutant type involves a secondary frequency relationship (e.g., FM-Lin, OSC Sync), the Ratio parameter sets the frequency relationship between the carrier and modulator oscillators. Integer ratios produce harmonic results; non-integer ratios create inharmonic, bell-like tones.

Ring-Noise Module

Provides two additional sound sources: a Ring Modulator output (from the interaction of two oscillators) and a Noise Generator. Both can be mixed in the Mixer module and routed independently to Filter 1, Filter 2, or both. Useful for percussive transients, metallic tones, and noise-based textures.

Oscillator 3

OSC 3 operates similarly to OSC 1 and 2 but without the Mutants. It provides a third independent oscillator per voice for additional thickness or detuning. Available waveforms come from the same Waveform List.

Waveform List

The Hydrasynth Deluxe includes hundreds of waveforms drawn from analog-modeled, wavetable, and hybrid sources. These are organized in the Waveform List accessed from any oscillator's parameter pages. Waveforms can be browsed by name and previewed in real time while a note is held.

Mixer Module

The Mixer controls the relative levels and routing of all oscillator signals before they reach the filters. Each source — OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3, Ring, and Noise — has its own level, pan, and filter routing settings.

Setting Levels

Individual level knobs for each oscillator and the Ring+Noise module. Adjust to blend sources before filtering.

The Solo Function

Hold the Control button next to any oscillator's level to solo that source. All other sources are temporarily muted for quick audition of individual oscillators in context.

Pan Positions

OSC 1–3 and Ring+Noise each have independent stereo pan settings. Pan can be modulated via the Mod Matrix for animated stereo movement.

Filter Routing

Each source can be routed to:

• Filter 1 only
• Filter 2 only
• Both filters (series or parallel depending on Filter Configuration)
• Bypass both filters (direct to Amp)

Filter Configuration

The two filters can be placed in series (signal passes through Filter 1, then Filter 2) or parallel (both filters process the signal simultaneously, outputs mixed). This is set in the Mixer module's Filter Configuration parameter.

Filters

Filter 1

Filter 1 is the primary filter with 16 available types, including compensated and uncompensated variants, as well as vocal formant filters.

Filter 1 Types

• Low Pass (various slopes)
• High Pass
• Band Pass
• Notch
• Vocal formant filters (multiple vowel shapes)
• Compensated and Uncompensated variants available for most types

Filter 1 Parameters — Page 1

Filter 1 Parameters — Page 2

Contains additional filter-specific parameters depending on the selected type, including formant vowel settings, slope variations, and other type-dependent controls.

Filter 2

Filter 2 is a classic state-variable filter at 12dB/octave with two modes. The top-panel third knob morphs Filter 2 between its available states rather than controlling Drive (as on Filter 1).

Filter 2 Parameters

Amp Module

The Amp module sets the final output level of the voice and controls how velocity and LFO 2 interact with the amplitude.

Envelopes

The Hydrasynth Deluxe provides two main envelopes (ENV 1 and ENV 2). Both are loopable ADSR envelopes with additional Delay and Hold stages, and each envelope segment can have its own curve shape and BPM-synced value.

Envelope Features

• Stages: Delay → Attack → Hold → Decay → Sustain → Release
• Each segment has a Curve parameter (linear, exponential, logarithmic shapes)
• Each segment can be set to a BPM-synced time value
• Up to 4 trigger sources per envelope
• Loop modes available for repeating envelope stages

Envelope 1

Pre-wired as the standard filter envelope (controls Filter 1 and Filter 2 Cutoff via ENV 1 Amt). Can also be used as a general modulation source in the Mod Matrix.

Envelope 2

Pre-wired as the amplitude envelope controlling the Amp module. Can also be used as a modulation source in the Mod Matrix.

Envelope Parameters — Page 1

Envelope Parameters — Page 2

Curve settings for each stage, BPM sync options, and trigger source assignments.

Envelope Parameters — Page 3

Loop mode settings and additional trigger/reset options.

Envelope Shortcuts

LFOs

The Hydrasynth Deluxe provides LFO 1, LFO 2, and a Step LFO. LFOs 1 and 2 are traditional cycling modulators with a range of waveforms. The Step LFO is a fully programmable step sequencer used as a modulation source.

LFO Features

• Tempo sync or free-running modes
• Phase offset parameter
• Fade-in time for gradual modulation onset
• One-shot mode (run once, then stop)
• Retriggering options per note-on
• Slew (smoothing) parameter

LFO 1 and 2 — Page 1 Parameters

LFO 1 and 2 — Page 2 Parameters

The Step LFO

The Step LFO is a step sequencer used exclusively as a modulation source. It cycles through a series of programmable steps, each with its own value, producing rhythmic, quantized modulation patterns.

• Up to 64 steps, each with an individually set value
• Step rate can be free-running or BPM-synced
• Slew parameter smooths transitions between steps
• Loop or one-shot modes
• Can be used as a source in the Mod Matrix for any destination

LFO Shortcuts

Effects

The Hydrasynth Deluxe provides a comprehensive set of per-patch effects in a pre/post architecture, plus global bypass options.

Pre and Post FX

Effects are divided into Pre-FX (applied before Delay/Reverb) and Post-FX (applied after). Each patch can have independent Pre and Post effects active simultaneously.

Available Pre/Post Effect Types

Delay Types

Delay Parameters

Time (ms or BPM-synced note division), Feedback, Mix, High/Low damping filters. All delay types can be synchronized to tempo.

Reverb Types

Reverb Parameters

Size/Time (up to 90 seconds), Pre-Delay, Damping (high-frequency rolloff), Mix. The Freeze function locks the reverb tail indefinitely — the reverb sustains at full level with no decay until released.

Bypass and FX Routing

Individual FX modules can be bypassed per patch. System Setup provides a Global FX Bypass menu for bypassing all effects simultaneously. In Multi mode, effects can be set to operate independently per part or be shared between Upper and Lower.

Voice Module

The Voice module contains global patch settings that affect the entire voice: polyphony mode, pitch behavior, scales, and Analog Feel.

Voice Parameters — Page 1

Voice Parameters — Page 2

Voice Parameters — Page 3

VoiceMod Edit

VoiceMod Edit allows per-voice parameter offsets in Unison mode. Each of the stacked voices can have independent variations of pitch, level, pan, and other parameters, creating rich, animated unison effects beyond simple detuning. The Snap function locks VoiceMod values to discrete pitch intervals.

Ribbon Controller

The ribbon controller runs along the front edge of the keyboard. It can operate in three modes and serves as both a performance control and a modulation source.

Ribbon Modes

• Pitch Bend mode: Touch position bends pitch of held notes up or down from center
• Theremin mode: Ribbon acts as a standalone monophonic synthesizer controlled by touch position (pitch) and optionally touch velocity or pressure
• Modulation mode: Touch position generates a modulation signal without affecting pitch

Theremin Mode

In Theremin mode, the ribbon plays notes independently of the keyboard. Default range is 4 octaves with a 1:1 relationship to the keys. Range can be set to 2 or 6 octaves.

Theremin Parameters — Page 1

Theremin Parameters — Page 2

Additional Theremin-specific controls including velocity behavior and envelope interaction when playing via ribbon.

Ribbon as Modulation Source

The ribbon position can be routed to any Mod Matrix destination independently of its pitch/theremin role. Assign it in the Mod Matrix as a source.

Ribbon as Trigger Source

The ribbon can be configured to trigger note events or envelope resets based on touch, enabling performance techniques similar to a touch plate or pressure controller.

Multi Mode Ribbon Behavior

In Multi mode, the ribbon can be set to control the Upper part, the Lower part, or Both, independently of the keyboard zones.

Arpeggiator Section

The Hydrasynth Deluxe arpeggiator is a full-featured performance tool. In Multi mode, each layer (Upper and Lower) has its own independent arpeggiator — they can run separately, together, or in Mono/Separate configurations.

Arp Parameters — Page 1

Arp Parameters — Page 2

Arp Modes

Additional Arp Features

Latch: Keeps notes held without requiring fingers on keys. Arpeggio continues independently of hand position. Works whether an arpeggio is running or not.

Sustain (Shift + Edit): Alternative hold mode accessed via Shift button.

Initialize Arp: Hold [INIT] + press [ARP ON] to reset arp settings to defaults.

Arpeggiator & MIDI

The Hydrasynth arpeggiator can transmit its output via MIDI Out to drive external devices. Arp TX behavior is configured in System Setup MIDI Page 7.

Multi Mode — Arp Configurations

Mono: A single arpeggiator controls both Upper and Lower parts as one.

Separate: Upper and Lower each have their own independent arpeggiator, which can run at different rates, modes, and octave ranges simultaneously.

Mastering the Macros

Macros are performance controls that allow a single knob or button to simultaneously affect up to 8 parameters across any modules in the patch. Each patch has 8 Macros; a Multi provides up to 16. On the Home page, the 8 Control knobs and 8 Control buttons become Macro controls.

Home Page

When Hydrasynth Deluxe is on the Home page, the Control knobs and Control buttons operate Macros. Each Macro knob turns continuously to sweep its assigned destinations through their programmed range. Each Macro button can be set to Toggle, Trigger, Switch, or Reset mode (configured in System Setup Master Page 2).

Creating a Macro

Press [MACRO ASSIGN] to enter the Macro edit page. Eight Macro slots are shown. Select a slot, then assign destinations using the following process:

1. Press [MACRO ASSIGN] to open the Macro page
2. Select the Macro slot with a Control button
3. Press [MACRO ASSIGN] again — or use the Module shortcut (hold Macro slot + press module) to assign a destination
4. Set the Depth (amount) and Min/Max range for the destination
5. Repeat to add up to 8 destinations per Macro
6. Name the Macro using the naming page

Macro Slot Copy

To copy a Macro slot to another location, hold the source Macro button and press the destination Macro button.

Save Options

When saving a patch with Macros, you can choose how Macro knob positions are stored:

• As-Is: Store the current Macro knob positions as the patch's starting state
• Zero: Reset all Macro knobs to center/zero on patch load
• Edit: The Macro edits are burned into the underlying parameter values; Macros reset to center

Multi Mode Macros

In Multi mode, each Control knob can control two Macros — one for Upper, one for Lower. You can specify per-Macro whether it controls Upper, Lower, or Both parts. Up to 16 Macros total are accessible in Multi mode.

The Mod Matrix

The Mod Matrix provides up to 32 modulation routes per patch or layer. These are in addition to the Macros. Almost any parameter can be a destination, and the sources list is extensive.

Creating Mod Routes

The Whole Process: Press [MOD MATRIX] → select an empty slot → choose a Source from the source list → choose a Destination from the destination list → set the Depth (positive or negative) → save the patch.

The Shortcut: Hold a source Module Select button, then press a destination Module Select button. This opens the Mod Matrix at a pre-filled route with those two modules.

Direct Assignment: From within a module's parameter page, hold a Control button next to a parameter and press a source module button to create a direct route targeting that specific parameter.

Notes About Mod Routes

• Depth can be positive or negative, and fractional values are supported
• A Mod Matrix destination can itself be another Mod Matrix route's Depth parameter, enabling modulation of modulation
• Macros can be Mod Matrix destinations and sources
• MIDI CC numbers can be both sources and destinations

Shortcuts

Modulation Sources

Modulation Destinations

Virtually any Hydrasynth parameter can be a destination, including:

Chord Mode

Chord mode allows a single key press to play a chord of up to 8 notes. Press the [CHORD] button to activate it.

Creating a Chord

Hold [CHORD] until it flashes. Play the notes you want in the chord — simultaneously or one at a time. The lowest note entered becomes the root. When done, release [CHORD]. Notes can be entered beyond a normal octave span by pressing them one at a time.

Chord Mode Rules

• Chord must contain between 2–8 notes; fewer than 2 will not be stored; more than 8 are ignored
• Chord mode forces mono mode (last note priority) on the keyboard
• All chord notes are quantized to the notes within the selected scale
• The chord is not transmitted over USB or MIDI — only the played root note is sent
• The chord is not saved with the patch and will be erased on power cycle

Multi Mode Chord Behavior

In Multi mode, the Upper and Lower parts can share the same chord or each can have its own independently defined chord.

Multi Mode Overview

Multi mode is like having two complete 8-voice Hydrasynths under your fingertips, plus a Command Center that manages their interaction. Each Multi contains two independent patches — the Upper part and the Lower part.

Single vs. Multi Mode Comparison

Parts and Patches

A Multi patch holds two Single patches (Upper and Lower) plus the Multi settings that define how they interact. Single patches used in a Multi retain their original stored data — editing them within a Multi does not overwrite the original. You can copy a Multi's Upper or Lower to Single mode for independent use.

Multi Mode Controls

• [MULTI] button: Enter Multi mode
• [SINGLE] button: Return to Single mode
• [UPPER] / [LOWER] buttons: Select which part the top panel controls are editing. Colors change to indicate active part.
• Balance knob: Adjusts the relative levels of Upper and Lower parts

Overview of Multi Edit Mode

Press [MULTI] + [EDIT] (or navigate to Multi Edit) to set the Multi's configuration parameters:

• Mode: Dual (layer/split/overlap) or KeySplit
• Split point: Keyboard note where Upper and Lower zones divide
• Crossfade: Velocity or key crossfade width at the split/layer boundary
• Velocity switch point: In Dual mode, a velocity threshold determines which part plays
• Octave offsets: Independent octave shifts for Upper and Lower parts
• Note ranges: Define which keys trigger each part
• Controller assignments: Sustain pedal, wheels, and ribbon assigned to Upper, Lower, or Both
• Arp enable: Enable/disable arpeggiator per part
• FX sharing: Effects can be independent or shared

Patch Banks in Multi Mode

Multi mode has 5 banks of 128 Multi patches, for 640 total Multis. These are separate from the Single mode patch banks (8 × 128 = 1,024). Browsing, Favorites, and Save all operate similarly to Single mode but apply to the Multi structure.

Multi Edit

Browsing in Multi Mode

Use [BROWSE] to access the Multi browser. Browse Multi patches by Name, Category, or Number. You can also browse the Upper and Lower Single patches independently to swap just one part of a Multi. Copy Upper or Lower to Single mode for independent use.

Saving the Multi

Multi Save Page 1: Name the Multi, select a destination bank and slot.

Multi Save Page 2: Category, color options, and whether to save the Multi's current Upper/Lower patches as embedded versions or keep links to the originals.

Edit Upper or Lower

Press [UPPER] or [LOWER] to make that part active on the top panel, then navigate to any module as you would in Single mode. All parameters are per-part.

Edit Both Parts Simultaneously

In certain editing contexts you can target Both parts at once — for example, adjusting the filter cutoff on both Upper and Lower simultaneously. The top panel color scheme indicates whether you're editing one part or both.

Initialize / Randomize in Multi

• Initialize Multi: Resets the Multi settings (mode, zones, controllers) but leaves parts intact
• Initialize Upper/Lower: Resets that individual part's patch
• Randomize Multi settings: Randomizes Multi-level parameters (mode, zones, balance, octaves, arp) without affecting the Upper/Lower sounds
• Randomize parts: Randomizes the Upper or Lower patch independently

Upper / Lower Outputs in Multi

When both Lower output cables are connected, the Lower part is automatically routed to the Lower outputs. Both Lower outputs must be connected for automatic routing — if only one is connected, Lower stays combined with Main/Upper. In Multi Layer mode, effects can be independent or shared between parts.

CVs and Multis

CV/Gate outputs in Multi mode can be sourced from the Upper part, Lower part, or operate independently. Configure in System Setup CV pages.

Multi Mode & Arpeggiator

Arp Mode: Mono

A single arpeggiator controls both Upper and Lower parts simultaneously. Both parts follow the same arp settings, tempo, and timing.

Arp Mode: Separate

Upper and Lower each have their own fully independent arpeggiator. Different modes, octave ranges, rates, and swing settings can be used simultaneously for polyrhythmic or layered arp performances.

Each part's arpeggiator can be enabled or disabled independently within Multi Edit mode.

CV / Gate Section

The Hydrasynth Deluxe includes a complete set of CV and Gate connections for integration with modular synthesizers and other CV-capable gear.

Output Connectors (1/8" TS)

Input Connectors (1/8" TS)

Control Voltages

• Pitch output: 1V/octave standard
• Gate output: configurable voltage level to match gear requirements
• Clock output: configurable pulse width and division

CV Polyphony

CV/Gate outputs can be configured for polyphonic operation, distributing multiple note pitches and gates across multiple output pairs when combined with additional hardware.

Esoteric Uses

The CV architecture supports creative patching beyond standard pitch/gate:

• CV Attenuator: Use the Mod Matrix Depth to scale incoming CV signals before applying them internally
• CV Inverter: Negative Depth values in the Mod Matrix effectively invert incoming CV polarity
• Process Audio: Audio-rate signals from modular gear can feed the CV inputs, enabling audio-rate modulation effects
• CVs and Arpeggios: Arpeggiator pitch output can be sent to the Pitch CV output to drive external oscillators with the Hydrasynth's arpeggio patterns

Clocks and Sync

The Clock output sends a pulse based on the current tempo and selected clock division. System Setup CV Page 9 sets the clock division. The Hydrasynth can also receive external clock via CV for sync to modular sequencers.

Patch Management

Using the Browser

Press [BROWSE] to open the patch browser in the Right display. Three sort methods are available:

• By Patch #: Numerical order within the bank
• By Name: Alphabetical listing
• By Category: Grouped by type (Bass, Pad, Lead, Keys, FX, etc.)

Compare Feature

While browsing, the Compare feature lets you audition a patch from the browser against your currently active (but unsaved) Edit buffer. Toggle Compare to flip between the stored patch and your live edits without losing either.

Favorites

Up to 128 Favorites can be stored in a shared bank accessible from both Single and Multi modes. Assign any patch as a Favorite from the Browse page's Favorite sub-menu. Hold [SHIFT] + [BROWSE] to jump directly to the Favorites bank from any page.

Saving a Patch

Press [SAVE] to open the Save page.

1. Select a destination bank and slot (or overwrite current)
2. Name the patch using the character entry page
3. Select a Category
4. Choose Macro Options (As-Is / Zero / Edit)
5. Choose a color for the Patch knob LED and wheels
6. Confirm save

Patch Protection

Factory patches can be protected from accidental overwrite. Protected patches display an indicator and require confirmation before overwriting.

Patch Backup

Patches can be sent via MIDI SysEx for backup and transfer. Use the Send Patch / All Patches option in System Setup MIDI Page 7. The free ASM Manager librarian software (available from AshunSoundMachines.com) provides a graphical interface for managing patch banks.

System Setup Pages

Press [SYSTEM SETUP] to access the global settings. 13 pages cover all hardware, MIDI, CV, and calibration settings. Changes are saved using Save System State.

Master Page 1

Master Page 2

Keys Page 3

MIDI Page 4

MIDI Pages 5–7

Pages 5–7 cover MIDI channel assignments (Global or Separate per part), Bank Select and Program Change behavior, Aftertouch transmit options, MPE configuration, NRPN parameter send/receive, patch SysEx send, Overflow mode, Arp TX, and Program Change TX/RX settings.

CV Pages 8–10

Page 8 (CV Pitch/Gate): Source selection for Pitch CV output — Keyboard or Theremin mode. Page 9 (CV Clock): Clock output division setting. Page 10 (CV Mods): Assign modulation sources to Mod 1 and Mod 2 CV outputs.

Calibration Page 11

Ribbon calibration (run if ribbon response is drifting) and Wheel calibration (run if pitch/mod wheels are not returning to center correctly). Follow on-screen instructions for each calibration procedure.

System Page 12

Factory reset options and system information.

OS Page 13

Firmware update page. Check current OS version and initiate firmware update via USB from a computer. Check AshunSoundMachines.com for the latest firmware.

MIDI

MIDI Connections

The Hydrasynth Deluxe has three 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors: MIDI Out (sends from Hydrasynth), MIDI In (receives), and MIDI Thru (passes MIDI In signal to another device unchanged — does not include data generated by the Hydrasynth itself).

USB Type-B port provides class-compliant MIDI over USB with no drivers required.

MIDI TX / RX — AsGlobal

All MIDI activity uses a single global channel for both transmit and receive. Simplest configuration for single-instrument setups.

MIDI TX / RX — Separate

In Multi mode, Upper and Lower parts can have independent MIDI TX and RX channels. This allows each part to be recorded and played back on separate MIDI tracks in a DAW.

MIDI CC Chart — Key Controls

Full CC charts (sorted by Module and by CC Number) are included in the Hydrasynth Deluxe manual Appendix (pages 124–127).

Overflow Mode

Link two Hydrasynth units via MIDI for up to 32-voice polyphony in Single mode. The master unit sends overflow note data to the slave unit's MIDI In. Configure in System Setup MIDI Page 7. Only available in Single mode.

Parameter Automation

All Hydrasynth parameters can be automated via MIDI CC or NRPN from a DAW. Use System Setup MIDI Page 7 to configure which parameter send/receive options are active.

Control Shortcuts

[INIT] + Button Combinations

[RANDOM] + Button Combinations

[SHIFT] + Button Combinations

Module Shortcuts

Scales

Preset Standard Scales

The Hydrasynth Deluxe includes a comprehensive set of preset scales accessible from the Voice module. When Key Lock is active, the keyboard only plays notes within the selected scale.

Standard scales include: Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Locrian, Pentatonic Major, Pentatonic Minor, Blues, Chromatic, Whole Tone, Diminished, and others.

Preset Microtuning Scales

A set of preset microtuning scales provides non-Western and experimental tuning systems. These alter the actual pitch of each note from standard 12-TET tuning. Examples include just intonation, quarter-tone, and historical temperaments.

Custom Scale

Build a custom scale by enabling or disabling specific notes within an octave. The keyboard highlights available notes when Key Lock is active with a custom scale.

Microtuning Import

Custom microtuning scale files (such as Scala .scl format) can be imported via the Microtuning Menu in System Setup Master Page 2. This allows for any arbitrary equal or unequal temperament.

Deluxe Specifications

Physical

Rear Panel Connections

Top Panel Connections

Control Voltages

Front Panel Connections