ASM Polytouch HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER User manual

Owner’s Manual
EDIT SUSTAIN
MODE
TEMPO
OCTAVE
RATCHET CHANCE
DIVISION SWING
GATE
IN PUTS
MOD 1 MOD 2 PITCH GATE MOD 1 MOD 2 CLOCK
OUTPUTS
MASTER
VOLUME
PHONES
OC TAVE
1 432
5 876
TRIPLET TAP
TEMPO
LATCHON
GLIDE RIBBON
DOWN UP CHORD
HOME
PAGE
EXIT
VOICE
MACRO
ASSIGN
MOD
MATRIX
MIDI INDC USB SUSTAINEXPRESSIONMIDI THRUMIDI OUT L/MONO OUTPUT RPOWER
UP
UP & DN ORDER
RANDOM
CHORD
PHRASE
DOWN
UP / DN
OFF
58 62
66
70
75
52
54
1
2
3
4
1 32
1 16
1 8
1 4
MAX
MIN
FILTER
1
FILTER
2
ENV 1DRIVE / MORPH LFO 1RESONANCECUTOFF
00
-10 +10
PANIC
FAVORITE
RANDOM
BROWSE
SYSTEM
SETUP
SAVE
FILTER CONTROLS
MODULE SELECT
MASTER CONTROLMAIN SYSTEMSCV / GATE
ARPEGGIATOR
SHIFT
INIT
R L/MONO SUSTAIN EXPRESSION THRU OUT
MIDI
IN
OUTPUT PEDAL 12V 1000mA
OSC
2
OSC
1
MUTANT
3
MUTANT
1
MUTANT
4
MUTANT
2
OSC
3
RING-
NOISE
MIXER
LFO
1
FILTER
2
FILTER
1
LFO
2
ENV
1
AMP PRE-FX
ENV
2
LFO
3
LFO
4
REVERB
DELAY
ENV
3
LFO
5
POST-FX
ENV
4
ENV
5

EDIT SUSTAIN
MODE
TEMPO
OCTAVE
RATCHET CHANCE
DIVISION SWING
GATE
IN PUTS
MOD 1 MOD 2 PITCH GATE MOD 1 MOD 2 CLOCK
OUTPUTS
MASTER
VOLUME
PHONES
OC TAVE
1 432
5 876
TRIPLET TAP
TEMPO
LATCHON
GLIDE RIBBON
DOWN UP CHORD
HOME
PAGE
EXIT
VOICE
MACRO
ASSIGN
MOD
MATRIX
MIDI INDC USB SUSTAINEXPRESSIONMIDI THRUMIDI OUT L/MONO OUTPUT RPOWER
UP
UP & DN ORDER
RANDOM
CHORD
PHRASE
DOWN
UP / DN
OFF
58 62
66
70
75
52
54
1
2
3
4
1 32
1 16
1 8
1 4
MAX
MIN
FILTER
1
FILTER
2
ENV 1DRIVE / MORPH LFO 1RESONANCECUTOFF
00
-10 +10
PANIC
FAVORITE
RANDOM
BROWSE
SYSTEM
SETUP
SAVE
FILTER CONTROLS
MODULE SELECT
MASTER CONTROLMAIN SYSTEMSCV / GATE
ARPEGGIATOR
SHIFT
INIT
R L/MONO SUSTAIN EXPRESSION THRU OUT
MIDI
IN
OUTPUT PEDAL 12V 1000mA
OSC
2
OSC
1
MUTANT
3
MUTANT
1
MUTANT
4
MUTANT
2
OSC
3
RING-
NOISE
MIXER
LFO
1
FILTER
2
FILTER
1
LFO
2
ENV
1
AMP PRE-FX
ENV
2
LFO
3
LFO
4
REVERB
DELAY
ENV
3
LFO
5
POST-FX
ENV
4
ENV
5

DESIGN & DIRECTION
• Glen Darcey
PRODUCT MANAGER
• Dominic Au
ENGINEERING
• Chen Jiejun (engine)
• Banner Xu (software) • Yang Zhihang (software)
• Ye Haipeng (electronic) • Chen Si (electronic) • Luo Liangsheng (electronic)
• Fu Jieming (Mechanics) • Liang Weiming (Mechanics)
• Zhou Peng (Mechanics) • Fan Xiaoxian (Mechanics)
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
• Gao Chao • Long Ping
TESTING
• Zheng Wei Cheng • Ken “Flux” Pierce • Maria Zhang • Randy Lee • Leng An
SOUND DESIGN
• Drew Anderson
• Dominic Au
• Roger Austli
• Jim Cowgill
• Glen Darcey
• Daniel Fisher
• Mord Fustang
• Boele Gerkes
• Rob Jervons
• Ken “Flux” Pierce
• Matt Pike
• Aquila Rift
• Ben Scheer
• Paul Schilling
• Matia Simovich
MANUAL
• Randy Lee (author) • Nancy Lee (design & layout)
© Ashun Sound Machines – 2021 – All rights reserved.
www.AshunSoundMachines.com
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Ashun Sound Machines. The software described in this
manual is provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The
software license agreement species the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of
this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than the
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of Ashun Sound Machines.
All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
SPECIAL THANKS

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Save Your Ears!
The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplier, headphones or speakers,
may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for
long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable.
If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, please consult an audiologist.
Precautions Include, but Are Not Limited to, the Following:
1. Read and understand all the instructions.
2. Always follow the instructions on the
instrument.
3. Before cleaning the device, always remove
the USB and DC cable. When cleaning, use
a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline,
alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any other
organic solutions; do not use a liquid
cleaner, spray or cloth that’s too wet.
4. Do not use the device near water or
moisture, such as a bathtub, sink, swimming
pool or similar place.
5. Do not place the device in an unstable
position where it might accidentally fall
over.
6. Do not place heavy objects on the device.
Do not block openings or vents of the
device; these locations are used for air
circulation to prevent the device from
overheating. Do not place the device near
a heat vent at any location with poor air
circulation.
7. Do not open or insert anything into the
device that may cause a re or electrical
shock.
8. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the
device.
9. Always take the device to a qualied service
center. You will invalidate your warranty
if you open and remove the cover, and
improper assembly may cause electrical
shock or other malfunctions.
10. Do not use the device with thunder and
lightning present; it may cause electrical
shock.
11. Do not expose the device to hot sunlight.
12. Do not use the device when there is a gas
leak nearby.
13. Refer to all manufacturers’ instructions
regarding the proper installation, use, and
disposal of batteries.
14. Ashun Sound Machines is not responsible
for any damage or data loss caused by
improper operation of the device.
Specifications Subject to Change
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However,
Ashun Sound Machines reserves the right to change or modify any of the specications without notice
or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.
Before Requesting Service...
Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service. Service charges
incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature works (when the product is
operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner’s
responsibility.

5
CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions . 4
Welcome to Hydrasynth
Explorer!..................................9
Main Features .............................9
User interface ...............................9
Patch features...............................9
Sound engine...............................9
Eects ......................................9
Hardware ..................................10
Quick Start Guide ...................11
Inside the Box ............................11
Save Your Receipt!..........................11
Plug It In...................................11
Power .....................................11
Audio......................................11
USB........................................12
MIDI .......................................12
CV/Gate ...................................12
Make Some Noise! .......................12
Select Patches .............................12
Octave shift................................12
Arpeggiator basics .........................12
Tweaking the sounds.......................13
Saving .....................................13
Check for Updates .......................13
That’s Enough Reading for Now. .......13
Overview ................................14
Top Panel: Hydrasynth Explorer ........14
General Concepts ........................14
Access buttons.............................14
Function buttons ..........................14
Control knobs..............................15
Control buttons ............................15
Module Select buttons .....................15
Knob types ................................15
The displays ...............................15
Main Systems .............................16
The HOME button..........................16
The SAVE button ...........................16
System Setup ..............................16
The INIT button ............................16
The RANDOM button ......................17
The SHIFT button ..........................17
Master Control Section ..................17
EXIT button ................................18
PAGE Up / Down buttons ...................18
VOICE button ..............................18
MACRO ASSIGN button.....................18
MOD MATRIX button .......................18
Arpeggiator Section .....................18
Filter Controls.............................19
Module Select ............................19
Performance Controls ...................19
Chord mode ...............................19
Rear Panel.................................20
CV/Gate connectors ........................20
Outputs ...................................20
Sustain pedal input ........................20
MIDI .......................................20
USB........................................20
Power .....................................20
Kensington lock............................20
Understanding the Modules...21
Module Groups...........................21
Oscillator group ............................21
Mixer module ..............................21
Filter group ................................21
Envelope group ............................21
LFO group .................................21
Amp module...............................21
FX group ..................................22
Voice module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Module Shortcuts ........................22
Create Mod routes .........................22
Select Macro Destinations ..................22
Copy / Paste settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
The Oscillator Group ..............24
Oscillators 1 and 2........................24
Switching modes...........................24
Single mode ...............................24
WaveScan mode ...........................25
Oscillator 3 ................................25
Mutants 1–4 ..............................26
FM-Lin .....................................26
WavStack ..................................26
OSC Sync ..................................26
About Ratio................................27

6
Window ...................................27
Pulse Width modulation....................27
PW-Orig ...................................28
PW-Sqeez..................................28
PW-ASM [Warp] ............................28
Harmonic ..................................28
PhazDi ...................................29
Ring-Noise Module ......................30
Waveform List ............................30
The Mixer Module ..................31
Mixer parameters: pages 1-2............31
Setting Levels ..............................31
The Solo Function..........................31
Mixer parameters: pages 3-4 ...........31
Set the Pan Positions .......................32
Mixer parameters: pages 5-6 ...........32
Filter Routing of Sources....................32
Filter Conguration ........................32
The Filters and their Controls . 33
Filter 1 .....................................33
Filter 1 types ...............................33
Compensated vs. Uncompensated lters ....33
Filter 1 parameters: page 1 .................33
Filter 1 parameters: page 2 .................34
Filter 1 parameters: page 3 .................35
Filter 2 .....................................35
Filter 2 parameters: page 1 .................35
Filter 2 parameters: page 2 .................36
The Amp Module ....................37
How the Parameters Interact ...........37
LFO 2 Amount .............................37
Velocity Envelope (Vel Env) .................37
Amp Level .................................37
The Envelopes ........................38
What’s an Envelope? .....................38
Envelope features ..........................38
Envelopes 1 and 2..........................38
Envelope parameters: page 1 ...............38
Envelope parameters: page 2 ...............39
Envelope parameters: page 3 ...............39
Envelope parameters: page 4 ...............39
Envelope parameters: pages 5-6 ............40
Envelope Shortcuts ......................41
Copy Env A to Env B ........................41
Create a direct Mod route ..................41
The LFOs.................................42
What’s an LFO? ...........................42
LFO features ...............................42
LFOs 1 and 2 ...............................42
LFO parameters: page 1 ....................42
LFO parameters: page 2 ....................43
LFO parameters: page 3 ....................43
LFO parameters: page 4 ....................44
LFO Shortcuts..............................45
The Eects..............................46
Pre- and Post-FX..........................46
Bypass.....................................46
Chorus ....................................46
Flanger ....................................46
Rotary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Phaser .....................................47
Lo-Fi.......................................47
Tremolo ...................................48
EQ.........................................48
Compressor................................48
Distort .....................................49
Delay Types ...............................49
Delay Parameters ........................49
Reverb Types .............................50
Reverb Parameters.......................50
Freeze the Reverb ..........................50
Mod Route Shortcut .....................50
The Voice Module ..................51
Voice Parameters: page 1 ...............51
Polyphony settings.........................51
How does Analog Feel?.....................51
Density & Detune ..........................51
Voice Parameters: page 2 ...............51
Stereo mode ...............................51
Random Phase .............................52
Warm mode ...............................52
Voice Parameters: page 3 ...............52
Pitch Bend .................................52
Vibrato settings ............................52
Voice Parameters: page 4 ...............53
Glide settings ..............................53
Voice Parameters: page 5 ...............53
Key Lock...................................53
Snap.......................................53
Select a Scale ..............................54
Custom Scale ..............................54

7
Microtonality ..............................54
The Arpeggiator Section ........55
Arp Edit Mode ............................55
Arp parameters: page 1 ....................55
Arp parameters: page 2 ....................55
Arp parameters: page 3 ....................56
Arp parameters: page 4 ....................57
Additional Arp Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Latch and Sustain ..........................57
Initialize the Arp............................57
The Arpeggiator & MIDI ....................57
Mastering the Macros.............58
Home Page................................58
Make a Macro.............................58
Assign a Destination .......................58
Name the Macro ...........................59
Save the Patch: Macro Options .........59
Macro Button Response .................59
Preset Macro Name List .................60
The Mod Matrix ......................61
Creating Mod Routes ....................61
The Whole Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
The Shortcut ..............................61
Direct Assignment .........................62
Notes About Mod Routes...................62
More Shortcuts ...........................62
Clear a Mod Slot ...........................62
Clear the Entire Mod Matrix.................62
Be Random ................................62
Modulation Sources .....................62
Modulation Destinations ................63
The CV / Gate Section .............64
Basic Concepts ...........................64
A Few More... .............................64
CV/Gate Polyphony ........................64
Clocks and Sync............................64
Compatibility ..............................64
Output Connectors ......................65
Pitch ......................................65
Gate ......................................65
Mod 1 and 2 ...............................65
Clock ......................................65
CVs and Arpeggios.......................65
Patch Management ................66
Using the Browser........................66
Browse parameters: page 1 .................66
Sort Methods ..............................66
Browse parameters: page 2 .................66
Compare ..................................67
Favorite Assign... ...........................67
Browse Favorites ...........................67
Save the Patch ............................67
Patch Protection ...........................67
Save parameters: page 1 ...................68
Name the Patch ............................68
Select a Category ..........................68
Save parameters: page 2 ...................68
Macro Options ............................68
Choose a Color.............................69
Patch Backup ..............................69
The System Setup Pages.........70
Operational Notes .......................70
Navigation.................................70
Access, Action..............................70
Saving the Settings.........................70
Save System State ..........................70
Notes About Notes.........................70
Master: Page 1............................70
Master: Page 2............................70
Master: Page 3............................71
Knob Mode ................................71
Knob Speed ...............................71
Tempo Lock................................71
Macro Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Master: Page 4............................71
Safe Edit ...................................71
Battery type ...............................71
Microtuning Menu .........................72
Keys: Page 5...............................72
Velocity settings ...........................72
Keys: Page 6...............................73
Aftertouch settings ........................73
MIDI: Page 7 ..............................73
Clock Sync .................................73
Local ......................................73
MIDI: Page 8 ..............................74
Aftertouch Transmit ........................74
MIDI: Page 9 ..............................74
What is MPE?...............................74

8
MIDI: Page 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Parameter send/receive options ............75
What’s a NRPN? ............................75
Send Patch / All Patches ....................75
MIDI: Page 11 .............................75
Overow ..................................75
Arp TX.....................................75
Pgm Chg TX / RX ...........................75
CV – Pitch Gate: Page 12.................76
CV – Pitch Gate: Page 13.................76
CV – Clock: Page 14 ......................76
Clock Division .............................76
CV – Mods: Page 15 ......................77
Calibration: Page 16......................77
Calibrate Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
System: Page 17 ..........................77
OS: Page 18 ...............................77
Control Combinations ............78
[INIT] + Button X .........................78
[INIT] + Control Button X ................78
[RANDOM] + Button X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
[SHIFT] + Button X .......................79
[SHIFT] + Control Knob X................79
[SHIFT] + Control Button X ..............79
Scales .....................................80
Preset Standard Scales ..................80
Preset Microtuning Scales...............81
MIDI CC Charts........................82
Sorted by Module ........................82
Sorted by CC Number....................83
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Physical....................................85
Connections: Rear Panel.................85
CV/Gate/Clock outputs:..................85
Control Voltages ...........................85
Gate Output ...............................85
Clock Output ..............................85
Declaration of Conformity......86
USA ........................................86
CANADA...................................86
EUROPE....................................86

9
WELCOME TO HYDRASYNTH EXPLORER!
Everyone at Ashun Sound Machines would like to thank you for choosing one of our Hydrasynth
instruments. We’re very proud of what we have created, and are condent they will take you into
musical realms that have never been explored.
Every aspect of these ground-breaking devices has been carefully considered, from the way the sounds
are generated and processed, to the intuitive layout of the controls and displays. Everything from
impulse to performance has been optimized to unleash the creative potential of these instruments in
your hands.
Main Features
This chapter will only list the main features of Hydrasynth Explorer. But there are many more, and each
feature and its related parameters will be described in the pages ahead. Advanced users might nd
quick answers to important questions in Specications (p. 85).
User interface
• Intuitive workow, perceived at a glance
• Front-panel controls for instant access to
important features
• Easy shortcuts for mod route construction
• Two independent OLED displays
• 4 Control knobs and 4 Control buttons around
the Right display
• 8 assignable Macros per patch, accessible on
Home page
• Arpeggiator: 8 modes with direction, octave,
chord, and phrase options
• Patch browser: Organize by Name, Category, or
Patch number
• Memorize / instantly recall up to 32 Favorites
• Overow mode can link two units for
expanded polyphony
Patch features
• 5 banks of 128 patches each
• Mono and Unison voice modes, with unison
detune
• Glide with programmable time, curve, trigger
mode
• Mod Matrix with 32 routes per patch
• Programmable Analog Feel emulates the
behavior of analog circuits
• Randomize function for individual modules or
an entire patch
Sound engine
• 8 voices, with three oscillators per voice
• Analog modeling (Osc 1-3) and WaveScan
synthesis (Osc 1+2)
• Select from hundreds of waveforms and then
morph / mutate / warp them at will
• Preset scales with microtonal options and the
ability to import custom scales
• Filter 1: 16 lter types, including vocal formant
lters
• Filter 2: classic state-variable 12dB / octave
with two modes
• Filters can be placed in series or parallel
• Loopable ADSR envelopes with Delay and
Hold stages
• Curve and BPM value for each segment
• Each envelope can have up to 4 trigger
sources
Eects
• Delay: ve types, including Left-Right-Center
and reverse
• All delays can sync to tempo
• Reverb: four types, with pre-delay and
damping parameters
• Reverb lengths to 90 seconds, plus “Freeze”
• Independent Pre/Post FX: Chorus, Flanger,
Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor,
Distortion

10
Hardware
• MIDI In/Out
• USB type B port, class-compliant
• CV/Gate and outputs for integration with
modular synthesizers
• Headphone output
• Stereo 1/4” outputs (balanced)
• Sustain pedal input (polarity-sensing)
• LED Dim feature for darkened rooms
• Kensington lock port
• 37 mini-key, semi-weighted Polytouch®
keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and
velocity sensitivity (note on/o)
• Dedicated controls for Filter and Arpeggiator
sections
• Pitch bend strip and Modulation strip with LED
depth indicator
• Octave Down / Up buttons
• Chord mode with dedicated button
• Can be powered by 8 AA batteries for hours of
portable creativity

11
QUICK START GUIDE
Inside the Box
Your Hydrasynth Explorer was carefully packed at the factory with the following items:
• The Hydrasynth Explorer • This manual • The power supply (12VDC / ≥1A)
Save Your Receipt!
Ashun Sound Machines designed and constructed your Hydrasynth Explorer with extreme attention to
detail. Our quality assurance personnel test each unit thoroughly before it goes out.
But in the unlikely event of a hardware problem, you will need to present your original receipt in order
to obtain warranty service. This will help the service center to conrm your warranty coverage. So
please be sure to save your receipt in a safe location!
Plug It In
Power
Before switching the unit on, please lower the
volume of your speakers or mute the input
channels on your mixer. This will help prevent any
damage to your speakers or ears.
There are two options for powering the
Hydrasynth Explorer: the included power supply
or 8 AA batteries (optional). In either case it is
essential to use only the recommended sources:
• DC power: Use only the power supply that
was in the box with your Hydrasynth Explorer
(12 Volts DC, ≥1 Amp). Make sure the power
switch is in the OFF position before making
this connection.
• Batteries (optional): Use only 1.5V alkaline or
1.2V Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. An icon
in the upper right corner of the Left display
indicates the power source type and battery
levels (when used). To ensure an accurate
indication of battery level, be sure to specify
the type of battery being used on Master: Page
4 (p. 71).
Important notes about using battery power:
• DO NOT MIX BATTERY TYPES; all 8 batteries
must be the same type.
• A separate device must be used to recharge
the Ni-MH batteries. Do not attempt to
recharge alkaline batteries.
• Replace all batteries at the same time with
new (or freshly recharged) batteries of the
same type, model, and manufacturer.
• Insert all batteries according to the +/- polarity
markings inside the battery compartment.
• Always remove the batteries once they are
depleted, or if you do not plan to use the
Hydrasynth Explorer for an extended period of
time. (We know; that’s hard to imagine!)
Audio
Using a mixer
After muting the channel inputs or lowering the
volume of your speakers, connect a pair of 1/4”
cables from the rear-panel output jacks of the
Hydrasynth Explorer to the inputs of your mixer.
Then set the Hydrasynth Explorer power switch to
the ON position.
Using headphones
If you plan to connect headphones to the Phone
jack on the Hydrasynth Explorer, turn the unit
on rst and then connect the headphones. The
headphone level is controlled by the Master
Volume knob.
Master Volume control
The Master Volume knob controls the overall
output level of the Hydrasynth Explorer. It’s
an analog control, which means it does not
communicate its position or movements digitally
via USB or MIDI.
But Master Volume does respond to MIDI CC #7 via
USB and MIDI. So if you are using the Hydrasynth
Explorer with a computer, for example, remember
that you’ll need to adjust its level using a MIDI
track in your DAW.

12
USB
Hydrasynth Explorer is a USB class-compliant
device, so there are no drivers to install. Just plug
it into your computer and it will be available
immediately as a MIDI input/output device.
MIDI
The Hydrasynth Explorer has two 5-pin MIDI
connectors to allow you to interface with other
MIDI devices. MIDI Out sends data from the
Hydrasynth Explorer and MIDI In receives data
from other MIDI devices.
CV/Gate
Your Hydrasynth Explorer has a row of connectors
that are used to interface with modular synthesiz-
ers. Each one can be congured to match the
voltages and signal types of the most popular
formats. For details, see The CV / Gate Section (p.
64).
Make Some Noise!
By now you’ve already played the instrument and tweaked the controls. Now let’s take a quick tour of
some of the main features.
To get started, press the Home button. This will exit any page and take the Hydrasynth Explorer to the
top level of the patch.
Select Patches
There are several ways to explore the patch banks
inside the Hydrasynth Explorer. The simplest
way is to turn the Patch knob (the big one in the
middle). This will move you through the bank one
patch at a time. You’ll see the patch name, bank,
and number in the Left display.
You can also hold [SHIFT] and turn the Patch knob
to jump between the banks. This can save a lot
of scrolling if you know the location of the patch
you’re looking for.
The Browse button opens the patch browser in
the Right display. You’ll want to read the section
Using the Browser (p. 66) to learn about things
like Categories, Favorites, and other search
techniques.
Octave shift
If you want to hear a sound in a higher or lower
range than the keys currently reach, you can shift
the range quickly by one or more octaves. The
Hydrasynth Explorer keyboard has dedicated
buttons above the pitch/mod strips that ash
faster as the range moves further from center; at
maximum shift the buttons are lit solid. To reset
the range, press both buttons.
Arpeggiator basics
Arpeggiators can turn a great sound into a whole performance! So when you’re ready, press the
Arpeggiator [ON] button to activate the arpeggiator. Then hold down two or more keys while experi-
menting with the other controls in the Arpeggiator section. Here’s a quick description of each.
Control Function
Mode Determines the arpeggiator direction and other behaviors.
Octave Sets the range of the arpeggiator.
Division Selects the basic time division of the arpeggiator relative to the tempo.
Swing Eight settings allow you to add a certain amount of “shue feel” to the arpeggio.
On This toggles the arpeggiator on and o. Use it with [SHIFT] to enter Edit mode.
Latch Lets you to take your ngers o the keys and use both hands to adjust parameters. It
works whether an arpeggio is running or not.
Triplet Subdivides the selected Division setting into triplets.
Tap Tempo Tap several times to set the tempo.

13
There are words in orange letters under two of the buttons: EDIT and SUSTAIN. These are used with
the [SHIFT] button to access their secondary functions. We’ll describe those and the other arpeggiator
features in The Arpeggiator Section (p. 55).
Tweaking the sounds
The Right display provides information about what is happening and what the options are, no matter
what you’re doing with the Hydrasynth. We’ll dig down into every parameter eventually, but for now
let’s start at the top again. So please press [HOME] to make sure you’re seeing what we’re describing.
The Home page: Macro City
When Hydrasynth Explorer is on the Home page
the Control knobs and Control buttons become
modulation sources for the Macros. Each Macro
can alter as many as eight parameters at one time
by activating a single control. Every patch has
eight Macros available.
Macros allow you to achieve complex results, but
they’re easy to create. When you’re ready to try
that, see Mastering the Macros (p. 58).
The rest of the Master Control section has buttons
that will be useful in the near future. We’ll cover
them in Master Control Section (p. 17).
The Filter section
This section has two buttons and three knobs. The
buttons select which of the two lters the knobs
will control, after which the knobs can do their
thing.
Knobs 1 and 2 are the same for either lter: they
control Cuto and Resonance, respectively. If Filter
1 is selected the third knob controls the Drive
amount for that lter; if Filter 2 is selected the third
knob allows you to “morph” the characteristics of
that lter.
Those descriptions barely scratch the surface,
though. To delve more deeply into what the
Hydrasynth Explorer lters can do, read The Filters
and their Controls (p. 33).
Saving
In the process of tweaking a sound you will often create something you’d like to keep. If that has already
happened, jump ahead to the Patch Management chapter and follow the instructions in Save the Patch
(p. 67).
Check for Updates
Be sure to visit www.AshunSoundMachines.com soon, and often! It’s your source for important things
such as:
• Firmware updates for your Hydrasynth
Explorer
• An interactive version of this manual
• Banks of new patches from our top-notch
sound design team
• Tutorial videos to help you master the
intricacies of the Hydrasynth Explorer
• The original factory banks
• Our free patch librarian, Hydrasynth Manager
• ...and more!
That’s Enough Reading for Now.
We’ve covered the basics. Now let your creativity go wild!

14
OVERVIEW
The Hydrasynth Explorer represents a perfect balance of instant access, intuitive workow, powerful
features, and great sound, all with a single aim: to make the creation and performance of mind-blowing
music easier and more fun.
Top Panel: Hydrasynth Explorer
Section Name Section Name
1 Master Volume 5 Filter Controls section
2 Pitch / Mod strips, Octave / Chord buttons 6 Main Systems section
3 Keyboard 7 Master Control section
4Arpeggiator section 8 Module Select section
General Concepts
Access buttons
The Access buttons are located in several areas of the top panel. Many of the buttons in the Main
Systems and Master Control sections and all of the buttons in the Module Select section are Access
buttons. Their purpose:
• Press an Access button and the main parameter page for that feature appears in the Right display
for editing.
• If more pages exist, one or both Page buttons will point to the other pages.
• Pressing an Access button repeatedly will also scroll through its pages.
Function buttons
These are the white-lettered buttons, and they make instant changes (switch lters, toggle something,
activate a Macro, etc.). It might help to remember that
• buttons with orange letters select things and
• buttons with white letters do things.
For example: To enable the Arpeggiator, press the [ON] button. To exit any page, press [EXIT] or [HOME].
4
3
2
15
67
8

15
Control knobs
There are two knobs on either side of the Right
display. They are “endless encoders”: parameters
are edited from their current value, rather than
jumping to another value that was based on the
position of the knob.
The Control knobs play dierent roles depending
on the page that has been accessed:
• On the Home page they are used as Macro
controls.
• On a parameter page they are used to adjust
parameter values.
A vertical bar next to each Control knob indicates
value and range; the bar can be unipolar or
bipolar, depending on the parameter. If the
parameter is bipolar, the middle point of the bar =
0.0; values above or below that show an increase
or decrease in the value.
Control buttons
Each Control knob is paired with a Control button.
Their function also depends on the page that has
been accessed.
• On the Home page they can aect a Macro in
one of four ways (Toggle, Trigger, Switch, or
Reset). This choice is made on System Setup
Master: Page 2 (p. 70).
• On a parameter page they are used to:
• select a parameter value for editing
• toggle a value (Oscillator Solo on/o, for
example), or
• enter a lower-level editing page (i.e.,
Wavelist Edit for a WaveScan oscillator).
A dot next to each Control button indicates the
toggle status of certain items (Macro enabled/
disabled, Solo on/o, etc.).
Module Select buttons
These buttons access the parameter pages of the
selected Module (Osc 1, Delay, LFO 5, etc.) The
signal path generally moves from left to right, but
vertical lines between two buttons indicate:
• a pre-wired connection (Env 1 / LFO 1 to
Filters, Env 2 / LFO 2 to Amp), or
• the ability to be routed in Series or Parallel, as
with the Filters, or
• order of operations, such as the output of the
Delay is fed to the input of the Reverb.
The Module Select buttons can be used as a quick
way to set up a Mod Matrix route, too (hold one,
press another). For information about that, see The
Mod Matrix (p. 61).
Knob types
Selection knobs
These are only found in the Arpeggiator section. A
“selection knob” clicks between positions to select
a value. Of these four, only the Swing parameter
can be set to intermediate values (see Swing (p.
55)).
Variable knobs
Hydrasynth uses two types of variable knobs:
• 270° encoders: The range has an upper and
lower limit. Examples: Master Volume, Filter
Cuto
• Endless encoders: These have no range limits,
so an edit always starts from the current value.
The displays
At the center of it all are two high-resolution OLED
displays, also known as the Left display and the
Right display. They serve dierent purposes:
• The Left display is for Patch selection and
helpful graphics.
• The Right display is for parameter selection
and adjustment. Each quadrant shows the
value and status of the current parameter:
• A vertical bar shows value and range; it can
be unipolar or bipolar, depending on the
parameter. If it is bipolar, the middle point
= 0.0; values above or below that show an
increase or decrease in the value.
• A dot shows the status of certain items
(Macro enabled/disabled, Solo on/o, etc.).
When an Access button is pressed, the Right
display and its surrounding controls change
functions to allow instant access to the most-used
parameters. The Page up/down buttons put all
other parameters within easy reach.

16
Main Systems
6Patch selection
One of the major
functions of this
section is patch
selection. There are
several methods, and
you might use them
all at dierent times
depending on what
you’re doing.
Patch knob
From the Home page
you can select an
adjacent patch by
turning the Patch
knob a single click in either direction. You can also
jump between the banks if you hold [SHIFT] while
turning the knob.
Browse
This page lets you alter the way the patches are
presented in each bank. There are three dierent
sort orders: By Patch #, by Name, or by Category.
The Browse page also contains a robust Compare
feature, as well as a sub-menu where you can
designate a patch as a Favorite. You can stash up
to 32 patches in your Favorites bank for instant
access.
For details on each of these functions, see Using
the Browser (p. 66) in the Patch Management
chapter.
Favorites (Shift + Browse)
When you need to nd your best sounds
immediately you can jump straight to your
Favorites bank from any other page.
• Hold [SHIFT] and press [BROWSE] to access
your Favorites
• Use the Page Down/Up arrows to move
between the eight banks of Favorites
• Press the Control button next to the patch
name to select it.
The HOME button
The Home button is in the center of the top panel.
It provides instant access to the Home page. Four
of the eight Macros are located here; press [Home]
again to reach the second set of Macros.
All Notes O
Sometimes MIDI signals are disrupted and a note
becomes stuck. If that happens, hold [SHIFT]
and press [HOME] to transmit an “All Notes O”
command. This will silence any stuck notes.
The SAVE button
Whenever you’ve made an edit that you’d hate to
lose, press [SAVE] to access the Save page. You’ll
be able to select a new location for the edited
patch, rename it, and choose a category for the
sound (Bass, Pad, etc.). You can even decide which
color the knob will be when the patch is selected.
There’s another feature that determines whether
the positions of the Macro knobs will be stored
as-is, returned to zero, or saved as edits to the
parameters they control.
For details on each of these functions, see Save the
Patch (p. 67).
System Setup
This section has 18 pages. It holds all of the
global settings for the keyboard, the knobs, MIDI
functions, the CV/Gate section, etc.
[SAVE] and [SYSTEM SETUP] are used together to
specify the boot-up patch for the Hydrasynth.
For details about each page, see The System Setup
Pages (p. 70).
The INIT button
Reset a parameter
The INIT button will reset any parameter to its
default value: just hold [INIT] and press the
Control button next to that parameter’s value. The
Control button will light up next to any parameter
that has been edited, which helps you know
which one to press.
Initialize a Module
You can reset the parameters for an entire Module
using a similar method:
• Hold [INIT].
• Press the Access button for the desired
module.
• Conrm the decision by pressing [INIT] again.
• If you decide not the initialize, press [EXIT] to
cancel the procedure.

17
Initialize a Patch
If you want to build an entire patch from scratch,
press [INIT] twice in a row. This will erase the
contents of the Edit buer, so be sure to save any
edits you don’t want to lose.
The RANDOM button
If you’re the adventurous type, you will love
this button! It can randomize the value of any
parameter, any module, or even an entire patch.
Randomize a parameter
To randomize a single parameter, hold [RANDOM]
and press the Control button next to that
parameter’s value. The Control button of every
available parameter will light up, so you’ll know
which ones not to press (the dark ones won’t do
anything).
Randomize a Module
You can randomize the parameters for an entire
Module using a similar method:
• Hold [RANDOM].
• Press the Access button for the desired
module.
• Conrm the decision by pressing [RANDOM]
again.
• If you decide not the randomize, press [EXIT]
to cancel the procedure.
Random Patch generation
You can even randomize every value, including
the Eects! There are two ways:
• Press [RANDOM] twice. The Left display shows
“GENERATE” after the rst press, and after the
second press a random selection of values is
generated.
• Hold [SHIFT] and press [RANDOM] twice. The
Left display shows “PATCHRND” after the rst
press, and after the second press a random
selection of values is pulled from other
patches.
Sometimes the results can be strange, but that’s
okay; just try it again. Once you get something
interesting, you can save it like that or tweak it as
needed.
Percent of Randomization
The Random feature lets you specify how much
randomization takes place in each module. Press
[RANDOM] to gain access to three pages, on which
you are able to set the randomization limit for the
modules listed below.
Page Modules Range
1 OSC 1-3, Mutant 1-4, Mixer,
Filters
0-100%
2 Macro, ModMtrx, ENV, LFO 0-100%
3Voice, Amp, FX, Arp 0-100%
The SHIFT button
The Shift button is used in combination with
various buttons and knobs to access secondary
functions. When these are available the secondary
functions are indicated with a row of orange text
under the control.
In some cases [SHIFT] is used to accelerate value
selection. For example, if you hold [SHIFT] and
turn the Patch knob you can jump between Patch
banks, as opposed to the standard operation of
+/- 1 patch.
You can also use [SHIFT] to help ne-tune a value
that has a large range. For example, if you want
to set a precise value for lter resonance, hold
[SHIFT] and turn the appropriate Control knob.
For a complete list of the available Shift functions,
see Control Combinations (p. 78).
Master Control Section
7
If you like to make your own patches, you might
enjoy this top-panel section the most. When a
Module is accessed the parameter values
are shown in the Right display, selected
with the Control buttons, and adjusted
with the Control knobs. The Page Up/Down
buttons provide access to more parameters
whenever a Module oers more than four.
We’ll cover the parameters of each Module in
Understanding the Modules (p. 21).
The Master Control section is also a lot of fun
when you’re on the Home page, thanks to the

18
powerful Macro controls. For live performance
or on-the-spot creativity, the Macros can kick
everything into high gear. See Mastering the
Macros (p. 58).
EXIT button
This button will light as soon as you enter any
page. It will take you back to the previous page,
and it can cancel a process if you decide not to do
something (Initialize, Randomize, Save, etc.). The
Home page is the only page where [EXIT] is not lit,
because that’s the top level of the patch.
PAGE Up / Down buttons
These two buttons are lit if the selected module
has more than one page. If one of those buttons
is lit that means there are pages available in that
direction. If both are lit then pages are available
in both directions. If neither is lit, there are no
additional pages to select.
Access buttons can be used to ip between pages
too, which works great if there are only a few
pages. But if the module has a lot of pages and
the parameter you want is more than a few pages
away, hold [SHIFT] and press one of the lit arrows
to jump to the rst or last page. Then use the Page
Up/Down buttons to reach the desired page.
VOICE button
This Access button takes you into a set of
patch-level features like Pitch bend range, Vibrato
settings, Mono/Poly/Unison voice modes, and
the Glide settings. This is also where the Scale is
dened for the keyboard.
Perhaps more subtle but equally important, the
Voice module is also home to the Analog Feel and
Random Phase settings. These can really bring a
patch to life.
See the Modules chapter for specics about the
Voice module (p. 22).
MACRO ASSIGN button
This Access button opens a page that is like a
hallway with eight doors, and behind each one
is a lab that makes a powerful performance
control called a Macro. You can dene up to eight
modulation routes for each Macro, and then
use the Control knobs and Control buttons to
manipulate the Macros from the Home page. Each
patch has its own set of 8 Macros.
To learn more about what’s on the other side of
those doors, see the chapter Mastering the Macros
(p. 58).
MOD MATRIX button
The Mod Matrix button reveals a digital patch bay
that provides up to 32 sets of modulation routes
per patch. These are in addition to the Macros,
although they can be controlled by them (and vice
versa).
• Potential sources for the modulation routes
include LFOs, Envelopes, Velocity, the Sustain
pedal, and any MIDI CC\# (Continuous Control
number).
• Destinations can be almost any Hydrasynth
parameter, including any Mod Matrix route.
Additional destinations include the Macros,
the Mod 1 and Mod 2 CV outputs, and any
MIDI CC #.
There’s a lot to say about this topic, so you’ll want
to read The Mod Matrix (p. 61).
Arpeggiator Section
4The Hydrasynth Explorer provides a comprehensive,
cutting-edge set of arpeggiator features that you can enjoy
immediately.
If you’d like more information, there’s a chapter dedicated
to the ins and outs (or “ups and downs”, if you will) of The
Arpeggiator Section (p. 55).

19
Filter Controls
5Sweeping the lter frequency of a sound is a great way to
heighten the emotional impact of the music. This is
especially true during an arpeggio or a sequenced passage.
Hydrasynth Explorer oers several controls for exactly this
purpose. You can sweep the lter frequency, adjust the
resonance, and increase the drive amount of Filter 1, for
example, and then switch to Filter 2 and perform similar
actions. However, for Filter 2 the third knob does not control the drive amount; instead it “morphs” the
lter between three states (Low Pass / Band Pass / High Pass or Low Pass / Notch / High Pass, depending
on the selected Type). For details, refer to The Filters and their Controls (p. 33).
Module Select
8
The Module Select section has 26 Access buttons
which are used to view and edit the parameters
for each patch. Their placement provides a visual
reference for the signal ow, which
starts with the Oscillators, moves
through the Filters, proceeds through
the eects, and is sent to the outputs.
Pressing a Module button will reveal
the rst page of parameters for that
module. If more than one page exists,
the Page buttons are used to access
the other pages, as described earlier in PAGE Up
/ Down buttons (p. 18). Full details about the
parameters of each Module are found in the
chapters ahead.
Performance Controls
The Hydrasynth Explorer was designed to
encourage the spontaneous exploration of sound
and rhythm. Whether live or in the studio, the
potential for unique performances is enhanced by
the Macro controls on the Home page, as well as
dedicated Filter and Arpeggiator controls. Along
with those are a host of other interactive features,
such as 37 PolyTouch® keys, pitch/mod strips,
Octave buttons, Chord mode, and a headphone
jack. And thanks to its portability and a healthy
number of CV outputs, the outside world can join
in on the fun!
We oer several models with identical voice
architecture and editing methods. And if you
will forgive the shameless plug, if you buy any
one of the other models you can combine their
polyphony by enabling Overow (p. 75). It’s a
very cost-eective way to multiply the creative
potential of your system.
Twice the fun for less than twice the price!
Chord mode
A single key can play up to 8 notes at once by
activating the [CHORD] button. But a chord must
be created before the button can be used.
To create a chord, hold [CHORD] and it will ash.
Then play the notes you want the chord to
contain. You can press them all at once or one at
a time, which allows you to build chords that are
outside your normal reach. The lowest note you
enter will become the root note. When you’re
done, release the button.
There are a few things to remember about Chord
mode:
• A chord can contain between 2-8 notes; <2
notes are not stored; notes >8 are ignored.
• The chord is not saved with a patch, and will
be erased when the Hydrasynth Explorer is
power-cycled.
• Chord mode puts the keyboard into mono
mode (last note priority).
• All notes in the chord will be quantized to
notes within the selected scale. (See Select a
Scale (p. 54) in The Voice Module (p. 51).)
• The chord is not transmitted over USB or MIDI.
A slaved device will only receive the played
note.

20
Rear Panel
54 6 7
8
9
10
1 32
Section Name Description
1 CV / Gate connectors Interface with modular synthesizers
2 Phones output Compatible with a wide range of impedance ratings
3 Outputs Left (mono), Right (for stereo)
4Sustain pedal input Polarity sensing on startup
5 MIDI connectors In, Out
6 USB connector Type B for computer connection
7 DC power connector 12 volts DC, ≥1A
8 Power cable guard Helps prevent accidental disconnection
9 Power switch Gets the creative juices owing!
10 Kensington lock Helps prevent unwanted relocation
CV/Gate connectors
These ve connectors allow the Hydrasynth
Explorer to interface with the wild and wonderful
world of modular synthesizers. There are ve
outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2, and Clock),
and each one sends voltages and signals that can
control external devices.
The range of each voltage and what type of
signals are sent are dened in The System Setup
Pages (p. 70), and information about how to use
them is in The CV / Gate Section (p. 64).
Outputs
Headphones
The headphone volume is controlled with the
Master Volume knob.
Stereo Outputs
Connect the Left output if monaural signal is
desired; connect both outputs if stereo signal is
preferred.
Sustain pedal input
Connect a momentary footswitch here. Its polarity
is detected on power-up, so any brand of pedal
can be used.
MIDI
The Hydrasynth Explorer has two MIDI connectors
to let you interface with other devices that might
not have a USB port or CV / Gate connectors.
• MIDI Out sends data from the Hydrasynth
Explorer to another MIDI device
• MIDI In receives data from another MIDI device
USB
Use this port to connect to your computer.
Power
Cable lock
The cable lock provides an additional level of
protection for the power supply cord.
On/o switch
There are only two options here: O=O and |=On.
Kensington lock
Let’s face it: the music you make with your
Hydrasynth Explorer will take people places! And
just in case they get a bit carried away, we’ve
included the Kensington lock system so you can
keep your Hydrasynth Explorer from also being
carried away.