KVR Audio

susquash · Post by **susquash** » Thu Oct 19, 2023 10:18 pm

I am considering purchasing one of these two synthesizers, and would like to know which one would you choose.

I also have a question regarding both for information which I was unable to find.
Do either have computer editors for them?
I prefer editing on a computer rather than onboard controls.

https://www.expressivee.com/2-osmose
https://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/hydrasynth-deluxe

ElVincente · Post by **ElVincente** » Fri Oct 20, 2023 11:10 pm

No editor for hydrasynth (though there are some third party).
But everybody seems to be loving editing on it (me included)
Only desktop editor for the osmose (no really deep editing onboars, just macros). And everybody seems to say it's prety hard to edit patches on the desktop editor (but I've not tried osmose myself).
Those are two really distinct beasts...

zerocrossing · Post by **zerocrossing** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:16 am

I have the Hydrasynth Deluxe, and ElVincente is correct, no official editor, though there is supposedly a 3rd party one. I tried it and it definitely did not work with the Deluxe. Editing it from the synth itself is pretty good for a complex synth, though setting up wavetables and the mod matrix is a bit tedious.

I’ve never experienced the Osmose, but don’t let the keyboard like look of it fool you. I’ve been assured by many owners that it’s very different feeling than a keyboard, and if you expect to be playing piano type parts on it, you probably won’t be super happy. I do have a Roli Rise, and it’s similar in that sense. Amazing for what it does, but for any percussive types of sounds, a traditional keyboard is better.

rACatkvr · Post by **rACatkvr** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 5:55 am

And remember you are asking about 73 keys v 49.

pdxindy · Post by **pdxindy** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:13 pm

zerocrossing wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:16 am Amazing for what it does, but for any percussive types of sounds, a traditional keyboard is better.

I find the Osmose keyboard excellent for percussive sounds cause you can strike them in various ways. Very expressive.

pdxindy · Post by **pdxindy** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:15 pm

susquash wrote: Thu Oct 19, 2023 10:18 pm I am considering purchasing one of these two synthesizers, and would like to know which one would you choose.

They are very different from each other. I choose the Osmose cause I have one and don't have the Hydrasynth. Entirely depends on what you are looking for.

SLiC · Post by **SLiC** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:19 pm

I had both for a while but I sold my Hydrasynth after getting the Osmose (just not enough space for both and I also have a Summit)) They both sound great...If you want a synth to make your own pre-sets, Hydrasynth (lost of hands on control and I loved the layout)...if you want a synth for the expression/playability then Osmose, it really is quite unique and a very special 'instrument'.

susquash · Post by **susquash** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:24 pm

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning more toward getting the hydrasynth as I believe it would be better suited for creating sounds rather than expressive playing. More traditional synth tones rather than the physically modeled tones.

zerocrossing · Post by **zerocrossing** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:58 pm

susquash wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:24 pm Thanks for the input. I'm leaning more toward getting the hydrasynth as I believe it would be better suited for creating sounds rather than expressive playing. More traditional synth tones rather than the physically modeled tones.

Both synths have controversial sonic properties. There are a lot of people who hate both. The Osmose seems fine to me, though definitely on the “cold” side. The Hydrasynth can sound cold too, though also surprisingly analog if you know how to use it. The key is using your ears when making adjustments to the Murators and filter drive. You can easily end up with noticeable aliasing at the higher settings. The good news is, there’s also plenty of range where it sounds smooth, and if you want to explore a more lo-fi digital sound, you can do that too.

Its keys also have a very light-springy feel to them. Some people like it, but I prefer a more semi-weighted keyboard, like a Fatar. I’ll probably sell my Hydrasynth Deluxe after I’m able to pick up a Native Instruments Kontrol 3. While I’m finding that I like the sound of the Hydrasynth more than I thought I would, it’s nothing that I can’t do with plugins. I’ve got plenty of other hardware synths, so the extra voices are not that important to me.

SLiC · Post by **SLiC** » Sat Oct 21, 2023 6:22 pm

susquash wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:24 pm Thanks for the input. I'm leaning more toward getting the hydrasynth as I believe it would be better suited for creating sounds rather than expressive playing. More traditional synth tones rather than the physically modeled tones.

You may want to consider the Summit as well, it sounds amazing (lovely analogue filters) and has a great WHYISYG type layout, really fun and easy to make patches on...very hands on (put nom poly AT, so it just depends what's important to you)

Hydrasynth Deluxe or Osmose