Ashun Sound Machines Unveils Diosynth: A Hybrid Wind Synthesizer Bridging Acoustic and Electronic Worlds
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Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) has launched the Diosynth, a new wind synthesizer poised to redefine expressive performance by seamlessly blending the nuances of acoustic instruments with the power of digital synthesis. The instrument, shipping in December, is priced at $1,349 / £1,249.
Reimagining Wind Instruments Through Synthesis
The Diosynth distinguishes itself through a unique combination of a deep synthesis engine – built upon the foundation of ASM’s acclaimed Hydrasynth – and a sample playback engine. This hybrid approach allows musicians to sculpt sounds that range from authentic acoustic timbres to entirely new and otherworldly textures. According to a company release, the instrument is specifically designed with wind players in mind, aiming to provide a familiar and intuitive playing experience.
Expressive Control and Familiar Feel
Central to the Diosynth’s design is its focus on playability. It features mechanical keys that replicate the tactile feel of traditional saxophones and wind instruments. Multiple fingering modes, scale/key locking, and octave keys – spanning over eight octaves – further contribute to a comfortable and expressive playing experience.
The instrument’s sound engine leverages the Hydrasynth’s capabilities alongside a dedicated sample playback oscillator. This allows users to blend the sonic characteristics of real-world instruments, such as a Harmon-muted trumpet or a Peruvian bamboo flute, with the Hydrasynth’s signature wavescan oscillators, all shaped by a versatile 16-mode filter. Users can also layer or split sounds, utilizing four Hydrasynth oscillators and two sample-based voices for complex and dynamic patches.
A Diverse Palette of Sounds
ASM has included a comprehensive library of sounds with the Diosynth, having sampled 128 reed, brass, fipple, and string-based instruments. This collection includes both common and rare instruments, such as the contrabass flute, Eb Tubax, and Peruvian llama whistle. The instrument ships with 384 factory patches and offers a total of 768 patch locations for users to create and store their own sounds.
Beyond Traditional Keys: Advanced Expression
The Diosynth goes beyond traditional keyboard controls, offering a suite of expressive features. These include breath and bite sensors, an internal gyro, an X/Y joystick, two pressure pads, and three programmable switches, all designed to unlock new levels of performance nuance. A composer/producer and M83 member, Joe Berry, demonstrates the instrument’s capabilities in a promotional video.
Connectivity and Availability
The Diosynth offers comprehensive connectivity options, including a ¼” stereo output and ⅛” headphone jack, both with dedicated volume controls. It also features MIDI DIN In/Out, USB MIDI & Audio In/Out, Bluetooth MIDI In/Out, and Bluetooth audio-in for seamless integration with other devices and music production setups.
The instrument is available for purchase directly from Ashun Sound Machines.
