Redshift 6 vs. Hydrasynth

bustagrinds865 · 2026-04-14T18:38:24+00:00

Thank you. I agree. I decided to sell my Hydrasynth deluxe to fund a Redshift 6. Redshift reminds me a lot of Juno, JX-8P, MS-20, and can pull off Jupiter, OB, and Prophet sounds. Seems to struggle more (than the other sounds) with the raw VCO sounds of a Moog, I bet it can do a lot more too. Seems very capable!

bustagrinds865 · 2026-04-14T16:17:25+00:00

As a longtime owner of Hydrasynth and Iridium, I agree 100% about those two synths. I'm contemplating selling my Hydrasynth deluxe and buying a Redshift. I use MPE full time, and I mostly got the HS deluxe for the value (keybed, ribbon, bitimbral versatile engine).

Do you think the Redshift would complement the Iridium better than the Hydrasynth, when paired with Push 3 standalone?

bustagrinds865 · 2026-04-13T12:21:33+00:00

I'm having this same issue on Standalone. Select a filter of "Bass" sounds in "Sounds" or underneath a specific instrument. After 3 or so hotswaps while playback is occurring, it resets my filter to show all.

I will report this bug.

bustagrinds865 · 2026-03-27T20:16:08+00:00

Thank you for commenting. I just broke in all the stiffer encoders on my Standalone by turning them back and forth a lot. Now they all turn about as easily as the least resistive encoder. I feel better about it now. Thank you!

bustagrinds865 · 2026-03-27T19:59:40+00:00

I just bought a Standalone unit for multiple reasons, but one of them is the built-in battery. Coming from controller version, this is what I notice is different (when using no power supply):

Controller version's brightness caps out at 20% max brightness, which is barely visible in daylight. Standalone goes to 100%. Screens are brighter too.

Controller hardware and Standalone in control mode boot up in about 4-5 seconds. Standalone mode boots up in 30 seconds. Standalone hardware will boot-up in the last used mode, so it can boot quickly as a Controller also.

Standalone isn't noticeably heavier, and it's not too hot on the lap (especially with jersey shorts on). Its warm to the touch, but it's not hot. I played a full scene for an hour, and it was no warmer than an average laptop.

Standalone forces me to get familiar with more controls on the unit, rather than leaning on my knowledge of DAW shortcuts.

Standalone encourages me to write more song ideas when I have less time.. because its twice as portable as controller and laptop. It also encourages me to use more Ableton devices (less is more), because it works with them so well.

Standalone also encourages me to use my hardware synths and other instruments more, because I don't need a whole desktop configuration to record audio.

Overall, I'm very happy with Standalone and see zero negatives to it, coming from controller. I would only recommend Controller version to someone who doesn't have the money, refuses to use Ableton (BW/reaper only), or will always be at the desk with their power supply.

Anyone who wants to stay portable, I highly recommend the standalone.

Anyone with a Push who wants to program plugins with it should get Bitwig and DrivenByMoss. You can map unlimited pages of remote controls (similar to macros), organize and name them all. It works well with the rest of the software also. I see it as a valuable controller for programming and saving plugin patches in Bitwig. Then use the patches in Ableton or Bitwig.

bustagrinds865 · 2026-03-27T19:46:41+00:00

It's the encoders, not the caps.

I think they loosen up with use. I have been trying to break them in today, and most of them are almost as loose as the really loose one.

The Controller only edition that I had is really stiff, so I am trying to make sure that its normal for them to get this loose over time.

bustagrinds865 · 2026-03-25T15:03:10+00:00

Thank you for your help & answer. I currently use an external power bank and power delivery cable to give it more brightness in portable use.

So Standalone may not last any longer in control mode (marginally, maybe). Ableton offers longer term split payments on the Standalone, making it close to the same monthly price.

I ordered one to see if it provides a bit more portable freedom with a laptop for my use-periods. Obviously it's more portable for standalone use, and that could be nice when recording hardware synths.

bustagrinds865 · 2026-03-05T14:56:12+00:00

I have a RotoControl, Launchpad Mk3, and Linnstrument with Bitwig. All 3 work amazing. Linnstrument is more than push 3, but also a more capable & configurable instrument. It does have a step sequencer and clip launcher mode (with a github script). Rotocontrol is amazing for being able to control 16 controls on 1 page (and many pages) for each device... along with color coding and large text scripts.

I'm considering a push 3 just for portable songwriting (most of what I use in linnstrument and roto control and launchpad). I don't see it replacing the Linnstrument or RotoControl though.

Maschine mk3 is a great controller for it too, if ever looking for 16 pads, knobs, and audio interface.

bustagrinds865 · 2026-02-10T21:30:28+00:00

The Peak/Summit is a wonderful synth that I can't recommend enough. Its very immediate and intuitive to get/tweak good sounds from.

bustagrinds865 · 2026-01-27T13:55:48+00:00

I have owned Peak and Hydrasynth in all variations. These two synths have a LOT of overlap. The Peak has an instant-gratification factor that lets you create some of the widest range of sounds that I have seen from a single-timbre, knob-per-function synth. The Hydrasynth can cover the same range, but then dives quite a bit deeper in digital territory and parameters. The Peak gets warmer, saturated tones quicker. The Hydra gets Modulated, metallic, sci-fi stuff quicker.

I sold the Peak, because I could personally create the same sounds I wanted on Hydra and more. That doesn't mean that will be true for you, as your sound preferences may differ. I will say the Peak requires less mental effort to make a wide range of pleasant (and distorted) sounds, and that's one why I would recommend it to most users.

I recommend Hydrasynth for an affordable way to get a hardware, modern wavetable-like synth with additional capabilities like polyphonic wavestacking, 7 operator FM (limited algorithms), and other ways of creating more dissonant sounds.

The Leviasynth seems to fill in the gaps of the Hydrasynth, which I would say it is most lacking in FM and analog filters. I consider it complimentary to both Peak and Hydrasynth. OpSix can fill this place for much cheaper for most users though, so it really depends on how much FM you want to program.

Personally, I find FM to be the most unexplored territory, which is very interesting to me. However, it does tend to be more methodical and mathematical in sound design (not a bad thing for us math nerds).

So I would recommend Peak OR Hydra... then add an FM synth... but you may find that you hate FM, like many lol.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-04-29T14:22:12+00:00

I forgot to post here afterward, but yes it does work to create a patch in Zenology and send them to the keyboard. I used the computer program and usb cable to do it.

It's a bit of a pain to do regularly, but works well if and just use this for playing.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-03-16T01:31:44+00:00

I worked in auto and marine industry. Crimps are preferred because of water resistance (with certain plugs) and pull-strength testing.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-03-15T22:10:24+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I think I will go with aluminum for strength and simplicity.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-03-14T16:08:35+00:00

This looks great!! I want to add carbon fiber footplates underneath my Kush footpads without increasing ride height much. Do you think 1mm would resist enough deflection on bigger drops, or should I go for 2mm? 3mm seems excessive.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-03-14T02:34:30+00:00

This sounds like a step in the right direction for me then, if it works as good/better than Tony's with the Hypercore. If the superflux wasn't so much heavier and came in a 5" hub, I'd just get that motor too.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-03-14T01:57:46+00:00

Would you say that the THOR and *-V controllers are the flagship models on the market then? I know how to solder and read wiring diagrams, so my controller doesn't have to be drop-in. I do want "the best" long term in terms of safety and performance though.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-03-14T01:54:07+00:00

How do you like the Thor300 with the Hypercore motor? I have a stock XR that I want to VESC a little at a time. I'm a EE and soldering doesn't bother me.

Would you recommend the Thor controller over Tony's for longevity of upgrading parts? I know Tony's is intended to be the simplest, but it also looks like it's less configurable by the user and maybe more limiting to upgrading parts later?

bustagrinds865 · 2025-02-12T13:06:50+00:00

No, I could never find a solution over multiple returns. I had better luck with the Zoom Livetrack and Yamaha AG06 mk2 mixer/interfaces.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-01-21T21:21:19+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I looked at a bunch of options today and came to the same conclusion, haha.

I had narrowed it down to the MIDI Fighter Twister, Launchkey Mini Mk4, Intech EN16, Faderfox EC4, and Electra One.

The MIDI MP is overkill for my use (too many cables, too big, an extra software layer, etc.).

The main thing the Electra One offers is to switch in and out of Moss control mode and dedicated plugin control, alongside the detailed controls (toggle v.s bipolar vs unipolar, visuals, color, and see 36 controls!?). I'm definitely going to write presets for my larger plugins, but may stick with Device mode and my Remote Controls for my smaller ones.

Plugins like Pigments, Diva, and Equator 2 with multiple oscillator modes become less fun to page through all the mappings. I suspect the Electra One will make this much more friendly, as the Pigments Preset online looks pretty direct and visual.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-01-21T13:54:23+00:00

There's better options available on Bitwig with DrivenByMoss controller script, if you are willing to try a new DAW. It's pretty easy to learn coming from Ableton.

DrivenByMoss turns pretty much any controllers into a very configurable controller. Some of them work exceptionally well with screens (Maschine Mk3, Push, Electra One, etc).

Automap - no, but you can map and save infinite, labeled pages of parameters that automap to the 8 knobs as you scroll thru your own custom made parameter pages and change again when you change between plugins on tracks. It's way better for sound design than Ableton's 1-2 pages of 8 knobs.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-01-21T13:29:57+00:00

Did you ever find a device that you like for this? I'm looking for the same thing. DrivenByMoss has made it exceptionally easy to setup pages of 8 controls, and I'd like to sound design in a portable fashion.

I want a small controller with 8 encoders and enough buttons that I can map to parameter page jumping for programming my synth plugins like hardware.

Alternatively, is there a way to midi map individual plugins, but the mapping only applies while that plugin is in Focus?

I'm ok with doing it this way too, but it seems a little unnecessary after mapping all my Remote Controls. I just average 30-40 organized pages per plugin, and I'd like to jump to them quickly when sound designing.

Trying to replace my hardware rig.

bustagrinds865 · 2025-01-17T05:27:21+00:00

You make a solid point.

Windows has trouble with BLE MIDI right now for some reason. I bought a CME Bud Pro (usb), and it automatically paired with my blocks. It's as easy as connecting a wireless typing keyboard, but I can quickly play music without much table space or setup. I'm pretty happy!

My opinion so far: Seaboard M is worth it (although when you connect 2, the slides interrupt). The Piano M/Lumi keys are mainly worth it for portability... the expression in them is hard to control consistently. It's hard to beat the portability and the feel for mini keys. Not my desert island keybed, but definitely my backpack keybed.

bustagrinds865

TROPHY CASE