Synapse Audio - Hydra

Hydra is Synapse Audio's multi-model FM and ring modulation synth plugin, for producers who want bells, organs, metallic plucks, sub basses and percussive sounds that a standard subtractive synth struggles with. It's light on CPU, quick to programme and comes with 128 presets.

The architecture

Hydra has three oscillators and three routing models. Each model connects the oscillators differently, through phase modulation or ring modulation, so switching model changes the whole character of a patch. Two of the oscillators offer 39 preset waveforms each and can be saturated individually. After that comes a resonant multimode filter and a bass expansion filter with stereo spread, which is where Hydra's deep, wide low end comes from.

Drums and voices

Switch the envelopes to percussive mode and Hydra becomes a drum synth, good for FM kicks, toms, metallic hats and clangs. Dual voice and unison triggering modes thicken leads and pads when you need more weight.

The sound

Hydra does the glassy, bell-like and organ tones FM is known for, and the ring modulation side covers harsher, more aggressive textures. The presets include house-style organs, bells and percussion, basses, ambient atmospheres, leads and stereo pads. It's an older, simpler instrument, with no modulation matrix or effects section, and on Windows it's VST2 only. For a modern all-rounder with FM built in, see DUNE 3.

Features

• Three oscillators with three routing models
• Phase modulation and ring modulation
• 39 preset waveforms on two oscillators, with individual saturation
• Resonant multimode filter
• Bass expansion filter with stereo spread
• Dual voice and unison triggering modes
• Percussive envelope mode for drum sounds
• 128 factory presets

System requirements

• Version: 1.5
• Mac: OS X 10.11 or later. VST2 and AU (64-bit). Runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon
• Windows: Windows 7 SP1 or later. VST2 (64-bit)
• No VST3 or AAX version

SOUND7 is an authorised Synapse Audio reseller. Digital delivery: licence activation code sent by email. See How to Activate Your Synapse Audio Plugins.

Demo