A user-assignable four-octave ribbon controller and ergonomically-designed pitch and modulation wheels — all familiar from the Hydrasynth keyboard — all add to its illustrious performance capabilities, complimented by an also-now-familiar connection compliment of SUSTAIN and EXPRESSION PEDAL inputs, MIDI (IN, OUT, and THRU on five-pin DIN, as well as class-compliant USB B), and a comprehensive CV / GATE section (for playing nicely with the ever- widening Eurorack modular world, vintage synthesizers, and more).
However, Hydrasynth Explorer still has the full eight-voice Hydrasynth engine and, despite diminutive — 21.81”/ 55.4cm (W) x 9.72”/24.7cm (D) x 2.28”/5.8cm (H) — dimensions in comparison to its bigger brother, also features CV / GATE OUTPUTS, a SUSTAIN PEDAL input, and standard-sized MIDI IN and OUT connectors (complimented by class-compliant USB B connectivity), as well as a stereo — L/ MONO and R — OUTPUT and another output for (head)PHONES. Perfectly portable, Hydrasynth Explorer can also be powered by 8x AA batteries — not included.
The bigger picture is immediately clearer as ASM CEO Glen Darcey ends on an equally high note: “Our goal at ASM is to create premium- quality, fantastic-sounding, extremely-playable instruments providing musicians with the affordable tools they need to express themselves musically. Our team has many years of experience with electronic music products, both on a personal and professional level — from playing them to designing them. Our unique partnership with Medeli allows us to realize this goal.”
Hydrasynth Deluxe and Hydrasynth Explorer are expected to ship in November 2021, available to purchase via ASM’s growing global network of authorized dealers (http://www.ashunsoundmachines.com/dealers) at an MSRP of $1,999.00 USD ($1,799.00 USD MAP)/€1,749.00 EUR/£1,699.00 GBP/¥224,900 JPY for Hydrasynth Deluxe and an MSRP of $799.00 USD ($599.00 USD MAP)/€599.00 EUR/£549.00 GBP/¥79,900 JPY for Hydrasynth Explorer.