ASM Polytouch HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER

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Summary

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

General Safety Precautions

Lists essential safety measures to prevent hearing damage and ensure proper device operation, including reading instructions and avoiding water.

Main Features Overview

User Interface

Details the intuitive workflow, front-panel controls, OLED displays, Macro controls, and Arpeggiator features of the Hydrasynth Explorer.

Sound Engine

Explains the 8-voice polyphony, analog modeling, WaveScan synthesis, hundreds of waveforms, and dual filter system.

QUICK START GUIDE

Getting Started

Provides initial setup steps, including unboxing, connecting power and audio, using the mixer, headphones, and master volume.

Inside the Box

Lists the items included with the Hydrasynth Explorer, such as the unit itself, manual, and power supply.

Powering Up and Audio

Covers power options (DC adapter, batteries), audio connections to mixers or headphones, and master volume control.

OVERVIEW

Top Panel Layout

Illustrates the Hydrasynth Explorer's top panel, labeling the main sections: Arpeggiator, Main Systems, Filter Controls, and Master Control.

General Concepts

Explains Access buttons, Function buttons, Control knobs, Control buttons, Module Select buttons, knob types, and the OLED displays.

Main Systems

Patch Selection and Navigation

Details how to select, browse, and manage patches using the Patch knob, Browse button, and Favorites banks for quick access.

Saving and System Setup

Covers saving patches, system setup pages for global settings, and initializing parameters or modules using INIT and RANDOM buttons.

Master Control Section

Initialization and Randomization

Explains how to initialize and randomize parameters, modules, or entire patches using the INIT and RANDOM buttons.

Macro Assignment and Modulation Matrix

Explains the Macro Assign button for performance controls and the Mod Matrix for creating modulation routes.

Filter Controls

Module Select and Performance Controls

Describes how to select modules for editing and outlines performance features like Pitch/Mod strips, Octave/Chord buttons, and CV outputs.

Rear Panel Connections

UNDERSTANDING THE MODULES

Module Groups Overview

Introduces module groups: Oscillator, Mixer, Filter, Envelope, LFO, and Amp, explaining their basic functions and signal flow.

THE OSCILLATOR GROUP

Oscillator Modes and Parameters

Covers Oscillators 1 and 2, their Single and WaveScan modes, and parameters like Mode, Semi, Wave, Cents, and Keytrack.

THE MIXER MODULE

Level and Solo Functions

Explains mixer parameters for setting levels of Oscillators, Ring, and Noise, and details the Solo function for isolating sources.

THE FILTERS AND THEIR CONTROLS

Filter 1 Parameters

Details Filter 1 types, compensated vs. uncompensated filters, and parameters like Type, Cutoff, Control, and Resonance.

THE AMP MODULE

Parameter Interactions

Explains how LFO 2 Amount, Velocity Envelope, and Amp Level interact to control the amplitude of the patch.

THE ENVELOPES

Envelope Basics and Parameters

Introduces envelopes, their DAHDSR form factor, adjustable curves, time-based segments, triggers, and parameters like Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release.

THE LFOS

LFO Basics and Parameters

Explains LFOs, their features, and parameters including Wave, Rate, Phase, and Level, covering LFOs 1 and 2.

THE EFFECTS

Effect Types and Basic Controls

Covers Pre- and Post-FX modules, Bypass, and the Chorus and Flanger effect types with their parameters.

THE VOICE MODULE

Voice Parameter Pages 1 and 2

Details voice parameters for Polyphony, Analog Feel, Density & Detune, Stereo Mode, Random Phase, and Warm Mode.

THE ARPEGGIATOR SECTION

Arpeggiator Modes and Basic Parameters

Explains Arpeggiator modes like Up, Down, Alt, and Octave modes, plus parameters for Tempo, Division, Swing, and Gate.

MASTERING THE MACROS

Macro Assignment and Setup

Guides users through creating, assigning, and editing Macros, covering the Home page, Macro Assign, and Destination settings.

THE MOD MATRIX

Creating and Managing Mod Routes

Details how to create mod routes using the Mod Matrix, covering the whole process, shortcuts, direct assignment, and modulation sources.

THE CV; GATE SECTION

CV;Gate Basics and Connections

Explains Control Voltage (CV) and Gate concepts, CV/Gate Polyphony, Compatibility, Clocks and Sync, and the Mod Matrix routing for CV outputs.

PATCH MANAGEMENT

Using the Browser and Sorting

Covers patch browsing, sorting methods (Patch #, Name, Category), comparing patches, and assigning favorites.

THE SYSTEM SETUP PAGES

Operational Notes and Basic Settings

Explains system setup navigation, saving settings, Master page parameters (Transpose, Tuning, Knob Modes), and battery type.

CONTROL COMBINATIONS

Module Initialization and Randomization

Details combinations for initializing modules with [INIT] and randomizing with [RANDOM], including [INIT] + Control Button X.

SPECIFICATIONS

Physical and Connection Details

Lists physical dimensions, weight, and details of rear panel connections including MIDI, USB, Headphone, Outputs, and CV/Gate.