The new “ASM Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Units” is an exclusive limited edition with a bright orange paint job that’s sure to turn heads. If you thought the original Hydrasynth was great but boring-looking, you’re going to love this new look!
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Units
It’s been about five years since Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) shook up the synth world with the Hydrasynth. At Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo this weekend and Machina Bristronica next week, the manufacturer is set to reveal a limited-edition Hydrasynth Explorer that looks like it fell into a can of ASM’s logo paint. If you thought that the Hydrasynth’s rather conservative looks didn’t go too well with its massive sonic possibilities, the “Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Units” – yes, that’s the official name – should be right up your alley.
The baby Hydrasynth has been dipped in orange paint all over – even the touch strips for pitch and modulation are orange. However, unlike some special editions from Arturia or AKAI, ASM has stopped short of making the keys all orange. I think that’s probably a good idea to keep the synth playable.
Technically, the limited edition is identical to the regular version of the Hydrasynth Explorer. It boasts the same powerful wave morphing architecture as its bigger siblings, as well as their massive modulation capabilities. Like the larger Hydrasynths, it also has MPE and polyphonic aftertouch, albeit in a compact format with 37 slim keys.
Why 888 units, you ask? Let me quote a section of the press release to enlighten you:
[…] not only is 888 a strobogrammatic number, meaning that the numerals used are rotationally symmetric so appear the same when read upside down, the number itself represents triple fortune in numerology! Needless to say, ‘Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Units’ will surely appeal to both numerology enthusiasts and synth collectors alike”
So if you’re a synth enthusiast who also happens to be into numbers (and fortune!), the “Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Units” gets you everything in one go!
Price and Availability
The ASM Hydrasynth Explorer 888 Units will be available in November 2024 for $799 / £715 / €859 (MSRP).
Meanwhile, you can get the regular Hydrasynth family from Thomann*.
More information
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer Videos
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