Poly pressure touch pads
One problem with many desktop or rack synths is that you usually have to connect them to an external controller to play them at all. For some, the idea behind having a rack or desktop unit you can put anywhere is that it is 'out of the way,' which is fine until you want to start doing some sound editing or adjusting it in real time – then you want a way to play it. Hydrasynth Desktop has 24 polyphonic pressure-sensitive pads that capably allow you to play the synth. With multiple pad layouts to choose from as well as multiple scales, playing the Hydrasynth Desktop is its own musical experience.

Mutators
Oscillators 1 & 2 are routed into Mutators that allow you to modulate, bend and sculpt the sound using the following processes:

• FM-Linear for making classic FM sounds. Choose multiple FM sources, including external inputs.
• Wavestack creates 5 copies of the incoming sound and allows you to set a detune spread amount.
• Hard Sync gives you those classic hard sync sounds. Try hard syncing a morphing wavetable for some fun.
• Pulse Width will pulse width modulate any input sound.
• Squeeze is a different form of pulse width mod that creates a smoother sound.
• PWM-ASM divides the incoming wave into 8 slices and allows you to set how much pulse width mod will happen in each section.
• Harmonic Sweep will sweep the harmonics of the incoming sound.​
• PhazDiff takes the input signal, shifts the phase and then creates a difference result with the original signal.

Filters
If oscillators and tone generators are the heart of a synthesizer, the filters are the soul. Hydrasynth has two filters that can be configured in series or parallel. The first filter has 16 different filter models, giving you myriad options for tailoring your sound. The second filter is 12dB per octave and has a continuous sweep from either low pass > band pass > high pass or low pass > notch > high pass, similar to the way the classic SEM filter worked.

Envelopes
An advanced sound engine needs plenty of modulation sources. Hydrasynth's 6-stage envelopes feature delay, attack, hold, decay, sustain and release stages. The time settings for each stage can be set in seconds or in time divisions, giving you envelopes that can play in sync with your songs. You can also loop the envelopes to create LFOs whose shapes can be voltage controlled in the modulation matrix. The envelopes have the added ability to be triggered from multiple sources.

Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator allows for standard note arpeggiations but also has a phrase arpeggio built in. Parameters like Ratchet and Chance will generate rhythmic patterns with some randomness to add life and spontaneity to your performance. You can also modulate most of the parameters in the arpeggiator, so imagine using LFOs, envelopes or pad pressure to modify your arpeggios in real time.

Main controls
The Main section of system controls is where you navigate your patches, configure system settings and see parameters relating to envelopes, waveforms and filters on the OLED screen. Init and Random buttons will allow you to initialize or randomize a complete patch or specific modules with a press & hold + module select button. Pressing the Home button returns you to navigating patches in a simple and easy way.

Macros
Macros give you deep control over the engine in live performance. The 8 assignable encoders and buttons can each be routed to 8 destinations each. Complete sound transformations can take place with the press of a button or turn of a knob.

Effects
The effects chain goes beyond the typical options found in other synths with pre-effects and post-effects giving you unique ways to process your sound. The delays and reverbs were modeled on some of the most popular effects on the market, making these effects the perfect way to complete your sound – in the box.